Part of my job as an electrician is not only to help fix an electrical system when something goes wrong, but also to help my customers make sure that the fixtures are correctly installed. Installation is the most important phase for an electrical fixture or appliance; following the proper procedures can help ensure the maximum life for the electrical device, minimize its upkeep, and save you from costly repairs.

One of the most popular fixtures I am called to install are chandeliers, and with good reason.  As beautiful and elegant as they can be, home chandelier installation can be extremely tricky, even for those with experience.  If you have recently purchased a chandelier, I strongly encourage you to call a skilled Richardson electrician to have it installed; a talented electrician knows how to best hang, wire, and secure your chandelier to the ceiling. With that in mind, here are some important electrical safety tips to ensure you get the most out of your new light fixture:

This Valentine’s day, show your partner how deep your love runs for him or her by cleaning all the neglected kitchen appliances! Chocolates, flowers, and jewelry are nice too, don’t get us wrong. It’s just that serious cleaning says a lot about how much a person cares. By tackling these uncharted territories, not only will the love your partner has for you grow, you may even rekindle the love you once had for your home. That’s a whole lot of love going around.

Can you remember the last time you cleaned the inside of your refrigerator or behind it? It isn’t the easy appliance to maneuver around, so it’s likely that you haven’t cleaned behind it since you moved in. To clean your refrigerator, first pull it out so that you can mop up the dirt, debris, and gunk that’s been left behind. Then, vacuum the coils, which are located either behind or beneath your refrigerator.

All refrigerators are equipped with door gaskets to prevent cold air from escaping. If you have loose gaskets, read through your owner’s manual to find out the replacement part numbers. Your local hardware store should have gaskets in stock.

Make the outside of your fridge sparkle with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. If you have a stainless steel fridge, rub in the direction using either a paper towel or a soft wash cloth.

Now that the outside of your fridge looks brand new, it’s time to tackle the other not-so fun part, which is the inside. Clean all shelves and crispers. Perhaps you can use this time to throw away all your expired foods and beverages that you forgot existed.

Even if you have the luxury of owning a self-cleaning oven, some work is still required on your part. Using a solution of equal parts water and vinegar, wipe down the door hinges and frames. You can tackle the particularly rough spots with a some baking soda and a sponge.

How to Clean Your Stovetop:

Soak your burners with hot, soapy water for a few hours, and then scrub. The drop plate may be the dirtiest component of your stove. Before your scrub this area, use a vacuum to get out all the accumulated gunk.

To loosen up all the baked-on foods in your microwave, fill a microwave-safe container with water and heat it until it boils. Wait a few minutes before opening the door so that the steam can do its job; then wipe.

We know how counter-intuitive this sounds, but trust us – it’s a task that needs to be done! Your dishwasher works day in and day out to clean your dishes; it’s only a matter of time before all the gunk accumulates.

If your planning to cook dinner for your partner this Valentine’s Day, he or she will notice how sparkling-clean the plates are!