Can New “Smart” Appliances Really Save You Money?

With technology growing rapidly day by day, there are countless advancements being created to aid in saving energy and money. Setting up a smart network and connecting it to a variety of different smart appliances in your home will allow you to cut your energy rates significantly. There are many different smart appliances to choose from for your home. Here we will discuss some great ones that will save you a great amount of money!

Nest Products

To start off the list, we will begin with Nest. Nest is an innovative company that has its own line of smart appliances for your home, but it also has the ability to connect with countless other smart appliances. If you are looking to make your home a unified smart home, then the best option would be to start with picking your first Nest product.

Nest Learning Thermostat

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a great place to begin in order to start saving money in your wallet and turning your home smart. This smart thermostat will learn everything about your daily habits dealing with how you want a room heated or cooled. According to Nest, “Independent studies showed that it saved people an average of 10-12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. So in under two years, it can pay for itself.” Just using the Nest Learning Thermostat for a week will allow it to learn your habits on a daily basis. Do you like to wake up and eat breakfast in a warm temperature setting? Well this thermostat will learn your habits and warm your house upon awakening for breakfast. It will learn when you leave to go to work and then the thermostat will set to low power mode in order to save you as much money as possible.

Stack Lighting

The next smart appliance that aids greatly in conserving money and electricity is the Stack Lighting bulb. It is one of the many new cutting edge smart appliances that connects with Nest so everything can easily be controlled together. As with the Nest Learning Thermostat, the Stack Lighting bulb will learn exactly how you like your lights to be dimmed and when to be turned on. It mimics sunlight and uses the power of natural light and its sensors in order to conserve the most energy. Once you leave the room the light will turn off, upon entering it will turn back on.

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller

Last but not least, is the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. This is one big advancement in irrigation and saving your money. This smart sprinkler is extremely easy to set up all by yourself and the outcome is more than worth it to upgrade. This is another product that will connect with all Nest products through their app to truly unify your smart home. Using WiFi, it will water your yard based on the season of the year and real time weather patterns. The sprinkler will record exactly how much water is being used and will report it directly to the app. According to Rachio, “You can save as much as 30% on your outdoor water use, giving you one of the fastest paybacks of any smart home device.”

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us onFacebookand Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

© Southern View Media 2016  : Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.

9 Facts You Never Knew About Static Electricity

There are different kinds of electricity, apart from the kinds that power our mobile devices or light up our homes. Static electricity is different from electricity that is generated by a turbine or chemical batteries. Here are 9 quick and interesting facts about static electricity for National Static Electricity day!

1. Static electricity is the buildup of electrical charges, made up of positive and negative ions, on the surface of an object. These charges stay in one place, hence the name static electricity.

2. Static charges build up when two surfaces rub against each other. When this happens, electrons move from one surface to another, so that one object will have a positive charge and the other, a negative charge. Rubbing two objects quickly, such as your feet on the carpet, will cause the buildup of a large charge.

3. You can use static electricity to power up an ordinary household light bulb using a balloon and your hair. You just need to blow up a balloon and tie off the end, rub it vigorously against the hair on your head for a minute or two and go into a dark room with your light bulb. Touch the two metal prongs of the light bulb against the surface of the balloon and watch it glow! Repeat rubbing the balloon to build up more static electricity. The more you do so, the more electricity builds up on the surface until you see more light.

4. Lighting is perhaps the best example of this kind of electricity. Scientists believe that lighting comes from the exchange of charges between ice particles within the clouds. Lighting is considered a bigger and more powerful version of the static electricity that we see on a daily basis.

5. During the Great Depression, huge amounts of swirling dust created large amounts of static electricity that were strong enough to render a person unconscious. This also resulted to electrical charges erupting from metal fences and the shorting out of electrical systems in cars. People resorted to carrying metal chains to offset the static charges.

6. Static electricity charges are the same charges that cause materials to cling together or your hair to stand on end. You can create static electricity by rubbing silk on a glass rod, fur or hair against a plastic comb.

7.Top uses of static electricity include printers and photocopiers, paint sprayers, air filters and dust removal. When it comes to photocopiers, static charges attract the ink or toner to the paper, resulting to a photocopy.

8. Static electricity can cause damage to electronic devices that have sensitive computer chips installed inside them. These chips are often encased in special containers or bags to protect them from static electricity damage. However, static shocks are generally not dangerous because the current is low.

9. Famous static electricity devices that show the amazing properties of static electricity include the Wimshurst electrostatic generator, the Bonetti machine and the Van de Graaf generator. The latter is very common in science museum, which you can see in exhibits for electricity demonstrations.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us onFacebookand Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

© Southern View Media 2016  : Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. 

Electrical Safety Recalls Every Homeowner Should Know About

Safeguarding your home from electrical hazards extends beyond routine maintenance and repair of the electrical distribution system in your home. Any product powered by electricity must be properly maintained and checked for product safety recalls. Always check with the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database to stay informed of recent product recalls. Here are some of the common household products recently recalled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Hewlett-Packard Power Cords (specific models)

Hewlett-Packard recently recalled almost 6 million notebook computer and Compaq notebook power cords due to several reports of becoming overheated or melting. Also included were adapter-powered accessories. If you have any of these items throughout your home or office, check your cords immediately as this is a fire and burn hazard. The cords are black and have “LS-15” on the AC end of the cord.

If you have the recalled cord, Hewlett-Packard will replace it for free. DO NOT continue use.

Immediately contact Hewlett-Packard at 1-877- 219-6676 or online at www.hp.com/.

Ikea Nightlights (specific models)

Ikea has recalled PATROLL nightlights due to risk of electric shock. The cover can be removed to expose electrical parts. One child has been reported injured. The lights were available in orange, white and pink.

If you own one of these nightlights, immediately discontinue use and contact Ikea for a refund.

BSH Dishwashers (specific makes)

The power cord on Bosch, Gaggenau, Kenmore Elite and Thermador Dishwashers can become overheated and pose an electrical fire hazard.

Visit Bosch www.bosch-home.com/us and click on Support, then Safety Notices for information on serial numbers and location of specific models and to contact Bosch Home for more information regarding the recall.

Homelite Electric Blower Vacuum (certain models)

The system in these blower vacuums can overheat. This can cause them to spark or catch fire. Model numbers included in the recall are UT42120, UT42120A and UT42121.

Over 1,300 consumers have reported sparks, smoke, or fire with use of this product. Discontinue use immediately and contact www.homelite.com for details on a full refund and recall information.

Ventamatic Cool Draft Misting Fans

Two injuries involving electrical shock have been reported when using these fans due to them being improperly grounded. Included in the recall are “Cool Draft misting mid pressure and high pressure misting fans”. The fans fit on top of 15 gallon yellow or orange round Igloo coolers or gray 40 gallon water tanks.

Discontinue use of these immediately and contact the manufacturer at http://www.bvc.com/ for recall information

Always check your appliances and stay up to date with product recalls from the CSPC.

Whether you are constructing a new business or updating an old one, Professional Electric offers top quality lighting options and installation services. If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.bizand connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

Designing the Right Lighting for Your Business

Interior designers know how the correct use of lighting can radically transform the feel and look of any space. Whether modern, subtle, glamorous or dramatic, thoughtful chosen accessories and fixtures can enhance and create ambiance while at the same serve purpose. Here are a few helpful tips on choosing the right lighting for your business:

Determine Your Lighting Needs

Before shopping for accessories or lighting fixtures, take the time to consider your goals. Determine the mood that you intend to set in each room of your business and the need for specific lighting in certain areas to enhance display or provide safety. All rooms have unique lighting needs. Task or direct lighting is suitable for an office. If your business is office in an office setting, try using, consider these types of illumination. You may need to work with fixtures or accessories that are already in existence as well as making a decision on where new ones must be installed. It is always important to seek the services of a professional electrician who is experienced in designing an efficient lighting plan that fits the specific needs of your business.

Modern Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is one of the more versatile lighting solutions for your business. Recessed lighting simply means the lights are installed into walls or ceilings. Your electrician can help you design and decide on your options for recessed lighting. You may choose to have LED lights, dimmers, use the lighting for ambiance or functionality, or both! Recessed fixtures are great choices with high ceilings or any time you want your business to have a modern feel.

Multiple Light Sources

You must never restrict yourself to a single lighting source. Numerous rooms work best with multiple lights that assist in accomplishing specific tasks and shifting the ambiance of the room according to the time and mood of the day. For instance,you might wish to install lighting within reach under counters and in pantries or light up any space that is dark and gloomy.

Whether you are contructing a new business or updating an old one, Professional Electric offers top quality lighting options and installation services. If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz  and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

Why You Should Hire a Qualified Electrician

Electrical service provision is a technical and tedious process that requires trained experts who know how to install, repair and maintain electrical devices. The service provider should be one with many years of experience, licensed, and insured, but sometimes it can be hard to find a qualified and trustworthy electrician. An authorized electrician provides professional residential and commercial electrical services that satisfy clients’ needs, and this helps build a good reputation.

Electrical service providers also offer emergency services, as you never know when your electrical equipment might break down. Some of the services include:

– Electrical code correction

– Installation of outlets and switches

– Indoor and outdoor lighting

– Residential and commercial inspection of electrical equipment

– Aluminum wiring and repair

– Drier, range and air condition circuit

– Fast and affordable quotes

– Cable TV and phone jacks

With all these services DIY electrical work is not appropriate, as there are some risks involved, and you can be electrocuted. It is therefore advisable to contact an electrical company that has trained experts who will get work done within the shortest time possible without causing accidents. Electricians will ensure your safety by providing the following services;

Diagnosis of Electrical Problem, and Perform Repair

Sometimes you might experience a power shortage due to a breakdown in the wiring system, solar panels, or aging of the electrical gadgets. If this happens, you should contact an electrician who will diagnose the problem and find the main cause of the problem. Electrical wires are suppose to be fitted appropriately in order for them to work efficiently, so the electrician will repair the wires and ensure they are fitted correctly to prevent accidents. They conduct electrical testing to find problems relating to electrical lighting or wiring and then repair damages.

Installation of Electrical Equipment

Electrical companies have qualified electricians who have necessary knowledge and skills to install electrical appliances in both residential and commercial buildings. If you want these appliances in your home, our electricians can design, install, and offer maintenance services including the following:

– Fire alarm systems

– Power points

– Smoke detectors

– Ceiling fan safety switches

– Range-hoods and oven computer networking

– Phone outlets

– TV outlets

– Garden lighting

Upgrade Services

Sometimes your electrical appliances may need upgrading in order to function effectively. You can therefore enjoy our services, as we have qualified electricians who will ensure that your needs are satisfied. Upgrading of these appliances can increase their efficiency or help with energy saving, hence cutting down on your utility bills. Energy saving does not only conserve energy, but also helps in environment conservation and prevention of power surge and this includes:

– All lighting, lights, and light fittings

– Switchboards

– Mains capacity

Electrical Safety

Electricity is one of the most dangerous resources if safety measures are not observed. Electrical lines are supposed to run higher or buried deep underground to prevent accidents such as electrocution. Therefore, hiring us will ensure all the safety measures are put in place by conducting the following:

– Electrical safety inspection

– Installation of surge protectors

– Child proof outlets

– GFCI outlets

If you are in need of electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric. Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957

Perks of Choosing LED Lighting for your Business

* It looks great in any area. It does not matter where you place your LED lighting or how you use it- LED is sure to enhance any room and illuminate its beauty.

.* Illuminates and allows more colors to be visible with the naked eye, allowing any products displayed to be visually attractive to consumers.

* It lasts longer than traditional lighting- up to 15 years. This saves business owners of maintenance hassles and frees up more of your precious time. Take that extra time and invest it right back into your business!

* LED lights are energy efficient-saving you money on energy costs! Hello! Raise your hand if you don’t want to save money!…. We thought so.

* LED an be purchased in a variety of colors- making your business stand out and express any taste or style. LED is great mood-lighting!

If you’re ready to install energy-efficient or decorative lighting for commercial use, contact Professional Electric for unparalleled quality service. Serving Mobile and Baldwin Counties in Alabama, we’re licensed, bonded, insured, and we’re prepared to get the job done right!

Don’t forget to connect with Professional Electric on Facebook!

Mobile: 251-473-5788

Baldwin County: 251-929-8957

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4 Reasons to Avoid DIY Electrical Work

As a homeowner, it’s natural to embrace the “do-it-yourself” mantra, which fosters a personal investment in your home. With a little hard work and a lot of patience, a number of projects can be accomplished. You might like the idea of saving money, but your efforts could be contradictory to the outcome with electrical work. Here are four reasons you should always hire a professional electrician:

1) Electrical work is dangerous and can be potentially fatal.

• DIY electric work causes about 10 deaths and 750 serious injuries per year.

• Electric wiring is intricate and involves considerations only a trained professional would know.

• One misplaced wire can cause a number of safety hazards, including electric shock and fire.

2) It is easy to cause serious property damage.

• Since electrical wiring runs through the walls of your home, getting to the necessary cables for repair requires some minor demolition. If you do this yourself, a small incision to reveal the offending wire could quickly turn into a costly gaping hole.

• You risk destroying your appliances and/or melting the wiring inside your walls.

3) It may be illegal.

• Every state has there own set of standards when it comes to electrical work.

• According to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations Act 2010, there are a few minor tasks, such as light switch installation, that are generally acceptable for homeowners to undertake.

• A number of states still require any electrical work be approved by an inspector, and if not done properly, resulting in expensive fines.

• Electricians are certified and licensed by the state, ensuring that any and all work that is done is in compliance with the state’s regulations.

4) It can affect your home insurance.  

• The goal of insurance companies is to assess the risks related to a particular policy. Any potential dangerous actions taken by the policyholder allows the insurance provider to make adjustments a necessary, which could be anything from higher rates to nonrenewal.

• A claim that is made based on faulty wiring may not be covered and could lead to the company nullifying your policy altogether.

Don’t risk the damage, legal trouble, and insurance trouble DIY electrical work could bring. More importantly, don’t risk safety of yourself and others around you. Hire a licensed and insured professional electrician. Contact the trustworthy team at Professional Electric for all of your residential and commercial electrical services.

Baldwin County: 1-251-929-8957

Warning Signs of Instability in Your Home’s Electrical System

Maintaining your home is vital to your family’s safety, especially in when it comes to your electrical system. Problems in the electrical wiring could harm you if you do not know the warning signs when they are displayed. Electrical issues can cause serious problems and put you at serious risks for danger. Knowing all the signs to electrical issues in your home is key to staying safe and keeping your home maintained to perfection. There are many different types of warning signs and issues that could arise with your electrical system, always have a professional electrician’s phone number at hand in case of an emergency! .

Circuit breaker issues

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home and wires. They are designed to automatically trip and shut off the electrical supply when they become overloaded . By doing this, the circuit breaker is protecting wires from overheating and possibly starting a fire. When a breaker becomes old it can trip occasionally for no reason. If a breaker is tripping frequently, contact your professional electrician immediately.

Lights flickering

Some people may consider their lights flickering nothing but a simple nuisance. Unfortunately, those people could not be anymore wrong. When your lights flicker, it could be for a potentially

dangerous reason. While it may be just a loose light bulb, it could also be a poor connection at some point along a circuit. This is when you need to contact your electrician to solve the problem.

Odors

Some appliances put off a funny odor once they are first powered on, this is not something to be worried about. The real problem is when the odor is coming from an appliance that is not brand new. If there is any sort of odd smell coming from an outlet, then immediately turn it off and unplug anything connected. Consult your electrician and do not plug anything into the outlet until you receive answers from your electrician. If it is a fuse box or breaker panel that has the strange odor, then contact your electrician right away.

Faceplate warmth

If the faceplate to your outlets are warm to the touch, then that is never a good sign! More than likely you have an oversized electrical load that is operating on that unit. Monitor the warm faceplate you find right away to make sure if the problem worsens or not. Dimmer switches sometime become warm, which is the only exception to this but if they are too hot to touch then you have a problem. Contact an electrician if the problem persists.

Shocked

When touching an appliance, if you feel a mild shock then you need to raise your level of concern. The problem causing the appliance to shock you could be from improper electrical wiring or a ground fault in the appliance. Electrical shocks should be taken seriously, be sure to stay alert and aware of everything in dealing with your appliances.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

Lighting Your Business For Security

There is nothing more inviting for a business than beautiful lighting.  Proper lighting becomes an attractive focal point for your business. It draws more customers by making your business look more inviting.  Well planned lighting should draw the attention of potential patrons by making them feel secure in their surroundings. Outdoor lighting promotes a feeling of safety.

On the other hand, darkness gives patrons a feeling of insecurity and unease. Darkness invites danger.  Darkness makes it easy to hide in shadows, and subsequently increases the probability of your business becoming a target for criminals or vandals.  Break-ins and vandalism are much worse for small businesses. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the chances of your business becoming a target for thieves or property destruction. One of the best tools for protecting your business is installation of a good lighting system.  A well lit parking area helps keep criminals at bay since they target businesses which are not easily visible from the street. It also helps law enforcement during routine patrols. Any movement is more easily detected in a well lit area.

In addition to the protection from crime, there is protection from liability from accidents such as tripping on dark walkways and entry ways.  Sidewalks and entryways should especially be brightly lit so that all surroundings are clearly visible. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings, and it impossible to do so without proper lighting. Not only are you putting your customers at ease by making them feel safe, you are also protecting your employees.  Employees are at higher risk for injury, since they may arrive and/or leave the workplace after dark.

Contact your local lighting experts to discuss the best option for your business. They can advise you in making plans to optimize the beauty and safety of your business. Your results will be well worth the investment!

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

© Southern View Media 2016  : Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.

Hiring the Best Electrician for the Job

If you have found yourself in need of services from a professional electrician, you probably are wondering who you should hire. There are quite a few factors to consider before choosing the right electrician for your project. Whether your needs be big or small, commercial, residential, industrial…You deserve to be aware what your electrician should be able to offer you. Here’s where to begin:

What are their qualifications?

First and foremost, be sure the electrician you hire is licensed, bonded, and ensured. This will ensure who you hire is actually a qualified professional. It will also cover you in the case any damages occur. Most homeowner’s insurance will not cover damages at fault of an unlicensed and unbonded contractor.

Compare their projects.

Search online or call around to local electricians and request information, photographs, or reviews from customers whom they have completed projects similar to yours for. A confident professional will never want to hide their work.

Is it an emergency?

If your need of an electrician is an emergency, you must first be sure that they offer emergency services. Not all electricians offer 24/7 emergency services. If they do, it will likely be listed on their website.

Do they guarantee?

Does the electrician you are looking into hiring stand behind his or her work? If not, better keep looking! A truly confident professional will stand behind their work and be confident the job is done right!

Compare pricing.

By now, you probably have narrowed down your list of potential electricians. The next thing your should do is get quotes for your projects from each of them. If one is significantly overcharging, this is when they will stand out and you can cross them off of your list.

Ask your friends and family.

Do not be afraid to reach out to friends and family about needing electrical services. Many of them may have a recommendation of who to use, or who not to use. They may even have had similar projects completed by electricians you are looking into and might could give you a personal review on how well the job was done.

A true professional electrician will not mind you doing your research. In fact, they will welcome it! Do not feel bad for asking questions. If you feel like you are getting the “runaround”, chances are you probably are and need to move on to the next person on your list!

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

© Southern View Media 2016  : Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.