Author: southernviewmedia

The world has been a more conscious place. Globally, we are more aware of our carbon footprint and energy efficiency. Even on a federal level, houses are now being held to a higher, safer, and greener standard. A smart home can accomplish all these things while providing you ease of access, peace of mind, and infinite personalization. Below are some things you need to know about upgrading your home to a smart home.

Programmable thermostat
Most homes have a thermostat. When people leave the leave the house, they set the temperature at a cheap setting. When they come home and readjust it, that does not necessarily save any money. The unit must labor continually to get back to where it was. A programmable thermostat will allow you to do this on a more gradual level, even while asleep and also enabling the person to save energy and money. Extremely advanced ones can even learn what you like and when and do it automatically.

Security system
You don’t have to go as far as a safe room to provide safety and peace of mind. There are a variety of security systems today that will fit almost any budget or level. Aside from helping secure your property, since nothing is totally burglar proof, it can also alert the police, fire department or EMS.

Outdoor lights on photocells or timers
Automated light control can serve a variety of purposes. The simplest being photocells, timers, and motion detectors. More complicated systems use lighting contactors which can be operated from remote sources.

Get an instant water heater
Instead of having a tank of water that heats up constantly while you are not using it, the instant tank heats up immediately on demand. This might draw more power, but it does so less often.

Multiple phone apps/Companies that sell package systems
Phones can be your enemy making you way too available, but imagine if you could make your entire house available from where are. There are apps for your phone and computer usually offered as a package thru a licensed agency. This system can allow you to control among other things your locks, individual room temp, lights, sprinklers and garage doors. In today’s high tech society, the only thing limiting what you can do is your budget.
If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting 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 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

Traveling abroad is hugely popular in the summer. With the slower pace of work and school schedules, it makes perfect sense to have the itch of the travel bug during this season. There are many preparations for traveling outside of the US. Passport? Check. Foreign currency? Yep. Immunizations? You betcha.

Converters and adapters for electronics? Maybe not.

Converters and adapters for travel abroad are one of the most overlooked items in travel preparations. And with the airport security climate, more people are attempting to pack light. But not taking the time to get educated and buy the right tools can fry your beloveds. Nothing puts a damper on a vacation more than a damaged electronic, especially when it could have been prevented.

So let’s take a look at what these are and why they matter to your trip.

Resting easy
First, rest assured that many of the household electric items you’ll be using are provided abroad in your lodging. Hairdryers and irons, for example. You can certainly rest easy with household, everyday items. If you’ll be staying for awhile in your visiting country, you may want to purchase an electric razor there.

For items like chargers for cameras, laptops and smart devices – such as your phone, you’ll need converters or adapters.

Electric Converters
Most electric devices run on 110 volts in the US. Most of the rest of the world operates on 220-240 volts. Be sure to check the voltage requirements on the items you will be taking. If they cannot accommodate the higher voltage you are likely to encounter abroad, you will need to buy an electric converter. Electric converters are designed to step up or down the voltage. This enables electric items from one country to be used in another country without threat to the user (fire) or the device (permanent damage).

Pro Tip: You can also buy converters with built-in adapters.

Plug Adapters
Plug adapters are also known as travel adapters. Keep in mind that even if your electric item can handle the voltage in another country, the outlet shapes are different. This small detail is also often overlooked in travel planning. How frustrating to take all the needed steps for a killer trip only to be stuck with non-chargeable items. Take precautions to research the country where you’ll be going to see if you’ll need to buy adapters. Adapters allow plugs of all sizes here in the US to fit into plug outlets used abroad. Plug adapters do not change the voltage of electric devices. They simply allow items from another country to adapt to the outlets in another country, safely.

Pro Tip: It’s easy to lose adapters and converters when hopping around the globe. If this happens they can actually be hard to find in stores abroad. However, hotel concierge staff often have an abundance of spares left from people just like you…or the would-be you now that you have our Pro Tip.

If you have additional electrical questions we can help answer before your big vacations, 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 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

How much money do you tend to spend on your electricity bill during the summer months? Let’s be honest with ourselves here, are we being diligent and making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of energy you are using? Realistically, the main culprit in that high spiked electrical bill is due to the air conditioner. This is a problem many people face, especially those who are on a strict budget. Even though your electrical bill may be ready to spike this summer, there are some things you can do to ensure that the costs stays to a minimum. Keep reading to find out a few ways that can help you save this summer.

Don’t Set the Air Too Low

This may sound a little crazy for the summer months, but try not to set your air conditioner any lower than 78 degrees. This may sound really hot to you, but it is just low enough to keep you cool. Most people opt to have the temperature around 72 degrees, but remember the lower the temperature the more you are going to pay. If you can, get a programmable thermostat that can help with your temperature while you are gone during the day and cool during the night.

Change Your AC Filter

Did you know that a dirty air conditioner filter can restrict the flow of air? This means that your unit will have to work harder to pump cool air throughout your home. The final result is an inefficient system that can cost you a lot of money! Many filters need to be switched out at least once each month. In order to be sure of this, check your air conditioning unit to see what is recommended.

Keep the Windows Covered

Are there certain windows in your home that get the most sun? If so, be sure to buy blinds or curtains to cover them. By covering them, it will help to reflect some of the heat from getting into your home, which in turn will keep your home cooler.

Plant Trees

This may not be beneficial for a few years, but it will eventually save you money. By planting a tree that casts shade on your air conditioning unit, it will help it to run more effectively! If you plant trees that shade your home from the sun, it will help keep the heat outside, as well.

While the summer heat is quickly approaching, there are ways to combat it from getting into your house. Be proactive when it comes to your air conditioning unit and the amount of energy you are using on your electrical bill. As you have read, there are ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank!

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting 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 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

If you are looking for a way to save some money on your electricity bill, we have just the tip for you! If you haven’t heard the buzz about digital timers yet, it is time to catch you up. Digital timers are an elegant and simple way to save money and make your home energy efficient. You can install a few basic digital timers throughout your home and it will help reduce the amount of power that your electronics are using every month. Keep reading below for a few simple steps that will help you start saving money and reduce the energy you are consuming at home.

Unplug appliances

Begin by simply unplugging the electronic devices that you would like to place a timer on. You can use it on a coffee maker, toaster, or pretty much anything you choose!

Set the intervals on the timer

Digital timers can be set in intervals so that you can choose how many hours it will run. Typically they are set in 12-hour cycles. If you plan to use the time in conjunction with a coffee maker, and you only use it from 7am-9am, set the intervals to create this time frame. This will ensure that your coffeemaker will only receive power during the on interval and the timer will prevent power being drawn to your device throughout the entire day.

Plug in your timer

Once you have set your intervals, plug your appliance into the timer and let the timer get to work! It will probably be a good idea to test the timer before you plug it in and leave it unattended. Try setting the timer so that it will come on in 1 minute from the time you plug it in and set it to turn off after five minutes! If your timer works as it is intended, then you are ready to set the times for your device and you will start saving money instantly!

There’s not much better than saving energy, except for saving money along with it! By installing digital timers to your electronics, it will help you to conserve energy by not having appliances running all day. Instead of your coffeemaker running for 22 hours, it will run for two hours and then be turned off! Get started using digital timers in your home and start reaping the rewards of saving money and conserving energy!

Professional Electric can install digital timers on your appliances! We provide residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama. 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 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

 

Choosing the right light for your space is important. Certain light bulbs will set the exact mood you’re looking for while others can help you complete important projects. Here we gave some great ideas on outdoor lighting. Today, we’ll tackle the topic of indoor lighting. How do you choose? There are 4 main types of light bulbs commonly used in the home.

Incandescent: Incandescent light bulbs are by far the most commonly used bulbs in homes. They are also the least costly. Incandescent light bulbs cast a warm light that has an inviting tone and compliments most skin tones.

• Big pro: These types of bulbs will last you up to 1,000 hours and you can easily put them on a dimmer, which is appealing to many homeowners to set different moods.
• Big con: A big disadvantage to incandescent bulbs is that they are not as energy efficient as other more modern choices available now.

Halogen:  Halogen bulbs provide the closest light to natural light. This is commonly referred to as “white light.”  Halogen bulbs are used often for under-cabinet lighting, recessed can lighting and pendant lights because they can be put on a dimmer and give a sharper light good for task lighting.

• Big pro: Halogen bulbs are related to incandescent bulbs so are also frequently used but are slightly more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs.
• Big con: These are more expensive to use and burn at a much higher temperature. In fact, use caution to not handle a halogen bulb with your bare hands. The smallest amount of skin oil on a halogen bulb can cause it to warm too quickly and explode.

Fluorescent:  Fluorescent light bulbs provide a light equal to that of daytime light and cannot be put on a dimmer. Today, there are many types of fluorescent light bulbs available from warm and cool to special colored bulbs such as black light.

• Big pro: Fluorescent light bulbs work well in areas where flattering light or setting a mood is not important: attics and basements. They produce more light than an incandescent bulb and will last you longer.
• Big con: These bulbs give a harsh light that comes off as bluish in certain rooms and can hurt sensitive eyes.

Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs): Compact fluorescent bulbs are by far the most energy efficient, consuming ¼ of the energy of incandescent bulbs. They also lasts ten times longer. These bulbs provide flattering light in any room room and to most all skin tones.

• Big pro: CFL’s are a very versatile bulb you can use anywhere in your home that you would use an incandescent bulb. However, they are quieter and provide the most flattering light and to most all skin tones.
• Big con: These bulbs do contain trace amounts of the harmful substance, mercury. This is a huge concern for some families, especially those with small children. Steer away from these if mercury is a worry and if you do use CFLs be sure to recycle when disposing of them.

We hope this makes it crystal clear which bulbs to choose next time you’re making that decision.

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.

 

There are a few ways to run your power outside for anything ranging from lights to a detached building outside your home. Below are some ways to tackle your project:

Extension Cord

One of the ways to run power outside is an extension cord. This is an inexpensive way to gain some quick power, however, it comes with a few drawbacks. It can be unsightly, certainly, a trip hazard and only leaves you with a limited amount of amperage and reach. It will also need either a GFCI pigtail to be connected to a GFCI receptacle or part of a circuit that is protected by a GFCI circuit breaker.

Run a conduit from existing circuit to a receptacle

Running a conduit usually underground to your desired location and then setting up a receptacle is probably the most common way of getting power outside. It consists of attaching to a present circuit or installing a new breaker running wire inside the weatherproof conduit to a GFCI receptacle or from a GFCI circuit breaker. Installed in accordance with local and federal laws, this is the cheapest and easiest way for power.

Run a branch circuit from power panel to subpanel

Sometimes one receptacle simply isn’t enough. In this case, running a branch circuit from your power panel in a conduit to feed a subpanel in an outside structure is the only way to go. This requires you to have sufficient amount of amperage available in your service panel to be able to do so. From the subpanel, you can install breakers to run receptacles and lights or whatever you please. This is usually the best idea when powering up a small shop shed or outline structure.

Conclusion

Doing it yourself has been popular more than ever for homeowners. There are more resources available to show you the correct way to do this than ever before. When dealing with projects especially involving electricity, it is very important to know your limitations. Special tools and training are needed for electrical work. Quite often the best and safest way is to call Professional Electric at 251-473-5788.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting 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 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

There’s not much that can liven up the outside of your house at night like lighting! There are many illuminating fixtures that are available now that can be easily installed. Plus, there is no expensive rewiring required for your home. Keep reading below for some outdoor lighting ideas that will have you catching the eye of those in the neighborhood and won’t break the bank!

Lanterns
Decorative lanterns, whether they have the vintage look or modern appeal, are one of the easiest and most popular ways to add lighting to your outdoor space! You can cluster them on your dining table, group them on your porch, hang them on the wall – your options are endless! You can use wax candles or outdoor LED candles.

Chandelier
Nothing quite adds elegance to an atmosphere like a chandelier! Wiring for an outdoor fixture can sometimes be complicated, and wet-rated styles are limited. One solution to this is to hang a candle chandelier from the beams of a pergola or covered patio. You can use battery-operated LED candles in order to operate this easily!

Step Lighting
Having lighting on your steps and walkways is a very smart safety measure, and also one that will not require an electrician! You can use solar deck lights on a flat surface or you can place them on the ground. They charge when the sun is out and the bulbs turn on at the desk!

Romantic Glow
By placing pillar candles around your front porch, you can add a romantic glow to your home. Candlelight can add the perfect amount of lighting! By using battery operated pillar candles, it provides a safer option.

Twinkling Lights
A string of lights can add a little something special to your outdoor space! These vintage-style lights add some extra style.

String Lighting
You’ve probably seen these in front and back yards across downtown and mid-town Mobile! Café lights add a beautiful glow to an outdoor living space, but these can be extremely tricky to hang if you don’t have trees or other tall objects to hang them from. Many people have posts throughout their yard used to hang them.

The above-listed lights are just a few ways to add some elegant glow to your backyard during the night time.

If you are you are looking into getting a generator for your home or office, contact 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 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

Living along the Gulf Coast means homeowners have to constantly prepare for weather events. Half of the year is spent being on edge because a storm could hit during the long hurricane season and the other half is spent preparing. Part of that preparing is making sure your home can not only withstand a storm but also withstand the recovery that follows. When a hurricane—or tornado or another significant event—occurs, the electricity is generally knocked out for days, sometimes even weeks. Preparing ahead of time to keep your home and family on the grid can help immensely. That’s why Professional Electric is here to help explain the process of whole house generator installation pre-planning.

● Assess Your Home
The first thing you need to do is take account of what your home needs to run. This also includes deciding what you need in an emergency situation. You might decide that only the refrigerator and a few lights are necessary. Health and comfort could dictate having the air conditioner on for at least part of the day. Determine what your “essential circuits” are first and then calculate what it takes to run them. This number should include both running wattage and starting KVA (the amount of wattage needed to start the circuit). This number will give you your total electrical load.
● Choose a Generator Size
Once you’ve calculated your total electrical load, use that number to determine the best generator for you and your home. It’s important to remember you won’t likely find a generator that can run your entire home at once for days on end—unless your budget is unlimited—but you can find a whole home generator that will run the entire home in phases, i.e. the A/C for a couple of hours then the TV for a couple of hours then the kitchen appliances, etc. The units can range from a 12kW to a 22kW. The most popular option for a whole house unit is 20kW.
● Choose a Spot
This unit will be large so finding the right spot is key, as it also needs to be accessible. The unit will also need to be placed on top of a concrete pad (existing or poured for this purpose) so choose a flat area preferably up against an exterior wall.
● Choose an Electrician
It’s very important to find a competent electrician for this job. The installation is not a simple task and it does require abiding by building code and applying for a permit. Finding an electrician should be apart of your pre-planning as many are booked out and will need adequate time to prepare for this project.
● Choose a Propane Provider
Since whole house generators work best off of propane, factor this into your planning. There will need to be space to bury the tank and locate a (preferably) local propane provider/company. Find one ahead of time to factor this into your cost.

Don’t be caught in the dark during the next storm to hit the Gulf Coast. Take these tips from Professional Electric and prepare today with this whole house generator installation pre-planning.

If you are you are looking into getting a generator for your home or office, contact 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 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

An electrical panel may not seem like much to you, but in reality, it is one of the most vital features of your house. An electrical panel is responsible for delivering convenience and comfort in the form of electricity. It brings electricity into your home and routes it towards areas that need it the most. However, electrical panels are sensitive to technological advances and can become quickly outdated. Appliances we use now are more energy efficient than older generations, but homeowners still use a significant amount of more energy than previous years. This means that your older house may not be supporting your modern electrical needs. Here are 5 signs that you need to upgrade your electrical panels.

You Have Fuses, not Circuit Breakers
Many homes built before the 1970s have fuse-based electrical systems in place. While they perform the same functions as circuit breakers, fuses are outdated and they don’t trip when they are overloaded. Electricians used fuse-based systems when the average house did not absorb such a large amount of electricity. Today, these can be not only inconvenient and costly, but in some cases, they are even dangerous. Because of the potential fire risk, some insurance companies won’t cover homes that use fuses.

Excessive Use of Extension Cords
While extension cords are common, they aren’t as safe as you may think. In reality, extension cords are designed for a brief usage period during short-term holidays or events. Electrical wires that are kept in or against walls in order to protect the wiring system leads to less wear and tear. Cords that are left strewn across living room floors can get kinked, leading to damaged outlets or even fires. If you use extension cords often, maybe you should consider upgrading your electrical panel and installing some outlets.

You Live on An Old Property
While old homes are practical, it may be time to upgrade the electricity panel. With modern technology, your existing panel may not be able to keep up. A few signs of needing to upgrade are: appliances that aren’t performing at their best, lights that flicker, corroded panels, and when the usage of multiple appliances frequently trips your breakers.

Breakers That Trip Often
Circuit breakers were designed to trip when they detected irregularities in the flow of electricity. By tripping, this prevented the system from overheating, which could cause a fire hazard. If your circuit is tripping often, this indicates that the electrical draw in your home is too much for your panel and it is time for an upgrade.

You’re Upgrading Your Home
If you’re remodeling your home or began using new appliances or electronics, then you should consider upgrading your electrical panel. You will need the necessary power for the enhancements to your home in order for them to function correctly.

While upgrading your electrical panel for power reasons is ideal, you should also do it for the sake of yourself and your family. Electrical problems account for almost 51,000 fires each year, so sometimes it is crucial to upgrade.

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 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

Technology is a fun and more exciting than ever. The days of boring outlets are gone. Today, you can find all sorts of great gadgets to help improve your life. Here are a few neat ways to change out some receptacles in your home.

1. GROUNDED RECEPTACLES aren’t really that neat, but if you are still dealing with two prong outlets in your older home, this may be the time to point out that a rewire is in order. This will be a job for your Professional Electric skilled tradesman, as an inspection will need to be done to assess the changes necessary and present a quote. Although this doesn’t sound fun, we will make it as easy as possible, and your home will be up to code and ready for a few of the other suggestions below.

2. USB CHARGER OUTLETS will get rid of the clunky cubes which adapt your USB for phone and device charging. This is a great way to clean up the wall, and it also sets up a charging station where you can leave your devices to charge. Since it seems that everything we use these days is charged in this manner, an outlet with four or five USB ports is almost a necessity.

3. USAGE DISPLAY WALL OUTLETS may not shut off the power when not in use, but at least you get a visual reminder of the amount of power being used. Phantom voltage, which is the usage when your devices are technically off, can be as much as 12 % of your power bill. This power goes to maintain things like clocks and computer systems. However, it isn’t necessary. The only way to stop it is to unplug the device. This trendy outlet will tell you how many watts have been used since the device was plugged in, which may be enough to remind you to unplug it.

4. RAMBLER OUTLETS have tabs on the side which release the outlet. Behind it is a tiny extension cord on a self-recoiling roll which will extend the outlet. When you are done, it goes right back into the wall. This is a neat and tidy idea for your kitchen countertop or the bathroom.

5. POWER SOCKET SWITCHED OUTLETS are another great idea to help you monitor your usage. These outlets allow you to twist the plug 90 degrees and turn off the power. If you want a switched outlet, but don’t have the wiring available, this little gadget is a great way to shut off the television or other devices which don’t need to be on all the time.

6. SMART OUTLETS are new technology which allows your smart home to communicate with your phone or other devices to control your home. These outlets can be powered off or on with an app and even voice control with a paired device.

These outlets are easy to install, with the exception of number one. However, if you are uncomfortable with electricity, and many of us are, then give Professional Electric a call today. These inexpensive touches can be installed for you in a few minutes for a few dollars. Let us help you bring your home into the technology age.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County, Mobile, Alabama, or surrounding areas, 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 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”