Author: southernviewmedia

Trying to find a way to spruce up your outdoor living areas for the summer? The summer is the best time to add in new lighting fixtures to elevate the overall atmosphere of your home and create new memories. Outdoor lighting creates the opportunity to continue to use your outdoor spaces, even after sundown! From s’mores around the firepit to gathering around the outdoor dining area, here is a list of ideas that can help illuminate any backyard.

LED

Light-emitting diodes, or LED lights, are a sustainable way to light up your outdoor living area while sparing your budget. LED lights are long lasting and keep you from spending money continuously replacing the bulbs. They even help save on the power bill by only using 40% as much energy as a fluorescent bulb.

String Lights

In the past five years, string lights have become a staple for many patio areas. String lights are versatile to fit your personal style, coming in different styles like miniature light bulb, fairy lights, christmas lights and even crystal string lights. The variations make it easy to fit into any design elements in your home. The lights can be strung by attaching one end up high in the corner of the patio or porch, then stretched across the patio, back and forth, while attaching to the sides of the patio. This coverage brightens your outdoor space to create a welcoming area.

Lanterns 

If you have a dining or decorative table outside, lanterns are a stylish lighting element that will give off light to the surrounding area. Lanterns are a great, easy option for design because they can be painted to match any color scheme your house may have. They are also an inexpensive option and can be purchased at stores like Hobby Lobby or antique stores. Use a battery powered candle inside the lanterns and – voila! – you’re ready for a night out on your patio.

Step Lights

Decks and patios often have a few steps to and from the house. Keeping stairs well-lit will keep little ones safe as they play. Step lights are a lighting option that elevates the style of your home while maintaining practicality. These lights are installed in the stairs, so the bulb itself is out of sight, while displaying a beautiful glow on your steps. Step lights have become increasingly popular with the rise of home renovations and are a great option for those wanting to create a seamless look for their outdoor area.

Wall Installations

Want to increase your curb appeal? Installing a light fixture like a sconce will instantly make your home look more inviting and increase your curb appeal. Quality fixtures are available for as low as under one hundred dollars each. Consider these additions to be an investment in the home as curb appeal has been proven to raise the value of home in the real estate market.

If anything of these installations sound like the next addition you would like to have on your property, give us a call and let Professional Electric help turn your outdoor space into an extension of your home.

If you need 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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

If you are thinking about upgrading or repairing your current electrical system, there are many different key points to think about. Whether you are an expert in upgrading your electric system or just a newbie, you are the only one who knows if you can do it or not.  

Some things to think about:

How much is it going to cost?

Whether you are going to repair your electrical system by yourself or do a full upgrade and hire somebody, knowing the costs between the two is an important factor. No matter what – if you are going to hire someone to repair the system for you or repair it yourself, it is going to cost you. To be financially prepared, look at our next points below. 

Making sure you’re financially prepared 

If you know that you need to upgrade your electrical systems, make sure you are financially prepared. You might have an “emergency fund,” where you put extra money in, just in case of emergencies. By being financially prepared – you are giving yourself time and leeway when it comes to paying someone to repair the systems for you or buying your own supplies. 

How much time will it take?

If you are repairing the system yourself – it could take a couple of hours to a couple of days. It all depends on how well you know your electrical system. You want to make sure that you have enough time if you are going to repair the system yourself. You want to make sure that you will not be cutting any corners or rushing the project. 

Is it worth it?  (Repairing and upgrading)

Of course! Just think, you’re home and there’s a fire, but your alarm isn’t going off to warn you or your family. Now what? Or you have a security system that wasn’t hooked up correctly and you hear noises outside. You check your phone and remember that the system was not set up correctly. Is it worth keeping your family safe? YES! 

Your safety

Your safety is our number one priority. Whether it’s your safety lights in your backyard or driveway or upgrading your fire alarm. We want to make sure that your equipment is repaired or upgraded properly. 

Those are just a few key points to think about. The real question is, what are you waiting for?

Who to contact if you are looking for a reliable company 

Professional Electric is up for the challenge when it comes to the simplest repairs to the most complex. We are skilled electricians who are ready for whatever is thrown at us. Professional Electric is here to help and make sure that you are safe. We want you to be satisfied with your service. 

If you need 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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

We live in a do-it-yourself age. With ample resources right at our fingertips, and Google always just a swipe away, we’re starting to feel like we don’t always need professionals when the time comes. But although you may think your home or business’s electrical needs can be properly fixed after a quick Google search, you couldn’t be more wrong.

When it comes to electrical repairs, it’s extremely important that you go to an actual electrician for this type of work. Doing things by yourself might be easy and inexpensive, but it can actually become quite an issue over time if repairs are done incorrectly. Some poorly-done DIY electrical jobs could even lead to serious injury to both your home and yourself.

That being said — there’s obviously some electrical fixes you can do on your own. You don’t need to call us up if you have a lightbulb that needs to be replaced. But there are a few things you definitely need to call an electrical company for, including:

REPAIRS

If your home is experiencing electrical issues, then it’s time to call an electrician and get an assessment done. Although you might have an idea of what might be wrong, they can verify your concerns and identify a safe and timely way to take action and fix the issue at hand. They can also deal with repairs that might be out of your level of understanding, like damages that occur after a storm or water leak.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Your new home deserves the very best, so why would you settle with mediocre electrical services? Our electricians in Mobile, AL, can help you set up an electrical service for your new home that is safe, efficient and customizable to your home needs. Things like your thermostat or house lighting systems are vital to your home, and you should always trust them with a licensed electrician rather than doing it on your own.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Whether you want to update some outdated fixtures or you’re installing outdoor lighting for the first time, a professional electrician can help you find the lighting fix that is perfect for your home. High-tech LED lighting can be difficult for the novice to understand and implement, but for us electricians, it’s a simple day-to-day task. Whether you need an upgrade or want to outfit your new home with the best in the business, turn to an electrician for your outdoor lighting needs.

These are just a few of the reasons why you might need to call an electrician to come by your house rather than trying to do it by yourself. While a DIY-job might seem friendlier to your wallet, it actually will probably cause you more headaches than you would expect — if things don’t turn out right, you might end up spending more money by having an electrician come in and fix the mistakes! It’s best for the safety of your electrical system and your peace of mind to just call an electrician. If you need an electrician in Mobile, AL, then we’re the ones to call!

If you need 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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

When lightning strikes, sometimes it can do more than just make you jump from being startled. Some big storms cause big damages—especially when they cause lightning fires. When sparks fly, your home or business can be the one that’s hurt the most. But how can you prevent lightning damage? A lightning rod may be your answer. And how do you know if you need a lightning rod? Well, there’s a few things you should consider. 

Not Everyone Needs a Lightning Rod

Not everyone needs a lightning rod. We’ll lay out the facts here: not many homes are struck by lightning each year. But, if they are, major damages and fires can occur. And sometimes, unfortunately, lightning can strike twice in the same spot—just look at the Empire State building. Not everyone needs a lightning rod, but that’s also like saying that not everyone needs airbags in their car. You might not get into an accident, but they’re there just in case. Your property might not be struck by lightning, but if it were, you’d want something to keep it safe and protected, right? 

Not All Lightning Rod Needs are the Same

Everyone needs a lightning rod for their own unique reasons. Maybe you’re in a neighborhood where you’re the tallest house or building and you’re worried this will increase your chances of being struck. Or maybe you’re in an area encompassed by trees, and want a lightning rod so the lightning can safely disperse somewhere that isn’t so easily flammable. You could live in an area where there’s not another house or tree in sight for miles, and that’s a completely understandable reason to want a lightning rod, too. Your peace of mind is most important. 

Not All Lightning Rods Can Be Installed by Anyone

Lightning rods function by directing the electrical volts that come from a lightning strike into a safe and secure spot in the ground. In doing so, they can protect your home from being struck by lightning and can eliminate any potential lightning-driven fires from starting. If this sounds like a pretty scientific and complex system, that’s because it is. But while it might seem like a good (and cheap) idea to take matters into your own hands and do installation of a lightning rod on your own, there are a few key concepts that might make you consider putting your lightning rod into the hands of a professional. 

For starters, your own personal safety is important. If you’re unaccustomed to climbing on roofs, scaling above treelines or handling electrical components, then it’s probably a good idea to hire someone else to do your lightning rod installation. See, lightning rods aren’t just sticks of metal that you place on your roof. Lightning rods are complex systems that feature multiple parts and pieces. There’s the lightning rod, the copper wire and then the grounding rod. It’s pretty imperative that you install these pieces correctly because, if they work properly, they can keep your home or business safe and protected from fires and damage. These components need to be securely bonded. That way there’s minimal risk for any side flashes and sparks. 

And not only is it important to take your own safety into account, but you also need to be considering national safety standards for lightning protection systems. According to the National Weather Service, all of these systems must follow the guidelines and standards set by the Lightning Protection Institute, National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories. If you’re not clear on these standards, you might be installing an inefficient—and potentially dangerous—system. 

Plus, if your lightning rod is installed incorrectly, then you’re basically just spending all sorts of cash on a safety system that won’t work. That’s like buying a car with airbags that don’t deploy! If your lightning rod doesn’t work properly, then instead of directing thousands of volts of electricity into a safe space in the ground, your home or business will absorb all the shock and sparks can fly. When it comes to installing a lightning rod in your home or business: trust the professionals. Give Professional Electric in Mobile, Alabama, a call. 

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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Give your home a clean, fresh start for the New Year with ceiling fans to compliment your rooms. They add more than just character. The right ceiling fans can give you ample lighting for those cold winter months and the right amount of air you need during springtime. Let the team at Professional Electric install the necessary electrical work your ceiling needs for your ceiling fan revamp.

Make It Grand

Your foyer, office space or living room area doesn’t have to be empty; instead, make it grand and inviting with lighting that speaks for itself. If you have high ceilings, ceiling fans are a great way to complement furniture and fill the space. You can choose from different styles and colors to match your home decor and give your guests a view they will love each time they walk in.

Easy Breezy Light Fixtures

The right ceiling fan installation works as a three-in-one tool. You get the light fixture, a fanlike appliance and even a remote to control when you want it on or off. The remote is easy to work with and makes it convenient for on/off functions when it gets gloomy outside or you require fresh air. This simple upgrade will give you the cooling effect without having to turn your AC unit on.

Save Energy

Installing ceiling fans throughout your home is a great way to save money on your energy bill. Not only is it a trending appliance because of its cost-saving benefits, but it is great for design purposes and can be used all year-round. Did you know you can have your fan running during any season and for reasons other than needing a light source? Running the fan during winter months (if it has reversible wings) can help circulate the warm air from your heater, while having the fan regularly rotate during warmer months can help you enjoy its cooling effects. Don’t forget to add LED light bulbs for an even more energy-efficient power saver.

Save Space

Ceiling fans will save you space rather than having to use old, outdated box fans. If you like the open floor plan feel, this will give you just that. Freshen up your office space, outdoor bungalow or master bedroom by using a ceiling fan as your primary light source. You can even control how far you want the fan to drop depending on the height of your ceiling. You can also personalize your fixture to your liking and have our professionals replace any old fan or install new wiring as needed.

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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Light adds more than just brightness to your home. It helps power and elevate your space as quickly as flipping a switch. From LED bulbs that will help save you energy to a retrofit design or recess lighting, the choices are endless. Find out which fixtures are customizable for your home with a new light switch and take control over your home’s lighting today.

 

Light/Smart Switch Dimmers

Change the mood and ambience of your home in an instant with a light dimmer. Unlike a traditional toggle light switch that only allows one form of brightness, the light dimmer switch can be adjusted to the amount of light you want from a low intensity to its highest. You can choose the type of system you want depending on the number of watts and fading you prefer. For even more control, choose a smart dimmer that can be connected to your Wi-Fi and controlled through your smart devices such as Google Assistant for easy on and off commands. They can also be programmed to a set timer with a remote.

Proximity/Sensor Switch

Save energy by making the switch to a proximity switch. It detects motion through its sensors and works excellent with LED bulbs. It saves energy by automatically turning off the lights for those moments when you forget to. The convenience of going into a room and the light turning on automatically and turning off when you leave is perfect for high-traffic areas in your home, such as living rooms and hallways or in your place of business.

The Photoelectric Switch

The photoelectric switch works best for outdoor use, such as on your porch. It turns on when it detects darkness, eliminating the hassle of searching for a switch in the dark. This automatic function is the same function that you commonly see on street lights, and you can easily have it installed outside your home or workplace as well.

Touch Switch

We saved the best for last because this switch requires only a tap of your finger and is the latest form of advanced lighting technology. The touch switch also functions as a three-way operation system, making it easy to control another room’s lighting.

 

While changing a light switch may seem easy theoretically, it is essential to install them properly with the help of our professional electricians. For safety reasons, different outlets may require rewiring, especially if they are outdated or have specific electrical specifications. We also will gladly install new outlets if needed.

 

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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Tis’ the season for giving the ultimate gift for the techie in your life this holiday season. Thanks to Professional Electric, we’ve got you covered on all the essential electrical needs for your techie this year. From lighting to heating, cooling or repairs, read about it here and give the gift of giving.

Automated LED Lighting

Deck their halls with LED lighting. We offer light fixtures for both commercial and residential lighting plus outdoor lighting, as well. Installation or modifying lighting is where our professional team does all the work and where you will see your techie light up their eyes in awe! After all, LED is the most commonly used choice because of its energy efficiency and reduction in costs compared to regular lighting. If they have a basement, the automated lighting can add the chill ambiance to their bar area or man cave. Or elevate their personal office space into a brighter sophisticated room.

Electrical System Upgrade

Out with the old and in with the new! Tired of hearing the annoying little beep sound coming from the smoke alarm because of low battery? Surprise them with a smoke detection system that is hardwired instead. Not only will you do them a favor, but you can save their lives while at it. Any old wiring or electric panels in need of a repair is always a great gift to give because you help prevent a fuze and with any safety issues. Is their refrigerator not cooling correctly? Do they still have two-prong ungrounded outlets or need GFCI outlets? We can fix it all!

Heating Functions

Don’t let your techie fall into winter blues and give them the gift of warmth instead. Their A/C unit may require some rewiring, or you may want to add heated coiling for their underground heating floors. Maybe their oven hasn’t worked for months, and you miss those pizza nights together. If their water doesn’t come out hot as it should, they need a water heater repair or thermostat upgrade. There are many things in homes that properly function with electrical work, such as heating functions. We want you to know that those little details matter, and if fixing it is a problem, our electricians are here to fix anything from simple to complex issues.

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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

If you own a home or a business, there will be a time when you will need electrical work done. Whether it might be installing new light fixtures or a complete rewiring of the property, you want to hire the right person for the job. Do you hire a licensed electrician or a handyman your best friend recommended? They are both equipped to do the job, but what should you consider as a consumer? Here is everything you need to know about hiring a handyman versus an electrician.

Building Codes and Permits

Anytime you are having work done it’s imperative for you to know the local building codes and what permits are needed. A handyman, who typically performs many trade skills, may or may not follow through with securing the proper permits for the job. This could result in costly fines left for you to pay. A certified electrician will be more familiar with building code requirements and securing permits.

 

Safety Concerns

It’s easy to think that anyone who is familiar with electrical work knows what he or she is doing, right? While a handyman may have some experience in electrical work, it’s the licensed electrician who has undergone the hours of education and training needed to do the job safely. A certified electrician also knows the protocol for the right safety measures, the proper tools to use and how wiring is done in homes. Electricians are also required to stay up to date on the latest safety standards and building permits. In some states, it is the law to hire a licensed electrician for the job. Electrical trade unions have lobbied lawmakers into passing laws that require a certified electrician to do any electrical work.

 

Cost

Many individuals think that hiring a handyman will help save money on an already expensive project. In reality, it’s the licensed electrician who may be more reasonable than you would think and a better financial choice in the long run. In order to save top dollar on a project, get multiple estimates from electrical companies. This will give you a better idea on what the electrical work should cost.

Liability Issues

Did you know if an unlicensed handyman is hurt while on your property that you are held liable? This could cause the cost of your premiums to skyrocket, meaning more money out of your pocket for your project. A licensed and bonded electrician must have his or her own insurance policy in place before performing any work.

Trust your gut when it comes to hiring the right person for your electrical needs. In the end, cutting corners may end up costing you money! Go with the pros from Professional Electric for your next project. We have a staff of licensed experts who won’t leave you in the dark.

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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

The little voice inside your head isn’t always enough to remind you of tasks to complete. We’re human. We forget things. Luckily, there are devices like Google Home that act as our personal assistant and can cater to our every need. Ah, the power of technology and voice command! Read and learn about some of the many things you can control with your Google Home. Hey Google…

Reminders/Calendars

Your day is set with the help of Google Home reminders and calendars. Customize them to your schedule, and Google will do all the rest. It can even give you any notifications you may have missed. Lose things easily? Simply remind Google where you will place your wallet for the day (for example, on top of your bookshelf) and ask Google where you left it later on. Google knows the answer! No more forgetting important appointment dates, times and items. You can even add events as they come up on to your calendar.

Search Anything and Everything

Curiosity can strike at random moments in our lives. There is no such thing as a stupid question for this device. Google Home can look up facts, calculate numbers, repeat recipes, spell words, find locations,  make animal sounds… the list goes on and on. So don’t be shy, Google has your back. Ask away!

Shop and Track

Shop until you drop in the comfort of your home. Make a shopping list and even reorder frequent purchases. Ran out of milk? Add it to your grocery list and have Google read your shopping list whenever you need to know what you need. Track your packages to ease your mind by asking, “Hey Google, where is my package?”.

Book a Hotel/Info on Flights

Besides the obvious voice commands such as “Play music” or “Call mom,” Google Home can also book a hotel in specific properties near your area. If you need to find a flight, book a trip, know the prices of flights or even check on your flight, your travel questions come in handy as Google Maps is proudly integrated into the device. Need an Uber to pick you up to catch your flight? No problem because it orders one for you.

Smart Home Devices

Set the mood in your home by controlling the lights and temperature to your liking. You can be specific by saying, “Turn on bedroom lights only,” or “Raise temperature to two degrees.” You can also change television channels and ask entertainment questions such as “what was the Bears score yesterday?”.

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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Are you considering adding light dimming options in your home? If so, it’s definitely an addition to your home with a lot of pros. Light dimming switches allow voltage to be adjusted to a light fixture so, if you want a fainter light in the room for reading or watching TV, you can adjust the settings. Or, if you want the room to be well lit, you can have the light turned all the way up! Choosing to add light dimming switches to your home is a safe and efficient decision that provides your home with plenty of benefits. Keep reading as we discuss the benefits of adding light dimming options.

Energy Efficient
In this day and age, so many of us are searching for home additions that are energy efficient, for anything that helps the environment and our bank account. By dimming a light, you save up to 98 percent more energy, and up to around 10 percent off your energy bill. Plus, reducing the amount of wattage used by the bulb will cause it to last longer, saving you additional money on light bulbs and reducing the need for more lights to be produced around the world.

Lighting Controls
Who wouldn’t be in favor of being able to control a room’s lighting by pressing a button? The more modern light switch dimmers now come with remote controls that allow you the ability to control the lighting. Kiss the days goodbye where you flipped a switch to turn lights on or off. With light dimming options like these, you can set the tone in any room.

Fluorescent Lights
You can dim fluorescent lights which causes the bulb’s color to have a cooler look. However, dimming fluorescent bulbs will not cause them to last longer like incandescent bulbs. It’s still less expensive and more convenient.

Last Longer
When you install light dimming options, you can expect bulbs to last longer. By dimming your lights at least 25 percent, you’ll save 1/5th of the electricity. The softer you have the lights fading, the longer the lamp will last. This could provide an additional three or four years to one that may last only six months.

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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!