Category: Professional Electric Blog

In the next few months, hurricane season will be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean you need to let your guard down. Tropical storms and hurricane activity usually peaks during the latter part of the season but you still have time to protect your home. Investing in a whole house generator will give you the power you need in case of an outage.

Convenience
If your home is connected to a natural gas line then you are eligible to have a whole house generator installed by a professional. Unlike portable generators which require gasoline to operate, a whole house generator only needs to be connected to its own natural gas line or propane. This means power will always be available because it is permanently connected to your home’s power system. The whole house generator will also automatically switch the power back on whether you are home or away.

Whole house generators also sit outside the home (much like an air conditioning unit) leaving you less to work do when there is a power outage. A portable generator would require you to go outside during the storm to fill it with gas (assuming you have your gas cans filled). Even though a portable generator will keep the lights on and some appliances, you are limited in the amount of power you have available.

More Power
While having any type of generator is beneficial during a weather emergency, you will want to make sure you have enough electricity to power your entire home. Appliances, medical equipment and heating and cooling systems all require a higher power supply. A whole house generator will not only keep the lights on but will give you peace of mind that your essentials are never turned off because the gas supply ran out.

They are Cost Effective
Nothing is worse than a refrigerator or freezer full of food that spoiled due to a power outage. Medication that requires refrigeration would also go bad if the power is cut to the refrigerator, causing possible health risks. A whole house generator will help keep your family fed and healthy by keeping the power supplied.

Adds Value to Your Home
Installing a whole house generator can be guaranteed added value, especially in our hurricane prone area. Potential homebuyers will like the additional protection it can give them during an extended outage.

Protecting your house and your family is essential during any weather event. Investing in a whole house generator will provide the safety and comfort your home needs during emergencies. Don’t get left in the dark. Call Professional Electric to discuss your whole house generator options.

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!

Lighting is a necessary part of any indoor structure. The type of lighting chosen is dependent upon what you are trying to accomplish. Here are a few things to consider when you are thinking about changing from mounted light fixtures to recessed lighting.

When to use mounted lights versus recessed lights

Mounted light fixtures can come in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and colors. Mounted lights are part of a room’s decor and can be used to add decorative lighting. Smaller rooms with high ceilings are ideal for mounted lights as a single light will do for providing ample light to the space. Larger spaces require multiple light fixtures which can make a room feel cluttered and mounted fixtures on low ceilings can make a room feel smaller.

Recessed lighting is great for providing more light to larger spaces without being obtrusive. More lights can be used without causing the room to feel cluttered. Recessed lights can be strategically placed throughout rooms to highlight certain areas such as bathtubs, sinks, and even artwork. Recessed lighting can be installed in varying sizes, locations and quantities to achieve the desired light. The space between lights will depend on the ceiling height, general illumination goals, architectural details, and any additional lighting available.

Lighting Trims

Recessed lighting can be installed with a variety of different trims which appeal to differing aesthetics.

Flangeless trim – flush with the ceiling for a high-end look.
Flanged trim – a thin ceiling flange that sits on the ceiling’s surface
Square aperture – a square trim casing for a more modern architectural appeal
Round aperture – rounded trim, a classic and simplistic look also appealing to contemporary and transitional styles
Flat trim – for a clean and minimalistic look
Bevel trim – adds a visual depth to the lighting features=
Trim color – trim can come in a variety of different colors including black, white, satin nickel, brass, bronze, etc. It is usually encouraged by designers to have trim match the color of the ceiling. Trim can also be made to blend into wood and stone ceilings.

Additional Features

No matter what lighting you have, you have the option to add a dimming capability to your lights. Dimming the lights is not just great for areas that are considered entertainment spaces such as living rooms. Dimmers are great for any room where you may want to relax, such as bedrooms or bathrooms with tubs. Make sure to have dimming switches and the correct wiring installed when upgrading your lighting.

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!

Design and brightness play a big part in your kitchen remodel. Too dim and you’ll be searching for your silverware or if it’s too bright you’ll outshine your guests. Gone are the days of large, overhead fluorescent lighting. Today, there are several options available that will allow you to combine function with style.

LED Under Cabinet Lighting

A popular option for today’s kitchen is under cabinet light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. Installing LED lights beneath your cabinet will help illuminate the space where you do all of your prep work for your meals. This option is not only energy efficient but it can add value to your home as well. These fixtures are interconnectable to give off a more uniform look and are hidden out of sight. Also, since LEDs use less energy and require little maintenance you will rarely have to replace the bulbs.

This type of lighting also gives off a nice, soft glow when the other lights are turned off. Looking for a midnight snack? LED under cabinet lighting gently illuminates the kitchen without having the overhead lights turned on.

Recessed Lighting

A trend that never seems to go out of style is recessed lighting. What was once found mostly in the living room is now being used in the kitchen. This lighting option is created by hollowing out a hole in the ceiling in order to place the light fixture inside the opening. You can make it energy efficient by using LEDs instead of incandescent or halogen bulbs.

Recessed lighting can also be installed in your pantry and can be used to light a normally dark space. This option can also brighten a kitchen with dark cabinets or one that does not receive much natural light.

Decorative Ceiling Lights

The design of a kitchen shouldn’t be left to the countertops and paint colors; you need to think about the style of lighting you will want to install. From industrial to farmhouse chic, picking the right ceiling light will add value to your kitchen.

A popular option nowadays is the use of chandeliers. The right chandelier can set the ambiance of your space. You have the option of using multiple bulbs that emit light upward. When selecting your new chandelier, consider the length and width of the space you have chosen before it is installed.

Pendant lights come in many shapes and styles, and are perfect to install over an island. Pendant lights usually come in two or three light sources and when installed in the ceiling, emit light downward.

Our technicians at Professional Electric are the experts in lighting and LED installation. You will want a professional in your home and we will gladly meet with you to discuss all of your lighting options.

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!

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Children are naturally curious and are unaware of the dangers of electricity. As their caregivers, we must take important safety measures to protect them from harm by teaching them early on about electrical safety. Here are some simple tips to keep your children safe from electrical dangers.

Electrical Outlet Safety

An electrical socket is such a tempting thing for toddlers. A child does not know that sticking their little fingers or objects into the holes can cause electric shock. Electrical outlet caps are a cheap and easy solution and will help give you peace of mind. All wall outlets throughout your home should be covered including those behind furniture.

For extra protection, call Professional Electric to install tamper-resistant self-test GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in your home. These devices help prevent shock by shutting off power if electrical ground faults are detected. The inserts will also prevent foreign objects from being inserted.

Electrical Cord Safety

Cords plugged into your television or other appliances pose an added danger to children. To them, it seems like a toy but can expose the socket and cause electric shock if pulled too quickly. If possible, keep cords secured behind furniture or cover them with a cord protector.

Appliance Safety

Not only should you keep cords out of reach, but you should keep appliances away from little hands as well. Hair dryers, flat irons, toasters, blenders, electric razors or anything thing that is found on the counter should be placed up and away from curious minds. If one of these items comes in contact with water it may cause harm to your little one.

Outdoor Safety

If you have outdoor outlets, take the same safety measures for added protection. A passing storm may have caused power lines to fall in your yard but they could be hidden by fallen limbs. If this occurs, keep children indoors and call the power company to report any downed lines.

Perform Electrical Maintenance

While childproofing your home, it also an important time to observe any electrical issue you may come across. Flickering lights, faulty electrical outlets, plugs that are not flush, and appliances that do not operate when plugged in are all signs that electrical maintenance is needed. Have a professional electrician come to your home to do an assessment.

Educate Them

Above all, teach them that items such as electric outlets, cords, extension cords, and surge protectors are not to be touched or picked up. Toddlers love to explore and unfortunately, their curiosity can lead to danger. Instructing them to stay away from these potential electrical hazards will help keep them safe.

 

We can help make your home safe and if you have additional electrical questions, 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!

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Do-it-yourself home maintenance has become wildly popular. With the popularity of television shows that make it look easy, many homeowners are opting to tackle home repair on their own. While this is a great idea in some areas, in the realm of electrical it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Today, Professional Electric gives you a few reasons to call the trusted experts to address your electrical needs.

Bright idea: Consider that your time is worth money. Between the time it takes to gather knowledge needed to tackle a project, purchase the supplies and attempt the job – you can save money by hiring a professional first.

Saving money: Cost savings is the top reason homeowners believe DIY is the best choice. But in electrical repairs, you can actually wind up spending more by doing it yourself. First, it’s good to keep in mind that a professional will identify the problem accurately the first time. As a homeowner, you may spend countless hours on identifying the problem, re-identifying the problem, then working to try to fix that problem. Hiring a trained professional from the get-go frees you up to handle your other duties.
Safety issues: Electrical repairs and maintenance in the home have the potential to be extremely dangerous. Professionally trained experts have the expertise to take care of repairs and maintenance without risk of harm to you or your home.

Now: DIY on electrical can easily lead to electric shock or fire without much of a warning. You will think, based on your gathered knowledge, that you are placing everything where it belongs, only to start a spark, fire or shock.
Later: Improper wiring can lead to serious dangers in the future such as fires.

Peace of mind: Hiring a professional to address your electrical needs provides immense peace of mind. You will not have any second guessing as to whether or not the job was done correctly the first time or if one area could have been done more properly.

Bright Idea: Don’t leave safety to chance. There is a confidence in hiring a professional with hours of proper training.

Troubleshooting: The experts in electrical repair have countless hours of education and training. They are better equipped to troubleshoot the problem from the beginning and know exactly what to do and how to do it.

Work is guaranteed: Hiring your electrical work to be done by professionals, like us at Professional Electric, not only saves you time, money and safety hazards – but the work will be guaranteed for a certain amount of time.

Here at Professional Electric, we’d like to see you turn the DIY you know into “Doing it Yesterday” because that’s how fast we are!
Take the risk and stress off of yourself and give us 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! 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.”

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!

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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!

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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.