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lower-your-electric-bill-in-summer

How to Lower Your Electric Bill in Summer

30Apr
by Kevin Byrne  
0

 A few tips for lowering your electric bill in the summer.

As the summer season approaches, you start to feel the heat once again. While it can be refreshing to have some sun after the cold months, some days can be particularly hot, causing you to blast your air conditioner on full power. As a homeowner, you can probably attest to the struggles of staying cool and fresh without blowing up your energy bills. With your AC on for almost the whole day every summer day, it can be hard to avoid.

Ultimately, the question boils down to how to lower electric bill in summer. The AC may seem like your only option to get some relief from those hot days, but there are also other less expensive ways to cool down. You can still enjoy the season by avoiding the discomfort from the scorching heat without necessarily breaking the bank.

Check out these tips, tricks, and hacks to beat the beat while also lowering your bill this summer:

Tips on How to Lower Electric Bill in Summer

1.     Clean Your Air Conditioner

When you think about ways to lower your electric bill in summer, one of the first places to start will be your AC. With the system running more frequently, you want to make sure you are maximizing its efficiency. You can do this by cleaning your unit and all its parts and replacing dirty air filters, which can altogether reduce energy consumption by about 5-15%. Similarly, doing regular maintenance can prolong your AC’s life, so you do not have to replace it early on.

2.     Program Your Thermostat

Adjusting your thermostat is one of the best ways to increase energy efficiency at home. You can program it to prevent using electricity when no one is around so that you can avoid unwanted increases in your utility bills. With programmable thermostats available these days, you no longer have to adjust the device manually at all times.

3.     Block the Sun

Summer is the perfect time to make use of your window coverings to block the sunlight. The hotter it is outside, the more your AC will have to work to cool your home. Thus, minimizing the amount of heat entering can help prevent using too much electricity. You might not realize it, but good-quality coverings can lower heat gain by up to 77%, making them a great option to solve the concern of lowering your electric bill.

4.     Invest in ENERGY STAR appliances

While shopping for appliances, you may notice that some are ENERGY STAR certified. The US Environmental Protection Agency grants this label to appliances that meet certain standards to help reduce emissions, making them more energy-efficient than your traditional options. While investing in an ENERGY STAR appliance like an air conditioner may initially seem costly, you end up spending less in the long run since you can cut energy use by anywhere between 10-50%.

5.     Unplug Your Devices

Similar to the benefits from programming your thermostat, unplugging devices when not in use can help you cut down on energy costs. Since it can be hard to monitor all your devices at all times, you can install smart power strips, which can boost energy efficiency by cutting off power on devices that are on standby mode. This way, you can avoid consuming electricity, even if your devices are not in use.

6.     Use Windows at Night

It is not ideal to open your windows while the sun is still up since it can quickly turn your home into a burning furnace. However, at night, when the sun has set you can take advantage of the cool breeze with open windows. Doing this can also let cool air in and hot air out, so you do not have to use electricity all day.

Schedule Electrical Maintenance Today

Switching to energy efficient appliances and reducing your AC use can keep your electric bills down, even during the hotter days of the summer season.

As a professional electrician in Pinellas and Tarpon Springs, Pinellas County Electric offers a range of electrical repairs and maintenance services to solve your electrical problems. Call us today at 727-269-1982 to schedule a free consultation!

electrical-service-panel

Electrical Service Panel Facts for Homeowners in Florida

20Apr
by Kevin Byrne  
0

Facts about your home’s electrical service panels.

When you hear the word Florida, you’ll likely think about the sunny weather and fun theme parks you can visit. Given the many perks the state has to offer, it is no surprise that many enjoy living there. However, no matter where you live, being a homeowner always comes with its fair share of challenges. One of these would be understanding your electrical service panel, which serves as the main distribution point that sends power to different areas in your home.

While you may be familiar with how electrical panels look, but you might not be as knowledgeable about how they work. To describe it simply, the electrical service panel connects the service wires from outside into the respective wires that branch out into different areas of your house. Understanding your breaker box allows you to fix minor problems immediately and identify warning signs that may require a professional’s help.

To give you a better idea of your service panel, here are some general facts related to it.

Locating the Electrical Service Panel

Generally, electrical panels are often placed in an area away from daily household activity locations. Some locations include the garage, basement, utility closet, kitchen pantry, or lower level hallways. If you live in an older home, you may also find your panel on an exterior wall, though this location is not as common as the others.

Electrical Service Panel Components

When you open the panel’s outer door, you will find these components:

Main Circuit Breaker. On top of your panel, you will find a switch that serves as the main circuit breaker. It feeds power to each of the breakers that connect to different parts of your home, so turning it off essentially shuts down power to your whole house.

Circuit Breakers. The electrical service panel consists of multiple circuit breakers usually organized in two rows. Each of them has a switch to feed power to its corresponding circuit.

These breakers can either be single-pole, which can handle 120 volts, or double-pole, which can handle 240 volts. Double-pole breakers will usually be connected to more power-intensive devices like your air conditioner or heat furnace.

Sub-panel. Some electrical panels may also have a sub-panel if you have installed a generator or additional breaker capacity to your home.

Breaker Panel Sizes

Electrical panels are measured in amperage ratings to determine the electrical capacity that the panel can take. A residential electrical panel can come in varying sizes, ranging from 100 amps to as high as 400 amps. Nowadays, modern constructions equip homes with at least 200 amps since 100 amps may not be sufficient for most residences, unless you do not use heating appliances or air conditioning.

Types of Electrical Panels

There are various electrical panel types that you can familiarize yourself with to understand their differences and functions. Here are some of the most common types you will find in the market today:

1.   Main Breaker Panel. This is the most commonly used panel type, which controls electricity that flows into each of the areas in your home. It is designed to distribute a certain amperage to each circuit and cut power when needed to prevent overheating.

2.   Fuse Boxes. Fuse boxes, as their name suggests, consist of small fuses placed inside an electrical panel to prevent overloads. When excess current flows through a particular circuit, the fuse shorts out, so you have to make sure they allow enough current to flow to your appliances.

3.   Main Lug Panels. These panels have lugs that the line wires can run into, so they do not have a main breaker. You can connect the main lug to your main breaker to act as a sub-panel, with the latter being a separate disconnect.

4.   Transfer Switches. If you have a backup generator at home, these switches will transfer power from the generator to the electrical power in the main panel to supply power even during outages.

Get Your Electrical Panel Checked Today

Getting your electrical service panel inspected at least once a year will be good practice to ensure all its components are working properly. Call Pinellas County Electric today at 727-269-1982 to get a professional inspection or breaker box repair services to keep your home safe and eliminate unwanted hazards. Take charge of your home’s electrical safety by choosing a trusted and professional electrician in Pinellas and Tarpon Springs.

electrical-home-inspection

Electrical Home Inspection: Electrical Issues to be Aware of During a Home Inspection

17Apr
by Kevin Byrne  
0

Schedule an electrical home inspection before you purchase a home.

Home inspections are vital when shopping for a home or planning a renovation. Inspections give you a clear picture of the condition of a house and problems that may affect the sale price or remodeling project size. While home inspectors generally look into different aspects of the property, it is often recommended to also get an electrical home inspection to pinpoint problems that may have been overlooked.

As the name suggests, a specialized electrical inspection focuses more on checking the integrity of electrical systems and wirings in place. Assessing these areas is especially important since problems related to them can lead to safety risks. With a qualified electrician to do the job, you can take immediate action by updating wirings or replacing circuit breakers to maintain safety at home.

When hiring a professional to conduct an electrical home inspection, here are some of the most common issues that usually arise during the check:

Service Panel Issues

Every home’s electrical service panel serves as the central source of electricity, so any problems related to it can easily compound to bigger concerns later on. Some issues may be observed in an inspection include loose or double-tapped circuit breakers, lack of the main disconnect switch, or an overall damaged panel.

Circuit breakers in older homes can be particularly faulty as they were not designed for the electrical needs of more advanced appliances. This may result in frequent tripping due to your breaker panels overloading from their inability to manage the amount of electricity flowing through.

Improperly Wired Switches

Perhaps one of the most common issues found in an electrical home inspection would be improperly wired switches. In most cases, this happens when a non-professional or poorly trained electrician does the wiring and mixes up the neutral and hot wire slots. When this happens, it causes an issue known as reverse polarity, which can cause potential shock hazards.

Aluminum Wiring

While it may not seem like an issue, aluminum wiring can be a cause of concern since aluminum is not as effective a conductor as copper. Overall, the metal can become defective quicker, so the longer it is used, the higher the risk of fire hazards. Due to this, many home insurance companies opt not to insure homes that are wired in aluminum.

Lack of GFCI Protection

GFCI, short for ground fault circuit interrupters, are required in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other places with moisture and where the outlet may come into contact with liquid. These outlets are safety standards set in building codes to minimize the risk of shocks and burns in any home. Given the number of people who go in and out of the affected areas, it must enforce stricter GFCI protection throughout your home.

Through a professional electrical home inspection, you can double-check to see if your home’s GFCI outlets are working properly, installed correctly, or need replacements to prevent bigger problems from arising.

Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Similar to the issue on aluminum wiring, knob and tube wiring is one of the older variants of electrical wiring used back in the early 1900s. While it is not inherently dangerous, it can be highly risky since it does not use a ground wire and thus cannot accommodate three-pronged electrical devices. Knob and tube wiring also uses rubber, as opposed to plastic, as an insulator, which can break down over time and cause issues like overheating and shock or fire risks.

Overuse of Extension Cords

Extension cords can be convenient to plug in multiple devices at a time, but you have to be careful not to get over-reliant on them. The national electric code requires that homeowners reduce the use of these extension cords since doing so can increase the likelihood of tripping hazards and other safety concerns. If a home is found to be using these extensively during an electrical inspection, it is likely a sign of having insufficient power outlets.

Schedule an Electrical Home Inspection Today With Pinellas County Electric

A thorough inspection from a professional electrician in Tarpon Springs can help you check what problems need to be addressed in a home. Whether you are remodeling your place or looking to purchase a home, you want to make sure your property is in its best condition.

Learn more about what Pinellas County Electric offers by calling us at 727-269-1982 to schedule an inspection. With over 150 years of combined experience in the industry, we can guarantee that our team can solve your electrical concerns.

electrical-services-in-buildings

Electrical Services in Buildings: Common Electrical Problems

19Mar
by Kevin Byrne  
0

Why Do You Need Electrical Services in Commercial Buildings?

 Commercial buildings service several people on a daily basis amounting to hours of prolonged electricity use that may require complicated wiring systems. These establishments become prone to electrical errors, so it is a good practice to perform routine checks to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your electrical sources. Before you find the need to hire electrical services in buildings, what are the common commercial electrical problems found in commercial buildings?

  • Flickering Lights – Flickering anddimming lights can strain the eyes of your employees and delay the accomplishment of tasks. To properly carry out daily operations, a commercial building will require working lights. It’s common for light bulbs to burnt out.

Your electrical system can be checked through general troubleshooting. Electrical services in buildings may be needed to check for a loose connection in the circuits or repairing faulty wiring that the common individual can overlook.

  • Power Loss and Damage to Appliances – Among the electrical issues commonly faced by a commercial building, an unexpected power loss can be a major problem. A power outage could leave your building without heating or air conditioning, can damage appliances, and possibly miss out on potential customers. If backups are not set in place, your company could suffer from information loss due to the lack of an electrical supply.
  • Overloaded Electrical System – After a power failure, there can be instances wherein breakers trip if the circuits in the electrical system are overloaded with the constant use of electrical devices. A professional electrician will effectively assess and repair the electrical system. Commercial electrical services in buildings may be needed to upgrade its electrical work and add a circuit.
  • Faulty Wiring System – Without the help of electrical contractors to execute electrical services, common electrical problems will occur. Faulty installations of commercial electrical systems in buildings can have poor connections and lead to fire hazards. If you install the wrong wire length to connect equipment in your electrical system, it could lead to short circuits. A professional commercial electrician should perform electrical work so you can be sure that your light bulbs, heaters, air conditioning, and other appliances are installed correctly.
  • Overheating Equipment and Switches – If your equipment and switches become unusually hot, this common electrical problem may lead to a power failure or electrical breakdown. Wires can melt or burn with continuous plugging of appliances into outlets with visible sparks.

Loose connections are a common commercial electrical problem that is often overlooked, which can lead to overheating and cause accidents or create possible fire hazards in the workplace. Protect your employees from slip hazards by hiring electrical services in buildings that can provide suitable fixes and prevent further damages to your electrical system.

  • Short Circuit – The misuse of electrical equipment may call for electrical services in buildings. If an employee uses an appliance with a faulty cord or a damaged extension cord, this can lead to a short circuit. Wirings without the proper protection can easily be tampered with by natural elements and humans that can greatly affect the power supply, and lead to fire hazards.

A ground fault can also happen if an employee uses an appliance without proper insulation. If in need of repairs, an electrician in Pinellas would come in to diagnose the problem and recommend solutions.

If you plan to upgrade your office, such as installing new outlets, you should hire a reliable electrical service for the renovations. The electrical safety of your commercial building should be a top priority, and you should schedule regular electrical inspections. Contact Pinellas County Electric & Security at 727-269-1982 and let us provide your electrical services in buildings and perform the proper maintenance, repair, and replacement of your electrical system!

fire-caused-by-electricity

How do You Stop a Fire Caused by Electricity?

11Mar
by Kevin Byrne  
0

How do you stop an electrical fire?  

 People tend to underestimate the potential risks of electricity. Home electrical fires are a danger in many communities because people use electrical devices daily, such as light fixtures and appliances. From 2012 to 2016, the second leading cause of U.S. home fires were electrical failures, according to the NFPA.

It was also reported that home electrical fires resulted in the most civilian deaths and more than a billion in property damage. The majority of electrical malfunctions that started residential fires occurred during cold weather months from November to February.

Here are some tips on how to stop a fire caused by electricity in case of an emergency.

  • Turn off the main switch of the fuse box – If you can identify which electrical device caused the fire, safely handle the electrical cord and outlet, then unplug it to turn off the electrical flow to the device. You should also turn off the circuit breaker or the main switch of the fuse box.

Remember to not use the appliance even after the fire has been put out because the electrical wire has been damaged. An electrician in Pinellas can check the fire source caused by electricity and prevent a future electrical fire from happening.

  • Use baking soda – Faulty wiring and installation can start a fire. Did you know that a common household item can be used to stop fires? If you cannot locate your fire extinguisher, you can use baking soda to stop a fire caused by electricity.

Sodium bicarbonate can smother a small fire. If you have a heavy piece of cloth such as a blanket or thick coat, you can remove the oxygen source and put out a small fire. Do not leave your space heaters in an unattended room. Please do not keep your space heaters on while you are sleeping as they can lead to a fire caused by electricity.

  • Do not try to extinguish electrical fires using water – To prevent electrical fires from worsening, remember not to use water to put out a fire caused by electricity.You can risk getting electrocuted because water is a natural conductor of electricity. Water may also be used to spread the fire and potentially burn flammable materials that can shock residents.
  • Understand the category of your fire extinguisher – Be aware that fires have certain classifications. Electrical fires belong to the Class C category of fires to need a fire extinguisher appropriate for this type.

Verify that your fire extinguisher has the proper label and certifications. Check-in with your fire administration and make sure you have the updated contact details of the emergency electrical services. You never know when you may need their assistance.

  • Install safety alarms – As a good safety practice, you may want to install quality smoke detectors and fire alarms in your residential and commercial spaces. There are fire alarms that can contact your fire administration in the event of an emergency and increase the chances of surviving a fire caused by electricity.
  • Hire a pro – Suppose you observe that your appliances and light bulbs get unusually hot on several occasions. In that case, you can request your electrical service to check your electrical systems for loose wires that may need repairs. The common causes of electrical fires are poor maintenance of electrical systems, and the leading cause of electrical fires is overlooked minor damages.

A fire caused by electricity may be due to faulty electrical outlets. Older homes may have worn out sockets that have not been regularly maintained. Back in the day, older circuit breakers handled light bulbs and minor appliances, but now the electrical system of a modern home is much different.

More appliances such as washing machines, video game consoles, computers, and air fryers consume a lot of electricity. You may need to request the help of residential electrical services to check the breaker boxes and perform panel changes to upgrade your electrical system and protect your home from a fire caused by electricity.

Useful Commercial Building Tips

If you have space in a commercial building, you may want to hire commercial electrical services to complete a thorough inspection of your complex electrical systems, such as your electrical wiring, electrical outlets, and power panels. Professionals would have the necessary licenses to do the electrical work, and an updated electrical system can prevent a fire caused by electricity.

There are several ways you save lives and minimize the damage due to a fire caused by electricity. Being proactive can help prevent fire hazards and give you the peace of mind that you are safer in your homes and workspaces. Contact Pinellas County Electric at 727-269-1982 and let us prevent a fire caused by electricity while taking care of all your electrical needs.

house-surge-protector

Why You Need a House Surge Protector Installed in Your Home

26Feb
by Kevin Byrne  
0

Protect your appliances with a house surge protector.

Being a homeowner comes with various responsibilities, including ensuring your and your family’s safety. To do this, you can perform regular inspections on your plumbing system and electrical systems and do general home maintenance. Electrical work, in particular, can be challenging because of the safety risks involved in managing wiring and installation and general appliance usage. Without the right measures in place, your home may become vulnerable to fires and other dangers.

Installing a house surge protector can be beneficial in more ways than you may think. Power surges can occur for many reasons, including weather conditions like lightning strikes or a faulty circuit breaker. Additionally, with technology being more heavily utilized in today’s digital age, it is no surprise that power consumption has risen for many homes.

With a house surge protector, you can effectively manage your home appliances and electronic devices. A power strip is often used to connect multiple electrical devices to a socket, and while it looks similar to a surge protector, it does not prevent irregular voltage spikes from occurring. Get to know more about surge protection devices and why installing them in your home can be highly beneficial.

What is a House Surge Protector?

Protecting your appliances and electronics at home is crucial to prevent them from burning out and getting damaged. With a house surge protector, you can essentially achieve this as the device limits any excess current and blocks its flow to keep your appliances in good condition. You can think of it as a pressure relief valve that allows current to flow through. If the voltage levels are higher than usual, the excess current is shorted to the ground.

Whole house surge protectors are installed on your circuit panel, and the process usually takes about two hours for a professional electrician. Having the installation completed professionally is essential since it requires proper wiring and grounding, which can be difficult to do without the proper skills and expertise. If you make mistakes during the installation, you can risk causing damage to your home.

Causes of Electrical Power Surges

Electrical power surges are essentially power spikes that increase the voltage of current flowing through your appliances and electronics. They can originate from inside your home, such as when you are turning high power appliances on and off or if you have faulty wiring that cannot withstand the surge. They can also originate from outside your home; downed power lines and lightning strikes are the more frequent causes.

The damage from lightning-induced surges can be massive and significant if the lightning strikes less than a mile from your home. However, these instances are not as common as they sound, and in many cases, up to 80% of power surges occur for more minor reasons from inside your home. The mere cycling of on and off of some of your appliances can cause smaller power surges. While they may seem harmless, the frequency of the surges can compound and damage your electronics over time.

You may not notice the damage caused by the minor surges since they are transient, but over time, they can shorten the lifespan of your appliances. The next thing you know, they suddenly stop working. The last thing that you want is to invest in high-quality electronics that get damaged quickly, so getting a house surge protector can protect your devices from voltage spikes from the power surges.

 Benefits of Whole House Surge Protection

Aside from the primary benefit of protecting your appliances and devices from surges, whole house surge protection also comes with other advantages, including:

Layering Surge Protection

If you have complex and expensive electrical systems in your home, it will be helpful to layer your whole house surge protection. If an appliance sends a surge to a shared circuit, this can also harm your other outlets. With layered protection, all your circuits can get proper protection from surges, so you can avoid damaging any of them.

Complete Electrical System Protection

Whole house surge protectors will not only keep your appliances safe but also protect your electrical system as a whole. With technology becoming a norm today, you likely have many appliances at home. As such, guarding all your outlets and protecting all the electrical equipment is a must.

Versatility and Flexibility

Surge protection systems come in various options to suit your home’s voltage needs, so they can cater to all homeowners. Choosing the right whole-house surge protection is important since your home may have a voltage limit based on its size. For example, a standard and traditional home should not get a surge over 10kA, but if you would like to ensure you get adequate protection, you can ask your electrician for options.

Keep in mind that there are also several brands to choose from, and warranties may differ based on your provider. Thus, browsing through many offers thoroughly will be helpful before making a final decision.

Protection from Risks

Electrical surges can be harmful to not just your devices but also your homes as they may sometimes cause risks like fires. By getting a whole house surge protection system, you can maintain your home’s safety and curb damages caused by violent external conditions or other factors.

Get Whole House Surge Protection Today

Interested in installing a house surge protector to protect your appliances and electronics today? If so, contact us today at (727) 269-1982 to request your electrical service and get in touch with us. Our team will gladly assist you through the process and help you determine the appropriate services and equipment for your home.

Take action today and allow an electrician in Pinellas county to solve your electrical issues so you can ensure your home is safe for all. With whole house surge protection, you can prolong the life of your appliances and combat damages caused by power surges.

home-electrical-repairs

What are Some Common Electrical Home Repairs Your House May Need?

14Feb
by Kevin Byrne  
0

Think about your home. What electrical repairs does your home need?

Even though we’ve been seeing a shift into alternate forms of energy such as solar and geothermal power in recent years, the truth is that normal energy and residential electrical services will be in need for quite some time into the future. Like anything involved with the generation of energy, electricity-based systems are prone to certain issues that must be addressed.

To help you get a handle on what you may deal with from time to time, we’ve compiled some common electrical home repairs that your house may need.

Burnt Out Light Bulbs

One of the most common of all electrical home repairs could also possibly be the simplest to fix. Light bulbs may burn out because the voltage is too high for the bulb, a circuit or switch is faulty, there’s not enough airflow around it, and a few other reasons. Those reasons may necessitate a professional repair, but if the bulb is simply old, try replacing it with newer, eco-friendly bulbs such as LED or CFL.

Tripping Circuit Breaker

At some point, we’ve all dealt with a tripping circuit breaker. This is often the result of plugging in too many appliances to a single outlet that simply can’t handle the voltage, but it could indicate problems with the breaker itself. There may be a short circuit, ground fault, arc fault, or be an indication of age. If it trips on a regular basis, replacement may be necessary.

Flickering Lights

The simple solution with a flickering light is to tighten the bulb so that it makes a better connection. You can also try removing the bulb to ensure that something isn’t impeding the connection. Besides that, it could be due to a faulty switch, poor wiring, or too many appliances on a single circuit. If it’s a faulty switch, you can replace it yourself or have a professional do it. If it’s a wiring problem, though, you definitely want to call a pro to have the electrical work done.

Hot Ceiling Fixtures

Electrical home repairs come in all shapes and sizes. If you touch a ceiling fixture and the area surrounding it feels warm, this could be due to the use of bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage. In these cases, you can switch to LED or CFL bulbs, which don’t generate as much heat. If this doesn’t seem to be the issue, however, then it could be due to a lack of sufficient insulation. An electrician will be able to analyze the problem and offer the proper solution.

Frequent Surges

Surges in your electrical system can be the result of a nearby lightning strike, faulty appliances, electrical wiring problems, or power line damage. A single surge of electricity isn’t a big deal, but frequent surges can damage your home’s electrical components and lower their operational lifespan. If you have any devices hooked up that may not be well-made, unplug them and see if that helps. If the problem persists, it’s probably time to call an electrician.

Non-Working Outlets

This is one of those bothersome problems that many homeowners seem to let go for a very long time. You plug a device into an outlet and it doesn’t work, so you simply switch to another outlet. As electrical home repairs go, this one’s pretty simple, too. Depending on what the precise issue is, you may or may not need the help of a professional. If you’re comfortable with replacing an outlet yourself, you can try that first. If it’s the wiring and not the outlet that’s bad, you’ll need to call an electrician.

Electrical Shocks

Every electrician has received multiple shocks in their careers. It’s an occupational hazard. In fact, electrical shocks from some sources can be strong enough to knock them off their feet. For most shocks that you may experience at home, they’re likely to be mild. Even so, this isn’t something that you want to mess with, so it’s not really worth testing to see if it’s a specific device that’s causing the shock. It’s much safer if you call an electrician right away.

Burning Odors

An electrical burning odor should automatically send up a big red flag. This could indicate an issue with a device that you’ve plugged in, but a wiring issue is very often the culprit. This could easily turn into a fire hazard if it hasn’t already, so if this is your issue, call a professional electrician right away. To be safe, switch off the circuit leading to whichever outlet seems to be the source, unplug all devices, and leave the circuit off until the pro arrives.

Contact Pinellas County Electric for Electrical Home Repairs

Putting your trust in a reputable electrician in Pinellas County is the best way to deal with electrical home repairs as they arise. If you have any questions or would like to request your electrical service, give the team at Pinellas County Electric a call at (727) 269-1982 today to schedule a free consultation.

reset-circuit-breaker

How to Reset a Circuit Breaker If It Trips

04Feb
by Kevin Byrne  
0

Has your circuit breaker tripped? Here’s how to reset your breaker.

As a homeowner, knowing how to reset a circuit breaker is important in case of sudden power outages. Circuit breakers are essentially switches that control the electrical wirings that power your appliances and fixtures. The switches turn off automatically if a short circuit or electrical surge occurs or too much current is flowing through the wires. If one part of your house suddenly loses power, there is a high chance that it is caused by a tripped breaker.

If your circuit breaker trips and you do not know how to reset a circuit breaker, you will need to call a professional electrician to help you fix the problem. However, resetting a tripped circuit breaker is not as complicated as it sounds, and knowing how to do it can come in handy in many cases. Continue reading to learn about how to reset a circuit breaker and what issues may cause your breaker to trip even after resetting it.

How to Reset a Circuit Breaker

First and foremost, you must wear safety glasses and ensure that the floor is dry to avoid getting shocked and injured. Unplug all the appliances in the affected room or area, then open your circuit breaker panel. Look for the switch in the center position, flip it to the off position, then flip it to the on position. Make sure the breaker switch stays on because if it trips again after you reset it, you must call your electrician since you may have a serious wiring problem.

Potential Circuit Breaker Problems

Besides knowing how to reset a circuit breaker, it also helps to know the possible issues that can trip your breaker. Generally, the most common causes would be the following:

Short Circuit

A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral or hot wire, causing excessive current to flow through it. This issue can be dangerous if left unaddressed, so it is best to get professional electrical services to prevent potential house fires. You can try checking your power cables and outlets to see if there is any discoloration or melting. However, if you cannot detect the problem, you must call an electrician.

Overloaded Circuit

An overloaded circuit is one of the most common causes of a tripped breaker. It essentially means too much current is flowing through the breaker, causing the switch to turn off. If this is the cause of the problem, try checking the appliances plugged in the affected area.

You may be consuming too much power than you realize, so make sure to unplug the devices that are not in use. Generally, this should solve the issue, but if your breaker still trips, you can call an electrician to check your wiring and installation for possible loose connections.

Ground Fault

A ground fault is similar to a short circuit, but what happens here is a hot wire touches a ground wire. This problem is often caused by damaged wiring or old appliances, which causes electricity to take a path through the ground. If this is the cause of the problem, you may feel an electrical shock from touching some appliances.

Call Your Electrician Today

Maintaining your electrical systems and wirings is important to keeping your home safe. Contact us today at 727-269-1982 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed electrician. We can help you diagnose the problem and fix it immediately to prevent further issues from arising.

ways-of-saving-electricity-in-an-office

What are Some Ways of Saving Electricity in an Office?

22Jan
by Kevin Byrne  
0

How to save electricity in your office.

With the price of electricity going up and many businesses being forced to tighten their budgets after a tumultuous year, it’s more important than ever to conserve energy. Not only will learning ways of saving electricity in an office help your bottom line, but it will also assist you in lowering your carbon footprint and making a better impression in your industry.

It would be impossible to list all of the techniques you can use to lower your electricity usage, but we’ve compiled some of our favorite energy saving tips to help you get a head start and remain vigilant.

Switch to Low Energy Lights

It’s often hard to fathom just how many lights a single business can use at any given time, especially in an office setting. You can begin to conserve energy by upgrading any traditional incandescent bulbs (sorry, Edison) to LED lights. These lights use much less energy and last a lot longer, which can often cut your light energy usage in half.

Keep HVAC System Serviced

As everyone knows, HVAC systems are a drain on energy. The first thing you should do is purchase the most energy-efficient model that you can reasonably afford. This will cost more in the beginning, but you’ll save electricity and money over time. Even if you can’t afford a new unit, have the system checked annually to make sure your current unit is running as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Turn Off Lights and Equipment

It’s always amazing when you drive by an office building at night and even though they’re closed, most of their lights are still on. While it’s true that lights add to the security of a building, it often isn’t necessary to have every single one of them switched on. Also, turn off lights in rooms that aren’t used very often. You can also solve the problem of forgetful employees by installing motion-activated lights.

Install Power Management

If your office uses a lot of computer monitors, then energy consumption is simply something you’ll have to live with to a degree. However, it’s a good idea to install power management software or simply pay attention to the software that you didn’t even know was installed. That happens quite a bit. This software will allow you to switch your monitor or other device to an energy-efficient mode.

Use Smart Thermostat Options

Today’s smart thermostats are extremely advanced. They allow you to curtail wasted energy with the use of remote access, date and time programming, energy usage reports, and other options. These units have energy saving features that can work wonders in lowering your electricity bill. Just keep in mind that Florida summers are quite warm, so your employees may want to bring a small fan for their cubicle or desk.

Inform Employees of Policies

If you truly want to reduce the amount of energy that your office is using, then you must inform employees of the policies that you’ve enacted. This can be anything from turning off the lights to keeping a fan at their desk, as mentioned above. Email will typically do the trick, but if certain things have become a problem, then you may want to post certain parts of the policy somewhere.

Ask for a Professional Audit

To get an accurate idea of what’s going on at your office in terms of energy usage, nothing beats hiring someone for a professional energy audit. This will identify problem areas, assess devices that might need replacement, and will include advice on how to improve your overall energy efficiency. It doesn’t hurt to have this process done every year or two, depending on your specific needs and budget.

Upgrade Your Equipment

Another huge obvious draw on energy is the equipment that your office uses on a daily basis. If you haven’t done so already, take stock of your current office equipment and replace any older computers or other devices with more energy-efficient models. Depending on how many of them need replacement, you could see a large difference in your monthly bill.

Pay Attention to the Bills

It’s impossible to get your energy usage under control if you don’t keep a close eye on the electricity bills. If you notice any big changes, then discuss with your employees why energy usage may have increased. And if you don’t have the money for a professional energy audit, take a look at your energy bills over the past year and look for any trends. It’s also a good idea to compare the same month each year and monitor any reductions or increases.

Contact Pinellas County Electric for More Ways of Saving Electricity in an Office

By following this list of ways of saving electricity in your office, you can lower your energy bills and your carbon footprint at the same time. Pinellas County Electric is the premiere commercial electrician in Pinellas County and can help you achieve your energy goals. If you would like to request your electrical services or have any questions, please call us at (727) 269-1982 today to schedule a free consultation for commercial electrical services.

bad-circuit-breaker-symptoms

7 Bad Circuit Breaker Symptoms Your Home May be Experiencing

15Jan
by Kevin Byrne  
0

What are some signs and symptoms of a bad circuit breaker?

There are times when electrical problems a homeowner experiences are actually the result of a bad circuit breaker. The problem is that a lot of people don’t know much about circuit breaker troubleshooting, which can lead to both inconvenience and added repair expenditures.

Delaying service can cause damage to worsen and may even lead to a dangerous situation, so it’s important to understand the signs of a problem. Let’s take a look at the most common bad circuit breaker symptoms you may be experiencing.

Burning Smell

The most obvious of all bad circuit breaker symptoms is the odor of burning circuitry, which indicates overheated wiring and insulation. This may or may not be accompanied by smoke. Regardless, a burning smell needs to be handled right away because this could very well indicate a severe fire hazard. Don’t try to take care of the issue yourself. Instead, call an electrician to ascertain the problem and get it fixed.

Hot to the Touch!

If something seems to be awry, but you don’t see any smoke or smell burning circuitry, carefully lay the back of your hand on the circuit breaker and see if it’s warm. If the circuit breaker is hot to the touch, this will also indicate that the breaker is overheating. If left unattended, this could also lead to a fire hazard. This potential hazard requires the assistance of a professional.

Physical Damage

Aside from a burning smell, physical damages are often the most prevalent of bad circuit breaker symptoms. Circuit breakers are resilient, but it’s possible for units to be hit by something or otherwise damaged by someone. It’s also possible that the exterior will show scorch marks due to problems inside the unit. If you notice any cracks, broken parts, scorch marks, or any other type of physical damage, this could cause a problem with the breaker itself.

The Breaker Won’t Stay Reset

It’s a simple fact that you’ll need to reset your circuit breaker from time to time if it’s been tripped. If you’ve reset the circuit breaker many times and now it won’t stay on without frequently switching off, then this most likely means the breaker has failed. You’ll need to hire an electrician to check the entire circuit. This is especially important, as a delay in fixing any damage could result in damage to the internal wiring.

Frequent Tripping

There’s nothing more annoying than a circuit being tripped. One second your lights are on and the next, you’re searching for a flashlight! Sometimes, this simply means that an outlet has been slightly overloaded by having either too many items plugged into it or possibly an overpowered device. If the circuit breaker is frequently tripping and there’s no obvious culprit, then it’s very possible that it’s an issue with the circuit breaker itself.

Years of Operation

Like all devices, circuit breakers will eventually run down and begin experiencing issues. If your breaker has been in operation for a while, then it may need a replacement even if you haven’t noticed any physical damage, burning odor, or other obvious signs. If in doubt, ask a trusted electrician to take a look at it and determine if the breaker should be replaced or repaired.

Contact Pinellas County Electric If You’re Experiencing Bad Circuit Breaker Symptoms

As a fully licensed electrician in Pinellas County, the team at Pinellas County Electric will assist you with bad circuit breaker symptoms, panel changes, wiring and installation, and other electrical projects and issues. To request your electrical service with Pinellas County Electric, give us a call at (727) 269-1982 today to schedule a no cost consultation.

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