Total Retrofit? Probably Not. Single Room Automation? Now We’re Talkin’!
A complete retrofit of an existing home to incorporate smart technologies for energy management and home automation can sometimes be overwhelming to Chicagoland homeowners, both in terms of cost and complexity. Because the energy and time savings from utilizing such systems can be significant, it is worth looking at lower cost solutions. One option is […]
Are You Smarter Than an Electric Meter?
“Smart” electric meters are electronic devices that track and record a customer’s electric use. Electric utilities have been replacing old, analog meters that are read manually once a month with new, digital smart meters that automatically capture information about electricity consumption and transmit it back to electric companies. Smart meters offer the following benefits and […]
If the Breaker Fits…It Still May Not Be the Right One!
Breakers…What’s the Difference? From time to time there may be a need to change a breaker or add one to your Chicago home’s electrical panel. Most electrical devices, like switches, outlets and such, can be switched out with another brand without any problems. Breakers, however, are brand specific and require the exact replacement type to […]
Electrical Receptacle Spectacles
Receptacles are a convenient way to plug all types of appliances and lighting into to supply power. However, these convenient devices have their share of problems over the years. Your Chicago electrical contractor can easily correct any of these problems and install new receptacles should the need exist. Here is a look at the many […]
Don’t Blow a Fuse Over a Tripped Breaker!
If you have ever had a problem in your Chicagoland home with a tripped breaker or a blown fuse that just left you confused on what to do next, don’t fret. The answer may be as simple as an overloaded circuit or a bad cord. Although you may feel resetting a breaker or replacing a […]
Electrical Inspection Room-by-Room Cheat Sheet
General Guidelines Electrical codes are in place to protect you, the Chicago homeowner. These general guidelines apply to new installations and will give you the basics of what electrical inspectors are looking for. Be sure to check with your local electrical inspector because Chicago codes may vary from the list provided. In the case of […]
Fight the Power (Save Some $$)
If you’re trying to decide whether to invest in a more energy-efficient appliance or you’d like to determine your electricity loads, you may want to estimate appliance energy consumption. Formula for Estimating Energy Consumption You can use this formula to estimate an appliance’s energy use: (Wattage × Hours Used Per Day) ÷ 1000 = Daily […]
Electric Power Meter: A Good Read
An electric power meter is a very accurate instrument that measures the amount of electricity you use. If you look through the glass enclosure, you will see a rotating metal disc. It rotates in proportion to the amount of electricity that’s being used at that time. The more electricity you are using at any given […]
Can’t Find Just the Right Lamp? Make Your Own!
If you can’t find just the right lamp to suit you or add interest to your Chicagoland home, consider making one. You can use almost anything for the base-a stack of old books, old crockery, a bottle, an old bobbin, even a stack of baseballs. The only criterion is that you have to be able […]
Purge the Surge in Chicagoland
An electrical surge is the equivalent to all of a sudden having extra blood and it bursting through your body, damaging all of the sensitive veins and capillaries. You wouldn’t want your laptop or 40 inch plasma television to have to go through an ordeal like that would you? Unfortunately, without some kind of protection, […]
