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3 Home Electricity Conservation Myths

Tue, 11 May 2021 16:48:46 GMT

If you are like most homeowners, you likely try to limit your home electricity use when you can to help keep your electric bill low while also helping the environment. However, you may have heard some myths about electricity consumption that lead you to believe you are taking all the steps you can to minimize your use of home electricity usage when you really are not.

Read on to learn about three home electricity conservation myths.

1. Turning Lights On and Off Uses More Electricity Than Keeping Them On

One common electricity conservation myth is that turning a light off and on uses so much electricity that homeowners can conserve electricity by keeping commonly used lights in their home on all day long.

This myth stems from the fact that some light bulb types, such CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs, do consume more electricity in the form of an inrush current while being turned on than they consume when they are already on.

However, this period of higher energy use only lasts for about 1/120th of a second, so it is minimal. In fact, the energy the bulb uses during this small amount of time is equal to the energy an already-lit bulb uses in about three seconds.

So, unless you routinely turn your home lights on and off every several seconds, you will always save more energy by turning lights off when not in use.

2. Switching to LED Bulbs Is the Only Additional Way to Save Energy on Lighting

Switching from traditional halogen incandescent or CFL bulbs to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs is a great way to conserve electricity in your home. The average LED light bulb consumes just $25 of electricity during 25,000 hours of use, while a CFL bulb consumes $30 of energy, and a halogen incandescent bulb consumes $88 of electricity during this time span.

However, there are many more ways you can reduce the power used by your home lighting fixtures, including:

Choose clear bulbs instead of frosted ones. While the coating on frosted bulbs makes the light they emit appear softer, it also reduces the light brightness. After you trade frosted bulbs for clear ones, you can install lower-wattage bulbs that use less electricity without decreasing the brightness of the light.

Install dimmer switches. Dim lights require less energy to power than brighter lights. When you connect a light fixture to a dimmer switch, you can dim those bright lights when you would like to create ambiance in a room while also saving energy.

Dust light bulbs regularly. A light bulb covered in dust emits 50 percent less light than a dust-free bulb while consuming the same amount of energy, according to Consumer Reports. If your old light bulbs are dusty, you can replace them with less powerful bulbs for the same brightness.

In addition, if you tend to leave home lights on at night after falling asleep, add a timer to those lights that automatically shuts them off around your bed time to conserve energy while you sleep.

3. Turning Off Electronic Devices When Not in Use Is the Best Way to Save Energy

Many appliances and other electronic items in your home continue to consume energy even when they are turned off. This energy waste is often referred to as electricity standby loss, and the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average homeowner can save $100 on electricity every year by learning how to prevent this standby loss.

The easiest way to stop this energy waste is to simply unplug electronic devices and appliances when they are not in use. If multiple electronic devices are plugged into a power strip, you can simply unplug the power strip instead of unplugging each individual device.

There are many ways to conserve electricity in your home, so do not let these three myths get in the way of your household energy conservation efforts. Contact the licensed electricians at Presley & Son Electric Service for expert dimmer switch and energy-efficient light fixture installation today.

Minimize Dangers of Electrical Short Circuits at Home

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 13:48:29 GMT

An electrical short circuit occurs when an electrical current flows through its intended path and chooses an alternative, shorter path. An example is when current flows through an electrical range's body instead of confining itself to the usual path. A short circuit can cause electrical shock, damage, or fire. Below are some ways to reduce such risks.

Avoid Damaged Appliances or Wiring

A short circuit can occur if electrical damage allows a current-carrying conductor to touch another conductor. Here are some examples:

• An electrical connection in an electric kettle loosens, and a current-carrying wire touches the kettle's body.

• The insulation on an extension cable deteriorates, and the live wire inside touches your skin.

• Screws loosen inside an electrical outlet, allowing the neutral and hot wire to touch.

All the above examples represent damaged appliances or wiring. Thus, you can reduce the risk of a short circuit by avoiding damaged installations or appliances. Always check your electrical appliances and cable before using them to avoid damaged ones.

Be Careful With DIY Wiring

DIY electricians risk short circuits, especially if they don't have the right skills, tools, or experience. For example, you risk a short circuit if you don't tighten electrical connections as well as you should. Another example is if you use the wrong wires for your connections, and the current overwhelms them. Leave sensitive electrical work to professional electricians.

Avoid Electrical Overloads

Even sound appliances and wiring can experience short circuits if electrical current overwhelms them. In such cases, the excess current will look for alternative paths, creating short circuits. Thus, avoiding electrical overloads can help you avoid short circuits. Below are some tips that can help:

• Unplug electrical appliances during storms so that lighting doesn't overwhelm your electrical system with electricity.

• Don't plug too many electrical appliances into the same circuits.

• Understand your electrical appliances' ratings so that you don't overload the outlets.

• Don't rely on extension cords when your electrical needs increase.

Talk to an electrician to upgrade your electrical panel when your demand or usage increases.

Commission Regular Inspections

Electrical installations and wiring degrade with time. Accidents can also damage your electrical installations. Such damages increase the risk of short circuits, but they are not always visible. The only way to preempt related mishaps is to conduct regular electrical inspections.

For example, an electrician should inspect your wiring at least once a year. That way, you can replace damaged or worn parts before they prove disastrous.

Install Safety Devices

You should also install electrical safety devices that reduce the risks associated with a short circuit. Such devices include:

• Circuit breakers or fuses that cut off electricity in case of a short circuit

• Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) that cut off electricity if they detect an arc in the circuit

• Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) that cut off electricity in case the current in doesn't match the current out of a circuit

Note that these devices don't prevent short circuits - they only prevent the dangers (such as electrical fires) of short circuits.

Keep Water and Electricity Separate

Lastly, you should also know that water conducts electricity. Thus, you should always keep your electrical installations, appliances, or wiring separate from water. For example, you shouldn't:

• Touch electrical outlets with wet hands

• Tough electrical wiring or appliances when standing in water

• Use wet electrical installations

In case floodwater affects your electrical systems, let the affected items dry and have them inspected before using them again.

Residential electrical safety is possible when homeowners work together with electricians. At Presley & Son Electric Service, we pride ourselves in professional electrical services for all clients. We don't consider any job too small or too big for our experienced electricians. Contact us for a quote on any electrical service you need.

4 Tips for Protecting Your Child From Household Electrical Hazards

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 08:07:29 GMT

Whether you are expecting a baby or already have one who will soon be on the move, you need to take steps to protect your child from household electrical hazards. While all babies and small children should be supervised at all times, electrical accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

Learn four tips for protecting your child from household electrical hazards.

1. Install Tamper-Resistant Outlets

Every year, an average of 2,400 children are severely shocked or burned when they stick household items into electrical outlets. While many types of babyproof outlet covers are on the market today, none are foolproof and some, such as outlet plugs, can be easily removed by determined children.

The best way to protect your child from injury when sticking an item into an electrical outlet is to replace all of your outlets with tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs). These outlets resemble traditional outlets, but they have spring-loaded receptacle cover plates that cover the outlet slots when no electrical devices are in them.

These cover plates move to reveal the outlet slots when an electrical device plug needs to go in. However, if a child attempts to stick a household item, such as a screwdriver, into just one outlet slot, the cover plates will not move and will instead continue to cover the electrical slots to prevent insertion.

These outlets are very inexpensive, and some also have GFCI technology.

2. Hide all Electrical Cords

Electrical cords are also child safety hazards, especially when they are plugged in. Babies and young children can suffer electrical shock if they chew on these cords. In addition, children of all ages can pull on these cords, trip on them, and pull the electronic devices they are attached to onto the ground or, even worse, onto them.

For these reasons, hide all electrical cords from small children. While you can tape electrical cords to walls or floorboards, this solution can be unsightly. Instead, purchase a few PVC cord hiders from a local hardware or home improvement store and tuck cords into these cord covers. Then, secure them to your home walls with built-in adhesive strips to both hide cords and keep them out of reach of your child.

Contrary to what you may have heard, you should not hide cords underneath home carpets and rugs, because this can create a home fire hazard.

3. Unplug and Hide Phone Chargers When Not in Use

Many adults and teenagers not used to having young children in the home become used to leaving their cell phone and other electronic device chargers plugged into the walls when not in use. This is a habit your entire family should break when a baby or small child lives in your home.

Children can and have been electrocuted after placing the charging tips of plugged-in cell phone chargers in their mouths. A plugged-in cell phone charger tip can also electrocute a child if they place a metal object on or inside of it.

4. Add Childproof Covers to Power Strips

Power strips can be just as hazardous to babies and young children as unprotected wall electrical outlets. However, currently, no tamper-resistant power strips are on the market. If you find that you have to use power strips throughout your home to plug in all of the electrical devices your family needs, then consider having a licensed electrician install more electrical outlets in your home.

If you are not ready to add additional outlets to your home or only use a power strip on an occasional basis, then shield it with a childproof power strip cover. These devices cover outlets not in use to keep your child from inserting objects in them and cover plugs inserted into the power strip to keep your child from unplugging them.

Follow these four tips to protect your baby or small child from the most common electrical hazards in your home. Contact the licensed electricians at Presley & Son Electric Service for all of your household electrical needs today.

3 Signs You Have an Outdated Electrical System

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 13:05:53 GMT

While some homeowners may enjoy the benefits of a brand-new, custom-built home with state-of-the-art amenities, many others purchase homes that have seen many years (or even many decades) of use. These homes may seem perfectly functional in most respects while still harboring age-related problems, including electrical issues.

If you live in a relatively old home, you need to understand and think about the potential issues posed by aging or obsolete electrical components. Pay special attention to the following three issues, any of which may call for immediate service by a skilled electrician.

1. Ancient Insulation

Electrical wiring can only prove as safe as the insulation that surrounds it. The rubber or plastic material that covers modern wires confine the electrical current to the wiring material, helping to prevent electrocution and fires.

However, home electrical insulation has not always provided the protection enjoyed by modern-day wiring. In the early years of the twentieth century , many wiring systems used cloth for insulating material. These wires commonly ran through porcelain tubes mounted along wooden house frames, a system known as knob and tube wiring.

Before you buy a home built in the 1940s or earlier, have it checked for this ancient form of wiring and insulation. Your electrician can inspect old, cloth-insulated wires with safer alternatives. Since knob and tube wiring lacks grounding, your electrician may want to add this important safeguard as well.

2. Aluminum Wiring

Your home's electrical wiring need not date back to the Golden Age of Radio to create age-related concerns. Many homes built as late as the 1970s used aluminum rather than copper as the wiring material of choice. Builders initially favored aluminum for its relatively low cost compared to copper.

Unfortunately, aluminum wiring presents some serious problems. For one thing, it has three times the thermal expansion of copper, heating and expanding to a dramatic degree every time electricity courses through it. The frequent changes in size can cause the wiring to become exposed and loosened at connection points.

Aluminum offers less resilience and reliability than modern copper for other reasons at well. Not only does it bend more easily, but it also tends to suffer damage more easily when bent. Its vulnerability to damage makes it 55 times more likely to pose an imminent fire hazard than copper wiring.

3. Constant Power Failures

Any home can experience the occasional blown fuse or broken circuit due to a lightning strike, the use of an appliance that draws too much power from its source, or some other particularly heavy electrical load. However, if you find yourself plagued with constant electrical failures, you may need to beef up your antiquated electrical system.

The knob and tube wiring mentioned above dates from an era in which homes ran relatively few, low-power appliances. The introduction of modern dishwashers, coffeemakers, laundry appliances, and other power-hungry devices would quickly prove beyond the ability of such a system to provide the necessary energy.

Older homes typically offer less amperage than necessary to run multiple modern appliances. Many homes constructed in the first half of the twentieth century can't produce as many amps as modern homes and can't manage as high of volt outlets.

If your electrical system needs more power than it can currently produce or handle, ask your electrician to inspect your current system and make a load calculation to determine how much additional power you need. The installation of new volt outlets, circuit breakers, and overhead panels can boost your system's capabilities.

Don't let an outdated electrical system threaten your family's safety or limit your enjoyment of your home. Contact Presley & Son Electric Service to schedule an inspection and possible replacement of any suspect electrical components.

Energy-Saving Tips to Use While Cleaning Your Home

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 22:53:05 GMT

No matter who you are or where you live, your living space needs to be tidied and cleaned on a regular basis. And you probably do at least some of this work yourself. But if you've ever tried to clean house during a power outage, you may have realized just how much of your housecleaning uses electricity. And electricity can be expensive.

Here are some methods you can use to cut down on how much electricity you spend on housecleaning activities.

1. Upgrade Tools and Appliances

Upgrading to an energy-efficient vacuum cleaner can help you save electricity every time you vacuum. You can also look for high-efficiency replacements for other cleaning appliances and tools, such as your carpet cleaning machine, dishwasher, clothes washer, and any other electrical device you use for cleaning purposes.

2. Use Non-Electric Solutions Too

Did you know you can go non-electric for some of your cleaning needs? For example, you can sweep any uncarpeted floors with a broom instead of using an electric sweeper or vacuum cleaner. You can even clean small area rugs by taking them outside to beat them rather than using a carpet cleaner.

3. Save on Hot Water Heating

Hot water is an important staple in many cleaning activities, but you may be able to cut down on how much you use. For example, if you typically wash your laundry in warm or hot water, you may be able to wash most loads in cold instead. And when you wash pots and pans, you can use hot water for the wash and cold for the rinse instead of using hot for both.

Another way to cut down on electricity use is by upgrading your hot water heater to a more energy-efficient one. And check Energy.gov for tips about helping your water heater work more efficiently overall, with strategies like lowering your water heater's temperature and adding more insulation.

4. Combine Tasks

Sometimes, you can save effort and even electrical energy by strategically combining tasks.

For instance, you may find that the grime in your shower comes off more easily after you soften it up with a spray of hot water. You could then take the opportunity to clean the tub or shower right after your daily shower, so you don't have to re-spray it later and use more hot water.

5. Make Use of Cooler Hours of the Day

Although many cleaning tasks don't add much heat to your home, others may raise the temperature of a room significantly, which could increase your electric bill indirectly. For instance, running your dishwasher could increase the temperature in the kitchen (because of all the hot water and steam), which could trigger your AC system to use more energy.

Running the dishwasher at a cooler time of day could reduce the excess electricity used by your AC, since the AC can cool more efficiently and with less electrical expenditure during cooler evening hours.

6. Clean Air Efficiently Too

If you want to clean your air and save energy at the same time, look for an air-cleaning machine that offers high-energy efficiency ratings. Or to save even more electricity, forgo buying a machine and simply upgrade the air filters in your AC system (if you have AC ducts). Whichever you choose, be sure to change the filters frequently for best efficiency.

These tips can help you save electricity in your home, lowering your electric bill and increasing the eco-friendliness of your lifestyle — while still helping you keep your home tidy and well maintained.

Presley & Son Electric Service can help you install more energy-efficient appliances, assess your water heater for added energy-efficiency potential, and navigate energy-efficiency ratings on any new cleaning devices you're considering. Get in touch today to learn more about the full range of electric services we offer.

Safely Preparing Your Home's Electrical System for an AC Upgrade

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 19:00:07 GMT

Adding central air to your home can be a great way to enjoy cooler, more comfortable summers. Unfortunately, many older houses may not have electrical systems that can accommodate the demands of a powerful air conditioning unit. This fact can become especially apparent with Alabama's hot and humid summers.

If you're thinking about a summer HVAC upgrade, then your first step should be to contact an electrician to evaluate your home's electrical system. There are several crucial aspects of your home's wiring that you should consider and potentially upgrade to ensure that your new air conditioner can operate safely and efficiently.

Understanding Your Air Conditioner's Electrical Needs

When you install a new central air conditioning system, the outdoor condenser unit will require a direct connection of at least 220 volts to your service panel. Because of its high power requirements, your condenser will run on a circuit by itself.

Because your condenser unit has the strictest requirements, it is likely to be the primary driver of any electrical upgrade. Your service panel must be able to support an additional circuit, and your electrical service must be able to handle the installation of a new 220- or 240-volt connection. This new connection may require as much as 60 amps on its own, depending on your air conditioner's capacity.

Note that modern homes typically have at least 100-amp service, while older homes may have electrical service of only 60 amps or less. As a general rule, anything less than 100 amps will require an upgrade to support a modern HVAC system. Most residences will need at least 200-amp service to provide adequate power for the condenser unit along with other major home appliances.

Performing an Evaluation

Before you begin to plan your air conditioning upgrade, you should schedule a thorough wiring evaluation from a skilled electrician. Your electrician will check the current level of service to your home and determine whether you can add another circuit to your service panel. If your level of service is adequate but your service panel is full, you will usually be able to add a new subpanel for the AC circuit.

Additionally, this is an excellent time for your electrician to conduct a more thorough inspection of your home's electrical wiring. In particular, checking for proper connections at the service panel can ensure that your AC compressor doesn't exacerbate existing faults. Loose connections can result in voltage drops when an AC compressor engages, dimming lights throughout your home.

Upgrading Your Electrical System

If your electrician discovers any faults or inadequacies in your electrical system, then you will need to perform upgrades as necessary before going forward with your new air conditioning install. For older homes, this often means upgrading your electrical meter and service panel to accommodate 200-amp service. If your home is small or has only a few other appliances, then 100-amp service may be sufficient.

In either case, you must have a qualified and trained electrician perform these upgrades. Your utility company will upgrade your meter, but an electrician will be required to run a larger gauge cable into your home and replace your existing service panel. Since you're installing a new service box, you will also have plenty of room to add a new AC circuit without requiring a separate subpanel.

If you plan to retrofit a central air system in an older home, then Presley & Son Electric Service can help you to get your electrical system up to par. Get in touch with us to schedule your evaluation and service panel upgrade today. We look forward to working on your home's electrical system.

Electrical Problems That Cause Flickering Lights

Fri, 01 May 2020 13:16:02 GMT

Flickering lights often catch you off guard and quickly become an annoyance in the home. The flickering is often a sign of a much bigger problem. When a light flickers in the home, you could have multiple problems to deal with.

Learn about the various electrical problems and how to help pinpoint the problem and the next steps to take to find a solution.

Bulb & Socket Issues

Determine how many lights in the home flicker. If just a single light flickers, check the source of the problem. Turn the light off and ensure the bulb is properly screwed in. If a bulb is not tightly attached to the socket, the bulb could flicker. If the bulb still flickers, replace the bulb. If a new bulb flickers, then the problem has to with either the socket or direct wiring.

For example, if the bulb is a part of a lamp, the lamp itself could have damage. Switch the lamp to another outlet in the home. The lamp still flickers, the problem likely lies within the lamp. If the flickering bulb is part of a permanent fixture in the home, then an electrician would need to inspect a socket.

Damaged Electrical Wires

If more than one light flickers in the home, you could have a bigger electrical problem. Near the lights, you may have damaged electrical wiring. The damaged wiring could occur from years of use and deterioration, or animals like rodents may have chewed on and destroyed the wires.

Damaged electrical wires create major fire hazards in the home. Exposed wires could spark every time a light turns on. The sparks could eventually set a fire. One of the main signs associated with damaged electrical wires is when multiple lights flicker within the same room and the flickering only occurs in that single room.

An electrician can access the damage and replace the wires to prevent electrical hazards. When excessive flickering occurs, use the lights the least amount possible so you do not create dangers or more problems.

Loose Service Conductors

If lights randomly flicker all throughout the home, you may find the source of the problem from the main electrical panel in the home. Loose service conductors could create the electrical issues and also create the danger of starting a fire.

A full electrical inspection will include the electrical panel in the home and check out all the service conductors. The electric panel may need repairs, or an electrician can replace the loose conductors. Not only will you eliminate the dangers and stop the flickering lights, but you will have better power efficiency with new conductors.

Power Surge Issues

Whenever you turn on a large appliance, you may notice lights dim or flicker within that same room. Often when powerful appliances like air fryers or vacuums turn on, the power surge is too much for the system to handle and power is directed from other elements like lights.

While you easily get used to a quick flicker or dim when an appliance turns on, the process is not normal. The electrical panel in your home should properly handle the power surge and not create flickering lights.

An upgrade in an electrical panel may split the power source in rooms to multiple circuit breakers or update the whole system to handle more power. With the changes, your home will run appliances, hair dryers, and other high-power devices without running into so many problems. Outlet replacements will also help with power surges and ensuring bigger problems do not occur.

For more information on electrical repairs and services, contact us at Presley & Son Electric Service . We have multiple decades of experience and use our expertise to quickly diagnose and repair problems before the issues worsen.

Questions First-Time Homeowners Should Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 06:58:33 GMT

Is this your first time hiring an electrician? If you're a new homeowner or young adult who is finally on your own, take a look at the questions you need to ask before you choose an electrical contractor.

Are You Licensed?

You should always hire a licensed electrician. While you might find a handyman or self-proclaimed professional online, unless the contractor has a valid electrician license, you shouldn't hire them. If you're not sure why you need to choose a licensed electrician, these contractors:

Know the codes . Local building codes serve a purpose - to keep you and everyone else in your home safe. A licensed electrician should have a deep knowledge of local codes and how to make repairs or install new wiring and fixtures in accordance with them.
Have plenty of training . The more hands-on experience an electrician has the better able they are to do their job. To qualify for a license, an electrician will need to meet minimum training and education requirements.
Have the right insurance coverage . Licensed electricians have insurance coverage an unlicensed handyman (or friend who volunteers to fix your wiring) won't. This coverage protects you in the event of an electrical issue or damage.

To verify your electrician's current licensing status, ask them for their license number. Each state has their own board of licensing. Contact the board for verification. You can also ask the contractor for their liability insurance information. Not only will this prove they have insurance but the issuing company can also verify the electrician's license.

Do You Offer Special Services?

While it's possible your home may only need typical electrical services, such as receptacle replacement or lighting fixture installation, you may also need some services that are specialized. These may include:

Emergency services. Electrical problems don't only happen Monday through Friday during daylight hours. In the event of a nighttime or weekend issue, you'll need someone with 24-7 hours.
Smart home services. Do you want a connected home? If you want to wire your old home for new smart services, you'll need an electrician who understands and has experience with the technology.
Panel upgrade services. An older home may not have the power to safely handle your modern appliances, devices, and other electronics. Talk to your potential electrician about their experience upgrading electrical systems to meet higher power-draw needs.
Remodeling services. Do you have plans to remodel your home? Make sure your electrician can run new wiring to updated spaces, install lighting fixtures, and help you to complete all electrical renovations.
Knob and tube upgrades. Some older homes built between 1880 and the 1940s may have this type of wiring. While it's not necessarily a safety hazard, exposed and un-grounded wiring can pose a risk. Removal requires an experienced professional who understands this upgrade.

Along with these services your home may need other specialized electrical work. Discuss all upgrades, individualized services, and other issues you may need help with before you select a contractor.

Do You Offer a Warranty?

Whether you've always relied on a landlord to pay for electrical work, haven't lived anywhere other than your parents' home, or have never had to hire an electrician, you need to protect yourself financially. Not only do you need an electrician who charges reasonable prices but you also want a contractor who offers a warranty.

Ask your would-be electrician:

Is labor covered under the warranty or guarantee? Will you need to pay for a repeat job if the work fails prematurely? A labor guarantee should cover problems due to faulty workmanship.
Are major components, fixtures, or appliances covered? Warranties for lighting fixtures, appliances, or other components typically come from the manufacturer.
Are other parts covered? Make sure there's a warranty to cover other parts or equipment used to install or repair fixtures, wiring, appliances, and other electrical components.

Get the warranty in writing. If the electrician doesn't guarantee their work or won't provide you with a warranty for fixtures or appliances, you may want to find another contractor.

Do you need to hire an electrician? Contact Presley & Sons Electric Service for more information.

Increase Bathroom Safety With Electrical Outlet Upgrades

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

From curling irons to hair dryers, the electrical outlets in your bathroom may easily become a giant mess of tangled cords. Increase the safety and organization of items in your bathroom with the installation of outlet upgrades.

An electrician has the ability to upgrade your outlets to feature all kinds of options and designs to help fit in with your daily bathroom use. Learn about the various outlet locations and features to help increase the safety of your bathroom and prevent any problems.

Bathroom Drawer Outlets

A standard outlet may be located right next to a sink or vanity in a bathroom and is not often the most ideal location. As an alternative to constantly exposing the various plugs and outlets, you have the option to install bathroom drawer outlets.

The outlet installation not only increases the number of plugs in your bathroom, but creates a safer way to organize various bathroom accessories you plug in. For example, the drawer may hold a hair dryer. Simply pull out the drawer, plug the hair dryer in, and use the accessory without the need to extend cords across the whole sink or counter.

Each drawer in the bathroom may feature an outlet installation so you do not need to worry about mixing up cords. The organization will make daily routines easier as you know which drawer and outlet gets assigned to various devices like a hair straightener, electric brush, or a hair dryer.

Pop-Out Outlets

The mix of water and outlets always presents safety concerns, but there are ways to help increase safety while continuing the use of your wall outlets. An electrician may upgrade the outlets on your walls to popout outlets.

The outlets feature a flat surface and are even with the walls. When the center gets pushed in, the outlet pops out and a plug input appears on each side. The outlet is easy to operate and goes hidden from view when not in use.

Not only does the pop-out outlet provide enhanced safety features, but the outlet adds a sleek design to many bathrooms. The outlet color may be chosen to match the backsplash or wallpaper design within the bathroom.

Recessed Floor Outlets

When you use the bathroom, there may be a variety of items you want to use on the floor. For example, you could quickly increase the heat of a bathroom with a space heater. You may also have a towel warming rack that has to plug in.

A recessed floor outlet provides a safe solution for your outlet needs. The outlet is placed multiple inches within a recessed hole and comes with a cover to place over the outlet when not in use. The floor outlet panel helps prevent the need to extend long cords across the bathroom floor. The long cords could create a tripping hazard.

Bathroom Cabinet Outlets

Many people own items which need to stay plugged in or get charged on a daily basis. The items include electric toothbrushes and razors. As an alternative to just sprawling the items across bathroom counters, an electrician can install outlets directly inside a bathroom cabinet.

The bathroom cabinet outlets will save counter space and prevent further problems when too many cords get all tangled on the bathroom counter. One or two outlets in the cabinet should be more than enough so the cabinet itself does not become a tangled mess of cords either.

Organization is an important aspect of bathroom safety. The more organized you are, the fewer problems may occur in the future.

For more information on our electrical services, contact us at Presley & Son Electric Service . We have years of experience and can cater to your needs with a variety of bathroom upgrades and safety features.

Autumn, Electricity, and Ways to Save

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 21:20:19 GMT

With the end of the summer air conditioning season you expected to see your electric bills drop. But instead they've risen. Why did your electricity usage suddenly spike? If you have increased autumn electric bills, take a look at the possible causes and what you can do to save money.

Autumn Decorations

You don't have to wait until December to string the lights. Halloween decorations are popular picks that can literally brighten your home. The same goes for general autumn and Thanksgiving themed décor.

If you hang Halloween, seasonal, or other fall holiday lights (such as light-up ghosts or pumpkin strands) outside or inside your home, it's likely you'll see an increase in your electrical bills. The same goes for outdoor inflatables and other electric-drawing décor.

Even though Halloween or autumn electric décor can raise your energy usage, you can take steps to reduce your overall costs. LED light bulbs use less energy than incandescent, are more durable, and last longer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Along with LED bulbs, you can also replace high-usage Halloween lights/décor with battery-powered versions.

Home Heating

Now that the summer swelter is over, the time has come to turn up the heater. If you have a forced air heater, you may notice your electric bills gradually rising until they reach AC use levels.

Given the cool-but-not-cold autumn weather, you don't have to turn the heater to a high temperature. Try a middle of the range setting and turn the thermostat down at night. If the weather warms (which can easily happen during the autumn season), open the windows and let you're the temperature rise naturally.

When the weather does cool off permanently, seal gaps in doors and windows or cover the windows in plastic sheeting. Not only will this save you money now, but it can also lower costs as the season moves into the winter months.

If you want to see higher cost savings, take an inventory of what types of warming appliances and devices you use. While the weather is still somewhat temperate, skip energy-draining option such as electric blankets or plug-in heaters.

Yard Clean-Up

An electric leaf blower, mower, or other similar gardening/lawn care item can add to your energy bills. Even though these devices aren't likely to cause a serious spike in your utility costs, they can add to your home's overall electrical expenses.

To save money on your fall yard clean-up, choose battery or gas-powered tools instead of ones that plug in - especially if you have a large yard or clear your yard often.

Shorter Days

As the autumn advances the days get shorter. The lack of daylight may mean you use electricity more often. With additional lighting needs, you may see a spike in your bills.

What can you do to maintain a bright autumn interior? Try a similar strategy as you would to decrease energy usage due to Halloween décor lighting. Swap out old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Along with a light bulb swap, turn off lights in rooms you aren't using and open your window treatments during the daylight hours. Even though the days are significantly shorter in comparison to the summer season, you still have more sunlight hours now than you will in a few months.

Have you made changes, but still want to lower your electricity bills even more? New energy-saving appliances and other electrical upgrades may save you money now and for the other three seasons. Contact Presley & Son Electric Service for more information.

Wiring Your New Commercial Building

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 15:10:33 GMT

You have to take a lot of details into consideration when you are building a commercial structure from the ground up. One significant factor is the design of the electrical circuits. You need a full electrical design that illustrates how the wiring will run and how much power draw you will have on each circuit.

Your electrician will help you create the electrical wiring design. He or she will detail the circuits that you need and ensure that you have the wiring to support the daily demand. Here are a few things to consider during this process.

Know What You Need

Before your electrician can help you create the electrical design for the building, he or she has to know your needs. You need to detail your company's operation, including all of the electrical equipment that will run in the building.

If possible, show the electric bills for your last property. Those bills show the electrician the kilowatt demand of that building, giving them a baseline to start from for the new one. Detail anything that has changed between the old building and this new one so that he or she can make adjustments accordingly.

Provide details about the layout of the electrical equipment inside the building. Your electrician needs to know what equipment you plan to place where in order to map out the circuits and the wiring placement. Remember that new construction means building electrical wiring from the ground up, so the more information you provide, the better.

Review the Written Plan

Once you discuss your needs with the electrician, the information you share fuels the written electrical design plan. Your electrician will provide you the plan to review, but you need to understand it.

The overview contains a general summary of the electrical project. It illustrates your company's needs. Make sure the important details are covered here and address any that seem to be overlooked.

The general requirements section is the next section. You will find the basic wiring explanation, the placement of all of the outlets, and other information like this in the general requirements.

The infrastructure section explains the placement of all of the fixed lighting. The fixed lighting placement includes not only the position of the lights but also the wires that run to the lights and the ground that secures those lights.

The final section includes any special considerations. This section details any of the company's equipment that needs specialized electrical wiring or electrical supply as well as the measures taken to account for them. This section also includes any special grounding needs for your electrical grid.

Approve the Plan

The electrician will wait for your final approval before drafting the actual electrical design. The design is typically created in a digital format, making it easy to modify the final design until it details exactly what you need. You will have the opportunity to review that digital wiring design before it is finalized.

The electrical design will include specialized electrical symbols and short-hand, so talk with the electrician as you review it to ensure that you understand it correctly. He or she should provide you with a legend if necessary to help you understand the plan.

Creating the wiring infrastructure for a new building requires careful, detailed planning. The wiring design is a key part of finalizing this infrastructure. With the information here and an electrician to help you, you can complete the entire electrical design and transition to a solid electrical infrastructure for your new business.

Contact us at Presley & Son Electric Service today for more information. We will be happy to help you with all of your electrical wiring needs.

Electrical Safety Tips for Teenage Bedrooms

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 02:57:17 GMT

As the children in your home grow older, they often spend more time in their room. The amount of electronics in these rooms may increase as well. This includes personal electronics, televisions, video game consoles, and lights among others. Following proper electrical safety tips will help ensure teens are safe in their rooms.

Learn tips on using devices properly and having the upgraded necessities to prevent any major problems.

Outlet Upgrades

In an average teenage bedroom, they could have a phone, tablet, portable console, home console, and television all plugged into the outlets at the same time. Besides personal electronics, a room may include self-grooming products like a hair dryer or beard trimmer.

Plugs are easier to manage when outlets in the home are current. A number of outlet upgrades include built-in USB ports. By using direct USB ports as opposed to standard plugs, teens can prevent sparking or overloaded plugs. Problems like sparking may commonly occur, especially when teens might pull high-powered devices in and out.

The upgrades will give more room to plug in devices and prevent using extension cords or power strips. Overloaded outlets are a common cause for fires, and minimizing these issues will help keep your teen safe in the room.

Light Safety and Upgrades

Along with standard lights in the room, a teenager may have small lamps, mirror lights, or extra lights in their room. Typical light bulbs may get hot and cause fire hazards, especially in a messy room where papers and clothes are not well-organized.

To reduce the amount of heat from a light, upgrade your teenager's room with all LED lighting. Not only does LED lighting use less electricity than regular bulbs, but LED lighting does not heat up like those standard bulbs as well. And for teenagers who stay up late, an LED dimmer light allows the teen to adjust the light brightness as needed.

Lights are also useful for safety reasons. For example, you can use LED light strips just outside the bedroom in case your teen needs to use the bathroom at night. Adding small touches will help prevent incidents and also increase the safety in the home.

When choosing lights, you may select LED bulbs to go into traditional sockets or LED lights on their own. For example, LED floor lamps and desk lamps have LED bulbs in them. The bulbs also last a lot longer than traditional bulbs, removing the need for replacing bulbs on a regular basis. As your teen grows, they can use these same lamps in a college dorm or apartment.

Cord Safety and Organization

With every device or charger a teenager owns, a long cord often goes with it. Keep the cords organized to prevent cords from breaking or getting tangled. Organized cords also prevent any type of tripping hazards. Even cords stuffed behind a desk have the possibility of creating major problems.

Cords should be open to the air. If cords are covered with clothes, blankets, or books, the cords may overheat and create a fire hazard. A separate area in the teen's room should have an open space for the cords.

Discard and do not use older chargers and cords with exposed wires or excessive heat. Inspect cords every couple of months to keep up with their condition and prevent any problems building up over time.

For all of your electrical needs, contact us today at Presley & Son Electric Service . We can inspect your child's room and ensure everything is safe and up to code. We also welcome any questions and concerns you may have about electrical safety, products, and services.

3 Reasons for Electrical Fires, and How to Prevent Them

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 07:07:00 GMT

Electrical systems are the third leading cause of household fires, and electrical fires occur for many reasons.

If you're a homeowner, you can prevent electrical fires by maintaining a healthy electrical system. Understanding the common causes of electrical fires can help you take care of your home and avoid a fire on your property. Here's what you need to know about the common causes of electrical fires in residential homes.

1. Arc Faults

Arc faults account for almost half of the electrical fires every year. An arc fault occurs when an electrical current sparks between metal contact points. This happens because of degrading wiring in the walls of the house or because of the appliances being used.

Sometimes homeowners can hear evidence of an arc fault in the walls. If you've ever been in a house with a light or outlet that was buzzing or hissing, this was likely occurring because of an arc fault.

Arc faults can be prevented with an arc fault circuit interrupter outlet, known as an AFCI outlet. AFCI outlets look like GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets, with two buttons on the front to test and reset the circuit. AFCI outlets are designed to detect subtle fluctuations in current that could indicate an arc fault is occurring somewhere along the line.

If you're a homeowner who would like to protect your house from arc faults, contact a qualified electrician. They will be able to install AFCI outlets to help you protect your home.

2. Overloaded Circuits

Overloaded circuits are a particular problem in older homes. Decades ago, 60 amp fuse boxes were common in residences. Today, those fuse boxes do not provide enough electrical service for a standard household. Still, some 60 amp fuse boxes still exist in some homes.

Fuse boxes and circuit breakers are both designed to shut down when circuits overload. However, this function is easily overridden in fuse boxes. A homeowner who trips their fuse on a regular basis can get around this problem by installing with a higher amperage.

It's very hard to tell if a fuse box has been rigged in this way, unless you're a certified electrician. If you own an older home with a fuse box, previous owners could have done this to your fuse box and you would not know.

Have your fuse box inspected by an electrician. If your fuse box has been changed in such a way that fuses are routinely overloaded without breaking, have the box replaced with a modern circuit breaker.

3. DIY Electrical Upgrades

It's common for homeowners with some knowledge of electricity to make their own electrical upgrades and fixture installations. While a homeowner with minimal knowledge can successfully change a light fixture, many homeowners have little knowledge of building codes and electrical best practices.

The best way to avoid a house fire due to improperly performed upgrades is to hire an electrician for changes that are needed around the house.

DIY electrical upgrades pose a danger to residential structures if they're performed by a homeowner who has limited knowledge of the way electricity works. Hire a qualified electrician to ensure that changes made to the home's electrical system are done properly.

Contact a Qualified Electrician

If you're a homeowner who needs to make changes or upgrades to your home's electrical system, or if you're just concerned about the safety of your home's electrical system, contact a qualified electrician. At Presley & Son Electrical Service, we're happy to answer any questions you might have about maintaining a safe residential electrical system. Call us today to learn more about our services.

All About GFCI Outlets

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 18:28:38 GMT

You have probably heard that certain electrical outlets in your house must have ground fault interrupter outlets (GFCIs). Most people don't know much about GFCI outlets, even though these outlets are integral to electrical safety. Below is an overview of GFCIs and why you should have them in your house.

GFCIs Explained

GFCIs are devices that stop the flow of electrical current when the device senses a ground fault. A ground fault is a situation where the current that flows in the energized conductor (the hot wire) and the return conductor (neutral) is unbalanced.

In a normal situation, the current should flow through the hot wire, do its work in the electrical device or appliance, and return via the neutral wire. An imbalance occurs when some of the current leaks, for example, if the hot wire touches the body of the electrical equipment the electricity powers. Such a leak represents an electrical danger, which is why the GFCI stops it.

Outlets That Should Have GFCIs

As a rule, any outlet that is in danger of water exposure should have an integrated GFCI. Here are some of the specific locations where outlets should have GFCIs:

Bathrooms - The bathroom is an obvious location due to the perpetual presence of water.
Kitchens - Just like the bathroom, the kitchen also has a water presence (for food preparation and cleaning) that requires GFCI protection.
Basements - The basement is the lowest part of the house, which means leaks and flooding is common here; GFCI outlets provide necessary protection in case of an emergency like flooding.
Laundry rooms - GFCI outlets in the laundry room will protect you from electrical shocks if your washer malfunctions and exposes your wiring to water.
Exteriors - Rainfall and water from melting snow can easily affect your garden outlets, so ensure all outlets located outside the home have GFCI protection.

The above are just a few examples of locations that require GFCI outlets. The National Electrical Code (NEC), local building codes, and your electrician can all help you to identify all the locations that require GFCIs in your house.

Dangers of Non-GFCI Outlets

The need for GFCI outlets in the above outlets is both a legal and safety requirement. Below are some of the consequences you may suffer if you don't install GFCI outlets.

Electrical Shock

As we have explained above, a GFCI outlet cuts off electricity in case of a ground fault. The cutoff makes your electrical circuit safe even if the fault has created a dangerous leakage of electricity. Without the GFCI cutoff, the leakage current can flow through your body and cause a nasty or even fatal electrical shock.

Electrical Fire

The types of faults that GFCI outlets prevent can also trigger electrical fires. For example, if electricity flows through the body of an electrical appliance such as a microwave oven, the erroneous flow can cause a malfunction that may trigger an electrical fire.

Electrical Damage

Whenever electricity flows through an unintended path in a circuit, it creates a risk of electrical damage. The appliances or wiring in the circuit can overheat and get damaged or burn their insulations.

Code Violation Consequences

Lastly, you also risk many consequences of code violations if you don't install the necessary GFCI outlets. For example, the local government may order you to pay monetary fines if they discover the violations. Your home insurance company may also deny claims that the lack of GFCIs might trigger.

Now that you know about GFCIs, contact Presley & Son Electric Service to confirm whether you have the outlets in your home and that the outlets are operational. We can also help you upgrade or replace your outlets to make them safe and code compliant.

How to Maintain Electrical Safety in the Kitchen

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 18:50:43 GMT

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places in the house. High temperatures, sharp and pointed instruments, and a plethora of high-energy electrical appliances can all cause you serious injuries. Below are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of electrical danger in the kitchen.

Go Easy on Extension Cords

An extension cord is not suitable for permanent electrical connections. You should only use an extension cord for temporary electrical connections. Even for temporary use, you should confirm that you won't overload an extension cord before you use it. Don't forget that an extension cord only gives you extra outlets; it doesn't increase the capacity of an outlet.

Several things can go wrong when you use an extension cord on a permanent basis. For example, the cord can overheat, get damaged, or get overloaded. All those problems can trigger electrical shock or fire in the kitchen.

Use GFCI Outlets

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a safety mechanism that detects when current flows out of a circuit and cuts off the power supply. The GFCI thus prevents electrical shocks in several instances, for example, when moisture exposure causes a short circuit in an appliance. Your kitchen should have GFCIs outlets due to the high-risk of water exposure.

Use Dry Hands With Electrical Items

Water conducts electricity so it can create a short when it connects two or more electrical conductors. Don't touch electrical appliances or connections, such as outlets or cords, with wet hands. Otherwise, some of the water may drip from your hands, get into the outlet, and cause a short circuit.

Locate Appliances Away From the Sink Locate Appliances Away From the Sink

Keep your electrical appliances a reasonable distance from the sink. A reasonable distance is where normal water splashes from the sink cannot reach the appliances. Otherwise, water from the sink may affect your appliances' operations, cause an electrical fire, or even give you a nasty electrical shock.

Place Power Cords Away From Hot Surfaces

Your cooking appliances can burn and damage the insulation on your electrical cord. Damaged insulation would expose the hot electrical wires that can give you electrical shocks. Therefore, keep electrical cords away from hot surfaces or appliances. Don't wrap electrical cords around hot appliances since that would also cause heat damage.

Use Dedicated Outlets for Relevant Appliances

Electrical appliances that require a lot of energy should not share electrical circuits with other appliances. These appliances are generally major appliances that must have their own dedicated outlets. You can easily cause an electrical overload if you use one of these major appliances in a circuit that also has other appliances.

Ensure you plug each major appliance in its dedicated outlet. For example, don't plug an oven into a general outlet because the oven may cause an overload in the circuit. Don't use the same outlet for multiple major appliances in the same outlet even via an extension cord. Install additional dedicated outlets in case your electrical needs exceed the available outlets.

Don't Put Out an Electrical Fire with Water

If an electrical fire breaks out in your house, don't try to douse out the fire with water. You will only worsen the situation because water conducts electricity.

Switch off the electricity or unplug the affected appliance if you can do so safely. Use a fire extinguisher meant for electrical fires or use a heavy fabric (such as a blanket) to smother the flames.

Presley & Son Electric Service can help you ensure you stay safe in your kitchen. Contact us if you want to install, upgrade, or repair any electrical fixtures and installations in your kitchen or anywhere in the house.

Signs of an Electrical Overload and How to Solve It

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

An electrical overload can either affect specific electrical circuits or your whole house. However, many of the symptoms of an electrical overload apply to both forms of overload.

Signs of Electrical Overload

Your electrical system will communicate to you if you overload it. Below are some of the classic signs of an overloaded electrical system.

The Lights Flicker

An electrical overload will affect your house in various ways, but one of the first things you may notice is that the lights flicker. The lights flicker because they don't get adequate electricity since all the electrical appliances, fixtures, and electronics in your house share the available electricity supply. The flickers may intensify when you plug in more appliances; the lights may even go off.

The Breakers Can't Stay Up

Electrical breakers secure your electrical system by cutting off electricity if the circuit malfunctions. A short circuit and an electrical overload are classic examples of electrical malfunctions that trip up breakers. You should suspect an electrical overload if the breakers stay up if you unplug some of the appliances but then trip when you plug them back in.

The Outlets Overheat

An overloaded circuit may also overheat the affected electrical outlets plus their immediate environments. The outlets will overheat as they struggle to draw as much electricity as possible and their electrical resistance increases. After some time, you may notice that the affected outlets are warm to the touch, have a smoky smell, and are darker than they should be.

High-Powered Appliances Don't Work Properly

Anything that draws considerable power will be the first to be affected if the electrical demand in your house is higher than the supply. The high-powered equipment may struggle to start up or stay on. Power tools or anything with an electric motor is a good example of equipment that may malfunction in the face of an electrical overload.

You Use an Extension Cord Permanently

Even if you haven't noticed specific problems with your electrical system, you should suspect an electrical overload if you use an extension cord all the time. An extension cord is something you should only use temporarily, for example, when you need to extend power across the room. A permanent extension cord means the existing electrical outlets are inadequate.

Tips for Dealing With an Overload

An electrical system overload is a ticking time bomb that you need to diffuse as soon as possible. Here are some helpful measures to try.

Don't Use All Electrical Appliances All at Once

A temporary fix is not to use all your electrical appliances, fixtures, or equipment simultaneously. For example, don't turn on an electric heater, an electric water heater, light bulbs, the dishwasher, and washing machine all at once. Alternate your use of the equipment, particularly those that draw considerable power.

Use an Extension Cord Occasionally

An extension cord can help you distribute power consumption across different circuits and relieve the pressure on some circuits. An extension cord will help if the overload has only affected a few circuits and not the whole house. For example, use an extension cord to charge some items in the bedroom if the outlets in the living room are overloaded.

Upgrade Your Electrical System

The above two measures are only helpful in the short term. Upgrade your electrical system or supply as a permanent solution. For example, you can add more outlets in the house if only specific circuits are overloaded. However, upgrade the electrical supply and service panel if your overall electricity demand exceeds the supply.

You endanger your house if you don't fix the problem of an electrical overload. At Presley & Son Electric Service , we have the resources to fix the problem for you. If you suspect your electrical system is overloaded, give us a call today for a professional diagnosis and solution.

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4 Benefits of Replacing Your Electrical Outlets

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The outlets in your home have been used to power appliances and electronics for numerous years, but have you ever thought about the last time the outlets were upgraded? While we may periodically upgrade our televisions, hand-held electronics, and kitchen appliances, the outlets these items plug into remain the same.

Even though old outlets may function, they most likely do not provide the best power options and abilities. Upgrading the outlets throughout your home has several advantages, including both energy savings and better performance of the items you have plugged in.

Learn about the benefits of outlet upgrades and how these upgrades can improve every single room of your home.

1. Secure Outlets

Have you ever plugged something in and then noticed that the plug dangled or hung down a little bit? If a plug is not secure, you may be wasting energy and exposing part of the plug. A loose plug could create sparks and be a potential fire hazard. Replace your loose outlets so the plugs are secure and safe.

Loose outlets often occur due to wear over time. The aged electrical receptors will not perform as well, especially for the plugs on lights or chargers.

Newer outlets can also have locks installed on them. When something is plugged in, the lock prevents the plug from being yanked from the wall or falling out altogether.

2. USB Ports

While standard two-prong or three-prong plugs have been used for multiple decades in homes, a lot of modern technology and gadgets rely on USB cables for power. For most people, that means they will have to use an adapter to charge their electronics. Multiple cords are a tripping hazard and can be difficult to manage. With the installation of upgraded outlets, you can get rid of all your USB adapter plugs.

Newer outlets not only feature the standard plugs but also tend to have a number of USB ports installed. Because USB ports are smaller than outlet plugs, a single outlet has room to showcase four or more USB ports. In a home office, you have the ability to easily plug in phones, tablets, power banks, and other devices that need USB power.

The traditional plugs still work the same, and the USB ports are in locations where standard plugs will not interfere.

3. Outlet Location

One of the main benefits associated with an outlet upgrade is the ability to move an outlet's location or increase the number of outlets you have. Electricians will make sure your house is up to code, and accommodate your wants and needs when it comes to outlets.

For example, in your kitchen you may constantly find yourself switching plugs for appliances like toasters, blenders, toaster ovens, or coffee makers. Increasing the number of outlets available will help you to organize your kitchen as well as other rooms of the home.

4. Damage Restoration

Another benefit of replacing your outlets is getting to fix damage done over the years. For example, a cracked outlet plate may leave outlets prone to dust and debris buildup. The dust and debris could create a fire hazard when exposed to electrical shocks and elements. Replacing the outlet will remove this fire hazard.

Another form of outlet damage may have occurred through normal home upgrades and repairs. While someone painted the walls of a room, the paint may have seeped into an outlet. The paint can have an impact on how the outlet performs. Replacing your outlets will help ensure they operate correctly and avoid electrical problems in the future.

Contact us at Presley & Son Electric Service for all of your electrical upgrades, repairs, and needs. We have years of experience and a number of options for the outlets in your home.

Combating Summertime's Electrical Issues

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

While you try to relax and keep cool and comfortable during the peak of summer in Alabama, your home is probably working hard to maintain that comfort. Air conditioners, fans, and other electric methods of keeping cool are working around the clock.

Sometimes, the hot, humid days and nights can present unique challenges to the electrical system of your home. Here are a few of those challenges and what you can do to overcome them.

Proper Ceiling Fan Use

Having ceiling fans installed in your home is a great way to help a room feel cooler in the summer. Because they are hard-wired, they do not need to be plugged into an outlet, eliminating tricky cords and the potential to overload circuits. A simple flip of a wall switch and the fan begins turning.
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind if you want the greatest benefits:

If your fan is a combination fan and light, make sure the bulbs are LED rather than incandescent light bulbs. Each LED bulb will save you about $95 in electrical costs over its lifetime (based on electricity costs in Alabama in June 2018).
Turn off those fans when you leave the room. Running them in your absence will not lower the overall temperature of the room - they will only use more electricity. Ceiling fans work by moving air across your skin and helping you feel cooler, so you have to be present to benefit from them.
Make sure the fan blades are rotating in the proper direction for summer. The blades should pull the air down into the room. As you observe the fans in motion, they should spin counter-clockwise. Flip the switch on the base of the fan to change direction.

While you're getting the fan ready for summer, give the blades and light covers a quick dusting. Your room may seem a little brighter.

Tripped Breakers

If you live in a home with older wiring, you may experience frequent tripped breakers. This can become more apparent during the summer when you use your central air unit, window air units, or multiple floor fans to keep cool. Using several appliances at the same time can overload circuits in older electrical systems.

If this happens, you probably don't want to give up by unplugging your fans and air units. Instead, try to use other appliances like the microwave or vacuum cleaner at different electrical outlets and not at the same time. This helps ease the electrical demands for an older electrical system and breakers.

If the problem continues, it may be time for an upgrade. An electrician can easily add additional circuits to your breaker panel or do a complete rewire of your home. This way, you can use those appliances and fans when you need them without worrying about tripping breakers.

Brownouts

As the power demand during high heat increases in your area, you may experience a brownout. This is when your power dips and you see lights flicker or other appliances making strange noises. This problem is not something you as a consumer can fix, but you can do a few things to combat brownouts in your home.

To provide power to your home during power dips such as brownouts or a complete blackout, consider installing a residential backup power generator. This type of generator:

Starts and stops automatically when the power is out. This means you have continuous, uninterrupted power during times of power failure.
Provides between 5,000 and 20,000 watts of power, which is plenty for your appliances, lights, and central air unit.
Is safer than portable generators because it is permanently installed outside of the home. There is less risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

An electrician must install a residential backup generator because the generator is wired to an electrical transfer switch and into your breaker panel.

If you are interested in adding circuit breakers, updating your home's electrical system, or discussing the benefits of adding a residential backup generator, contact Presley & Son Electric Service. We can help you keep cool and comfortable this summer.

Electrical Safety Tips for Pool Owners

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As the temperatures in Mobile continue to rise, the start of pool season draws nearer. Time spent in the pool should be fun and relaxing, but most important of all - safe. You should put certain safeguards in place now and exercise a host of safety precautions when enjoying water play to reduce the risk of a dangerous electrical accident.

Learn what you can do to safeguard your family or friends during pool season.

Outlet Upgrades

Look around the exterior of your house and ensure all outlets near the pool area are equipped with groundfault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). GFCI outlets differ from standard outlets in that they continuously monitor the current flow passing through the circuit. When the current reaches a dangerous level, the outlet automatically shuts off.

A speaker plugged into an outlet that accidentally falls into the pool would cause the current to reach a critical level; with a standard outlet, this scenario could lead to electrocution or an electrical fire. A GFCI-rated outlet is especially valuable in this instance because it would automatically shut off, avoiding a disaster.

No-Go Zone

Establish a no-go zone for electrical devices. GFCI outlets are a critical safety tool, but electricity and water do not mix, so as long as electronics are near the pool, there is always a risk of danger. A no-go zone is a parameter for which you will not use electrical devices near the pool.

Make the entire pool deck or at least five feet around the pools' perimeter off-limits for electronics. The further these devices are from the water, the better. Restrict the devices you use around the pool to those that are battery-powered to eliminate the risk altogether.

Electrical Red Flags

Keep your eyes open for electrical red flags. One of the leading reasons for swimming pool shock is old pool wiring. Common indications of old wiring include flickering lights and the scent of something burning. If you experience any of these situations near the pool, or any other unnerving signs, do not get into the water; your safety is at risk.

The goal is to avoid these types of situations altogether, which requires a regular commitment to maintenance. As a responsible pool owner, you should have your electrical wiring inspected periodically even if you don't see any visible concerns.

No Pool Days

Powerful storms frequent the area every year, including thunderstorms and hurricanes. Ensure your children follow the rule for no pool days. Branches begin to sway and fall from trees with wind speeds in the twenty and thirty miles per hour range. In a neighborhood with overhead power lines, a displaced branch could hit a power line and send it crashing down.

Owners with pools near overhead power lines should classify windy days as no pool days, as accidents like this happen when least expected.

Extension Cords

Extension cords should be entirely off limits when in the pool, even if they are not in the no-go zone. Extension cords are especially dangerous in an outdoor environment because they settle in the grass, which makes them harder to see.

With an above-ground pool, pool water that seeps out near the cord will create a dangerous hazard. With an in-ground pool, someone could walk over the cord while wet. If you absolutely must use an extension cord, ensure it is outdoor-rated and position it in a way that makes it highly viewable to everyone.

Keep pool time fun; use this information to keep your entire family protected. For any additional electrical safety concerns, outlet installation needs or other wiring concerns, contact Presley & Son Electric Service. We are here to help.

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Do Your Own Home Electrical Repairs

Sat, 21 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As a homeowner, you might have learned to make some of your own home repairs and renovations over the years. If you are looking to make electrical upgrades or repairs to your home, your first thought might be to do the job yourself.

Doing certain home repairs on your own, such as by doing your own painting, can be a good way to save money. You might have even saved a lot of money over the years by doing many of your own home repairs. However, a few types of home repairs should only be done by those with experience.

For example, if you are thinking about repairing some of the electrical wiring in your home or if you want to install a new light fixture, you should hire a professional electrician. These are a few reasons why electrical home repairs and upgrades are generally best left for professionals.

1. You Could Get Hurt While Doing the Work

Risks go along with all types of home repairs. For example, you could always fall off of a ladder while painting the inside of your home. However, some types of home projects can be a lot riskier than others. Electrical work is one of them.

You can be injured in many ways while you're doing electrical work in your home. For example, along with the traditional concerns like ladder safety, you also have to worry about the potential for electric shock or electrocution. As a beginner, you might forget some of the important safety tips that go along with working with electricity, such as shutting off the circuit breaker before doing any work.

Because someone who works professionally as an electrician has gone through sufficient training and has experience, they can ensure the job is done safely. When you hire a professional, you won’t have to risk your personal safety.

2. You Might Not Do the Work Properly

Even though you might generally be handy with tools and good at household projects, you might not have the know-how to get electrical jobs done properly. Even minor mistakes with your wiring can lead to disastrous results. By making the wrong mistakes, you could cause even more serious electrical problems in your home. You could even put your home at risk of an electrical fire.

3. You Might Need Help With Permits and Building Codes

Depending on where you live and what the building codes are in your area, you might be required to have a permit in order to do electrical work. Additionally, you might be required to do things in a certain way to ensure that your home is up to code. An electrician will handle all of the necessary permits and can ensure that the electrical work is done so that it's up to code.

4. You Might Not Have the Right Tools and Equipment

Certain tools and equipment are required when you're going to be doing electrical work. For example, you should use insulated tools for safety purposes. You may not have these tools, and using other tools might cause you to make mistakes or put you at more risk of injury. If you hire a professional, they will have everything that they need to get the job done safely.

While you're planning any type of electrical project for your home, you should trust a professional to help you with that project. No matter how tempting it might be to make the repair yourself, you'll be glad that you hired a professional. Contact us at Presley & Son Electric Service so we can help you with your electrical project.

Want to Lower Your Electric Bill? How an Electrician Can Help

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If your electric bill is as much as, or more than, your new car payment, it is time to do something about it. There are many things you can do to reduce your electric usage. Set your thermostat to a slightly lower temperature in the winter and a higher one in the summer. You can also change the lightbulbs to a lower wattage or more efficient type.

However, if you want to make a big difference in your electric bill, contact a professional electrician. They will come to your home to do an inspection to determine the different things that can be done to help. While there, they will also perform any needed maintenance. In addition to the maintenance, here are a few other things they can do to reduce your electric bill.

Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to preset different temperatures for the day. You can have it set so that your heater or air conditioner does not turn on as often when it is not needed. For example, in the winter, have the thermostat programmed to turn the setting down during the day when no one is home and turned back up a bit before everyone returns, so the house is warm.

It is also possible to have a set of thermostats with one in each different zone of the house. These units will all connect to the main thermostat and the HVAC system. You can program different zones for different temperatures. The system will open and close dampers in the ducts to achieve the proper temperature in each zone at the appropriate times.

Appliances and Wiring

As appliances age, they lose their energy efficiency . In addition, older models were not designed to be as energy efficient as new ones. Your electrician can look over what you have and make recommendations as to what you need to replace to help lower your electric bill. It is usually best to have a professional install any new appliances to be sure the wiring can handle the load.

Speaking of wiring, what you have in your home may be causing you to use more energy than necessary. Old wiring is not only bad for your electric bill but could be a fire hazard. You may need to have a few more breakers and/or outlets installed to make things more efficient and to handle all the new appliances you use.

Lighting Fixtures

Having a bunch of lamps in the house is probably not the most efficient way to light the rooms even if you use energy saving bulbs. Lamps are generally placed in specific areas where light is needed, and the area they light is limited. It is better to have permanent light fixtures place where they can light a larger area.

Putting in new wires for the new fixtures will require the services of a professional electrician. You will probably need to have a few new breakers added to the electrical box too. The technician can help you with the best placement of the lights and explain the different types of bulbs for the best lighting and efficiency.

Even if you are taking all the simple steps to lower your electric bill, it is always a good idea to have a professional company like Presley & Son Electric Service come out and look things over. We will make sure that you are getting the most out of everything electric in your home. In addition, we can test the meter to make sure that the reason for the high bills is not something the electric company needs to fix.

3 Common Residential Wiring Problems That Need Correction

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Your home's electrical wiring is one of its most important systems, but it is also one of the most hazardous if neglected. Electrical codes, which are the rules and regulations that govern residential wiring, specify that certain procedures and standards must be followed when installing wiring.

However, electrical codes change over time, and what may have been acceptable in the past may no longer be considered safe. That is why you should take a look for possible wiring hazards that exist in your home and take corrective action. Below are three common wiring problems that you should address if you discover them.

1. Lack of Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlets

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is designed to detect voltage imbalances and shut down the flow of current immediately via a built-in breaker. These outlets are critical to the safety of home occupants because they prevent electrical shocks in areas where current leakage is likely.

For example, if someone drops a hair dryer into a bathtub, electrical current from the hair dryer may travel through the bathwater and cause a tragic electrocution. Ordinary outlets do not respond to this unexpected flow of electricity and will continue to put out current.

However, GFCI outlets are sophisticated devices capable of sensing a current deviation and will block the flow of electricity almost instantly. The occupant of the bathtub may still receive a minor shock, but the likelihood of them receiving a deadly jolt is unlikely.

You should immediately act to replace non-GFCI outlets located in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas with GFCI devices. GFCI outlets are reasonably priced, and an electrician can install new outlets in a relatively short period of time.

2. Reverse Polarity at Outlets

The narrow slot in a polarized outlet is attached to the hot wire, while the opposite wide slot is attached to the neutral wire. Modern appliances are designed so one wire inside the paired cord is internally designated as a hot connection. This wire is attached to a narrow prong that fits into the narrow slot on a polarized outlet.

Electrical current flow is kept consistent across the home's electrical network when outlets are wired properly for polarity. However, electrical shocks can occur if the hot and neutral wires are crossed inside a polarized outlet. The potential for shocks increases even more if either of the hot or neutral wires are mistakenly wired as grounded connections.

Homeowners can check for correct polarization by using an outlet tester, an inexpensive device that you can buy from hardware and home improvement stores. The outlet tester will provide immediate feedback to users by informing them if an outlet is wired correctly or not. Contact an electrician if you discover polarity problems with any of your outlets.

3. Missing Junction Boxes

Missing junction boxes are another common electrical problem. Electrical connections are made inside junction boxes, and they are critical for preventing bare wires from making contact with unprotected areas of the home. Wires enter junction boxes from any one of several openings and are joined inside boxes using wire nuts or other approved methods.

Junction boxes are sealed on several sides, but most have access plates that your electrician can remove should the need exist. In addition, properly equipped junction boxes need gaskets (bushings) where wires or cable pass into the boxes. These will prevent wires from being damaged by scraping against sharp edges.

Wiring connections may be difficult to find since they are often located in out-of-the-way spots, such as attics or basements. That's why you will need to contact a qualified electrician for help with searching for wiring connections not contained in junction boxes. Presley & Son Electric Service is available to assist you with this process and can also correct any problems with your home's wiring.

3 Reasons to Call Your Electrician Immediately

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Household electrical fires are a very real concern for homeowners. As many as 51,000 home fires are caused by electricity each year. Additionally, approximately 500 deaths occur as a result of faulty wiring or other electrical issues every year in the United States.

You can protect your family and your home by being able to recognize issues with your home's wiring and calling your electrician right away. Here are three electrical concerns you should make your electrician aware of immediately.

1. Loose Outlets

Loose outlets are not just irritating because they force you to constantly plug appliances back in, they can be a home fire hazard as well. Loose or worn outlets are a common cause of electrical fires in the home and should be inspected, repaired or replaced by your electrician if you discover one or more in your home.

Poor connections can cause appliances and other plugged-in items to only work every now and then. On top of that, loose wiring can cause sparks if they are accidentally touched. Call your electrician right away to repair the issue. They will remove your outlet cover and ensure the wiring is tight before allowing you to continue using it.

2. Flickering Lights

A malfunctioning circuit can cause the incorrect amount of electrical currents to run to your light bulbs — making them flicker as a result. If you notice one or more of your lights constantly flickering, after you have changed the bulbs and made sure they were tightly screwed in, then you need to call your electrician.

Mismanaged circuitry in a circuit panel is another cause of home fires. Therefore, flickering lights should be taken care of before they become a more dangerous situation. You may notice most lights on the same circuit flicker or blink on and off randomly, which is something you should tell your electrician about as well.

3. Hot Outlets

Outlets should not be hot or even warm to the touch. Some outlets in your home will only appear heated after an appliance has been plugged in for some time, such as a candle warmer or a portable heater. Others are hot immediately upon touching them — whether they have been used recently or not.

Do not ignore hot outlets or blame their condition on the heavy electricity use of the appliance. A hot or warm outlet is often a sign that the circuity behind the outlet is shorting out and not transferring currents properly, which can cause whole parts of your home to lose power if overloaded.

Your electrician will use a special tool to trace the wiring from faulty outlets to identify where your electrical wiring is loose or broken in connectivity. They can then repair and update wiring so you have the proper amount of power going to each outlet, which can reduce overheating and make your home much safer.

Electrical issues in the home should never be ignored. While a flickering light or loose outlet may seem like a simple annoyance, the underlying dangers of small electrical issues should be taken seriously and made known to your electrician right away.

Your electrician will want to inspect your breaker box, individual circuits and all areas of the home where lights, switches and outlets are present. That way, they can identify the cause of your electrical issues. They will make repairs or suggest wiring replacement as needed.

You can protect your family and home by making sure the wiring in your residence is updated and safe. Contact the qualified electricians at Presley & Son Electric Service for all your electrical installation and repair needs.

Want to Remodel Your Old Kitchen? Hire an Electrician to Handle Various Projects

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

While you may love living in an old home because of its unique characteristics, you may not like the old features in the kitchen. If you plan on living in the same house for many years, there is no reason to hesitate with remodeling the kitchen, especially when you enjoy cooking for your family.

When you start to make remodeling plans, one aspect that you are going to come across in almost every project is electrical work. You will find it beneficial to hire an experienced electrician, who can help you plan and suggest other improvements.

Upgrade the Electrical System

One option when you are remodeling your kitchen is to dive straight into the additions. But, an old kitchen means that the electrical system may be several decades old and in desperate need of an upgrade. It is easy to make mistakes when it comes to working on electrical projects, so you will appreciate the peace of mind that a professional electrician can provide when they upgrade your electrical system.

Also, you will want to consider your immediate needs as well as the future needs for this space. A group of professionals can analyze the plans and figure out what kind of electrical upgrades you need for a smooth outcome.

Install a Built-In Microwave

Once you have the electrical system upgraded, you can start smaller projects such as installing a built-in microwave. Having a microwave that you place on the countertop is effective, but it does come with limitations. One limitation is the size when you have a microwave built in, you can get a larger microwave. To avoid electrical or installation problems, you will want to have an electrician help you with setting it up.

Incorporate New Lighting

Remodeling your kitchen means that you will likely be spending more time cooking every day. It is beneficial to improve the lighting in the room so that it is easier to prepare meals. For instance, you may want to add lighting underneath cabinets; this lighting gives you just enough lighting for using the countertop.

A remodel is also an ideal time to install a focal piece, such as a chandelier, that can sufficiently illuminate a large island. Another feature that you should consider adding to the kitchen is dimmable lighting, which gives you maximal control over lighting. Dimmable lighting is best handled by professionals.

Switch From Gas to Electric

In the late 1920s, electrical stoves started to find their way into homes. So, if your home was built before then, you are most likely still using a gas stove. A major kitchen remodel is the perfect time to switch from a gas stove to an electric one. Electric stoves have many advantages over gas stoves, such as a flat cooktop surface, which is easy to clean.

Put in More Electrical Outlets

When you look online or go shopping at local stores, you will likely notice how many small appliances are available to purchase. If you want to incorporate more small appliances into your kitchen, you may need to add more electrical outlets so that you do not have cords stretching all along the countertop.

Even if you do not intend on keeping these appliances on the countertop, you will appreciate being able to use them almost anywhere in the kitchen and using multiple appliances at the same time, all plugged into different outlets.

Making improvements to your entire kitchen requires a lot of electrical work. When you are ready to start planning, or remodeling, do not hesitate to contact our team of professionals at Presley & Son Electric Service. We have the experience you need for your old kitchen remodel.

Electrical Appliance Safety Tips

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

From flipping a light switch to charging a mobile phone, we all use several different electrical appliances every day. Electricity makes our lives easier. Nevertheless, we need to be careful and keep safety in mind. The experienced experts at Presley & Son Electric Service care about your safety! When you’re using a device or appliance that requires electricity, you should adhere to some basic precautions.

These tips should help to keep you protected from injury:

Never use an extension cord that has exposed wires.
Make it a habit to switch off electrical appliances and devices when they're not in use. When you’re leaving the house or before going to bed, make it a routine to check that all electrical appliances not in use are disconnected accordingly!
Don’t overload an outlet with more plugs than it was designed to handle.
Use childproof caps in unused outlets to protect small children.
Always hire a professional to handle any electrical repairs or installations!
Keep all electrical appliances or devices far away from liquid. Most electrical accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water.
Avoid handing electrical gadgets with wet hands.

Need electrical services in and around Mobile, Alabama? Contact the experts at Presley & Son Electric Service. Whether you need lighting repairs, maintenance or surge protection, count on us! We have the right equipment, knowledge and the expertise!