Tips for Saving Money on Electricity

You can save hundreds of dollars on electricity in the long run by using electrical gadgets smartly and efficiently. In this post, we have shared a few simple hacks for homeowners looking to reduce their utility bills. Let’s take a look:

Perform an Electricity Audit

Go through different electrical appliances in your home and look over at the current electricity usage. You can also call a professional electrician for an audit. Tell them what your goals are, how much you want to save on electricity and your current bills. They will inspect your house for leaks, insulation problems, and other issues that might be raising your utility bills.

A smart meter gives you a visual display of your total electricity usage and how much the electricity is costing you. Based on this data, you can find the areas where you can cut down the electricity cost. Now that you know how much electricity you are using every day, it will be easier to know which appliances must be replaced or what steps you can take to lower your electricity usage.

Unplug the Electrical Appliance that is not in Use

It’s a no-brainer, but it is surprising to know that a large number of people still leave their fans, air conditioners, and other electrical appliances plugged in when they are not home.  Think about the last time you used the DVD player or the old TV in your storeroom. Americans spend a considerable amount of money on appliances that aren’t in use but are left plugged into the outlet. Note that these appliances waste electricity by utilizing standby power (even if you are not using them).

Use Energy-efficient Appliances

Not everyone has a budget for solar panels, but if you can afford the upfront cost, a solar panel will be your best investment. It pays for itself in 2-3 years of installation. If that sounds too expensive, consider small investments. For instance, you can compare the energy efficiency rating of a washing machine, hairdryer, lights, and other appliances before making a purchase.

Some companies tell you the annual cost of running an electrical appliance, giving you a better idea of how much you will be spending on the product. It’s worth paying extra for energy-efficient items than buying cheap products that cost hundreds of dollars on energy bills.

Switch to LED Bulbs

Most homeowners buy incandescent bulbs because of their lower upfront cost. These bulbs are affordable and cheaper than LEDs, so people don’t think twice before buying them. However, if we see the long-term benefits, LED bulbs will result in considerable savings in the future. LEDs consume almost 90% less energy than traditional bulbs. This might not make a notable difference for small homeowners with 1-2 bulbs. But, if you have a large family, you might need 7-10 bulbs.

First of all, LED bulbs are designed to last up to 25,000 hours and longer. Incandescent, on the other hand, lasts 750 hours maximum. Think about how many incandescent bulbs you are going to need over the course of an LED’s lifespan. Add to this the extra you pay for the sky-high electricity bills. These are the reasons people are switching to LED bulbs, even if that means a high upfront cost.

Use Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat enables you to control your heating appliances remotely using your tablet or smartphone. This has become a necessity in today’s digital world when nearly every heating appliance comes with digital mode. In fact, some models come with a weather forecast feature, which reads the current weather and adjusts the heating temperature accordingly. These are much better and more efficient than traditional heating control devices, which are to be turned off manually.

With a smart thermostat, you don’t have to remember to adjust the temperature of the heating device morning and night. As mentioned before, the device adjusts the temperature based on current weather or your pre-programmed settings. Plus, these are not expensive. The cheapest model comes at as low as $20.

Replace Air Filters

It might seem inconvenient and a little difficult to replace your air filters every few months. But, if you are willing to make this small investment, it can save you a significant amount in the long run. Your HVAC units tend to run more efficiently when you replace the air filters regularly.

Check for Air Leaks

Do you notice the air coming in through your entrance door or windows on a windy day? Do you hear the whistling sound coming from your windows? See if the doors seal shut? These little things might not look important, but they can make a big difference to your energy bills. Ask people who live in places that receive scorching weather and extreme temperatures throughout the year. Even a small crack in your windows or doors can let the hot air in and the cool air out the door. There could also be a leak in the air ducts and plumbing areas. These problems can cost you a lot of money on energy bills.

Call Electricians for Inspection and Repairs

Electricity repairs and maintenance are not something you can DIY. Let professional electricians handle the job. If you are getting ridiculously high bills every month, there must be a problem with insulation and other electrical components. Only a professional can inspect your home thoroughly. Similarly, you should call a professional if your electrical appliances or wiring needs repair services. The sooner you call electricians, the more efficiently your electrical system works, and the less you pay for energy bills.

Call professional electricals on tel: +1 780-476-1413 and schedule electrical inspection or repair services. Follow the above tips for saving money on your energy bills.

The post Top Hacks for Saving Money on Electricity appeared first on Professional Electrical in Edmonton AB.

We provide full service for electric vehicle (EV) charger installation and maintenance for homes and businesses owners.

Professional electrical & controls Ltd install all types of EV chargers including Tesla, ChargePoint, Ford, FLO, Rivian, and more. We guarantee to follow all Edmonton building safety codes and quality assurance standards during EV charger installation works. We will help you select and install smart EV charging stations on your property in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Types of EV Charging Stations

1. Level-1 Charging Station
2. Level-2 Charging Station
3. Level-3 Charging Station

Level-1 Charging Station

A level-1 charging station is a basic charging station that provides power to electric vehicles using a standard 120-volt outlet. The level-1 charging station is preferable to install in the home because it is slow charging. Usually, the full charge of a car battery takes 10 – 12 hours.

Level-2 Charging Station

A level-2 charging station is a charging station that provides power to electric vehicles using a 240-volt outlet. Residential and commercial places are the ideal place to install level-2 charging stations. The typical charging time for a level-2 EV charger is around 3-8 hours to full battery. Level-2 is comparatively faster than the level-1 charging station. 

Level-3 Charging Station

A level-3 charging station is a charging station that provides power to electric vehicles using a 480-volt or higher at varying amperages depending on the manufacturer outlet. Ideal places to install level-3 EV charging stations are commercial, public, and industrial places. Generally, electric vehicles will be 80% charged in 25-30 minutes at the level-3 charging station. Once the EV battery charges up to 80% of its capacity, the charging process slows down to safeguard battery health.

Install an EV charger with your solar panel system

An electric vehicle charging station with a solar panel is a great way to serve our mother earth. EV Charging station with solar panels didn’t produce any greenhouse gases. Call us at +1 780-476-1413 to get a free quote for a solar panel and EV charging station installation in your place.

Residential EV Chargers

Level-1 or level-2 Electric vehicle charging stations are the best suites for residential places. The level-1 EV charging station will be worthwhile you have one electric vehicle. You can fully charge your electric vehicle overnight with a level-1 charging station. So, a level-1 electric car station is ideal for the homeowner. The cost for residential EV charging stations varies from 1,000 to 3,000 CAD.

Things to know when buying a home EV Chargers

Select weatherproof charger: When buying an EV charging station, ensure that the charging unit is durable. Ensure EV charger will last long in extreme weather conditions like rain, solar rays, and wintry weather after years of exposure.

Think twice about location and size: Many EV Chargers are big and bulky to move or require permanent hardwiring by electricians.

Many residential smart EV chargers provide wifi connection features. That allows you access to all functions of your charging device from your smartphone, personal computer, or tablet. You can start, stop and schedule the charging through the mobile APP.

Commercial and Public EV Charger

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and with that, the need for places to charge them is growing. Commercial charging stations are typically found in businesses, like car dealerships or gas stations, and are used to charge employees’ or customers’ electric vehicles. Public charging stations are found in places like parking lots or street corners and are open to anyone who needs to charge their electric vehicle. Commercial charging stations vary in price depending on the type of charger you buy. 

The most common type of commercial charger is the Level 2 charger, which costs around 2,500-8,000 CAD. Level – 2 Charging station is perfect for Apartments, Event Venues, Hospitals, Hotels, Malls, Shopping Centers, Parking Garages, Restaurants, Sports Facilities, Colleges, and Universities.

Whereas a level – 3 Charging station installation is perfect for the Gas station. Although, you can also think about level – 3 chargers in restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers. The cost of the level – 3 charging station depends on the size of the charger and cable path. Contact us for a free quote.

Process of EV charging station installation.

Step – 1: Contact Us

Call us at +1 780-476-1413 or fill out the contact us form and share your requirements and property address details. 

Step – 2: Site Inspection

Our electricians assess your property’s current capacity to power an EV charging station and recommend the best quality products to meet your needs, including compatibility with your charging station, charging speed, and portability. We will share the final quote and report once we finish the feasibility check.

Step – 3: Installation Process

We will take care of all permitting, procurement, and installation. Our experienced and certified electricians will visit your property on the scheduled date and time and install the charging station on time. 

Step – 4: After Installation

After successful installation of the electric vehicle charging station, our electricians will explain to you the working and troubleshooting steps to operate the EV charger. You can contact us at +1 780-476-1413 for any queries after installation.

Electric Vehicle Grants

You are eligible for a 5,000 CAD rebate if you have an electric vehicle. Find more information on the Zero-Emission Vehicles page.

Why Professional Electrical & Controls Ltd?

Professional Electrical & Controls Ltd has provided electrical service and repair work to Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, Beaumont, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, and areas in-between since 1992. We have experienced and certified electricians available to serve you 24 hours a day. We offer up-front pricing, same-day service, no emergency charges, and on-time services. Contact us at +1 780-476-1413 to start a conversation.

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Find the Best Electricians Near You

Whether you need to replace the outdated electrical units or install new wirings in your commercial building, you call a professional electrician to get the job done as efficiently as possible. An electrician executes a broad range of tasks—from repairing your power units to inspecting your house for electrical damage. However, finding the most reliable electrician for your residential or commercial needs is quite an overwhelming process.

5 Things to Look for Before Booking a Service Call

With a large number of electricians offering nearly all types of electrical repairs and installation services, it gets a little difficult to select the one who caters to your individual needs. If you are also on the lookout for the top electrician in your area, below we have listed things to consider when booking an electrician.

1. What Services do They Offer?

Check their website to get a better idea of the areas they cover and whether they serve residential and commercial properties. Some electrical companies cater to residential electrical needs, while others offer services to businesses, homes, and all areas.

They also offer renovation electrical services, in which the professionals recommend and install the best appliances in your place. They remove the outdated units and replace them with brand-new, energy-efficient, and pocket-friendly appliances. You can collect more information about the services by calling the electrical company.

2. License and Insurance

Most states require a license for electrical work. An individual can be a trained or qualified electrician, but they can’t be hired for any type of electrical work until they show their license. It is proof that the person you are hiring has experience in executing repair and maintenance tasks and has handled similar jobs in the past. Visit the official website of the electrical company to see whether they work with licensed professionals.

Check the license to see if it is valid. Does it show the proficiency of the electrician in the type of work you need? Insurance is another important requirement. Ask the company to show the insurance policies. You must check the policy to understand the coverage. Even the most reliable and proficient electrician can make costly mistakes. So, it’s important to know that the insurance company will cover the expenses if any damage occurs to your property during the installation of repair work.

3. Electricians for a House Inspection

Emergency electrical needs can arise at any time. People can’t differentiate between an electrical emergency or a temporary problem. For instance, the constant flickering of light doesn’t look like a big deal, but it can indicate a serious issue in your electrical system. However, most people don’t call help until the small issue turns into a serious problem. Basically, people hire electricians when there is an emergency.

It’s important to call an electrician every few months and conduct a full house inspection so that you can identify the problems at an early stage. The more you delay, the higher the risks will be. It is only a matter of time before a small flickering problem becomes a serious issue that costs you hundreds of dollars on repair and replacement. So, it is best to conduct regular electrical inspections and fix these errors immediately.

4. Training and Experience

You can’t trust a local electrician or a random person with your property’s electrical requirements. Even a small error can cost you hundreds of dollars in repair. Check whether the electrician is trained in the specific area. Some electricians have accreditations, while others have completed their training online or at a local institute. Depending on your requirements and the complexity of work, you might need qualified electricians with years of experience. Qualifications do not only mean the electrician knows how to work with ACs, heaters, and other electrical appliances, but it’s proof they have good knowledge of energy-efficient products.

They will recommend cost-effective electrical appliances that can save you tons of money on energy bills in the long run. This is important for both residential and commercial electrical needs. If you are going to run the HVAC systems and other appliances 24/7, you need expert advice when shopping for these units. You can find this information on the company’s website. Visit their page and check out the latest customer reviews to know how many people they have served, if the customers were satisfied with the job, what kinds of electrical services they offer, and if they have the necessary qualifications for the work.

5. Do They Offer Emergency Electrical Services?

A short-circuit or a fault in your wiring can cause a significant loss if not addressed immediately. The best electrical company is one that’s willing to cater to your emergency needs. Always check whether the company offers 24/7 services and if they can arrive at your location immediately when required.

Electrical emergencies mainly arise due to weather problems. There could be a problem in the main power supply panel or a component failure, which might result in a power outage. Even a small misalignment in your wiring can cause a fire hazard, resulting in serious damage to your property. Whether your home requires re-wiring or there’s a power outage because of poor weather, an electrical company must be available at your disposal round the clock.

Bottom Line

Call Professional Electricals in Edmonton at tel: +1-780-476-1413 and let the professionals handle your residential, commercial, and other electrical repair needs efficiently. The company offers 24/7 support and fixes nearly all types of electrical issues. Call them to explain your requirements and get a quote. You can also get a discount.

The post How to Find the Best Electricians Near You? 5 Things to Look for Before Booking a Service Call appeared first on Professional Electrical in Edmonton AB.

Professional Electrical & Control Ltd the Best Electrical Contractor in the Edmonton Region

Whatever the problem is, Professional Electrical & Control Ltd can help. It is your one-stop electrical repair, maintenance, and installation company, offering an extensive range of services at reasonable prices. Operating since 1992, the company has served the Edmonton region and the surrounding areas with the best and most affordable electrical services for years. We work with qualified, licensed, and certified electricians who have years of experience in handling all types of electrical work—be it a complex problem or a simple issue.

In this post, we have shared a few reasons why you should hire Professional Electrical & Control Ltd for electrical emergencies and other requirements in Edmonton.

Professional Electricians

The company has hired skilled, trained, and qualified electricians who hold valid licenses as proof of their proficiency in this industry. We understand how working with electricity can pose safety risks for your family. Our team makes sure that the job is carried out as smoothly and efficiently as possible. We understand your requirements and send the most proficient and skilled electricians to your place.

As long as you choose our services, you can rest easy knowing that our experts will handle the electrical units of your place with care. Most importantly, we are insured. Should any damage occur to your property during our service, our insurance company will compensate for the damages. Basically, that doesn’t happen because we offer a guarantee for our services. Our electricians are not only qualified but they are trained to work with different types of electrical systems and wirings. From short-circuits to replacement of the outdated HVAC units, we can do it all for you.

Emergency Services

Electrical emergencies are not uncommon. In fact, most homeowners have called an electrician for emergency work at some point in their lives. That’s because people don’t notice the misalignment of wires or incorrect installation of the electrical appliances. These issues often go unnoticed, but they turn into a serious problem later. Sometimes, a short-circuit causes a fire that needs to be addressed immediately.

For such issues, Professional Electrical & Control Ltd is always available. All you have to do is call us, tell us your requirements, and we will send our experts to your place immediately. Our company is open 24/7 and throughout the year, serving the residential and commercial property owners with the best work. Our professionals arrive with the necessary tools to fix the problem instantly. The best part is we don’t charge extra for emergency work. Just give us a call and we will handle the rest for you.

Reasonable Price

You don’t have to worry about paying more than you have to. Professional Electricals charge a reasonable rate. Our prices are fixed and might vary depending on the complexity of the services. One thing you can be assured of is that we never charge any hidden fees. We quote a fixed price and charge you the same once the work is done and you are satisfied. Give us a call to learn more about pricing.

Guaranteed Services

Not every electrician offers you a guarantee for the service. At times, you need to call multiple electricians just to get a small issue fixed. Never work with a company that doesn’t guarantee their work. What if the newly installed electrical appliance works only a couple of days and starts malfunctioning? Or, what if the electrician doesn’t repair the wires and electrical units as required? A guarantee is a must when it comes to electrical work. Even if it is a small repair or replacement, you should see whether the electricians offer a guarantee.

With us, you never have to worry about that. We offer a 7-year warranty for all types of control panel work, as well as, a 1-year warranty for the services. You can have peace of mind knowing that the electrical units will function properly for years. If you face any problem with our services, call us and we will be glad to assist.

Serving Residential and Commercial Properties

From installing safety devices to repairing your home’s electrical system, our experienced electricians can handle all types of electrical requirements effortlessly. Here’s what our residential services cover:

• Installation of light fixtures, thermostats, hot tub, spa, sauna, circuits, new outlets, wires, and other electrical and safety devices
• Rewiring of your house and garage
• Repairing damaged wires
• Service panel and LED upgrades
• Electrical troubleshooting and a full house inspection for electrical issues
• Meter or fan motor replacement
• Electrical renovations for your kitchen, bathroom, living rooms, garage, and other areas

Not only residential properties but Professional Electrical & Control Ltd serves commercial buildings as well. Just call us and let us know what’s malfunctioning and which kinds of repair or replacement services your office needs and we will be glad to serve.

Seniors Discount:

We are currently offering a seniors discount on all our electrical services. Having served Edmonton and the nearby region for 30 years now, we are proud to be part of this community. Find more details about seniors discount please visit our website. Fill out the form to get a quote. You can call us to know more about our latest discounts and special deals.

Bottom Line

Electrical repairs and replacements are no longer costly. With Professional Electrical & Control Ltd offering same-day electrical services, you will have peace of mind knowing that a professional is available at your disposal anytime you need. If any electrical emergency arises, feel free to call Professional Electrical & Control Ltd in Edmonton at tel: +1 780-476-1413. Get a quote and don’t forget to use a discount. We are happy to serve all residential and commercial properties in Edmonton!

The post Why is Professional Electrical & Control Ltd the Best Electrical Contractor in the Edmonton Region? appeared first on Professional Electrical in Edmonton AB.

Solar Outdoor Lighting for Your Yard

When it comes to going green with your energy, most people think about using solar panels, but these are quite expensive. If you want a cheaper and an efficient way to utilize solar power, install solar outdoor lights. That way, you will not need any power source except the sun. While solar lights are an eco-friendly and innovative way to light up your home’s exteriors, they come with a set of disadvantages. It’s important that you weigh the pros and cons of solar outdoor lighting before installing them in your yard.

How Can You Use Solar Power for Your Exteriors?

You have seen the solar panels installed on the roof of commercial and residential buildings. If you have used one before, you know how these lights work. They drive power from the sun and convert it into electricity. That’s how solar panels keep the lights in your house on. Now, solar-powered landscape lights work in the same way. The only difference is that these lights operate on a smaller scale.

These lights are available in various forms, including the strands of bulbs to small walkway and driveway lights. One thing that each pattern shares in common is the solar panel that’s installed on top of the light feature. Solar lighting has many advantages other than its cost-efficient nature. They brighten the outdoor living space and illuminate your patios, pathways, and driveways. You get all these benefits without having to rely on an electrical connection. Since it doesn’t involve any electrical connection, these solar power lights are pretty easy to install. But, are they good for all spaces?

Here are the benefits of using solar-powered outdoor lights for your yard.

No Need for any Electrical Connection

No electricity means there is no need for installing wires. You can install the lights wherever you want. It also means you can install in far corners of your exteriors where electrical wires can’t be used.

Easy Installation

You don’t have to call a professional electrician to install outdoor lighting, although it is highly recommended that you take professional help for a smoother and more successful installation. All you have to do is collect a set of solar-powered lights and hang them or stake them into the ground. Note that the lights will not work immediately. Since they operate on solar energy, it takes them time to get charged and work. However, depending on the sunlight your space receives on a specific day, you should be able to see the lighting effects at night. Wait for these bulbs to get charged fully, so they light up and enhance your landscape.

Great Savings Potential

The biggest advantage of these outdoor lighting is the affordability. You can enjoy long-term savings with these solar-powered outdoor lights. These are different from your regular wired lights that raise your monthly utility bills. You can keep these lights on an entire day without worrying about the electricity units increasing rapidly. These lights have no impact on your utility bills, making them the most economical exterior lights for your space.

Let’s say you use a 100-watt bulb strand in your exteriors and pay $70 annually. If you use solar-powered lights instead, you can keep these $70. Besides that, solar-powered lights tend to last longer than LED bulbs. These lights will work well for the 2-3 years before you need to replace the batteries. You also get sufficient time to make the most of your initial investment. The best part is that the cost of solar lights keeps getting cheaper as technology advances.

Minimal Maintenance

Since these lights do not operate on electricity, they require minimal maintenance. These bulbs have a service life of more than 20,000 hours, making them a perfect choice for homeowners looking for cost-effective and long-lasting lighting for their exteriors. These units are self-contained, meaning they don’t require any heavy maintenance or effort on your end. Give them a quick wipe once every few days to remove moisture, dirt, and dust buildup, and they will look as good as new. You also need to change batteries occasionally, but that’s only every 2-3 years.

Cons

Not a Bright as Wired Lights

Solar-powered lights might enhance your landscape, but these are not as bright as the wired lights. These bulbs offer as much light as a 40-watt wired bulb. There are brighter options available on the market. Although these lights are pretty good at brightening up your exteriors, they last for only a couple of hours. If you need robust lighting for security purposes, you should rather rely on LED bulbs that tend to last longer and deliver brighter lights.

Inconsistent Lighting

The biggest problem with outdoor lighting is that they rely on sunlight to operate. While they don’t need wires and electrical units to operate, these lights must be placed in areas that receive adequate sunlight. The dark patios and covered areas are not the best options for solar-powered lights. This also means that your solar bulbs will not be charged on stormy days. As soon as the light is out, you are going to have to wait for the next day so that these lights get fully charged in the sun. If you want consistent lighting for security purposes and brighter lights, your best bet is wired lighting.

Conslusion

Overall, solar-powered lights make an effective choice for areas that receive adequate sunlight. If these lights are charged fully, they will operate without any inconsistency or problems at night. For other parts of your space, you can use wired lights instead. Call professional electricians on tel:+1-587-604-6360 and learn more about the benefits of solar lighting. They will tell you whether or not it makes a good fit for your exteriors.

The post Should You Use Solar Outdoor Lighting for Your Yard? appeared first on Professional Electrical in Edmonton AB.