Halogen bulbs have tungsten filaments (the glowing component) and are filled with halogen gas. They burn more hotter and brighter than regular bulbs, giving the appearance of clearer or whiter light. Halogen bulbs are more efficient and last longer than ordinary bulbs. Grease or filth on the surface of Halogen lights compromises their performance because they burn more hotter. Use caution when handling.
Fluorescent light bulbs include gas that “excites” when electricity is passed through them. The bulb will light up as a result of this. These lights are more energy efficient than Halogen or ordinary light bulbs and are available in a variety of colors. Fluorescent lights often require a ballast to control the flow of electricity through the light bulb because the light bulbs are gas-based. Many dimmers don’t function with fluorescent lights because of this.
Xenon lights are comparable to halogen lights, however they use Xenon gas instead. In comparison to halogen lights, they are often brighter and clearer. Xenon lights are a newer technology that can be utilized in cabinet and art lighting.
LED is the abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode. When current travels through LED lights, energy is released in the form of light. These lights save a lot of energy and are the next generation of illumination. LED lighting is common in electronics, but it is only recently making inroads into home illumination.
LED light bulbs are the best for conserving energy and last almost 2-3 times longer than the average light bulb.
A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a device that detects and interrupts a ground fault circuit. When it detects any energy leaking out of the circuit, it shuts power to the outlet. Essentially, when the gadget detects that electricity is being diverted away from the power system, it turns off the power. That’s a good thing, because sometimes that voltage gets inside a person!
To put it another way, GFCIs save lives. An electric shock causes the current to flow through the sufferer and away from the source. GFCIs detect this and automatically turn off. GFCIs have saved hundreds of lives since they were first introduced into the National Electrical Code. Two-thirds of the 300 residential electrical deaths that occur each year may have been avoided if a GFCI device had been properly installed, according to the US Consumer Safety Committee. The US Consumer Safety Committee’s Fact Sheet on GFCI Devices in the Home may be found here.
Kitchens, baths, and outdoor spaces, particularly those near water, are all required. Most jurisdictions also require garages, unfinished basements, and crawl spaces. Ground faults are more common in these areas of the house, and individuals are the most vulnerable to electrical shock. Did you know that only half of the houses we inspect have GFIs in the kitchen.
A button called “test” is located on the GFCI. When you press the test button, the outlet should shut off with a snap. To restore power, use the “reset” button. Replace your GFCI if it does not shut off when tested. Testing a GFCI with a GFCI tester is the only method to know for sure if it’s working (you can get one at your local hardware store). Our whole-house electrical safety inspections include GFCI testing.
Before making that decision, we recommend conducting a thorough safety inspection of the entire house. The age of the wire, the condition of the wire, and the safety of the home are the most essential concerns. Homes that have cloth wiring or don’t have a grounding system are instances of homes that should be rewired.
Cloth wiring is common in homes built before the 1960s. Cloth wiring deteriorates over time, exposing the live wires hidden beneath the cloth coating to the elements of your home. The kind and condition of your wiring system will be revealed during a whole-house safety audit. In the crawlspace or attic, you can also see your wiring. Look for electrical cables that go through the studs and rafters of your home.
No, we can completely rewire your home while leaving the Sheetrock unaffected. When an entire home is rewired, only a few 4′′ × 4′′ holes are usually required. Wire fishing through walls is one of our specialties, and we’ve rewired several homes without causing any Sheetrock damage. If you’re thinking of rewiring your house, give us a call and we’ll show you hundreds of excellent reviews and connect you with others who have had their entire house rewired.
We will work around you and your schedule, not the other way around. We’ll keep the power on and the air conditioning running in your home. It’s a little unsettling to have electricians in your home, but the increased comfort and safety in the future is well worth it.
We can usually rewire a whole house in approximately two weeks. This includes any inspections and labor that is required. Larger homes may take two weeks or longer to complete.
The first and most important advantage is security. A comprehensive rewiring eliminates any doubt that your property has an electrical problem. It also adds looping smoke detectors, a new panel, GFCI outlets, grounded outlets, and long-lasting plastic coated wire. Did you know that homes with modern wiring systems get better rates from their insurance companies? They are more aware of the dangers of aging wiring than anyone else.
The comfort factor is the second big advantage. Additional outlets are installed in every room, including bathrooms, as well as new outdoor outlets, switches, bathroom exhaust fans, ceiling fan boxes in all bedrooms, closet lights, a new electrical panel with complete labeling, and dedicated circuits for all main appliances and outlets. Essentially, your old home will have all of the amenities of a new home. Furthermore, now is an excellent opportunity to get recessed lighting and dimmers at a discounted price. A lifetime warranty is included with whole house rewires, so you’ll never have to worry about your electrical system again.
The resale value is the third key benefit. A totally rewired home increases the value of your property by thousands of dollars and attracts more potential buyers than other homes. Before purchasing a home, every buyer receives an inspection report including photos and opinions. For potential buyers, an antiquated and dangerous electrical system is a major red flag. A home with a brand new electrical system that has been approved by your county inspector is very appealing to purchasers.