Hey there, New England homeowners! Are you ready to stay cool and comfortable during the scorching summers?
In addition to making sure your air conditioners are up to the task, now’s a good time to think about upgrading your ceiling fans!
As your trusted local electrical contractor, we’ve seen all kinds of fans. They need to not only look good – but also run smoothly and quietly and be good at saving energy too!
In this post we’ll guide you through choosing the perfect ceiling fan to create a refreshing breeze while saving energy. So, grab a lemonade, sit back, and let us help you make the right choice for your home.
Size Matters: Assessing Your Space
Before purchasing a ceiling fan, you want to determine the appropriate size fan for your room: In larger rooms, you need a fan with a larger blade span for optimal airflow. Likewise, smaller rooms require fans with smaller blade spans.
Need a cheat sheet?
In rooms up to 60 square feet, look for a fan of 30-40″ span.
In rooms up to 140 square feet, look for a fan of 40-50″ span.
In rooms up to 350 square feet, look for a fan of 50-60″ span.
Energy Efficiency: Saving on Utility Bills
Like or hot, Northeast summers can be hot and humid. So energy efficiency is a top priority. Look for ceiling fans with the ENERGY STAR® label, which consume less energy while providing good performance. Energy-efficient fans can significantly reduce your electricity consumption and lower your utility bills in the long run, making them an smart long-term investment.
Lighting Options
Need more than just a fan? Consider whether you require additional lighting in the room where the fan will be installed. You can opt for fans with built-in lightbulb kits or those that are compatible with various lighting accessories like dimmers and timers. This allows you to customize the level of light and functionality to suit your specific needs.
Remote Control & Smart Features
Fans with remotes add even more convenience. On many models, you can adjust the fan speed, control the lighting, and even set timers, right from your remote. Some fans even offer smart features, enabling integration with home automation systems or voice-controlled assistants that you can use right from your phone.
We hope this guide has shed light on the importance of selecting the right ceiling fan for your New England home. At New England Electrical Contracting, we take pride in serving our local community and providing top-notch electrical services. Whether you need assistance with ceiling fan installation, maintenance, or any other electrical needs, our expert team is here to help.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalized service, professional installation, or expert advice tailored to your specific requirements. We’re committed to ensuring your comfort, energy savings, and satisfaction.
When it comes to your home’s electrical needs, it’s crucial to work with an electrician who possesses comprehensive knowledge and experience in handling various electrical systems. In a region as diverse as New England, where weather conditions can fluctuate dramatically from season to season, having an electrician who understands the unique electrical requirements of the area is important. At New England Electrical Contractors, we pride ourselves on our whole home experience, and here are four compelling reasons why you should choose an electrician with a deep understanding of the intricacies of New England’s electrical landscape.
Expertise in Diverse Electrical Systems
New England homes feature a wide array of electrical systems, each with its own set of requirements. From older homes with outdated wiring to modern smart home installations, the electrical needs can vary significantly. When you choose an electrician with whole home experience, you can trust that they have encountered and successfully addressed the complexities associated with different electrical systems. Their expertise enables them to handle any electrical issue efficiently and effectively, providing you with peace of mind.
Seasonal Preparedness
Living in New England means experiencing the beauty of all four seasons, but it also comes with unique electrical challenges. Extreme temperature variations, heavy snowfall, and thunderstorms can put a strain on your electrical system if it is not adequately prepared. An electrician with long-standing experience in the region understands the specific electrical details that need to be checked and addressed before each season arrives. They can help you ensure that your home is ready to withstand the demands of winter storms, scorching summers, and everything in between. We specialize in Generac generator installation and maintenance, just for such occasions!
Emergency Availability 24/7
Electrical emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, you need prompt and reliable assistance. At New England Electrical Contractors, we recognize the urgency of such situations. That’s why we take pride in being available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to handle electrical emergencies. Whether it’s a power outage in the middle of a storm or a sudden electrical failure, our team of experienced electricians is ready to respond promptly and efficiently, providing you with the support you need, whenever you need it.
Local Understanding and Reliability
Choosing an electrician with whole home experience means selecting someone who has lived and worked in the New England area for a significant period. They possess a deep understanding of the region’s electrical systems, local building codes, and regulations. This local knowledge is invaluable when it comes to delivering reliable and compliant electrical services. By working with an electrician who knows the area inside out, you can have confidence in the quality of their workmanship and their ability to handle any electrical task with precision and expertise.
Choose New England Electrical Contracting For Your Home!
When it comes to your home’s electrical needs, it’s essential to partner with an electrician who has whole home experience. The diverse electrical systems found in New England homes, coupled with the region’s ever-changing seasons, require a deep understanding of the unique challenges they present. At New England Electrical Contractors, we bring years of experience and expertise to every project. We are available around the clock, ready to assist you in emergencies, and committed to delivering reliable, top-quality electrical services. Choose an electrician who knows New England inside out, and experience the difference that whole home experience makes. Contact us today for all your electrical needs.
Business owners, you understand the importance of scheduled routine maintenance. From managing your property’s appearance to restocking essential supplies, you know that staying on top of these tasks is important so that everything keeps running smoothly. If you’ve already made the wise decision to invest in a reliable Generac generator to keep your business property powered up in the case of electrical outages, there are a few key maintenance aspects you should be aware of to safeguard your investment.
Maintenance How To
You’ve already had our pros at NEEC install and test everything, so you’re good to go, right? With the installation complete and successful testing, you can rest assured knowing that you have a reliable backup power source in case of emergencies. But what comes next? It’s time to prioritize the protection of your valuable investment through a comprehensive maintenance plan.
Inspect Your Generator
So, how often should you inspect your standby generator as a responsible business owner? It’s wise to perform a visual check monthly, address any immediate maintenance needs, conduct semi-annual inspections, and, at the very least, carry out a detailed annual inspection. While a quick visual check might seem self-explanatory and take just a couple of minutes, more comprehensive inspections are crucial to identify potential issues before they escalate.
Service Plans Keep Things Running Smoothly
Generators require regular maintenance for lube oil, battery fluid, coolant, and filters. Fortunately, with our service plans, ensuring the health of your Generac generator on your commercial property is a breeze. Take a moment to explore our two levels of service catered specifically to generators at your business location. We simplify the process by offering bi-annual or annual service contracts, removing any guesswork about your whole-home generator’s condition.
NEEC: Safeguarding Your Business and Property
A well-maintained standby generator will maximize the return on your investment.
At New England Electrical, we understand the challenges faced by busy business owners. Our maintenance plans have a proven track record of providing peace of mind, allowing you to confidently rely on your standby generator. Reach out to us via phone or through our website to schedule a free inspection and discover more about our tailored maintenance plans designed to meet the unique needs of commercial businesses like yours.
Having an electrical inspection might not seem like a big deal but it ensures the safety of your family and property. Electrical wiring undergoes wear and tear and does not last forever. Inspections ensure that they are in good shape before they become harmful. Additionally, electrical surges are common and not only may they destroy your appliances but they are also a huge cause of fire damage. Many states require homeowners to maintain a certain level of electrical standards on their own. Making sure you avoid any liability or legal trouble. Here are a few tips to make sure you pass your next electrical inspection:
Check Your Wiring
Make sure wires aren’t jumbled or overcrowded. Update any outdated wiring attached to new fixtures. Check that light switches work and are using the right wattage for the light bulb. Electrical boxes should be securely fastened and flush with the wall and large enough to fit all the wire conductors inside. Electrical panels and wiring should be free of damage, discoloring, or unusual smells. Check for signs of corrosion or water damage. Circuit breakers should also be properly labeled. They should be properly connected to the correct circuits and outlets in the home. Above all, fuses should work properly.
Proper Circuits
Make sure your home has the appropriate number of circuits for their electrical demand. Electrical appliances should have proper air circulation, be away from water, and dust free. Major appliances should be connected to their own circuits and not share an outlet. This is especially important in the kitchen where there are many electrical appliances in one room. Ovens should be cleaned at least every six months and kept free of combustibles.
GFCI & AFCI Circuit Protection
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) help reduce residential electrocutions by trapping electricity before they become harmful. Arc faults are a common cause of home fires so it’s important to protect these circuits as well. Make sure all kitchen and bathroom outlets have GFCIs and AFCIs. They should be tested monthly to ensure they work.
Keep Your Outlets Safe
Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) can protect children from potentially dangerous situations. Toddlers can easily remove plastic outlet caps and TRRs can provide further protection. Outlets that are loose, buzzing, discolored, warm to the touch, or not working need to be replaced. Extension cords should also be kept to a minimum and only as a temporary measure. They should not be used for powerful appliances such as heaters or air conditioners. When in use, extension cords should be free from cracks or frays. They should also not be hot to the touch in use.
Avoid the urge to DIY. Incorrectly fixing or installing electrical hardware is dangerous and can cause many more problems in your home. Have a question? The professionals at New England Electrical are here to guide you in all your electrical needs.
Cold temperatures tend to increase electrical usage. As a result, winters can be more dangerous when it comes to electrical hazards. Here’s how to keep you and your family safe this winter.
Conduct a Safety Inspection
Winter time is the perfect time to conduct an electrical safety inspection. Are the fuse boxes or electrical panels out to date? If your home is older, check to see if they need to be replaced. While they may not seem worn out, electrical panels need to be replaced about every 20-30 years. Ice, snow, and dangerous tree branches can interfere with the power supply so make sure outside lighting is kept clear. Make sure you’re prepared for power outages by knowing where to find the fuse box and keeping flashlights handy. Perform preventative maintenance on furnaces so avoid the use of portable heaters that can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Consider also how to properly store summer appliances, change out bad outlets, check for broken cords or overloaded outlets, and the placement of certain appliances.
Bad Outlets & Broken Cords
Loose, discolored, or smoking outlets are a sign that they’ve gone bad. Bad outlets can pose a fire risk. Electrical cords that are frayed or poorly insulated can also be hazardous as they can cause electrocution, fires, or other injuries. Check string lights and plug-in decorations before use. Sometimes pests or improper storage can destroy lighting that has been stored away for most of the year.
Proper Placement of Electrical Appliances
If you must use space heaters, they should be dust-free because dusty heaters can cause a fire. It’s also best practice to place these portable heaters in open spaces to prevent overheating. Firefighters also recommend placing them on tiles or hardwood floors as opposed to carpets. Light bulbs should also be kept away from plastics, upholstery, curtains, bedding, and other flammable materials. It’s best practice to never leave any electrical appliances unattended when plugged in. When replacing light bulbs, make sure to turn off the light and unplug the appliance. Make sure to use the right wattage to avoid overheating that could lead to a fire. Electric blankets should be checked for damage and turned off when not in use to avoid accidental damage.
Overloading Outlets
With more electrical appliances in use during the winter it’s important to make sure that outlets are not being overloaded. Too many electrical appliances plugged into a circuit can trip breakers which could cause power loss. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, overloading electrical outlets can start a fire. It’s best practice to plug in appliances directly into the wall socket and avoid using extension cords. If you find yourself running out of outlets or tripping breakers often, it’s time for an upgrade. Make sure to ask the electrician conducting the upgrade to install surge protectors, as these can help avoid damage during power spikes.
Generator Safety
Make sure generators run in a well-ventilated space outside your home. Do not connect a standby generator to the home electrical system. When using a portable generator, only plug appliances directly into the generator’s outlet. Lastly, generators should be started before plugging in appliances.
For professional inspections, outlet replacements, and electrical upgrades, contact New England Electrical today. We’re here to keep your family happy and safe year-round!
