Category: Energy Efficiency

Is Installing a Ceiling Fan Really Worth It?

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What if one appliance could make your room more comfortable, lower your heating and cooling bill, produce useful lighting, and add a splash of decorating style all at once? Would you be interested? Many people would be surprised to learn that the appliance is an affordable, time-tested ceiling fan.

 

Looking to install a ceiling fan in your home? Call The Happy Outlet at 775-841-9473 today.

 

Benefits of Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans offer a host of benefits to homeowners. These include:

 

  • Reduced energy costs: Ceiling fans don’t actually reduce the temperature of a room. However, the air they circulate can make a room feel three to four degrees cooler. By setting the thermostat a little higher to take advantage of the fan’s air circulation, you can save up 30 to 40 percent on your utility bill. Ceiling fans with the Energy Star label can help you save even more.

 

  • Added decorating style: With so many different kinds of ceiling fans on the market, it’s easy to find the perfect one to complement any decorating style. Ceiling fans for kids’ rooms are available in all kinds of themes from ladybugs, flowers, globes, sports, and more. A unique ceiling fan is not only functional, it can also serve as the focal point of a room. Some fans even offer interchangeable blades so that you can change the style of the fan without having to replace the motor.

 

  • Layered lighting: Most ceiling fans come with an added lighting fixture that you can use to add a beautiful, layered texture of light to your room.

 

  • Versatile placement: Ceiling fans aren’t just for the living room. Install them in bedrooms, kitchens, porches, or any room you want constant air circulation.

 

  • Year-round use: You might think ceiling fans are just for summer use. Not true. Ceiling fans have a switch on the base that allows the blades to reverse to help disperse warm air downward during the winter.

 

Looking to install a ceiling fan in your home? Call The Happy Outlet at 775-841-9473 today.

 

5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Reno, Nevada

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earth day in reno

It’s time to celebrate our beautiful planet: Earth Day is coming up on April 22! We are so fortunate to live near beautiful Lake Tahoe, where we can experience stunning views of nature while we remember to take care of our earth.

Our team at The Happy Outlet has gathered up a list of fun ways to celebrate Earth Day this year. We hope these events encourage our customers to enjoy and protect nature!

1. Tahoe Truckee Earth Day

April 20

Visit the Village at Squaw Valley from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on April 20 for Tahoe Truckee Earth Day. Celebrate the unique beauty of the Lake Tahoe area and enjoy live music, vendors, and raffles. This free event will include activities for kids from the Nevada Discovery Museum, plus live singers and dancers on stage.

2. Earth Day 5K & 10K Virtual Race

April 22 – 30

Run and record a 5K or 10K course in the Reno, Nevada area anytime from April 22 – 30 to participate in the Earth Day 5K & 10K. Registration costs $20 – $30 and includes a medal. 15% of registration proceeds will be donated to Wild Earth Allies to protect natural habitats.

3. Volunteer with One Tree Planted

April 27

Join students from the University of Reno and alumni from the University of Colorado in planting Jeffery pines in the Little Valley fire burn scar above Washoe Lake. One Tree Planted will provide the trees and supplies, you just need to bring closed-toed shoes. Partnering with this charity allows you to spend your Earth Day weekend giving back to the earth directly. The tree planting will last from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

4. South Tahoe Earth Day

April 27

Enjoy live music and festivities combined with educational presentations at South Tahoe Earth Day. Learn more about how to counteract climate change by recycling and conserving energy, watch live singers and dancers perform, or shop from local food and art vendors. Kids can work on some recycling-themed arts and crafts or get their faces painted in the Kid Zone. The event will last from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

5. Wild & Scenic Film Festival

April 27

After you’ve spent the day celebrating at the South Tahoe Earth Day festival, stick around for some fascinating films. The Sierra Nevada Alliance is hosting their 14th annual film festival in partnership with the South Tahoe event from 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival cost $15.

We hope you enjoy these five ways to celebrate Earth Day in Reno, Nevada.

Do you have big plans for Earth Day in Reno? Share them with us in the comments below or on Facebook.

Remember to conserve energy whenever possible. It saves you money and saves the planet! For energy saving tips, check out our blog.

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

 

How to Save Energy and Money in 2019

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How to Save Energy and Money in 2019

Fun Fact: January 10 is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day! While it might sound a little less exciting than Christmas or New Year’s Eve, this holiday can be a great turning point for saving money in the new year.

At The Happy Outlet, we love to help our customers save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprints. Here is our guide on how to save energy and money in 2019.

1. Remember to turn off your lights.

Turning off the lights might seem like an obvious way to save energy. But it can be easy to forget about closets or bathrooms as you rush out the door. Check the whole house for forgotten lights before you leave and your pocketbook will thank you later.

2. Remember to unplug your electronics.

Much like leaving lights on around the house, it can be easy to forget about electronics laying around. Phone chargers, computers, and other electronics that are plugged in have energy circulating through them even when they are powered off.

To help minimize your consumption of electricity in devices you aren’t even using, try plugging them in to a power strip. This way you can switch the power strip off or unplug it from the wall instead of having to hunt down stray electronics all over the house.

3. Use ceiling fans for temperature control.

Ceiling fans can help adjust your temperature year-round. Obviously they are an excellent source of cool air during the hot summer months. But did you know they can be useful during the winter, too?

Rotate the blades on your ceiling fans counter clockwise in the winter time. This will push warm air that rises up to your ceiling down into the room. Ceiling fans use a lot less energy than it takes to power your HVAC system.

4. Wash your clothes in cold water.

Not only does washing your clothes in cold water help protect the colors from bleeding, it also saves you money on your utilities. Generating heat forces your washing machine to use up extra energy that isn’t really necessary. Try washing your clothes in cold water and hanging up some of them to try to maximize efficiency (and prevent shrinking).

5. Switch to LED light bulbs.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that residential LED light bulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. They are also more durable and last up to 25 times longer. Widespread use of LEDs could save massive amounts of energy and money across the United States.

Even though the price tag for LEDs is higher, they will save you money in the long term. Since they last longer, you will see utility savings for years to come.

6. Invest in Energy Star appliances.

One of the best ways to reduce your energy consumption is to buy Energy Star appliances. These appliances from a wide variety of different manufacturers have been reviewed by a third-party team of experts at Energy Star and deemed the industry leaders in energy efficiency.

If you have any major appliances to replace in 2019, consider investing in Energy Star. They are often more expensive than competitors initially, but they can cut your energy costs considerably over the years.

We hope this guide helps you discover how to save energy and money in 2019.

When you look back at the end of a calendar year, it feels great to know you have saved money and helped the environment at the same time. We hope this guide inspires you to make energy saving one of your new year’s resolutions for 2019.

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

Ceiling Fan Tips and Tricks

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Ceiling fans are a blessing to have, especially if you know how to purchase and use one correctly. They can play an important role in energy efficiency and optimal comfort, as well as helping to increase the value of your home. However, to help achieve this, you want to be well-versed in the realm of ceiling fans.

The Happy Outlet recommends every Carson City homeowner learn some basic information on ceiling fans. To help out, we have created a convenient list on what to do when buying a ceiling fan, as well as when using one.

When Buying a Ceiling Fan

Determine Budget – Most ceiling fans are reasonably priced. But if you’re not careful, you may end up either underspending or overspending on one. We recommend having a budget of around $200-400 dollars, as you’ll usually find high-quality ceiling fans within this range.

Consider the Room Size – To get the most out of your ceiling fan, you want to make it a good fit for the room it’s going to be in. You can tell how large an area a ceiling fan covers by looking at its blade span (distance from one blade to the other that is directly across the fixture). Generally, blade spans of 45 inches are good for most bedrooms, while 60 inches are good for most living rooms.

Consider Number of Blades – The number of blades a ceiling fan has is important. The less blades, the more air it can blow, but this is at the cost of a noisier fan. More blades mean a quieter fan, but less air.

Check for an Energy Star Certification – If you’re buying a ceiling fan, you want to be sure it’s a certified Energy Star brand. This certification guarantees that the ceiling fan has reached a suitable level of energy efficiency.

After purchasing your new ceiling fan, you want to be sure you’re getting the most out of it. We have provided a few tips below.

When Using a Ceiling Fan

Reduce Cooling Usage – Ceiling fans use only about a fraction of your AC’s energy usage, since they cool through air distribution instead of conditioning air. Therefore, you can save on energy immensely by reducing your AC settings a few degrees and running the ceiling fan on high.

Reverse Fan Rotation During the Winter – Not only are ceiling fans a great addition to your cooling – they’re helpful with your heating too! Most ceiling fans come with the ability to reverse its rotation. There is usually a switch located on the side of the fixture that allows you to do this. Reversing the ceiling fan’s rotation helps to push the air down – allowing you to maximize the heated air.

Insulate Indoor Air – As stated, your ceiling fan relies on distributing air to provide cooling or heating. To help boost its performance, you’ll want to help reduce conditioned air escaping via doors and windows. Consider using weather stripping, door bottoms, and insulated curtains to help make your ceiling fan more effective.

Work your way toward becoming a ceiling fan expert by following this guide! And if you’re ready to install a new ceiling fan in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet for our ceiling fan services! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.

Related Links

Ceiling Fan Products – Energy Star

Energy Saving Tips for the Summer

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Sweltering heat and cranking up the AC seem to go hand in hand, but they don’t have to. Here’s a tip Carson City residents must remember: there is a way to beat the heat and save energy… and lower the electricity bill! The Happy Outlet would like to help you score BIG with these energy-saving tips for the summer!

Air Conditioner Efficiency

One of our blog posts talks about the efficiency of programmable thermostats. These will automatically adjust the temperature of your home while you’re away! Make sure your air filter stays clean in order to ensure the air conditioner’s maximum efficiency.

Proper Attic Insulation

Don’t forget the attic when it comes to saving energy for the summer. To keep heat from escaping through the ceiling to living spaces, check the insulation levels in your attic. This website provides all the information needed to check your insulation levels according to the area.

 Windows – Blocking the Heat

Closing curtains and blinds will help keep temperatures cool inside, while shrubbery outside of windows can help keep heat out. Using a window covering is a resourceful way to block the heat from entering your house by up to 50%!

Lighting – Energy-Saving Tips for the Summer

Switching to LED lights with the installation services we provide helps save energy tremendously. Other methods of saving energy with lights can be found in the following materials:

  • Outdoor solar lights
  • Security solar light systems
  • Solar lights for the pool

Save Energy with Appliances

Running the dishwasher at night will keep the heat out, especially if you air-dry the dishes to prevent added heat. Ditch the dryer by drying clothes on a rack or clothesline to save energy and minimize heat in the house.

Save energy and make your home up to 10 degrees cooler with a ceiling fan. We have installation services available to upgrade or repair your ceiling fan so you can save energy!

To reduce the temperature in your house, opt away from using ovens. Grill out and invite your friends over to keep the heat out of the kitchen!  You know what they say: “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen!”

Pool Energy Savers

Similar to air filters, pool filters need to be cleaned out as well. Make sure the right size pump is being used in accordance with the size of your pool. An energy-efficient water pump aids the water circulation to save more energy for the summer.

Follow our energy-saving tips this summer to use less energy and keep those costs down! Don’t hesitate to check out The Happy Outlet for ceiling fan and light bulb installation services – or call us at: 775-841-9473. We are happy to provide expert service to the Northern Nevada residents.

3 Types of Light Bulbs (and Their Energy Efficiency)

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Not all light bulbs are made the same. And when choosing the right lighting for your Carson City home, you’ll want to have an idea of the three major types: incandescent, fluorescent, and LED. While there are countless variations of these three types, it is important you first know their general differences.

The Happy Outlet would like to discuss the 3 major types of light bulbs available for your home, as well as their energy efficiency.

Incandescent

Being the oldest of the three, the incandescent light bulb has been around since the late 1800s. These light bulbs consist of a glass case, with a filament inside. This filament channels the electrical current, using the energy to heat up and provide light. This bulb is notable for being extremely hot to the touch when left on for a long period of time.

The incandescent bulb has the shortest lifespan of the three bulbs. Their lifespan is a measly 1,000 hours of light, which is a fraction compared to the other bulbs. However, they are the least expensive, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. They have the benefit of turning on instantly, and they provide a warm, comforting light with good color and contrast.

Energy Efficiency: Incandescent light bulbs are the least energy efficient of the three major bulbs. Since they utilize heat to provide light, they burn through energy more fiercely than their other counterparts. In general, if you would like to remain energy efficient, consider using the other two light bulb types.

CFL

CFL (Compact fluorescent lamps) have been available since the early-to-mid 1900s. They work by ionizing mercury vapor, which emits electrons in a gas. This then creates an ultraviolet light, further causing the bulb to glow.

CFLs have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. They last 6-15 times as long (6,000-15,000 hours) due to their more efficient electricity usage.  However, their initial cost is more expensive. Therefore, you’ll want to use CFLs for when you plan on lighting areas for long periods of time.

Energy Efficiency: Thanks to their innovative way to provide light, CFLs are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They use about 75% less energy, while having a much longer lifespan.

LED

LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are the most recently invented type of bulb, made in the 1970s. They emit light by releasing energy in the form of photons, filling little holes in the LED. These holes work in conjunction to give the bulb light.

LEDs are the longest lasting of the three bulbs. Their lifespan is measured differently from incandescent and CFL bulbs, as LEDs don’t burn out. Instead, they slowly dim over time. Overall, you can expect an LED to last about 50,000 hours before the light output is severely decreased. However, even when LEDs are at full power, they are not as bright as the other bulbs. Their initial cost is also the most expensive.

Energy Efficiency: Aside from being the longest lasting, LEDs are also the most energy efficient light bulbs! They use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and are Energy Star certified for purchase.

When finding the right lighting for your home, be sure you know the three main types. And when you are ready to install new lighting in your home, contact The Happy Outlet for our affordable electrical services. Contact us at 775-841-9473 to speak with Carson City’s electrical experts.

Earth Day: Energy Saving Tips to Go Green

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Earth Day is upon Carson City homeowners, and what better way to spend it than going green with your electrical system! Not only will this cut back on energy consumption and lower your utility bill; you’re helping to preserve the environment.

Celebrate Earth Day by following these energy-saving tips from the experts at The Happy Outlet!

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Heating up water in your washing machine accounts for 90% of its energy usage. To cut down on this, simply wash your clothes in cold water. Cold water can still wash clothes thoroughly and uses much less energy. Additionally, washing in cold water is better at retaining the fabrics in clothes. For harder-to-remove stains, consider hand-scrubbing them out instead of using heated water.

Hang Dry Clothes

Instead of piling loads of wet clothes in the dryer, hang dry them throughout the day. Not only does this avoid the use of any energy, you’re also avoiding clothes wrinkles and shrinkage. With Carson City reaching mildly warm temperatures, now is the perfect time to hang dry your clothes!

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat eliminates wasting energy in your HVAC system, which is beneficial considering it accounts for almost half of your home’s energy consumption. With this tool, you’ll be able to schedule temperatures and ensure you receive the desired comfort right when you need it.

For more info on using a programmable thermostat to save energy, click here.

Minimize Lighting

As soon as you leave a room, turn off all its lights. Not only will this save energy, you’ll be maintaining the bulb’s lifespan. Additionally, be sure that each time you leave your home all lighting is turned off.

Switch to LEDs

Traditional incandescent light bulbs are usually the least energy efficient type of lighting. Instead of letting them drive up the utility bill, switch to LED lighting as much as possible. Although they may not be as bright, LEDs consume a fraction of the energy incandescent does, while also possessing a much longer lifespan.

Limit Showering Time

Always choose a shower over a bath. Limit your showers to about 10 minutes. Doing so cuts back immensely on water usage.

Seal Doors and Windows

When doors and windows allow air to escape, your HVAC system must work harder to maintain your home’s temperature. Be sure all doors and windows are completely closed. Consider purchasing weather stripping to seal the edges.

Side Note: Be sure your fridge and freezer doors are also completely closed. Doing so prevents wasting energy and possibly spoiling food.

Utilize a Ceiling Fan

Instead of relying on your HVAC system to cool you down, utilize a ceiling fan to provide the same effect. Additionally, a ceiling fan can help you save money on heating as well. All you must do is run your ceiling fan in reverse, which draws out and redistributes heat.

Celebrate Earth Day by practicing these energy-saving tips! If you are ready to replace your lighting or install a new ceiling fan for energy efficiency, be sure you choose the experts at The Happy Outlet. We offer extensive electrical installation services to Carson City homeowners at an affordable cost. Give us a call at 775-841-9473 to schedule an appointment and get started.

Spring Cleaning: Tidying Up Your Electrical System

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Not sure how to begin spring cleaning? Start by tidying up your electrical system! Cleaning and organizing your electrical system can offer a boost in both safety and energy efficiency. The experts at The Happy Outlet want to make sure that you kick off the spring season right with a comprehensive guide for “tidying up” your electrical system. Add this to your spring cleaning list!

Practice Proper Organization

  • Always unplug appliances and equipment after use, as energy can still be drawn from plugged-in appliances (known as “phantom energy”)
  • Wrap up your extension cords before storing and use Velcro to secure them.
  • Store appliances in an airtight container away from any water source.
  • Never leave appliances in the bathroom or next to plumbing, as dripping water can get into the circuitry.
  • Consider labeling shelves with the appropriate appliance name to maximize organization.

Clean Out Your Smoke Detectors

  • Cleaning out your smoke detectors helps avoid false alarms from dust-buildup interfering with the sensors.
  • Dry your hands completely before cleaning your smoke detectors.
  • If the outer casing can be removed, clean the inside using a simple wet wipe.
  • The brush of a vacuum cleaner can be used to remove dust or debris from your smoke detector.
  • Be careful not to touch the wires or battery when cleaning your smoke detector.

Cover Your Electrical Outlets

  • Shielding your outlets provides formidable defense against dirt and dust compromising the plugs, as well as children inserting objects into the sockets.
  • You can use individual plastic electrical plug caps, or plastic covers to shield the entire outlet.
  • Consider replacing outlets with tamper-resistant receptacles, as these come with a built-in plastic covering to avoid unwanted insertion. Contact The Happy Outlet to install these new outlets in your home!

Dust Off Your Ceiling Fans

  • When your ceiling fan rotates with dust build-up, the room’s IAQ is negatively affected by the circulated particles.
  • Make sure your ceiling fan is completely off before cleaning and wait for the blades to stop spinning.
  • Use a feather duster to brush off and remove any dust from the top of the blades, as well as around the fixture.
  • If you would like to avoid using a duster due to dust falling on furniture, try a dry sweeping cloth such as a Swiffer.

Troubleshoot Issues with an Electrical Professional

  • After tidying up your electrical system during spring cleaning, schedule your next electrical inspection to ensure the actual function of your system is at peak performance.
  • Contact The Happy Outlet for your next electrical inspection to ensure only trusted professionals are handling your electrical system.

Kickstart your spring cleaning right by tidying up your electrical system! If you would like to install new tamper-resistant outlets, or are ready to schedule your next electrical inspection, contact The Happy Outlet today! Our electrical installation and safety inspection services can help your electrical system in your Carson City home. Give us a call at 775-841-9473 to schedule an appointment with your trusted electrical professionals.