Category: Tips and Tricks

Earth Day: Energy Saving Tips to Go Green

Published on

 

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.

Storm Safety: Electrical System Preparations

Published on

 

As Northern Nevada enters the spring, chances of severe storms are higher than ever! We suggest you keep an umbrella on hand when leaving your home. However, your electrical system will need stronger storm protection. Severe storms are a known electrical hazard, often causing power outages and even electrical fires.

The Happy Outlet recommends that every Carson City homeowner follows storm safety for their electrical system. We have assembled a guide below detailing these preparations.

Monitor Your Circuit Breakers

  • Check the labeling on the electrical panel to determine which rooms go to which switch. If there is no labeling, contact The Happy Outlet to have a technician study your electrical system.
  • Keep track of the associated appliances connected to the circuit breaker.
  • Monitor your circuit breakers for any tripping during a storm. When lightning strikes a power line, your circuit breaker may shut off power to its circuit, known as tripping. Tripped circuit breakers place themselves in either the middle or off position.
  • Unplug any appliances from a circuit that has tripped. Doing so will avoid the possible power surge when the power comes back on.

Maintain Smoke and CO Detectors

Your smoke and CO detectors alert you to hazardous smoke and levels and help to give ability to escape in the case of a fire. According to the NFPA, lightning accounts for about 22,600 fires a year. That means you should have constant detection of dangerous smoke and CO levels at all times during the spring season.

  • Know every location of smoke and CO detectors, as well as their battery levels. Smoke and CO detectors generally require a battery change every 1-2 years, but this can vary on battery type.
  • Test your smoke and CO detectors once a month to ensure proper functionality. To test smoke detectors, hold down the button for a few seconds and if the alarm is loud and clear, your detector is working fine. CO detectors are tested the same but emit beeps instead.
  • If lightning has affected your smoke or CO detectors, often the alarm will sound for a few seconds before returning to normal. After the storm has ended, test the affected detectors to see their condition.

Whole Home Surge Protection

Lightning strikes are a known cause for power surges, which are massive spikes in your electrical current. Power surges can damage appliances possibly beyond repair but can be prevented with surge protectors.

Whole home surge protection is the most adequate form of surge protection, avoiding damaging your plugged-in appliances.

Contact The Happy Outlet for whole home surge protection services.

Have a Backup Generator

With storms being a leading cause for power outages, you’ll need sufficient backup power during potential blackouts.

Backup generators provide the necessary power that is needed during an unexpected outage, allowing you ample time to resume any necessary tasks or prepare. Backup generators come in a wide variety of sizes and wattages. You’ll need to determine what option is best for your home.

More information about backup generators can be found here.

Storm safety for electrical systems is a rule all Carson City homeowners should follow as we enter storm season. If you are ready to install whole home surge protection, contact The Happy Outlet today! Our electrical safety services encompass every aspect of whole home surge protection. Give us a call at 775-841-9473 to schedule an appointment and get started.

Spring Cleaning: Tidying Up Your Electrical System

Published on

 

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.

Buying and Installing your new Hot Tub

Published on

 

With Carson City weather changing from winter winds to spring breezes, the idea of buying and installing a new hot tub seems like a great way to introduce some spa-like comfort to your home. But be aware that buying and installing a hot tub isn’t as simple as turning on the jets and stepping in the spa. In fact, without taking the right steps, you could be wasting money on an expensive hot tub that doesn’t even fit in your home.

While you can spend hours traversing the internet to find information for buying and installing a new hot tub, why not let the professionals do the work for you? The experts at The Happy Outlet have provided the ultimate guide to buying and installing a new hot tub in your home.

Why do you want a Hot Tub?

Before proceeding, the first question you must ask yourself is “Why do I want a hot tub?” Hot tubs are available in a variety of designs and can be used for several reasons. Hot tubs are ideal for relaxation, meditation, medical and therapeutic purposes, with designs catering to all of these issues. First determine why you want a hot tub, and you’ll be on the right track.

Research the Hot Tub You Want

After identifying the reason(s) for a hot tub, you’ll be able to research accordingly and find the right one for your home. Most warehouse stores and home improvement retailers sell hot tubs at a reasonable price. Additionally, you can find local retailers that focus specifically on selling hot tubs. If a hot tub catches your eye, thoroughly examine its reviews, lifespan, additions, and warranties available. Be sure to check around frequently for any deals, and to ensure you’ll be paying a fair price for your spa.

Accommodate your Hot Tub’s Size and Location

Another important question you will need to ask yourself is “Will this Hot Tub fit in my home?” Often, hot tubs are placed on patios, porches, and backyards, and you must ensure your space can accommodate the hot tub’s size. After accounting for size, you must also consider how the hot tub handles weather conditions year-round, as well as determining if the installation area is flat and solid. Power and water sources must also be in proximity of your hot tub, and there should be adequate space for drainage. Consider these factors when researching your new hot tub. We recommend finding your hot tub at a nearby store, so you can precisely determine a sufficient location in your home.

Budget Accordingly

Hot tubs are an expensive investment, with prices ranging from $1,000-10,000. Hot tubs also require additional fees for delivery, installation, maintenance, and extras such as covers and water care products. Even after you’ve purchased your hot tub, we recommend saving an extra $500-1,000 to cover any additional fees you may be presented after installing it.

Installing your new Hot Tub

Installation is made easy with the experts at The Happy Outlet! After you have purchased the perfect hot tub for your home, give your Carson City electrical experts a call to install and configure your new hot tub and kickstart the spa for the spring season!

Ready to install a new hot tub in your home? The Happy Outlet is ready for you! Our electrical installation services guarantee you’ll have a backyard spa in no time. Give us a call at 775-841-9473 to schedule an appointment and prepare your backyard for spring!

How Important is Light in the Living Room?

Published on

Proper lighting is essential for any home. It is important to maintain balance between personality and the functionality of the room when it comes to lighting the living room. One can transform the entire atmosphere of their living room within the proper use of lighting. One should remember that lighting not only has aesthetic and mood enhancing values, but play an important functional role in illuminating important task areas in the living room.

Continue reading “How Important is Light in the Living Room?” →