The Electric Connection’s Blog

What is the Importance of House Rewiring?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

rewire older homeHouse rewiring or electrical rewiring is the process of replacing old, inefficient, hazardous, or unreliable electrical system. House rewiring provides an improvement to the performance of the electrical system and ensures electrical safety. There are several factors that determine when you need a house rewire. Ideally, a properly installed electrical system can last as long as 20 years but the use if the electrical system and type of wiring can affect its lifespan.

Old homes usually require electrical rewiring because most installations have been worn out or are outdated. House rewiring is a major task in many ways. It is costly and requires time and expertise of a professional electrician.

The importance of undertaking a house rewiring project is much more than electrical safety and reliability. Here are some of the major benefits and importance.

  1. Increase in value of the home
    Having a home rewired increases its value in the event of a sale. It is a big plus to know that the home’s electrical system is fully modified and safe. A house should be seen as an investment especially when you are a property manager. Electrical rewiring makes the home appealing to buyers, tenants, investors, and so on.
  2. Change what you want
    An electrical rewiring project gives you the best opportunity to make your home technology friendly. You can change old and worn out parts to be replaced with modern, up to standard parts. You can also determine the ideal spots you want sockets or outlets to be placed.
  3. An electrically optimized home
    An electrically optimized home offers maximum comfort, convenience, and safety. It provides dedicated circuits to most appliances, more control, and energy saving options for the home.
  4. Safety
    Safety is the primary reason for a house rewire. Old or faulty wiring can develop to larger problems that put life and property at risk. Electrical safety is crucial in every home. Hence it is advisable to call an electrician from The Electric Connection to inspect or provide rewiring services.
  5. To accommodate new appliances
    Some appliances can demand more power than your house is wired to offer. If you have one or more of such new appliances, then it is important to hire an electrical technician for a rewiring service. This will prevent any strain or damage to the present system.
  6. Electrical codes and standard
    An old house wiring may not be updated with the latest electrical codes and standard. Rewiring the home presents the opportunity to install systems that keep these standards. An experienced electrician will be able to rewire your home with knowledge on the current codes and standards.

A lot of people take the electrical system for granted despite its importance. To avoid accidents or dysfunction in the home, it is best to take the necessary precautions. A house rewire is a worthy investment but it can only maintain its value when provided by a licensed electrician. At The Electric Connection we are professional, licensed, and experienced electrical technicians. Contact us for your home’s electrical rewiring. We ensure that everything is optimized and organized the first time.

Where to Find Lighting Installations in My Area

Posted on | by K Hopkins

lighting installationLighting is the use of light for aesthetic or practical effects. There’s the need for adequate lighting all around us. Lighting can be from natural or artificial light sources. However, during most hours of the day, daylight is used to illuminate buildings.

Lighting installation primary refers to the use of artificial light such as lamps, light fixtures, and so on. It requires the expertise of an electrician to be placed or installed properly in the home. Lighting installation can most times require an established process. This consists of:

Auditing
The electrical technician would carry out an inspection or survey on the home or property to determine its complete lighting needs. This includes the exterior and interior lighting requirements, energy saving needs, aesthetic needs, practical lighting requirements, security lighting, and much more.

Consultation
After carrying out a survey on the property, the electrician would inform you on what is best for your lighting installations. From the audit, the electrical technician can determine what works best for your home and give you enough details to make informed decisions.

Lighting Installation
Following the consultation and your decisions, the lighting installation project will begin. A professional electrician would acquire the needed tools and materials to complete the installation process in a suitable time. Regardless of if your home is small or large, the procedure remains the same from auditing to installation. However, every home or buildings has its unique and specific lighting needs. Which is why an initial audit is necessary.

Importance of good lighting

Lighting is valuable to buildings, homes, workplaces, and so on. Its benefits can only be experienced when lighting installation is carried out by a licensed electrician.

Here are some benefits and the importance of good lighting.

Enhances productivity
Studies have shown that light can affect people in several ways. The most common effect is an increase in productivity. Workers can be greatly inspired, motivated, and encouraged by a well-designed lighting system in the workplace.

Adds value
A properly installed lighting system adds value to a home or building. It makes it appealing to potential investors and even regular home visitors. Lighting facilitates organization and beauty in any space. Well-lighted businesses experience more traffic than others because light increases desirability.

Security
Lighting plays a major role in the security and safety of any building. A well-lighted environment helps to deter intruders and give you a clear view of your surroundings. It can also contribute to alarm systems and other safety mechanisms in the home.

Energy Saving
With the right electrical technician, lighting installation can help to save energy cost rather than increase it. Lighting can be customized or installed to increase efficiency in the home or workplace while saving you from more bills.

You can get a complete and proper lighting installation service from a reputable electrical company or professional electrician. At The Electric Connection we can provide lighting installation services for any building. Contact us to get started and give you satisfaction.

Local Electrician for Electrical Services

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Electrical services are needed every day by homeowners and commercial buildings. It involves services for electrical wiring, panel upgrades, lighting installations, repairs, replacements, and so on. Electrical problems can be tricky and develop into hazards when handled by an inexperienced or uninformed person.

Some homeowners try to fix electrical problems themselves or call a handyman to fix the situation. None of this is ideal if you hope to have a reliable, safe, electric system in the home or a commercial building.

Local electricians are becoming more popular each day as the solution to most electrical problems or services. A local electrician can be a general electrician with the necessary skills to provide a broad range of electrical services. They are a flexible and beneficial option. When choosing a local electrician near you there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best services. These include license, experience, cost, availability and so on. When you are able to make the right choice, you get to enjoy the benefits. Here are a few advantages of hiring a reliable local electrician.

  • Experience
    Local electricians are usually more experienced than those with large corporations. This is so because the use of local electrician increases every day. Homeowners and property managers are able to hire or contact a local electrician easily to respond to their electrical needs. An experienced general electrician can offer you more services and also work faster with authentic information on your needs. This equally saves you cost and time.
  • Affordability
    Large corporations can be quite expensive. They have set cost most times and this can limit the services you receive. A local electrician has flexible cost options. Hence, you can get more electrical services at less cost.
  • Quality of service
    A licensed local electrician guarantees you quality service. They do not leave you with bigger problems in your electrical system. They ensure that everything is organized and you are satisfied with the service.
  • Save Energy
    Saving energy and reducing its cost is required now more than ever in homes and commercial buildings. General electricians with experience and the right tools can give you good options for saving energy. They can also help with installation or replacements on the electrical wiring to be sure you pay less on energy.
  • Knowledge of electrical codes
    Electrical systems must maintain the stipulated standards and codes for them to function properly. A local electrician is well informed on the electrical codes and standard required.
  • They get it right the first time
    Electrical problems can be frustrating if they occur frequently, especially after hiring an electrician. A professional and licensed local electrician gets it right the first time. They can identify the faults or needs of your electrical system and provide quality service to solve them. This saves you time, money and gives peace of mind.

The Electric Connection — Winner of the 2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Posted on | by K Hopkins

The Electric Connection Earns 2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award
Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Los Angeles, CA, 1/6/2019 – The Electric Connection is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List in 2018.

“Service pros that receive our Angie’s List Super Service Award represent the best in our network, who are consistently making great customer service their mission,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “These pros have provided exceptional service to our members and absolutely deserve recognition for the exemplary customer service they exhibited in the past year.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2018 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include maintaining an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angie’s List and undergo additional screening.

The Electric Connection has been listed on Angie’s List since 2006. This is the 13th year The Electric Connection has received this honor.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For over two decades Angie’s List has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angie’s List provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

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The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing homeowners and businesses alike with expert electrical services for over 35 Years. We’ve built a company of highly experienced, certified electricians to serve your electrical needs. There’s plenty of competition throughout Los Angeles, but we make it our policy to treat our customers the way we would want to be treated. That has gained us a great reputation. We’ll provide you with quality work at honest prices.

Should I Ask My Customers to Leave Reviews?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

electrician reviewsThe survival of most businesses depends on building trust and loyalty with clients. When a potential customer finds your service attractive, they wouldn’t be in a hurry to hire you because they still require some assurance that you are worth the investment of time and money.

Unfortunately, in an online business or website, you cannot be physically present to apply your skills of persuasion. This means that you must put a system in place to convert visitors to leads.

Business reviews are part of the most vital ways to convince a client that they can trust you, especially when you offer electrical services. Statistics show that about 85% of customers view online reviews from strangers and make their decisions based on them. Hence, electrical service reviews from satisfied clients help to grow your business and establish your brand authority.

Although customer reviews are important, they are not so easy to get. As an electrical contractor, you may wonder if it is okay to ask your customers for reviews. The answer is yes. Some clients are reluctant to leave reviews while others may forget all about it. When you have a client that doesn’t leave a review, you have to develop a way to encourage them or ask subtly.

If you have been in an online business long enough, you would discover that asking customers for reviews may be beneficial but it is also daunting. Here are some tips on how to ask customers for reviews.

  • Engage your Clients
    Customers are more likely to leave reviews- and positive ones – if you engage them on a personal level. Try to connect with clients fully and ask questions that show your concern for their satisfaction. This rapport makes it easier to encourage clients to leave reviews.
  • Review Emails
    Asking for electrical service reviews via email requires a direct approach. You can put together a message body that says how glad you are to work with the client. Include something about the importance of reviews and subtly ask for one.
  • Ask when you receive customer praise
    Some satisfied clients may find it difficult to dismiss their joy. They can offer praises after the job is completed. Take this opportunity to ask them for feedback or review. Ensure that you respond politely and with equal gladness to hear of their satisfaction. When this conversation is established, request that they take a few seconds to show this satisfaction in a written review.
  • Provide links
    To make clients feel comfortable with leaving reviews, you can provide direct links in an email or message to them. This lessens the chances of reluctance and allows the client to leave a review without hassle or wasting precious time.
  • Never Push
    Despite your efforts to create a seamless system where customers can leave electrical service reviews, there would be those that are quite determined not to leave one. When you encounter such clients, there’s no need to push or force them. Simply let it go and encourage them towards return patronage.

There’s is a fine line between asking for an electrical service review and demanding one. While it is fine to develop ways to ask your clients to give reviews, it is wrong to use pressure. Employ suitable tips and be sure to learn what works best for you.

Are Extension Cords Safe For Permanent Use

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

permanent use extension cordThe short answer here is: no. But when it comes to convenience, we want more than just a short answer.

Extension cords are built for convenience but also built for temporary use. The problem with extension cords is that they are not listed, labeled, or rated for long-term use. The Uniform Fire Code states that these types of cords are intended for the temporary and immediate use of an appliance and are not to be permanently “installed”.

If you are constantly finding yourself relying on the use of extension cords, your best bet it to have an additional outlet installed where you need it the most.

There may be another option for you if installing new outlets is out of the picture. Power strips with circuit breakers or breaker switches are approved for long-term use. Since these strips have built-in surge protectors, they are safe to use for longer periods of time.

Again, there may be issues when it comes to using power strips — as with all devices. Even though the power strips intended for long-term use have built-in circuit breakers, overloading these devices can cause problems. If you plug in too many devices, especially device varying in power needs, you can find yourself facing a real problem. Overloading the wiring can cause fires. Be sure to inspect your power strips thoroughly to ensure you have the right one for your devices and keep multiple on hand to not overload one.

It’s best to have a professional electrician come to your place to assess your situation. If you find yourself relying more and more on extension cords and power strips, it may be time to add some more outlets in your home or office. An electrician will be able to look at your set up and recommend the best course of action for you.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing homeowners and businesses alike with expert electrical services for over 35 Years. We’ve built a company of highly experienced, certified electricians to serve your electrical needs. There’s plenty of competition throughout Los Angeles, but we make it our policy to treat our customers the way we would want to be treated. That has gained us a great reputation. We’ll provide you with quality work at honest prices.

Reviews for Electrical Contractors

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electrician reviewsIn addition to providing services to homeowners and business, The Electric Connection is proud to offer advice to other electrical contracting companies.

One of the most important factors when it comes to gaining more customers is having an abundance of positive reviews. While most everything is done online today, word of mouth is still the most powerful element when it comes to getting the job. Since everyone is digital these days, word of mouth turns into stokes of the keyboard. It is easier than ever for your customers to tell other potential customers how well (or not so well) you did on the job. In today’s marketing, online reviews are yesterday’s references and can either help make or break your business.

What Makes Online Reviews Important?

Websites like Yelp, Google My Business, and Angie’s List play a huge role in the success of a business. All of your potential clients are searching them daily to find the best electrician in their area. If you have less than a five-star rating, you will likely be left in the dust. Why do these review sites have such a big impact on getting you business?

Reviews left online are highly accessible. They’re easy to find thanks to Google, mobile apps, and new features on popular social media sites, like Facebook. Type in any company’s name plus the word review and you’ll be lucky if one of these sites don’t turn up.

Online reviews are also very visible. Even before a potential customer clicks a link, they are able to see how your business is rated right from the search results, some times without even typing your business name.

SEO can also be affected by the reviews left online. Google likes to see highly rated companies in their search results. If you have more stars on your Google My Business page than your competition, you will likely show up above them on maps.

As you can see, online reviews definitely have a huge impact on your business and how it is seen online. A study shows that roughly 72% of customers trust online reviews as much as they would a personal recommendation. It’s important to reach out to your customers for feedback on how the job went. Once you get a lot of online reviews, you’ll have a ton of new work rolling in.

The Electric Connection believes in quality and offers a lifetime guarantee on all our work. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. In each of the last few years, we earned the Angie’s List “Super Service Award.” We are proud to display on our website over 100 reviews by satisfied customers.

Should I Upgrade My Electrical Panel? – Los Angeles

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles panel upgradeToday’s homes are energy vampires. We wake up in the morning, turn on the coffee pot, all the lights, maybe turn on the TV to catch the news. We have become so accustomed to having electricity, it doesn’t even cross our minds how the process of powering our homes work. Unfortunately, if we don’t learn, when something goes wrong, we won’t be able to fix it. As our need for energy grows, so must the ways we get power.

All of the power supplying your house can be found in a little metal box called the electrical panel, or main panel, or breaker box – it has a lot of names. Inside this box, you can find different things based on what type of panel you have.

In modern homes, you will find switches called circuit breakers. These circuit breakers start and stop the flow of electricity from the outside source to the different areas in your home. Think of when the power last went out in your home. You might have had to go out to find the electrical panel to flip back on the breaker. When the circuit breaker detects an anomaly it will trip off the breaker to protect your home from any damages.

If you don’t have circuit breakers, you might find fuses. This could potentially be dangerous. Unlike circuit breakers, fuses will not trip if they sense a problem. This could cause a problem that may result in a fire. If you have fuses in your panel, you might want to contact an electrician to see if you need a panel upgrade.

You may be asking yourself, “what other things call for a panel upgrade?” Well, there are quite a few things you can check out if you think you might need an upgrade:

Your home’s age – If you have an older home, it might be time for a panel upgrade, especially if you haven’t had one within the last decade. Older homes were not equipped to handle the loads we demand today which means that the panel problem isn’t supplying enough power. An electrician can help you determine if that is the case. Most likely you will have to upgrade from a 60amp panel to 100amp or 200amp panel. This will allow you to have more devices connected in your home.

Addition of large appliances – If you are adding a large appliance that will require a lot of power, such as a new dryer, refrigerator, or car charger, you may need to upgrade your panel or add a dedicated circuit. Again, this is an issue of not having enough power in your main electrical panel.

Frequently tripping breakers – As mentioned above, when your breakers trip, they’re protecting you from harm because there has been an anomaly detected. Too many tripped breakers could mean there is something wrong. A professional electrician can help you determine if there is something wrong with the circuit breaker or if you need to upgrade your panel.

Regardless of what is going on, if you think you need to have your panel upgraded, contact a professional electrician to help you determine the case. They will assess your situation and give you recommendations on what is the best course of action.

Whether you want us to rewire your entire home, or fix a single electrical outlet, The Electric Connection in Los Angeles will provide you with excellent services from skilled, licensed electricians.

Whole House Rewiring Service Costs

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

house rewire costThe electrical system to your house can be an expensive thing to upgrade but might be a necessity to help protect your home’s value and your family’s lives.

When you don’t have enough power to run your home, it can be more than just an inconvenience. Tripping breakers can not only just shut off your devices, but it can also cause damage to the more sensitive electric devices. Having enough energy is critical to keeping all the appliances in your home up and running at optimal levels.

Your home may seem like it has enough power, but even if things are running fine, it can use still need an upgrade. Have you ever turned on every device in your home at the same time? This is not recommended but you can truly find out how much your panel can handle when everything is turned on. There is an easier way to find out what amperage your panel is – by inspecting it. A professional electrician can also help you determine the amount of load your panel can handle.

With enough power being supplied to your home, it can still be difficult to find power in different areas of your home. Without sufficient recepticles in your home, you may rely on unnecessary power strips or extension cords. These cords and strips can cause dangerous safety hazards such as trips and falls or even fires. An electrician can help you place additional outlets around your home.

If your home has sufficient power and enough outlets, you may still find yourself needing a house rewire. This is when all or some of the wiring in your home is replaced with new wiring. A house rewire could be necessary for a variety of reasons – age, degrading wiring, hazardous wiring, etc. An electrician can help you determine whether or not you need a whole house rewire.

The cost of a house rewire depends on a lot of different aspects of your home including size, age, and how much of the home needs to be rewired. Again, an electrician can give you a definitive answer on the cost to rewire your home, but you can expect to pay around $3,500 to $8,000 for a full house rewire – especially if all the walls need to be opened up to access the wiring.

A professional electrician should be able to assess your situation and give you an accurate quote for a house rewire. This is a large project so be sure to do research before choosing the best electrician.

If you live in the Los Angeles area and are looking for proficient, understanding and honest electrical experts, we hope you will consider using The Electric Connection of Los Angeles for your electrical work.

Smart Renovation Decisions for People with Older Homes

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Smart Renovation

Making improvements to your home can mean a lot of different things. When you have an older home, it’s important to consider how your home’s age can impact the costs of your upgrades.  It’s also important to understand what you can feasibly DIY and know what projects are better left to the professionals. So, take these things into account when planning your renovations.

Research and Plan

Older homes provide their own unique charm, and they also provide unique challenges. With that in mind, you need to be smart about your improvement projects. Sure, if you’re handy, there are plenty of things you can manage on your own. However, older homes often mean hidden renovation concerns, which are better handled by professionals. Homes built prior to the late ’80s often contain lead and asbestos, materials which should only be handled by professionals.  Damage from termites, mold, or mildew should also be               repaired by a pro, and if your home needs plumbing or foundation repairs, you should hire someone to do the work. Radon requires specialized mitigation services, and many older homes have outdated electrical systems which should be rewired by a professional, licensed electrician.

Any time you have a project where you lack expertise, or that is well beyond your comfort zone, consider hiring someone to tackle the job. If you try it yourself, sometimes you can create a bigger mess through lack of knowledge, leaving you worse off for your time, energy, and money. Some situations can even get you hurt or killed. Still not sure? Research suggestions for home improvement projects to avoid. Just remember to leave some room in your budget; for example, a typical rate is about $150 per hour for a crew of two electricians while the national average to hire a plumber is between $45 and $65 per hour.

Protect Your Investments

Whoever does the work, if your older home is decorated with antiques or original furnishings, ensure your belongings are out of the way so they don’t become damaged during renovations.  With that in mind, consider renting a storage unit to keep your things safe. Self-storage units booked in Los Angeles over the past 180 days hit an overall average of $144.98, which is a low price to pay for peace of mind and the protection of your belongings.

Value-Savvy Suggestions

Certain projects can make a can make a big impact on the value of your home, as well as providing a more comfortable environment for you.

Here are some ideas:

  • Open living areas. This Old House points out that older home designs can feel cramped in comparison to today’s models. Knocking out non-structural walls is a great way to open up space and give you more room.
  • Kitchen islands. If you’re tight on space, you might consider removing a kitchen island, although you should weigh how much storage your kitchen provides without it before committing. If you’re renovating a kitchen and adding an island, think about including extra depth when designing the countertop. This way, the island affords seating as well as storage and extra space to work.
  • Add shelving. Older homes are known to offer minimal built-in storage. One way to add more storage is to take advantage of an unused corner. It’s an inexpensive and relatively low-skill home improvement project that can be a boon to your home’s functionality.
  • Add lighting. Adding more light fixtures can brighten up a room, creating a sense of spaciousness. Kitchens and bathrooms are particularly important when it comes to home value since they are pivotal in many buyers’ decisions. If you need to choose, improving the lighting in those two spaces can make the biggest impact on your home’s value. New Home Source suggests putting overhead and task lighting in the kitchen and baths.

Owning an older home can mean needing to make improvements, whether it’s for your comfort, safety, or the value of your home. Make sure you hire a pro for projects beyond your skill level. Older homes have special appeal, and being smart about renovations can make all the difference for you as a homeowner.