If you are considering getting a spa installed on your property, there are a number of aspects that need to be taken into account in order ensure that the feature is safe and functions properly. After all, a spa has a lot of water and moisture and electrical safety is something you can’t overlook in this space. Here are a few helpful spa wiring and installation tips:

When you buy your new spa, you need to ensure that you have all the necessary permits required for the installation. Most local councils require special authorization for all exterior electrical circuits as well as for any new construction (in case you decide to build a shade structure to cover the spa). In addition, there may be some other requirements that you’ll have to follow, like positioning the spa in a specific location etc.

When choosing a foundation for your spa feature, you should choose a place that will have proper drainage when it rains. If you are planning on installing your spa on an existing patio or deck, you should ensure the structure is solid enough to bear the weight of the water and the spa itself as well as the people that will use it. If you are planning on installing the feature on solid ground, make sure the spa is elevated on 100% foundation such as concrete and gravel.

There are several different types of spa models you can choose from, and, while these may all be unique in styling and build, most spas are built to run at different usage and power levels. Here are a few points to keep in view:

Although the beautiful spring weather is giving you a nice break on your electric bill, it is always important you learn more ways to cut down your energy usage. This summer is going to be a hot one. You need to get ahead of the game by learning some useful tips and tricks for staying cool this summer without turning your thermostat down and running up your electric bill. An electrician in Los Angeles has those tips for you. If you need any more questions answered, the team at The Electric Connection can certainly help you.

Check out the following 5 ways you can reduce your electric bill and stay cool this summer.

1-If you haven’t done so already, switch out your old incandescent bulbs to the more energy efficient LEDs or CFLs. Your lighting needs account for about 20 percent of your electric bill. By changing out those old bulbs, you could save quite a bit of money. If you have an old light fixture, considering having it changed out by an electrician. Los Angeles residents will soon see it was worth the investment.

2-Invest in some heavy curtains or consider having your south-facing windows tinted. This can cut down on the heat produced by the sun hitting the glass.

3-Have a ceiling fan installed by a Los Angeles electrician to help reduce cooling costs. A fan in the main living area and in each bedroom can help keep you cool without running up your electric bill.

4-Use a crockpot to cook meals on really hot days. This will reduce the heat generated by the oven or stove.

5-Do not use your dryer during the day. Consider drying clothes outside or run the dryer in the early mornings and late evenings.

If you need a new ceiling fan installed or have any additional questions, give the team at The Electric Connection a call today.

Who doesn’t love recessed lighting? It is never out of style to have lighting subtly tucked into the ceiling, leading many homeowners to use recessed lighting in numerous rooms. We love recessed lighting at Electrical Gurus, and have installed plenty of them for Des Moines home and business owners over the years; however, there are instances when recessed lighting isn’t enough on its own or should be avoided altogether. Your local electricians are here to share when you should consider reining in your recessed lighting.

Providing a space with ambient lighting, as shown in our previous blog, is a crucial component when creating inviting, warm and properly illuminated spaces in your home. Too much of a good thing is definitely possible with recessed lighting, and it should never be used in place of all other light sources. Not only will your spaces lack task lighting, but you will be effectively illuminating your space from directly above, requiring far more light (and energy) to brighten the space; odds are, even with the lights cranked up, you’ll still have a dull, cavelike look to walls and corners with only directly downward light. Accent your recessed lighting with outward or upward ambient or accent lighting to create a more balanced lighting display.

Often, we see a single recessed light over a vanity, which can lead to a displeasing lighting effect. Just as with your home’s furniture, using only a direct overhead light creates unsightly shadows and does not properly illuminate the face. Using an overhead light on your vanity is great, but should always be accompanied by frontward facing lights to properly see your face.

Placing recessed lighting in tall ceilings is an odd concept. The primary benefit that recessed lighting provides is space efficiency, as the cans are placed above the ceiling, hiding the house wiring and electrical components. In a tall ceiling, not only is this unnecessary, but the light has to start from an even higher point. By the time the light reaches the room below, it is spread out and weaker, leading homeowners to use far more energy to brighten their rooms. Additionally, the shadows around the lighting cans will be especially prominent, leading to an ultimately darkened room. Instead, utilize hanging lights, fixtures, wall-mounted sconces, or even ground level lamps to brighten your taller rooms.

While it may sound like we’re beating up on recessed lighting, that is only because it is one of the most versatile lighting sources, which leads people to incorrectly believe that it is perfect in any room or as the only light source. As part of a comprehensive lighting strategy, recessed lighting is nearly unmatched in its widespread application and ease-of-use, just be sure to remember these helpful tips from your friendly, local Des Moines electricians at Electrical Gurus. Give us a call for help in planning out and installing your home’s ideal lighting solutions today!

Get in touch with our Des Moines electricians today!

Radiant heating is a popular heating choice with homeowners. There are a few types of radiant heating available, giving you some options as to how you heat your home using a radiant system. Both types offer benefits for your home, as we’ll discuss below, but you won’t gain any benefit from poor installation of your system. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to hire professionals to install your radiant system in Watertown. The experts at FB Electrical Services can handle every kind of heating installation, including radiant systems, so call us today!

Types of Radiant Heating

The types of radiant heating can be categorized by how they heat and their placement. Let’s start with flooring:

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating

With a hydronic radiant floor system, flexible PEX tubing is placed underneath your flooring. Hot water or steam flows through the tubing, so you must have a boiler to install hydronic radiant floor heating.

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

There are 3 ways to install electric Contact us today!