The certified experts at Kolb Electric are fresh from the new year and ready to impart some more great advice! Looking to set a resolution that is easy to keep, and puts cash directly back into your wallet? As electric specialists, we naturally know lots of ways to use energy, but we also know some cool ways to not use electricity too!

We’re not going to suggest anything as radical as a solar energy overhaul, and most of these resolutions are simple behavior changes or little fixes. So follow along, and you just may find yourself with a lower electric bill this month!

We don’t claim to have all of the answers, but you can be sure we do our best to know everything there is to know about electricity! If you’re interested in learning how the professionals at Kolb can assist you in reducing energy costs, contact us today!

At Kolb, our master electricians have been providing the very best in service, skill and technology for years. It is our endless goal to bring our consumers the highest quality solutions to meet their every energy need. For electrical services you can trust, call on Kolb!

7.  Convert the extra closet into a sewing/hobby center.  Install a custom-cut countertop and a little task light… “Viola!” You are done.

8.  Or, maybe you are not done….Why not literally “Knock Her Socks Off” and build her a bigger closet?!

Whether you are building a new closet or updating an existing one, there are specific rules for lighting an enclosed closet space.  The National Fire Protection Association’s National Electrical Code (NEC) sets standards for safety:

Because closets contain flammable material with limited ventilation, strict building codes dictate that specified lighting fixtures must be installed 18” to 24” from walls depending upon which lamp source is being used.  Surface mounted and recessed fixtures must allow for 6”-12” of clearance from any storage space, such as shelving or clothing rods.

♦Of course,these standards are not a problem for Mariah Carey whose closet is as big as a bedroom!

One of the latest changes to the NEC code is the addition of LED (light-emitting diode) fixtures.  LED lighting may cost a bit more, but energy-savings, greater illumination and safety features will prove to be well worth the investment over time.  The quality and adaptability of newer LED lighting makes it an excellent choice for closets and dressing rooms.

9.  Don’t leave Mom in the dark!  Create a cozy corner with a new den floor lamp so she may relax and read, while you watch the ball game! Try a lamp with full-spectrum lighting to elevate her spirits.

10.  Reward yourself:  Clean out the garage and carve out a space for a workshop that is all your own!

People are investing more into floor covering, cabinetry and shelving to make the most of their garage space.    Fluorescent fixtures, track lighting and simple portable lamps are making their way into upgraded organized garage systems.

Has it ever happened that you noticed an inexplicable rise in your electricity bill in spite of using the same appliances for the same amount of time that you generally do? No, the neighbor’s bill didn’t get delivered to you accidentally and neither is it the fault of your electrical services provider. There might be a number of other reasons behind a rise in your bill amount, which generally aren’t taken into account by a majority of people. Let’s take a look at them –

1. Faulty Appliances If your domestic appliances like washing machines, air conditioners, dishwashers, etc., are faulty, they will consume more energy than normal. Also, faulty wiring can damage the appliances in the long term, lead to electric fires or even get electrically charged, which may give you life-threatening shocks if you come in their direct contact.

If you are big on decking your home out for the holidays, now is the time to start thinking about your holiday decorating needs. October through January is a big season for outdoor decorating. Going big with lots of lights, inflatable snowmen or a scary scene all require the services of an electrician in Pasadena. It can be a lot of fun to have the best decorated house on the block, but it requires a lot of electricity to run all of the lights, air machines and moving figures. The team at The Electric Connection is ready to help you get your home ready for the best holiday display on the block.

All of those lights require a lot of outlets. Running extension cords across the lawn can be a bit of an eyesore as well as a safety hazard. Extension cords can get damaged by heavy foot traffic or be tripped over. If you can avoid using a lot of extension cords, it is a good thing. Your Pasadena electrician can help you do just that by installing multiple outdoor outlets around the yard and the house. This will allow you to plug your lights and decorations directly into an outlet without worrying about an extension cord. It will look better and be safer.

For those who like to go big, you have probably run into tripping breakers when somebody in the house wanted to use the microwave or run the furnace. If you have to sit in the dark inside the house while your light display is running outside, you probably need to call an electrician. Pasadena homeowners who do elaborate light displays should consider having an additional panel or dedicated breaker to run the lights. This ensures your lights will always be on—inside and out. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your holiday home lighting upgrade.