As we've discussed before on this blog, spring brings with it a few weeks of abnormally wet weather here in the Mid-Atlantic, which is evidenced by the current storms that are barreling down on the region. Basements throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. are regularly flooded as a result, potentially costing homeowners thousands of dollars in damage if they didn't prepare accordingly.

While most residents know the importance of having a sump pump to keep the water out, there are other precautions that residents need to take to avoid catastrophe when their basements begin flooding.

Many older homes often feature electrical systems that are outdated and not up to current safety codes. One particularly sensitive kind of wiring is the "knob and tube" design, which leaves a complete grid of crisscrossing wires exposed along the ceiling of the basement. Its been decades since this kind of layout was considered acceptable in residential structures, and homes that have them are more than likely dealing with wires that have seen much better days.

During extreme weather conditions, any number of events could result in a deficiency in the system that may either spark a fire or down a wire in homes that feature knob and tube layouts. If the wires in the basement either fall or are damaged in the event of a flood, they have the potential to expose electrical currents to a growing pool of water. This is an extremely dangerous and potentially fatal safety hazard for homeowners to contend with.

Are you thinking that it might be a good time to install solar panels for your home? More correctly, there has never been a better time to invest in solar panels. Why is it such a good time to install solar panels?

For starters, there are incredible federal tax rebates currently in place that allow you to detect a portion of the expense of installing the panels from your taxes. About a third of that cost, no matter the cost, can be subtracted from your taxes.

The California Solar Initiative was put in place a few years back to encourage residents to take advantage of one of our most abundant resources: sunshine. Now, you may be eligible for a variety of monetary incentives to install a home solar array. The policies are extremely varied across the state, and many of them have expired. Some areas still have potential for Solar Incentives, so acting now could save you additional money.

There is already a favorable picture of the solar installation scene right now, but it gets even better when you consider solar leasing. Solar leasing isn’t the right choice for everybody, but it has tremendous allure, too. Basically, solar leasing is a partnership between you and a solar installation contractor. They install the system and you pay back the cost of the materials over time. Even as they pay down their solar lease, many residents enjoy savings on their power bills, too. You might even be eligible for free installation, making the proposition an investment of zero dollars for a lifetime of savings.

If you’re interested in the potential of solar panels and solar leasing, call us to discuss your options. We can get you started with a quote over the phone today and soon have a solar array up at your house. It’s never too late to start saving, so start today!

Custom Electrical Services was able to present this amazing young girl Keeley Keller with a donation to benefit the JDRF or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Keeley has been living with type one diabetes for over 6 years.  Three years ago after trick or treating Keeley’s parents asked her what she would like to do with her candy.  She said trade it in for a cure.  Every Halloween she takes the candy from trick or treating and holds an auction for her bowl of candy.  The benefits from the action go to the JDRF were the money is used to help with research to find treatments and one day a cure to end diabetes.

“Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.” (JDRF)

Most of us know someone affected by T1D.  Ron with Custom Electrical Services has a close cousin who grew up T1D so he sees the way it effects peoples lives.  It’s more important then ever to get involved with the JDRF.  With scientific advancements researches are closer than ever before in finding the cure.  You can get involved in many different ways.  You can volunteer, donate money, or become an advocate.  The JDRF also allows for a tribute donation, as well as a memorial donation.  Please make a contribution today.  Thousands off kids across the USA are waiting for a cure.

Categories: community« Veterans Day  |  Authorized Tesla Charging Station Electrician »