Two costs are associated with any electrical appliance: the buying price, and the running cost in terms of energy and maintenance. Of the running costs, energy is one of the major items. Typically, the equipment can last several years before requiring a major repair.

Consumers should therefore not just look at the price tag on the item.  Rather, pay attention to its energy rating and available energy saving modes.

Energy star certified refrigerators and freezers are at least 9 and 10 percent more efficient respectively. Other considerations that help in saving energy include selecting the adequate capacity. In addition, the refrigerator or freezer should be kept in a cool place away from heat sources such as direct sunlight or ovens.

More energy savings can be realized by using the proper settings. In addition, ensure the door is closed all the time and that seals are in place. Place the refrigerator or freezer in a spot that allows free air circulation around the fridge; especially at the back where there are cooling pipes.

Manual defrost freezer models use less energy and are therefore more efficient than the automatic defrost models. Another important factor is the design of the freezer. An upright freezer with shelves is easier to organize. However, the chest freezer may be more energy efficient since there is less cold air escaping from the door which opens from the top.

These are usually 40 percent more efficient than the standard purifiers. Other factors to consider include the room size and placement. Select a model adequate for the room; otherwise, an oversized air purifier or cleaner will end up consuming more power unnecessarily.

Energy star certified dishwashers use at least 12 percent less energy and 15 percent less water than the conventional models. However, this may vary depending on the model and other factors.

These dishwashers utilize more efficient technologies that reduce both the energy consumption and water usage. For example, the design uses soil sensors that check the amount of dirt on the dishes.  An optimized cleaning cycle reduces the minimum amount of energy and water. In addition, there are more efficient water jets and a dish rack design that ensures efficient use of water and energy.

Energy Star dehumidifiers

Certified dehumidifiers use 15 percent less energy. They utilize more efficient compressors, refrigeration coils, and fans.

Washing machines

Energy star certified washing machines are usually 25 percent more energy efficient than their equivalent standard models. In addition, they use 40 percent less water. This results in the consumer saving water, as well as energy for both the washing machine and the water pump.

Clothes dryers

Certified dryers use at least 20 percent less energy than the standard models. The equipment utilizes more efficient technologies such as heat pumps. Moisture sensors automatically stop the drying cycle once the clothes are dry. This sensor-based drying machine is more efficient compared to thermostat or timed drying, which continues to consume energy even after clothes are dry.

Televisions qualify for energy star certification when they become at least 20 percent more efficient. Some models can reach up to 40% better efficiency than traditional models, while the set-top boxes can achieve up to 45 %. However, the amount of power used depends on the size of the TV screen, display technology, and resolution.

The home theater systems that are energy star certified are 60 percent more efficient. Certified battery chargers for small household appliances such as power tools, electric shavers, and cordless gadgets use 30 percent less energy.

When you think about spending time with family during the holiday season, you probably picture a warm room filled with light and perhaps a beautiful tree in the corner. The holidays are a time for comfort and tradition. Unfortunately, it’s also a busy time for electricians and emergency response teams because electrical hazards become more likely with some of these traditions.

Stay safe this holiday season with our tips for decorating and more. Call us for more information about any of these tips, or to schedule electrical service with one of our experts.

And when you’re making any electrical repairs or electrical upgrades, contact a licensed electrician for service.

By Clarissa Allison | April 29th, 2016

If you want to update your home to create an appeal of freshness and light, there’s no better color to use in your decorating scheme than white. Whether pure white, off white or cream – despite what you may initially think, white can add drama to your home. Read on for tips and product suggestions that will transform your abode into your own personal white palace.

The key with using white in your space is to soften your chosen items by making sure that everything isn’t overly match-y and austere. Choose distressed finishes for your furniture and items that exhibit a bit of texture and softness. In this way you will avoid severity and “coldness” while adding familiarity and comfort to your space. George Nelson  at the end of the Second World War.

reflective glare. The sculptural qualities of this lamp are truly amazing.

Jewelry doesn’t sparkle and shine on its own – the reason a gem looks radiant is because of the way it reflects light! That being said, lighting is integral to retail design in a jewelry store. You want your displays to entice customers and show off your products in all their brilliance! Hopefully, we can help. This post will lay out options for various jewelry lighting displays.

puck lights to call attention to individual pieces, as seen in the photo to the right. Puck lighting above jewelry creates beautiful silhouettes and puts a spotlight on each piece.

If you love the look of evenly illuminated in-wall shelving displays, there is a way to avoid the spotlight effect. For a more subtle glow, install light fixtures on the inside edges of your shelves. See Xenon Low Voltage Light Strip or any of our

You’re showing off your most valuable items in the counter-style showcase, so it’s important to get the lighting right. However, make sure the actual light fixtures do not become focal points.

With a glass showcase, you need to integrate the lighting so that your display will shine, and so that it’s not blocked in any way by wires or lamp heads. The best way to do this is to install thin lighting strips inside the showcase, just below where the edge of the counter is. You can see an example in the photo to the right.

Our Your window display can be the number one determinant of store traffic. Like the counter showcase, it’s ideal if the light fixtures aren’t visible at all here so that your most alluring items take center stage.

You will likely have wall space to work with on all four sides of the window display, so it wouldn’t be too difficult to align microfluorescent fixtures against the edges for even illumination.

Depending on what types of items you are featuring, you might want to incorporate some spot lighting as well. You could use an adjustable adjustable recessed lights in the ceiling above the window display.

You are searching for a local electrician.  You Google local electrician but find hundreds of search results.  Rest assured if you are reading this and you live in the Des Moines Iowa metro area and surrounding communities you have found a highly qualified local electrician.  We are central Iowa’s primer local electrician and are ready to help you with your residential or commercial electrical project.  Go with a trusted local electrician.  Go with Custom Electrical Services, we are a local electrician and open 24 hours per day.

When choosing a local electrician there are important things to consider.  You want to make sure you are getting the most qualified and rebuttal local electrician for your project or electrical repair.

We will only send a trusted and local electrician to your home.  Only choose a local electrical contractor that uses independent third party verification of its employees.  We only employ local electricians that receive the technician seal of safety.  Your safety is of the up most important to us!  Call Custom Electrical Services today and have one of our trusted local electricians provide you with the best customer service experience possible.

Go with an local electrical contractor that never closes!

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