Radiant heated driveways have become a very popular option for homeowners across the Midwest and east coast, where winter temperatures often present quite the challenge to homeowners with the snow and ice that they bring. Can you imagine never having to shovel snow off your driveway again?

Imagine the convenience! True, you won’t be able to claim a “snow day” to get out of going to work, but at least you can leave your house on a whim. But what exactly are heated driveways, and how do they work? Will you need to have maintenance done on them? Keep reading to learn more.

Driveway heating systems use radiant heating technology to warm concrete, asphalt, pavers, and various other floor materials—whatever your driveway is made of a heating system can benefit you. The difference is, the installation of a driveway heating system is much easier and less invasive than a typical radiant hydronic heating system.

You still certainly need a professional to install the system, and it does require the driveway to be laid down after the installation of the heating system, but we’re happy to talk to you about your options!

Also called snow melting systems, driveway heating systems uses a sensor to detect moisture, which signals a controller to supply power to the heating cable, which then warms the driveway. This prevents snow and ice from even beginning to accumulate, removing the inconvenience for you while you sleep or otherwise enjoy being indoors out of the elements!

Snow melting systems have very, very few components. It’s true that age and natural wear and tear may eventually necessitate a repair or eventual upgrade someday. However, these energy-efficient systems are relatively maintenance free. Still though, it would be wise to have our technicians check out your system on perhaps an annual basis—before winter—just to ensure everything is functioning as it should.

Get him two Battery operated LED Picture Light.

source) Make sure your BBQ Master has enough light to control the flow of wickedness with the Black Mo Tools Axe by Brook & Hunter and a Power Box 360 stereo by Bosch is a dust and moisture resistant powerhouse with a rubber cage exterior. Rock the night away with a LED Headlamp for smaller, intricate ones that need direct light.

You know the kind — he has the biggest TV you’ve ever seen and has an entire room devoted to it. Upgrade the man cave with his favorite LED Fiber Optic Star Ceiling Kit.

This is the second blog post in this year’s 15 smart gift ideas for students of any age. Visit our Holiday Specials!

An energy recovery ventilator is a mechanical ventilation device which is integrated into an HVAC system. The ERV acts as a heat exchanger, and facilitates the transfer of heat between incoming and outgoing airstreams as it ventilates a home. This means that in the winter, when you are paying to heat your home, the ERV uses the heat in the stale outgoing air in order to warm up fresh, incoming air before it ever makes its way into your home. Additionally, during the summer months, when you use your AC to cool your home, your ERV will absorb heat from the incoming air into the outgoing, low-quality air. Plus, the airstreams are allowed to mingle just enough to facilitate the transfer of humidity as well, further boosting your comfort.

The name kind of says it all in this case: recovering energy as you condition air throughout your home allows you to live in great comfort without putting the energy that you’ve paid for to waste. Using an ERV means that your home is sufficiently ventilated, so that you can breathe fresh air of a high quality without having to strain your HVAC system as a result. To learn more or to take advantage of an ERV in your home, just give us a ring.

Summer months are beautiful in Los Angeles. The weather is never too hot and tends to be mild, but there are days when things do heat up and things get a little uncomfortable. Your first reaction may be to go for that air conditioner thermostat and crank it down a few notches as you attempt to cool down your home. But, here is a scenario for you; everybody else has the same idea. That means the electrical grid is getting a real workout and it may even lead to sporadic outages. There is a better option, per your electrician. Los Angeles residents don’t have to run to the thermostat, instead look into a ceiling fan installation. The Electric Connection has been helping southern California residents for years and you can rely on them to help you as well.

Ceiling fans are energy efficient and effective. You don’t have to spike your electric bill because there is a heat wave. Fans installed in your living room, dining room and even in your bedroom can go a long way to keeping you comfortable when the temps are soaring outside. Installation is fairly easy, but should always be handled by an electrician.

Fans stir the air, creating a nice breeze. Combined with an air conditioner, you can easily maintain your comfort without touching the thermostat. The fan blades pull the warm air up and away from where you are sitting or laying. What’s even better, the fans are also beneficial in the cooler months as well. They push the warm air down to where you are.

Because there is some electrical work involved, a Los Angeles electrical professional should do the install. In many cases, electrical wires will need to be brought to the place in the ceiling you have decided you want the fan placed. To make sure your ceiling fan installation is completely safely, give The Electric Connection a call today.