Have you recently had a home inspection completed or are you getting ready to purchase a home and don’t understand the inspection report? A certified electrician can remedy:

These problems may be eyesores, or perhaps you don’t notice them at all, but almost all of them can be hazardous and require immediate attention by a certified electrician. Before you start worrying about your latest home inspection and get knee-deep in all the repairs at once, ElectricMan can help you decode each project and give you a quote on needed repairs. Remember, it’s about your family’s safety, so it’s always best you pick your electrician based on the quality of work and his reputation rather than letting the seller pick the repairman.

If you suspect your home is subject to some of these problems, or for help interpreting your home inspection contact a certified electrician at ElectricMan today. ElectricMan is a trusted, local ElectricMan website and don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Twitter, YouTube.

Technology giant Google made its start as a search engine, subsequently branching into email, cloud storage, advertising and so much more. Now the company from Mountain View is surging forward with a new application, promising to tell consumers if their roofs are suitable for installing solar panels. The program, called Project Sunroof, works in conjunction with Google Maps to analyze your roof's size, orientation and shade levels to tell you at a glance how much solar energy you could get from it. Read on to learn more about how this convenient software works and how it can help you.

A Mix Between a Solar Electrician and a Search Engine

The program is simple to use – all you have to do is enter your address, and Google does the rest. According to the company, the program analyzes all of the following to determine how much sunlight you can soak up:

The program also provides information about what tax credits are available in your area as well as the local rules regarding selling solar energy back to the utility company when your panels are producing more than you need. It then spits out a recommended installation size, which you can modify based on how much electricity you actually consume according to your average electricity bill.

Pay Nothing and Start Saving Today

Google's entry into the solar market comes at a time when the options for solar are expanding, including the ability to lease panels from solar companies and enjoy savings on your utility bills while paying nothing for the installation and setup. A good setup can last for 30 years or more, with little to no maintenance from an electrician once the installation is completed.

Of course, solar isn't for everybody, since many roofs might be too shaded or otherwise not suitable, and some states still don't have good solar policies. Therefore, Project Sunroof can be a good place to get started to see if your house is a prospect before you even call a solar electrician. Currently, the program is working on a trial basis in Boston, San Francisco and Fresno, with more cities sure to be on the way.

Don't Forget About Human Experts Just Yet

Of course, even a technology company as powerful and ubiquitous as Google can't fully substitute for an experienced solar technician when it comes to analyzing how you can benefit from panels. If a Google query indicates that your home is a good candidate, have a qualified electrician or solar expert make the final determination and help you decide if solar panels are right for you.

Halloween is less than one month away! If you’re thinking of decorating your home for the holiday, nothing can help turn your house into a festive sight like lighting. In minutes, you can turn your quaint cottage a ghoulish green, make your bungalow glow orange, or paint your front lawn an eerie yellow. Suddenly, your charming home becomes mysterious and thrilling to trick-or-treaters and passersby.

Ceiling fans are your answer to staying cool this summer without costing you a small fortune. You have probably heard about the benefit of ceiling fans in the past, but there is truly a major benefit to having one installed. The energy savings are worth the initial investment, which is actually quite minimal. A Santa Monica electrician, like those at The Electric Connection, can take care of the install for you. All you need to do is pick out the perfect fan for your room. Here are a few facts that will help you truly understand the benefits to running a ceiling fan.

*A ceiling fan costs about 2 or 3 cents an hour to run. An air conditioner costs about 50 cents an hour. Do the math, to run your air conditioner all day, it will cost you $12. Not much, but when you calculate an average month, that is nearly $360! The fan will cost about $22 a month.

*An air conditioner uses about 3,500 watts when it is running versus 60 watts a ceiling fan uses.

*Fans can be installed in place of the light fixture in the room. Most fans are either equipped with lights or a light assembly can be added to a fan.

If you run your ceiling fan on high, spinning counterclockwise, you can crank up your air conditioner a few degrees and still feel comfortable. While your fan won’t produce cool air, the breeze the blades will create feels cool and you won’t be tempted to turn the AC down. You can discuss this more with your electrician. Santa Monica homeowners may even choose to install fans in bedrooms as well. This makes sleeping much more comfortable. The whir of the blades is soothing and the gentle breeze keeps you comfortable despite the heat. Take the first step to staying cool this summer and call The Electric Connection to have your ceiling fan installed.