If you are looking for ways to save money this summer, you should consider having a staycation rather than a luxurious vacation. Virginia offers great spots to spend a romantic weekend or a weeklong getaway. Not only will this save you money this summer, it will also give you a chance to explore the beautiful state you call home! The wonderful thing about Virginia is how many options there are when it comes to family travel. As cliché as it sounds, there really is something for everyone. Check out these great ideas for a nice mini vacation right here in Virginia!

Stay a Weekend at the Smithfield Station Lighthouse

Smithfield Station Inn offers an exact replica of the Hooper Straight Light and is equipped with two luxurious suites. You can rent a single suite or rent the entire lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking river views complete with all the amenities of a home. Sitting outside and watching the sunset on the East Coast is a perfect way to relax on your weekend getaway.

Hike Some Mountains in Virginia

Anyone who has ever tried to plug in an appliance only to find that it wouldn’t turn on is familiar with how frustrating electrical outlet wiring problems can be. The whole purpose of having outlets is the convenience, but that goes right out the window when they stop working without warning. Although a dead outlet might automatically seem like a big problem, sometimes it can be due to a simple issue. This isn’t always the case, of course — sometimes there will be electrical outlet wiring problems that can only be addressed by a professional, particularly when the issue is with your outlet’s wiring.

You might be able to save yourself a call to an electrician if your outlet problem is something easily fixed. You can even resolve some minor issues without the use of tools! If you know what steps to take, you may be able to figure out if the dead outlet is something you can remedy yourself. If you discover the problem is something that should be handled by a professional, don’t take any chances. Messing around with wiring can put you in danger and damage your electrical system instead of making the problem go away.

A simple issue can quickly turn into a very expensive one if you aren’t careful. Here are some easy things to try that won’t put you in any danger:

Many people believe that the only time they need to call an electrician is when something is wrong in their home. That’s not true! There are a number of quick and easy jobs you can call an electrician for that can make you more comfortable and make your home safer and more efficient—changes you can make without breaking the bank!

Light fixtures – want to remodel a bedroom, family room, or den? Before you start knocking down walls, think of what a difference new lighting will make! With so many designs and styles of lighting, including recessed lighting and track lighting, you can create a truly new look without even changing the paint!

Ceiling fans – there’s not a lot that a new ceiling fan can’t do. Adding a ceiling fan to your bedroom or living room can help lower your heating and cooling costs, improve airflow in the room, and even add a touch of style. There are a huge number of ceiling fan designs and styles to choose from, including those that double as lights. Fans circulate air and keep things from getting stuffy and hot in the summer months, and stuffy and cold in the winter months!

Click here to learn more about ceiling and attic fan installation »

Bathroom fans – adding or upgrading exhaust fans is an oft-overlooked home improvement job that can actually make your home much safer and more comfortable. Bathroom fans pull in moisture from the bathroom when you take a shower (or from steam in the kitchen when cooking), which prevents water damage and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew. There are now bath fans available that include lights and heaters to add some warmth and light to your bathroom as well.

Upgrading your electrical system doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul of your home’s wiring or something equally major—a few minor tweaks can get you saving money and living more comfortably, day in and day out! If you’re interested in any electrical upgrades in your home, call Kolb Electric today!

Outlets are wired into your home to make it convenient to plug in anything from an appliance to a lamp. However, an electrical fault can occur endangering your home. It’s not a good idea to have 19 different appliances plugged into a single outlet. This can cause a short; not to mention the maze of cords running through the room aren’t safe for family and pets.

Sometimes electrical faults in your system can cause a ceiling light or fan to stop working. After identifying that a bad bulb is not the culprit, you should turn off the power and inspect the light fixture itself. Check the cable and flex connections and make sure the terminal screws are tight. Use a continuity tester to make sure the flex hasn’t gone bad requiring a replacement.

Lights, fans, and other fixtures can also stop working because a residual current device has tripped. You can reset the device but if it trips again it’s best to call in a certified electrician.

If you are still experiencing problems after doing these simple troubleshooting tasks, it’s always best to call in a trained electrician. Outlets or lights that are malfunctioning could be caused by exposed wires somewhere in your electrical system. If your circuit breaker continually trips, it means the current in your home is not cycling as it’s intended. Either way, it’s much safer to have these issues repaired by a good electrician.