his LinkedIn profile), an energy expert at Titan Energy and the author of today’s blog post, you have more control than you think over your home or building’s energy supply. Whether you want lower bills, more reliable service, or a better approach to the environment, you need to know your rights…

Since the Federal Energy Deregulation Act passed in 1999, many business and homeowners still haven’t exercised their right to choose their energy supplier. The ability for consumers to lower their energy costs, protect against rising rates, and, if interested, make an environmentally friendly choice, are all benefits of Deregulation. 3rd Parties help accomplish this by strategically purchasing the energy you use, in the same way the utility previously did, in the open market.  Depending on your state and the utility which serves you, the benefits will vary.

Deregulation dictates that your local utility can’t “Profit” on the supply of energy. Therefore, they don’t compete with 3rd parties, and shouldn’t care that you choose a supplier. However, you can still see this happen in states like Ohio (in certain markets), when they choose a supplier for you if you don’t choose yourself. Your local utility still delivers, services, and bills your account, as well as responds to any emergencies. This is where the utilities earn their profits.

By taking action, you can significantly improve your cash flow. Whether you own a home, a small office, or manage a nationwide organization, speaking to an energy professional can produce immediate and lasting results. First an energy consultant will analyze your billing and usage history. Next, the appropriate, licensed suppliers in your area will vie to be your energy supplier. Finally, your consultant will present you with options that meet your individual needs, whether they’re financial, environmental, or both.

Power outages were something that we all thought were fun as kids. Any distraction from the normal routine was enough to excite us back then. Of course, looking back, our parents probably didn’t think that they were as much fun as we did, and with good cause. Power outages can be very disruptive, and can even create hazardous conditions in the home. If you own your own home now, you may want to consider the installation of a backup generator on your property. Backup generators in Boston, MA can help you to go about your business even when the power from the grid fails. Just remember that professional backup generator services are a must. Schedule your generator installation, repair, and maintenance with the professionals here at FB Electrical Services.

While very short power outages may not be that big of a deal for most people, the fact of the matter is that one can never be sure just how long any power outage can last. Some people keep a portable generator on hand, and these systems are capable of powering a few appliances or electronics that are plugged directly into the generator. This is fine for a quick fix or for recreational purposes. A backup generator, though, offers a level of performance that portable generators just aren’t on part with, though.

A backup generator is a permanent installation on your property, fueled by natural gas, diesel, or propane, generally. They are able to power whole systems throughout the house, depending upon the size and power of the generator. This means that, rather than running outside in a storm with an armful of extension cords, you can just fire up your generator and live as you normally would until the power from the grid comes back on. This is especially beneficial in any homes where medical equipment is in use, but everyone stands to benefit by having power continue to flow even when the electricity to your home cuts out.

Also, consider an automatic transfer switch for your generator. This may be an individual component, or you may purchase a generator with such a switch integrated directly into it. These switches are able to monitor the electricity in your home, and when the power goes out, they will start right up in order to minimize any disruption to your comfort or convenience. You won’t even have to leave the house to turn your generator on with such a system. To learn more about backup generators or to schedule professional generator services, just dial our number today.

With Valentine’s Day edging past and Random Acts of Kindness Day coming up this February 17th, have you given any thought to how helpful your recent actions have been to your bottom line?

Lighting accounts for approximately 5-10 percent of total energy use. Simply turning off the lights in unoccupied rooms can save a great deal. Multiply that savings times thousands of households, and you’re taking part in a huge random act of kindness for planet earth.  

One of the simplest energy savings tips is caring for your water heater by wrapping it up in an insulated blanket, and it can help you save $20 for gas and $50 for electric heaters annually. Setting it to 120 degrees also boosts energy savings and improves safety.

When temperatures are extreme, be thoughtful about your thermostat settings. Adjust accordingly: 68 degrees in the winter, 78 degrees in the summer. Turning your thermostat down 10-15 degrees for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat to make it a simple, automated task.

Another one of the simplest energy saving tips - turn off computers and other devices when not in use. Leaving your PC constantly running could be unkind to your wallet – to the tune of over $100 a year.

Many of the devices we use daily ruthlessly consume electricity, even when they’re switched off. This vampire power consumption can be curtailed with the help of point-of-use surge protection. Rather than unplugging each item individually, with the flip of a button, power to every device plugged into a surge protector is simply and easily terminated. A perfectly humane way to cut off unnecessary power consumption.

Surge protection can also safeguard your checkbook from the hazards of excess energy. Whole house surge protection adds an integral layer of security against budget-busting power surges that can quickly zap your expensive electronics. Be considerate of your wallet. The cost of replacing a single large home appliance such as a TV or hot water heater could cost you twice the expense of an investment in whole house surge protection. Find out how much professionally installed surge protection can save you from getting zapped with a free in-home quote from Mr. Electric®.    

Looking for a few more energy saving tips to protect your pocketbook? Treat your home and your budget to a little kindness with the loving care of Mr. Electric today.

Of the top five U.S. cities most likely to encounter major storm activity such as a hurricane, two of them are in the state of Florida. Residents of the Sunshine State also endure their fair share of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and tropical storms, all of which can cause a great deal of damage to a home’s electrical system. The key to weathering any storm is being prepared, so neither you, nor your home, is left powerless.

During a power outage, you may be left without a number of resources, including electricity, water, or heat. Plan ahead to ride out the storm safely and comfortably, using these tips: