Autumn is known as a good time to conduct maintenance and repairs on a home to fix damage caused by summer storms and prepare for winter. You may typically think in terms of roof and siding repair, but there is more to your house than exterior cosmetics. The fall is also a good time to inspect your electric systems and assure they are functioning properly according to the needs of you and your family.

Routine Maintenance and Electric Systems

Are you still using incandescent light bulbs? Your electrician would recommend a different course. Efficient lighting technology has blown up in the last few years, and advanced technologies are just getting better. Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are at the forefront of modern lighting thanks to their inexpensive and long-lasting luminescence. Some of these new diodes are leading the pack in must-have lighting features, including smart home integration that you can control with your phone. Read on to learn more about the latest in LED technology.

Upfront Costs are Dropping

One of the biggest complaints about early LEDs was the price. Almost any LED will save you money over time compared to an incandescent bulb, since they use 25 to 80 percent less electricity and can last up to 25 times as long, but many consumers balked at paying the $35 or higher retail price for a single bulb. Newer models, however, can recreate the look of that classic 60 watt incandescent bulb with fewer LED panels, meaning they are cheaper to produce and sell for $10 or less.

Options are Expanding

Other common complaints about the first LED models were that the warmth of the light wasn't quite right and they didn't work with accessories like dimmers. With today's technologies, however, you can find LEDs that give off almost any color and lighting profile, allowing you to mimic the look and feel of your old incandescent bulbs or tailor your room to fit more eclectic tastes. Not every LED is compatible with standard dimmers yet, but many are – just check the label on the box to make sure.

Make it a Smart Bulb

Many new LED models are designed specifically to work with smart technology. That means you can control them from your phone no matter where you are, set up a schedule for them to turn on and off, and even have different colors or light intensities at different times. Newer bulbs are also optimized to work with your other smart home systems to move you closer to a goal of integrated whole-house control.

Turnkey Functionality

One of the biggest advantages of upgrading to LEDs is how easy it is. There's no need to hire an electrician to set up new wiring or fixtures – the bulbs screw right into the pre-existing bases, out of the box. If you want tips on how to make the most of your new lighting options and create the room profile that fits your home, however, don't hesitate to call up your local electrician for guidance and advice.

The electrical infrastructure that is the backbone to power our electrical devices is a manmade marvel. The ability to provide power to cities and towns all over the country is a benefit that we can all enjoy. Power lines are a basic component to provide electrical current throughout cities, neighbourhoods and ultimately our homes. These high-powered lines are packed with strong current and can be highly dangerous if not respected. It is critical that we exercise caution when working around electrical power lines. We have assembled some tips to bear in mind.

Depending on the location of power lines around your home and property, you may encounter situations where you must work nearby electrical lines. Often trimming hedges or trees will bring us within a short distance of live wires or poles.

Standing on ladders, can put you into harms way. Power lines carry a high capacity of electrical current that flows through the wires themselves. By placing yourself closer to high power lines, you may be at risk of causing an electrical arc. If your hedge clippers or ladder comes too close to power lines, the electrical current may jump to the metal ladder, or electrical device. These objects act as a conductor for the electricity to travel to the ground. The result of this could easily be an electrical shock or burn to your body. When performing jobs near power lines, always look up and be conscious of your proximity to the lines. You should always remain at least three meters or 10 feet away from power lines.

If you are trimming a tree, take extreme caution that your falling debris does not come into contact with the power line. A falling branch could cause a spark or stress on the lines that may result in an electrical fire.

During periods of heavy wind, trees may bend and break under the stress of the wind. Should a tree or large branch break and fall, it may pull down and disconnect a power line from an adjacent pole. Should a power pole fail due to a car accident at the base of the pole, this may also cause power lines to break and fall. During any of these events, take extreme caution and remain at least 33 feet or 10 meters away from a downed power line (The equivalent of one school bus in length). The line is likely still active and charged. If you come across a downed power line ensure that nobody moves near the power line and call 911 immediately. Quick actions can prevent serious loss of life.

As much as we love electrical use in our daily lives, it can be very dangerous. If you have questions or concerns with power lines in your neighbourhood you can contact BC Hydro. For assistance with your home electrical, surge protection or service panel upgrades use a licence electrician. Contact your local Expert Electric at 604-681-8338.