In today’s day and age, we rely on electronics for everything. Do you have a plan to deal with the fallout if the grid goes down due to accidents, weather, or other occurrences? A backup generator can help get you through these difficult times, keeping water flowing and well pumps running, powering sump pumps to protect your property from flooding, keeping food in refrigerators safe, providing fans, air conditioning or heating for protection from weather, and more.

Installing a backup generator can help you safely and effectively deal with the following situations:

Do you know how to safely install and operate your backup generator? Contact Mr. Electric® today. Our professional technicians have the knowledge and skills to get your generator – and you - prepared for all life has to throw you way.

Question:  How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?

Answer:  Only one…but the light bulb has to really WANT to change.

Maybe you’ve heard this joke before.  And, maybe you are tired of hearing light bulb jokes in general.  But, like it or not—Change is inevitable and the LED light bulb is leading the way.

Nearly a day goes by that we do not hear about light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the changes taking place in the lighting industry.

And, for good reason.  LED is changing the way we see the light.  The latest ceiling pendants, mini chandeliers, task lamps and outdoor light fixtures are accepting these new bulbs with tremendous gusto.  The lighting effects are becoming more versatile and redefining our vision of elegance.  The price of LED lamps is even coming down.

As LED light fixtures become more affordable and user-friendly, the choice of which bulb to use in your next lighting design will be clear…or frosted or soft white or blue…but it will be LED!

1.  LEDs lasts up to 50 times longer and use 80% less energy than old standard incandescent light bulbs.

2.  LEDs burn out slowly over time, so the dreaded pop and bulb blow out will be a blast from the past–something to tell your grandchildren about!

3.  LEDs radiate little to no heat and they hold up extremely well in harsh winter weather conditions.

4.  LEDs are eco-friendly; they do not contain toxic gas or emit harmful IR/UV radiation.

5.  LEDs are also referred to as “solid-state” lighting  (SSL) because they use semiconductors and are solid light sources; they are shatter-resistant and durable.

Embrace change. Learn the facts and put LED to work in your home or office environment.

√ Buy from a reputable dealer.  All LED bulbs are not created equal.  Through a process of “binning,” LED chips are sorted according to the quality and degree of luminescence.  Cheaper LED bulbs may be equipped with a lower quality chip that will not provide the brightest light and may burn out prematurely.

√ Look for Energy Star®-ratings to find LEDs of the highest quality.

Some of the latest LED innovations include designer mini pendants and ceiling fixtures from ELK Lighting.

If you’re experiencing shocks when you pull a plug out of the wall, or if you notice a spark when turning a particular electrical switch on and off, a faulty appliance or bad wiring may be to blame. Be careful to make the distinction, however, between an electrical issue and a shock that might occur after, say, crossing a carpet. The latter is caused by static and is not a serious issue.

Flickering lights are irritating, but they aren’t always cause for concern. They may just be flickering because of a faulty or loose bulb, so try swapping out the bulb in a flickering light before calling in a professional. If that doesn’t work, the wiring in your circuit breaker may need to be reworked, or there may be an issue with the connections in your light fixture.

If a bad burn-like odor emanates from the outlets and switches in your home, the first step you should take is to turn off the power from the electrical panel. The second step should involve placing a call to your electrician, who can tell you if the problem is with a particular device or a potentially serious wiring issue. Don’t ignore a burn smell – if left unassessed, it could lead to an electrical fire.

While some of these signs don’t always indicate a serious problem, others are cause for concern. When it comes to electricity, it’s always best to err on the side of caution, so if you’re experiencing any of these issues and can’t determine the cause, it is time to make a phone call.

Buying an older house always comes with a certain amount of risk. The history and craftsmanship might be appealing, but even the most attractive aesthetics can hide expensive repair projects.

Frequently, old homes will quickly prove to be in desperate need of carpentry help, re-painting or maybe even an exterminator. Perhaps the most common issue an older property will have is a badly outdated electrical system.

The average American home would've been built in the early 1980s, and many older properties are still being sold. Many of these houses still haven't been rewired to deal with the demands of modern devices and appliances. The evidence will be in sparse electrical outlets, lights dimming when you turn on other appliances or breakers that seem to trip for the smallest electrical loads. If you find yourself taking too many climbs up ladders for blown bulbs or too many trips into the basement to the breaker box, consider overhauling your electrical system

The older your system the bigger the project you'll be looking at. Old houses may lack access to spaces where the wires themselves need to be replaced instead of just rerouted.  Projects like this may have to be done piece-meal over time. Materials alone could cost over $1000.