Summer is here in Northwest Arkansas and a great time to make some home improvements to enjoy the season.  At Davitt Electric in Bentonville we can help you stay cool by installing ceiling fans, add to your deck or backyard experience with new electrical outlets or just about anything else  that you might need our electrical services.  call us today at (479) 640-7476.

(BPT) – Improved value, curb appeal and livability are the benchmarks for any smart home improvement. But some upgrades you do for the sheer joy of it. The best home improvements deliver all those smart qualities and speak to your heart at the same time.

With home improvement season in full swing here are four home improvements that you can do for the love of sunshine and fresh air – and the love of your biggest investment:

Add or Replace a Skylight

Abundant natural light and fresh air are among the joys of warm weather, and replacing an old, energy-inefficient skylight, or adding one where none existed before, is a great way to welcome sunlight and fresh breezes into your home. Sunlight’s positive effect on mood is well-documented, and adding a fresh-air skylight, which comes with a screen, offers other health benefits as well. Opt for an energy saving solar powered fresh-air skylight and you can enjoy the benefits of passive ventilation to reduce humidity and stale air in your home along with more natural light.

Bring in House Plants

We all remember learning in science class that plants “breathe” by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is why forests are so important in maintaining the delicate balance of the earth’s atmosphere. But did you know that certain tropical houseplants can also remove and process other, more harmful, chemicals from the air inside your home?

Home Improvements to Reduce Your Electric Bill

Add Ceiling Fans

Indoors and outdoors, ceiling fans keep air moving and help keep your home comfortable in summer and winter.  Let Davitt Electric install your fans.  Call us today.

Install Whole House Fans

Whole house cooling using a whole house fan can substitute for an air conditioner most of the year in most climates. Whole house fans combined with ceiling fans and other circulating fans provide acceptable summer comfort for many families, even in hot weather. In addition to whole house fans, the ducts of your central heating and cooling system can be modified to provide whole house cooling.

In today’s high speed world where information moves at the speed of light across the country, electrician jobs go unfilled for lack of qualified, talented individuals. New construction electricians are needed in many places across the country and Northwest Arkansas.  There are entire websites and head-hunting personnel firms that specialize in finding qualified, educated electricians for large electrical contractors and government agencies.

In addition, there are courses and programs that will help you to create an industry approved version of an electrician’s resume that will be accepted by small firms and large ones alike. Even apprentice electricians right out of school are in high demand and command a very high starting salary due to a shortage of supply in the job market. The trend over the last decade has been that people with an inclination towards studying and working with electricity have moved into computers and other related areas rather than the more nuts and bolts, old world style of electrical contracting. This has created a shortfall in the supply and demand factors that control any marketplace in America. As a result, there is more active recruiting of individuals into this field and wages and benefit packages have increased dramatically over the years.

In the past few years, the cable industry has been the single largest employer of electricians in the country. Constantly wiring up new houses for service and repairing existing customers has kept an army of electricians busy for almost three decades. And when technology changes, as it does, which requires updating existing facilities, that same army of electricians hits the streets again, armed with the latest tools and information to do the job right

There are jobs going empty in the housing industry with new construction electricians needed for the building of houses and remodeling older ones. Even though the commercial construction industry has slowed down from its breakneck pace of the 80’s, there is still a larger demand than supply of qualified, commercial electricians. Go to school, learn your trade, prepare an electricians resume and you’ll be working as an apprentice faster than you thought possible.

Remember that electricity can be dangerous to work with and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a couple of books to familiarize yourself with your home electrical system and indoor lighting repairs. If you don’t understand the basics of electricity, you’re probably going to have problems making successful electrical repairs in Northwest Arkansas, to your home.

1. Electricity is one of the few things in your home that can actually kill you. Always remember that your main concern about doing any electrical repairs around your home will be your safety and those around you.

2. I don’t recommend any do-it-yourselfers to work on the main electrical panel box. This is one of the most dangerous spots for anyone who isn’t familiar with the basics of your home’s electrical system.

3. If you’re going to replace an electrical breaker, make sure that the main electrical breaker is off and it wouldn’t be a bad idea, to switch the electrical breaker to the off position that you are planning on removing. This will prevent any electrical arching, just in case there is still electricity flowing through the breaker that you are removing.

4. Your light bulb isn’t working and it needs to be replaced. Make sure that the light switches are in the off position, before replacing any light bulbs. If the light switch is in the on position, and you touch the wrong parts of the light bulb, while removing and replacing it, you could find yourself getting a nice jolt of electricity through your body.

5. If you’re going to replace an electrical outlet or make indoor lighting repairs and you don’t know exactly which electrical breaker shuts off that one particular outlet, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to shut the main electrical breaker off. Before you do this, make sure that there isn’t anything on that could become damaged, like a computer or home security system.

If there isn’t any electricity running through the electrical fixtures that you’re repairing, there’s a good chance that you won’t get shocked. Use common sense and always think safety, while working with electricity.

Nowadays, the main idea is to save money through electricity, it’s even more of a win-win situation now. Each time you bring down your service charges, you save more cash. Reduced bills of electricity mean reduction in its excess use, which also saves the atmosphere from damaging emissions.  Also, what improves this an even arrangement is you don’t need to upgrade your home (or purchase another one) to make it more energy production. There are some simple, viable things that you can do, to home energy savings with little speculation and almost no DIY encounter. In this article, we are discussing 10 ideas to start home energy savings.

1. Limit Phantom Loads

The expression “Phantom load” indicates the consumption of energy that an apparatus or electronic gadget consume even when it is turned off. As indicated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), “Generally, 75 percent electricity is used to power home gadgets while being turned off.” A study from the University of California Berkeley says that phantom loads represent around 6 percent of all national private power utilization these loads can be reduced by unplugging apparatuses and electronic products when these are not in use, or by connecting them to an electrical extension, and turning off the strip when they are not being used. For more information, see Save Energy, Eliminate Phantom Loads.

2. Increase the use of Energy-efficient Appliances

Before making a new purchase, try to search for the products labeled by Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star as these appliances use 10 and 50 percent less energy and water than other related products. Their cost may be high than the devices without the Energy Star label, however mostly because they will more than make up that extra cost through energy saving funds.

3. Change Your Light Bulbs

One of the most effective and less costly replacements you can make in your home is light bulbs. As indicated by Energy Star, one of its qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFL), with a minimum cost, can save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in around a half year by consuming 75 percent less energy and keeps going around 10 times longer than a radiant bulb. Although a few people are concerned as these bulbs contain mercury, Energy Star says that CFLs don’t discharge any mercury when being used, and really diminish mercury outflows since they decrease the requirement for power from control plants that produce mercury. Take in more at Energy Star’s CFLs and Mercury page. For more energy-productive lighting, see Bright Ideas for Home Lighting.

4. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable indoor regulators automatically set the home’s temperature to your timetable, allowing it only when required. If you don’t use your indoor regulator in a day, a programmable thermostat could save you as much as 15 percent on warming and cooling costs. For more details on programmable indoor regulators, including a manual for installation, look at How to Install a Programmable Thermostat.

5. Use Fans for Cooling

During summer, make use of stationary, ceiling and whole house fans, it will help to cut off the use of air conditioners. Simple methods of cooling homes and save more explain the complete idea of the thermostat, it can cut down the cost of cooling by 7-10%.

6. Seal Air Leaks

Check thoroughly your home for small cracks, holes, and areas that can leak or transfer air, in consideration of enough insulation. According to energy stars, 10 % of money can be saved annually through improving insulation and closing holes.

The article Leak-Proof Your House and Save proposes that the initial phase of fixing a house is to handle windows and entryways. In case of for spills, an energy inspector can be invited for keen consideration as it sounds like a difficult task. Read more in Energy Audits: What Homeowners Need to Know.

7. Make Windows More Efficient

Regardless of whether you seal windows well, window glass is a thin boundary against outside temperatures. Use and install new storm shields if you can afford. The most effective method to Make Your Home Energy Savings Efficient clarifies that storm windows decrease the loss of temperature via fixing spills or leaks by generating a space between window sheets.

Despite the fact that it is costly ($8,000 to $10,000 or additionally, contingent upon an assortment of elements), storm windows have a moderately short rate of return (around 10 years).

In the case that you can’t afford new storm windows, there are other economical options to enhance the energy productivity of your windows. You can cover windows with simple transparent material to enhance protection. Energy guru Gary Reysa suggests bubble wrap to use, as it reduces the loss of heat from a window considerably. Look at Save Energy with Winter Window Treatments for different approaches to make your windows more proficient, including utilizing protected shades and window quilts.

8. Enhance Insulation

The Energy Star program measures that in excess of 50 percent of a home energy savings and utilization goes toward warming and cooling. Amplifying the protection in your home’s loft, dividers, floors and roofs moderates the stream of air amongst inside and outside, making it less demanding to control your home’s temperature. The least demanding place to include protection in your house is the attic. You can discover how much protection you have in your storage room — and the amount you can include — in How to Insulate Your Attic and Save Money Year-Round. For more details about home protection, see All About Insulation.

9. Preserve Water

Utilizing less water will bring down your charges of water bills. Additionally, less hot water consumption can also help to cut down the charges of gas and electricity. As indicated by DOE, heating of water is the third most energy consuming activity in the home. To eliminate the excess use of water, shower faster and be aware of the water you utilize when washing dishes and garments and food. Similarly, home energy savings  can be saved by decreasing the temperature of water. As per DOE, a water indoor regulator setting of 120 degrees is adequate for usual chores. On the off chance that you need more water-effective apparatuses and machines, look at the EPA’s Water Sense program when purchasing another spigot or shower head. See Save Money on Water for additional on the Water Sense program, or the DOE site on Water Heating.

10. Plant Trees and Shrubs

Summer bills can also be reduced by planting shade trees around your home as it will cut off the direct sun exposure. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District runs a program that gives free trees to its clients, says that tress set properly can cut your midyear electric bill by up to 40 percent. Energy funds from a tree change extraordinarily relying upon its size and area in connection to your home. Planting bushes and brambles around your home energy savings can enhance protection in the all the seasons. For more details visit shade from Money Does Grow on Trees.

In elementary school, we all learned about electrical safety hazards. And we all probably heard the same scenarios: radios falling into bathtubs, blow dryers dropped into sinks, holding a power tool in the rain. However, these stories have come true too many times. This is why in certain areas of the house, especially areas around water, a special outlet called a ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are required in order to keep you safe.

What are ground fault circuit interrupters?

You’ve probably already seen them before. Simply take a look in the bathroom, behind your kitchen sink, in the basement and garage, or outside around your patio, swimming pool, or hot tub. In these areas where moisture is prevalent, you’ll see outlets that contain two color-coded buttons between the plugs. This is a GFI and it is a required safety item that immediately cuts off power when a dangerous ground fault occurs.

Wishing Northwest Arkansas a Safe and Happy Halloween

These tips are from the Virginia Chapter International Association of Electrical Inspectors and were so good we thought we share them with you.

Electrical Halloween Safety Tips

1. Check Holiday Decorations
Check all decorations for defects and cuts. Follow all manufacturer instruction on the package for installation. We recommend using insulated staples to help preventing damaging the insulation. And remember to remove all exterior decorations after the holidays; most are not made to be exposed to the weather for long periods of time

2. Extension cords
Extension cords are designed for temporary use. Do not use an extension cord for permanent wiring. Have a licensed electrician install the proper receptacle in the areas you have extension cords. Of course during the holiday season’s extension cords are needed. Be sure to inspect the cords for nicks, cuts. If the extension cord does have cuts or nicks DO NOT USE THEM! Extension cords are cheaper than a new house. Do not over load extension cords. All extension cords have a tag with the rating of how much load they can carry.

3. Exterior Receptacle covers
If you install exterior decorations you should use what is known as “In Use” covers. This protects you and your decorations from the weather when they are plugged in.

4. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
All out door receptacles are required to be on ground fault circuit interrupters, same with kitchen counter top receptacles and bathroom receptacles. The GFCI’s have a TEST and RESET button on them. You should use the test button regularly to test your GFCI. It is recommended that GFCI be tested once a month.

5. Smoke Detectors
Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and either vacuum or blow clean of trapped dust once a year. We recommend doing this when you are hanging your holiday decorations.

6. Check the wattage of light bulbs in all light fixtures
All light fixtures have a label with the rated size wattage light bulb required for that light. This also includes table lamps, but especially light fixtures with covers for they hold the heat in. If the light fixture is missing its label than we recommend 60-watt maximum for safety.

7. Remember to turn all decorations off when not at home
And to remove decorations after the holiday.

Hiring a professional electrician is something many people do over a lifetime. It could be due to needing a house built, a house rewired, or it could have to do with building out a retail location. Whatever the reason, it’s a good idea to learn the steps to hiring a professional electrician.

Describe the Project

You need to know exactly what work needs to be done before you embark on your search for an electrician. Each electrician or contractor specializes in different types of work, so you want to be sure to contact the right people so that you don’t waste your time or theirs if they don’t even do your type of work. Even if you don’t understand the details that go into the work you need done, you can describe it in general.

Ask Friends & Family for Recommendations

Once you know what type of project you need done, now ask your friends and family for recommendations. Try to gather five to eight different recommendations so that you can compare them. It helps if the recommendations are from people who have actually used the electrician in question and if the project is similar in nature to yours.

Research the Recommendations

Now that you have several recommendations, take the time to research the companies or individuals in question. During your research you might find other names to add to your list. Check their backgrounds ensuring they are not involved in any lawsuits or other issues. Plus you want to be sure they are actually certified and licensed electricians. Many people wrongly call themselves electricians when they are not.

Interview the Recommendations

Now you can call the recommendations and describe your job to ask if they would be interested in bidding on the project. Ask for a written and detailed free quote from each electrician. As you get the bids, also ask each electrician some thought out questions in advance about their licensure, certification, experience and payment policy.

Compare the Results

Now that you’ve got the bids, and you’ve interviewed each candidate, compare the results. Don’t always choose the lowest bid. Choose the candidate who answered your questions accurately, and who most impresses you regarding their work ethic. Choose the person most willing to work with you in the way you want.

Create a Contract

Most of the time the electrician will create a contract, make sure that it has everything in it you’ve discussed along with a detailed description of the job. It should define what the electrician will do, and won’t do, and how much it will cost. It should also describe contingencies such as weather issues or issues outside of your control or their control, and issues within their control and how they’ll handle that if they get off schedule. You can ask for things to be added to the contract so that you’re satisfied with it before you sign.

Pay Your Deposit

Typically you’ll need to pay up to 50 percent of the estimated cost to get your project started. After that, you’ll receive bills on an agreed upon schedule that is spelled out in the contract. Ensure that the last payment is not due until you’ve had a chance to evaluate whether the project is completed and successful or not.

One final note is to always keep track and keep tabs on your electrician. If it’s a big job you want to find out exactly what is done and what needs to be done periodically. One way to compare is to ask for itemized billing so that you can check that you’re only being billed for parts of the job that are actually finished.

Don’t Ignore Flickering Lights

Sometimes, flickering lights add drama.  But in most cases, its undesirable, annoying, and even dangerous!

A brief flicker or a slight dimming can become more prominent over time – indicating poor connections that should be addressed immediately.  Here’s a quick look at the common causes of flickering lights in your house.

1. If the same set of lights flicker in one area – This could be caused by a bad light bulb or a faulty connection between the light fixture socket and the light bulb.

If the flickering lights are across several light fixtures but is limited to a single area within your home, it could point to a circuit issue.

Have your electrician conduct a circuit diagnosis to locate the conductor causing the issue.  It could be a receptacle, switch, j-box or even the main electrical panel.

2. If the lights flicker when an appliance is turned on – This is a common problem with air conditioning units. Large outdoor A/Cs can pull as much as 100 or more amps when switched on.  Unfortunately, most houses only have a 200 amp main electrical service.

The best course of action is to contact an electrician who can make sure that the outdoor unit is wired to the maximum ampacity. In addition, wire size and fusing should also be appropriate and connections must be tight.

If nothing seems to be amiss and everything looks good, try having a soft start kit installed on your outdoor A/C unit.  This lessens the amount of current needed when the motor starts.

3. If the lights still flicker but the flickering isn’t caused by any large appliance – This indicates loose service conductors in the main electrical panel or meter base. Don’t delay calling your electrician because this is a fire hazard!

4. If your neighbors have the same problem – If everyone in the neighborhood seems to have the same problem, then this is likely an electric company issue or a heavy load issue. Causes could range from a tree branch, debris falling on power lines, a lightning strike, animals, or even an interference which trigger a quick shut off to that section (lasting a few seconds).  Shutting the power off briefly allows the electric company to isolate the problem, allowing them to limit the damage.  On the other hand, flickering could be caused by heavy loads at your neighbor’s place because you share a transformer.

Whatever the cause, ignoring flickering lights is a never a good idea.  Always investigate and have a licensed electrician do a thorough screening.

Hiring an electrician is an important decision that can affect the value of your home or business. If you choose poorly, you may downgrade your investment. If you choose wisely, you will improve your investment. Not to mention that if you don’t hire someone who is qualified for the job and carries all the necessary licensure required by your state, you may be breaking laws, or at the very least you could be putting yourself at risk for damages and even fires.

Get Recommendations from Family & Friends

The first thing you should do when you find that you need an electrician is to ask friends and family for some recommendations. You want to choose someone who has actually done a job similar to your needs for someone you know.

Check That the Electrician is Certified

This requirement varies by state and location. You want someone who is certified general journey level or specialty electrician. They have to have the right education and experience as well as pass exams to be a certified electrician. 

License, Insurance & Registration 

Before you even bother interviewing someone check to see if they are licensed, insured, and registered with the right authority required by electricians. If they’re not insured with enough liability insurance and something goes wrong, you may be left to pick up the tab.

Ask for Written Detailed Estimates 

Always ask your electrician for a very detailed estimate in writing. Ensure that they not only put what is covered but what is not covered in their estimate so that there is no confusion about what you are being billed for.

Know How is Billing Done

Is billing done hourly and if so how much? Is it done by job, if so how much? How much is charged if surprises come up and will they warn you if surprises have come up? Understand all that you can about how you will be billed.

Ask for a Written Contract

Always get a written contract that spells out exactly what the electrician is going to do, for how much, and includes all the payment details including ways to pay. If the contract spells everything out to the letter about what will and won’t’ be done, and what is your responsibility compared to the electricians responsibility there will be less problems and confusion.

Pay With Credit Card

If you pay your electrician with a credit card and you find something missing in the quality of the work or that the work is not finished to your contract and to your satisfaction paying by credit can give you a little additional coverage. You can dispute the charge while making sure the work is completed.

When you seek to hire an electrician, whether for a small job or a large job, it is important to follow this checklist to avoid problems down the road. You want to keep the value of your biggest investment and you can’t do that if you take shortcuts.