These are our weekly tips from The Seven Lakes Times newspaper.

Q:  "My smoke detector keeps chirping even with a new battery. What's wrong?"
A: Smoke detectors save lives, but when that unit starts chirping, UGH!  Changing your batteries with Daylight Saving Time is a good idea.  But if a new battery doesn't solve the problem, you may need to reprogram or replace the detector.  keep your loved ones safe by maintaining your first line of defense.

Q: "It's so dark at night when I pull into my driveway. What can I do?"
A: Imagine pulling into your driveway at night, lined with beautiful low voltage lighting.  Not only will landscape lighting beautify your home, but it will give you an added measure of security.  Well-designed landscape lighting will give you nighttime curb appeal, adding to the value of your home. Call us so we can design the perfect nightscape for you!

Q:  "My mom is on oxygen so how can I be assured that she is never without electricity?"
A: Having no lights, computer or refrigerator can be a real drag when the power foes out.  However, if you or a loved one need medical machinery to maintain your health, electricity is crucial.  We sell and service Briggs Cutler Hammer generators.  Call us to learn more about generators and about our valuable annual service.
 
Q:  "An electrical storm has blown out my computer again!  What can I do to prevent this in the future?"
A: How often do we underestimate the value of a good surge protector or UPS on our home computers and televisions?  But what about whole house surge protection?  Call us to find out how this added level of protection can give you added security.

Q: "Is there a way for my lights to come on when I walk my dog at night?"
A: When Daylight Saving Time ends, our homes and offices can be dark early in the evening.  Outside security lights can be equipped with motion sensors so they will go on automatically when they detect movement.  Imagine the security of seeing your steps when you walk outside or seeing an animal in the yard before your dog bolts after it.  Just think of the electricity you'll save since you won't burn your lights all night.

Q:  "I love my outdoor holiday lights, but is there something better than all those drop cords?"
A: Just as you can have outdoor lighting all year long such as post lights and flag spotlights, you can also have receptacles installed in your yard to accommodate outdoor holiday lights.  No more worries about tripping over long cords running from the house to the yard or overloading your circuits.  Have a safe and beautiful Christmas.  Call us to inquire about how we can help you with your holiday spirit.

Q: "How do I protect my grandchildren from electrical shock?"
A: Remember the plastic covers for out outlets that we installed to protect our children and grandchildren?  They were often difficult to remove when we actually wanted to plug something in.  Solution:  tamper proof receptacles.  They will accommodate a plug, but will prevent shock if a child inserts something they shouldn't.

Q:  "No one is home during the day. How can we change when our water heater runs?"
A: Everyone wants hot water when they need it, but we all want to save electricity.  Why waste electricity and your money keeping water hot that won't be used for eight hours.  A good solution is water heater times.  We can install a timer on your water heater putting you in control of when your heater fires up. 
 
Q:  I put a new bulb in my overhead light and now the light keeps going on and off. What's wrong?
A:  Most fixtures and lamps have wattage ratings which indicate the highest wattage bulb that should be used. When a 100-watt bulb is put into a fixture rated only for a 60-watt, several things can happen:  the light can overheat so it shuts off and then will come on again once it cools; the bulb can blow and/or burst; or the fixture can suffer permanent damage. First, check your wattage.If the problem persists, give us a call.
 
Q:  I heard that ceiling fans save energy, but aren't they expensive to run?
A:  Running a ceiling fan at 1/2 speed 10 hours a day Would only cost around $1.10 + a month to run! The movement of air makes you feel cooler so you can comfortably raise your thermostat a few degrees. a 1500 sq-ft house with a/c using 2 ceiling fans and raising the thermostat could save approximately $$85 - $250 during a typical summer season. Reverse fans for the winter, pushing heat down from the ceiling.
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