Herin & Sons Electrical Contractors - Commercial & Residential

Helpful Tips:

From "Electrically Speaking: Tips by Steve"

- as seen in the June 2008 Issue of "Real Response" the newsletter from Ruth Thompson

Keep Cool – Save Money

Save on Summer Cooling Costs

EPA is launching an effort to help Americans save on their summer cooling bills with advice on how to properly program their thermostat. When used correctly, ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats can save money on energy bills and help fight global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If consumers manage their heating and cooling schedules accordingly, a programmable thermostat can save about $180 a year on home energy bills. Read more about ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats.

From "Electrically Speaking: Tips by Steve"

- as seen in the May 2008 Issue of "Real Response" the newsletter from Ruth Thompson

Electricity

The national ENERGY STAR Change a Light campaign started in 2007. It isn’t too late to start converting the incandescent bulbs in your home to compact florescent bulbs which will last longer and save electricity. Making a difference in our environment can be as easy as changing a light bulb.

Look for bulbs that have earned the government’s ENERGY STAR label for efficiency as a first step toward saving energy. Americans can take the online ENERGY STAR Change a Light pledge and commit to change out at least one inefficient light at home with an energy-efficient one. To date, nearly 900,000 Americans in every state and U.S. territory have pledged to change more than 2 million lights.

With the St. Louis summer temperatures already climbing, you may reduce heat in your home by switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents. According to a news story published by wcsh6 news, “ a 20 watt compact fluorescent bulb generates the same light as a 75 watt incandescent bulb. So you have a 50 watt difference. In an incandescent bulb that's 50 watts worth of heat going into the space that you're living," Vrabel said.

More information

Article about switching to compact fluorescent bulbs
Consumer Reports ratings on light bulbs

More from "Electrically Speaking: Tips by Steve"

- as seen in the March 2008 Issue of "Real Response" the newsletter from Ruth Thompson

When Do You Need An Electrical Pro

It's time to call the electrician when you see any of the following:

Habitually flickering lights
A breaker that repeatedly pops
A fuse that repeatedly burns out

Any of these can signal a loose connection or a circuit that is overloaded, which can ultimately cause a house fire.

If you are plagued by flickering lights, blown fuses, and popped breakers, we suggest that you call in a pro. A professional electrician gives you the power you need to keep from blowing a fuse of your own.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) was developed to help save people from getting shocked. The easiest way to think of a GFCI is to remember that a normal circuit breaker protects property, while a GFCI protects people.

GFCIs should be installed at all receptacles within 4 feet of a sink, at all exterior and garage receptacles, and at all electric fixtures over showers and tubs.

All GFCI receptacles have test buttons. You should test each GFCI receptacle in your home at least once a month. If the test doesn't trip the breaker, replace the GFCI immediately.

Childproof Home Outlets

Small children often play with electrical outlets. To protect them and keep them from poking items into the outlet, cover all outlets with caps. This is an easy way to assure the safety of curious little ones.

For more help with your residential and commercial electric needs,
contact Steve today!

Website Design by: Next-Step-Up Communications