Tag: pasadena electrician

Gorgeous Outdoor Kitchens with Burbank Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

With summer just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about those weekend barbecues and all the outdoor entertaining you will want to do. Outdoor cooking is a tradition we love and cherish. It is something we will remember fondly for years to come. There is just something exciting and relaxing about eating a meal outdoors with friends and family. What if you could enjoy an outdoor meal all year? Or, what if you, the host, could join in the conversation while preparing a delicious meal for your guests? You can do both with the help of an electrician in Burbank. The Electric Connection can help you achieve your dreams of cooking outdoors in your own outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens give you the chance to take the party outside while you are cooking a meal. The kitchens can be a barbecue with a single countertop or a full kitchen complete with center islands, a sink and grill suitable for making an entire meal. A roof over the kitchen area protects your equipment. The walls are left open to allow the fresh air to circulate through the room. Some homeowners choose to have screening material installed to reduce the amount of bugs coming to check out the food.

An outdoor fan is also an ideal fixture for your outdoor kitchen. On hot days, a cool breeze will go a long way to keeping you comfortable while you enjoy your outdoor kitchen. The fan also helps cut down on the bug population. A Burbank electrician will work with you to set up your dream kitchen outside. Electrical outlets are a common addition to the kitchens so you can use some of your favorite appliances outdoors as well. If you are ready to take advantage of the beautiful weather, give The Electric Connection a call today and get started on your outdoor kitchen plans.

What to Look for When Hiring an Electrician–Pasadena Residents Need to Know

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

When you need an electrician it can be difficult to scan through the listings online and pick just the right one. You just never know what you are getting. It’s not like there is an app for that. You need to have an idea of the qualifications you should look for before you hire somebody to come into your home and do work. Before you hire an electrician in Pasadena, follow these guidelines. You can always count on the team at The Electric Connection to meet each of these qualifications.

A licensed electrician is an absolute must. The company the electrician works for should also be licensed. A person who has gone through the licensing process gives means they have met certain knowledge requirements.

The company you hire should be bonded and insured. This protects you in case of an accident that damages your home or an accident the electrician suffers while on your property.

Reputation is very important when it comes to hiring an electrician. Pasadena homeowners will want to talk with others who have used the company’s services to find out if they were pleased with the work that was done. Electricians work hard to build up a solid reputation because they know how important it is to getting more work.

You will want a company that hires electricians who are reliable and will show up when they are scheduled. You have a busy life and need to be able to count on an electrician to be there on time and to complete the work in a reasonable amount of time.

A company that is trustworthy is also essential. Often times the work will be performed when you are not there. You need to know the electrician will finish the job without you looking over his or her shoulder.

If you are ready to hire an electrician, you can count on The Electric Connection to meet and exceed all these expectations.

Old Kitchens Made Modern with Electrician in Pasadena

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Have you ever walked into your kitchen and tried to use the toaster only to discover it had been unplugged. Then you remember you unplugged it because you needed to use the can opener and didn’t want to unplug the Crockpot, interrupting your dinner. If you have ever experienced anything like this, then you probably need the help of an electrician in Pasadena, like those at The Electric Connection. Stop the frustration by having an electrician install additional outlets in your kitchen.

Older homes that have been renovated and made more modern tend to overlook the outlet situation in the kitchen. Fifty years ago, kitchen appliances were very minimal or considered a major luxury. In today’s world, we can’t make coffee or open a can of beans without an electrical outlet. With all the lovely appliances available today that make our lives easier, it is only normal we would want the power to use them.

You can remedy the situation with the help of an electrician. Pasadena residents can transform their kitchen into a space that works for them by having additional outlets installed. Before this can happen, the electrician will need to check out the existing electric panel to determine whether or not the current breaker can support more outlets. In most cases, an additional breaker may be needed to support the outlets. This is something an electrician can take care of for you. When it is time to install the new outlets, it is a good idea to have the electrician replace the old outlets in the kitchen with GFCI outlets. These are the standard in new home construction in the kitchen and bathroom areas. They prevent electric shock if water is splashed on an appliance. If you are ready to make your kitchen start working for you, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Beneficial Electric Panel Upgrade by Electrician in Pasadena

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Whether your home is old or new, there are probably some things you would like to change about it. While the layout and existing construction is often the first thing you think of, wouldn’t it be nice to make your work for you a bit more? If you have been dealing with a breaker that trips frequently or have to turn off everything in order to use a certain tool or appliance that is a bit of an energy hog, you could probably benefit from an electric panel upgrade. An electrician in Pasadena, like those at The Electric Connection, can help bring your home up to your electrical standards.

If your home is older (more than 50 years) it wouldn’t hurt to have an electrical inspection. During the inspection, the condition of your wiring will be evaluated to determine if your electrical problems may be due to faulty or deteriorating wires. You have to imagine 50 years ago, the average home had a handful of items that needed electricity. Today, almost every outlet in the house is in use with various computer cords, cell phone chargers and a long list of gadgets that make our lives easier.

Because of this, your Pasadena electrical needs are a little different and an electric panel upgrade will support all the gadgets you need and want without having to share outlets or unplug everything so you can use one appliance. In some cases, the panel itself may be just fine and you will just need an additional breaker installed. All of this can be determined after the electrician does the inspection and talks with you about what your needs are. From there, you can make a decision about what will work best for you. When you are ready or if you would like to learn more about an electric panel upgrade, give The Electric Connection a call today.

3 Tips to Save Money on Heating Costs Provided by Pasadena Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

After going so long without using the heater, it can cause quite a bit of a surprise when you get that first electric bill this winter. There are some things you can do to lessen the burden of winter heating bills. Your Pasadena electrician has some tips you can use to keep the electric bill at a manageable rate. For more tips and advice, you can call The Electric Connection.

1-One of the most important issues that many people tend to overlook with their furnace is the upkeep and maintenance. It is crucial your furnace is in good working order. Clean filters and ducts will ensure your furnace is not working overtime to try and keep the house warm.

2-Use a ceiling fan to help keep the warm air in the living space instead of close to the ceiling. Hot air rises and without a fan to push it down, you are wasting a lot of money heating the ceiling. If you don’t have one, you can call an electrician. Pasadena residents will feel the difference a ceiling fan can make when the warm air circulates the room rather than hovering near the top.

3-Use a programmable thermostat to regulate the heat in your home throughout the day. Set if for one temperature, 72 degrees is typically adequate for the home. Do not go above 76. At night, you can get away with lowering the thermostat a couple of degrees because you will be under blankets. Set the thermostat to about 68 degrees when you are going to be gone for the day. Avoid turning the thermostat up and down throughout the day. These three things can save you a great deal of money this winter.

You won’t be forced to freeze in your own home because you are trying to save a few dollars if you follow these tips. For more information, give The Electric Connection a call.

Kitchen Remodels with Electrician in Pasadena

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you have been thinking about a kitchen remodel and are finally ready to take the plunge, you will need to find an electrician in Pasadena. Construction is something that should be left to the professionals as well as the electrical wiring that will need to be completed. Even if you are doing a light remodel and doing the work yourself, the electrical work will still have to be completed by a certified professional. If you are not familiar with electricity, you should never attempt to handle it. It is simply not worth the risk. You can rely on The Electric Connection to provide an electrician who has the experience and knowledge you need.

During a kitchen remodel, you will likely want to have any wiring upgraded to make sure it is up to the latest codes. This will include installing GCFI outlets that are safer for use in the kitchen. Along with the outlet upgrade, you can add additional outlets that seem to always be in short supply in the kitchen. One of the best parts of remodeling your kitchen is having a say in what will work best for you and your electrical needs.

A remodel will typically include new light fixtures as well. This is the really exciting part. If you haven’t seen a brand new kitchen in a while, you will be amazed at the various lighting that is available. There are some gorgeous track lighting fixtures that will fulfill your Pasadena electrical needs. Another handy feature is the under-the-counter lights that are quickly becoming very popular. Some use LEDs, which are energy efficient and shed plenty of light on the spaces that tend to be shielded from the standard ceiling lights.

If you are ready to schedule your kitchen remodel, give The Electric Connection a call today to set up an appointment.

An Electrician in Pasadena Can Save You Money on Your Electric Bill

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

As energy costs continue to rise, we all have to make some adjustments and figure out how to afford the higher electrical bill or how to reduce our electricity use in order to afford a roof over our heads. Obviously, the latter is probably the best and who knows, you just may be able to reduce your bill lower than you ever thought possible. You could actually put a few extra dollars in your pocket every month to put towards the rising cost of food. An electrician in Pasadena has a few tips you can start using today to save money tomorrow. If you would like to learn more, call The Electric Connection and talk with a member of the helpful staff.

1-The easiest thing for you to do is to turn off and unplug anything and everything when it is not in use. You can save a couple dollars every day by reducing your phantom energy draw.

2-Switch to CFLs and save about $20 a month on lighting costs. If you have a big house and typically use a lot of lights, you can save more by switching your incandescent light bulbs to CFLs.

3-Have somebody familiar with Pasadena electrical code install a ceiling fan to reduce your heating and cooling bill. Fans circulate the air in a room to help keep it cool in the summer and warm in the cooler months.

4-Hire an electrician to install dimmer switches on lights in the living room, dining room and even a bedroom. You don’t always need a well-lit room to watch television, enjoy an intimate meal or simply chat. Using a dimmer switch to turn down the lights can save you money on your electric bill.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to have a dimmer switch, ceiling fan or other energy-saving appliance installed, give The Electric Connection a call today.

4 Reasons to Call Pasadena Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins | 1 Comment on 4 Reasons to Call Pasadena Electrician

Sometimes that light that seems to be acting strange lately is more than just a fluke. It is a precursor to a bigger problem and it should be looked at by a professional right away. Little things like a popping breaker or a funky electrical smell are all signs you need a Pasadena electrician to come out and do some investigating. Not every problem is something small and meaningless. Those little electrical warning signs are often indicators there is something happening behind the walls of your home that you cannot see. It is imperative you get an electrician out as soon as possible to determine what the underlying cause is. The Electric Connection has a team of qualified electricians who are here to help.

If you are not sure what actually qualifies as an electrical emergency, this should help.

1-Anytime there is any smoking, crackling or visible signs like black streaks around an outlet, you need to call an electrician. Pasadena homeowners should consider this an emergency and call immediately. While you are waiting for service, do not use the outlet.

2-A breaker that seems to trip frequently is not an emergency, but it does warrant a look from a certified electrician. It may be weak or overloaded. If it is weak, it will need to be replaced.

3-Light fixtures that seem to work sporadically should always be checked out by an electrician. A loose wire could be causing a faulty connection. This can lead to an electrical fire. If you notice bulbs are constantly blowing in a fixture, it should be investigated as well.

4-An outlet that isn’t working properly may be improperly wired. This is something your electrician can take care of for you before it becomes a serious problem.

If you have experienced any of these issues or would just like an electrical safety inspection, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Specialty Lighting Possible with Electrician in Pasadena

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Your home is probably adequately lighted for the most basic needs, but could it be better? We all have certain rooms that we would like to highlight by shining more light or maybe a special piece of artwork deserves some specialty lighting. You may have stopped and wondered how you could go about illuminating that one wall without going through some serious trouble. Don’t worry about it anymore! An electrician in Pasadena can help you make your home into a space that accents your art or whatever piece you want to show off a bit. The Electric Connection has skilled electricians who can help you achieve the perfect lighting scheme.

There are numerous lighting fixtures you can use to create the perfect lighting scheme for a room. If the room should be flooded in light, you can consider a brilliant chandelier that casts off plenty of light. Recessed lighting can be mounted directly into the ceiling to avoid obstructing the view of any wall décor. Low-wattage bulbs can be put into the recessed light fixtures to create a soft glow that will add subtle light without being too bright or too dark.

Another option that is ideal for spotlighting certain areas in a room is track lighting. There are several options you have to choose from. A U-shaped track can easily light up an entire room with different wattage lights being directed at various walls or directly down into the sitting area of a room. There are numerous styles to choose from. Light up a mantle with a low-wattage bulb and spotlight artwork on an adjacent wall with a colored bulb or a specialty bulb specifically aimed at bringing out the colors and details of a piece of artwork. Anything is possible. All you need to do to handle your Pasadena electrical needs is give The Electric Connection a call today.

10 Tips to Save on Your Electric Bill by Electrician in Pasadena

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Even if your electric bill isn’t really a problem for you, just imagine what you could do if you shaved it down just a tad. A few more dollars in your pocket could be put towards your retirement nest egg, save up for that new big screen television you have been wanting or maybe just going out for a nice dinner. It is your money, do as you please. There are always ways to save here and there and your electrician in Pasadena has a few simple tips you can start doing today, to get you one step closer to that nest egg. The Electric Connection has been helping customers for years with energy savings.

1-Cook with small appliances when possible. Use a toaster oven, skillet or slow cooker.
2-Use cold water to run the garbage disposal.
3. Clean the filter on your refrigerator and freezer at least twice a year for maximum efficiency. Defrost the freezer at least once a year.
4. Only run full loads in the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. Use warm or cold water to wash clothes with.
5. Use CFL bulbs in place of halogen light bulbs.
6. Rely on a ceiling fan to circulate air and adjust temperature in the home up or down by several degrees. This is a job for your electrician. Pasadena homeowners who rely on their ceiling fans instead of the air conditioner or furnace can save a great deal of money.
7. Turn off all lights when you don’t need them.
8. Unplug small appliances when not in use to prevent phantom energy from being stolen.
9. Install dimmer switches on your lights to reduce the amount of light created and reduce the amount of electricity used.
10. Use a timer to control outdoor lighting to only come on at dusk and turn off at dawn.

These are just a few tips. You can call The Electric Connection to begin saving money today by installing a ceiling fan and dimmer switch.