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If you are having electrical issues at home, then it is time to look into working with an electrician and asking them to assess the problem. Electrical problems can lead to fires or a loss of power. A residential electrician is just a phone call away, but how do you know who to choose? We have put together a list of the top five questions to ask an electrician before you hire them to complete a job. Reviewing these questions means you will be in a good position to choose an electrician who you can trust. 1. Are You Licensed and Insured? One of the most important questions to ask is if the residential electrician is licensed and insured. If they are licensed, they will have the education needed to perform a safe electrical service. Remember that electrical contractors possess licenses for different kinds of jobs depending on their certifications. For example, our team is certified to work on residential, commercial, and industrial tasks. We also work with electric vehicle charging installations. Once you find out if the electrician is licensed, you should ask if they are insured. Insurance makes sure that they are liable for any property damage that occurs. At Vine Electric, we pride ourselves on being a licensed, bonded, and insured company. Such coverage is especially vital if anyone is hurt on the job. 2. Who Will Perform the Work? When you call an electrician, you may expect the specific electrician to do the job. That is not always the case. Sometimes, licensed electrical contractors have journeymen electricians who they hire to work under their licenses. Always be clear on who is performing the job for your safety. You have a right to refuse to work with someone who you do not feel is qualified for the job. You can ask that the licensed electrical contractor works on your project rather than a journeyman or apprentice. This may be more expensive, but it is up to you to choose someone you are comfortable with. Our company makes sure everyone who works on your projects has the right licensing, is bonded, and is insured. Any electrician we send to work on your project will be qualified for that task. 3. What Are Your Residential Electrician Service Fees? Another question to ask is about the service fees that are charged by the residential electrician. Some electricians charge a flat rate for a service call. Others charge for things like: Travel costs Time Parts as well as other hidden charges. To avoid a bill that is larger than you were expecting, ask about all the service fees upfront. At Vine Electric, we make it easy for you to afford electrical work by offering a free estimate and financing to help you pay over time. 4. Is the Work Covered Under a Warranty? Ask if any work performed has a warranty. The last thing you want is to find out that a malfunction will cost more for you to fix. Most electricians have warranties on their work for a short period of time. Find out how much the warranty costs if it is not included in the usual rate. Also find out how long the warranty lasts and be clear on if there are any additional costs for service during that warranty period. Sometimes, manufacturers offer warranties on the parts used to set up an electric vehicle charging station, for example, or wiring used in a home. Our team at Vine Electric is happy to talk to you about our policies regarding all of our work. We want our customers to be happy and stand behind our repairs. 5. What Exact Work Will You Perform? Sometimes, an electrician will cut into a wall or siding to repair your electrical system. You need to find out exactly what the service will require them to do. You also need to know if they are going to repair any damage caused. Our team will talk to you about what you would like to have happen and verify if you will need an additional contractor out for any repairs. Contact Vine Electric to Work With a Residential Electrician Reviewing these questions before opting for such electrical services means you will minimize the risk of errors, high costs from hidden fees, and other common problems and concerns. Our highly trained team will give you a free estimate. We will also go over exactly what repairs need to happen to make your home or business safe.  It is your right to know who you are going to be bringing into your home to perform electrical work. You should be sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. At Vine Electric , we are here to answer all your questions before we start working on your project. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Wondering about an electric vehicle charger install? If you love Teslas or want to buy another kind of electrical vehicle, you should purchase an at-home electrical vehicle charger. You'll be able to charge your vehicle quickly and won't have to find a public charging station. Installing a home electric vehicle charger isn't common. So is it worth doing? We've put together this helpful article on residential EV charger installs so that you can decide if this is a right choice for you. The 3 Levels of At-Home Charging Stations There are three kinds of electrical vehicle charging stations: Level 1 electrical vehicle supply equipment, Level 2 EVSE, and Level 3 EVSE. Level 1 EVSE A Level 1 EVSE only requires you to have between 110-120-volt AC power in your home. This level is the slowest of the three options. The EVSE may charge your vehicle at a rate of up to five miles per hour. An L1 EVSE is best for those who have plug-in hybrid vehicles rather than fully electric vehicles. An L1 EVSE may take about 20 hours or longer to fully charge your vehicle. Level 2 EVSE A Level 2 EVSE is the bare minimum most electricians suggest for electric vehicle owners. L2 EVSEs charge more quickly. Depending on the kind of vehicle you're using, you may need only as little as four hours to fully charge your car. Instead of using a 120-volt outlet, L2s use 240-volt outlets. The higher current helps them charge your vehicle faster, but you may need an electrical panel upgrade to install a 240-volt outlet in the right location for your vehicle. Level 3 EVSE Though rare, the L3 EVSE does exist. These are the fastest available and use direct current (DC) power to charge a vehicle. Dead batteries can be restored within 30-60 minutes with a Level 3 EVSE charger. However, these chargers are more common in commercial settings rather than residential. Is An At-Home Electric Vehicle Charger Worth The Investment? The simple answer to this question is yes. Do you want to both save energy and charge your vehicle without heading to a charging station? Installing an at-home electric vehicle charger is the right choice. People often go through with an EV charger install expecting to charge their vehicles overnight. At home, you may need to charge your vehicle overnight to get it to a full charge, but in public, it may take only an hour or two. Though at-home charging is not always s strong as public EV charging, you should still make the investment. 1. Home Charging Gives You More Control Home charging allots homeowners with notable control. Instead of going to a public charger, you can charge your vehicle in your garage. Once installed, the EV charger doesn't require much more time or planning than it would take to fill up at the gas pump. You won't have to make any additional stops while running errands or driving around. 2. You Can Have an L2 Charger Installed Home charging requires at least a level 2 charger if you have a fully electric vehicle. This is a 240-volt source that charges your vehicle enough to get out and drive with just a few hours of charging. You may need to have your electrical panel upgraded to have an L2 charger installed in your home. The volt circuit used for Level 2 EV chargers is like what home clothes dryers require. What Are the Drawbacks of At-Home EV Charger Installs? There are a few drawbacks to using EV chargers at home. The most significant is that many people don't have access to Level 2 chargers at home. They may have ordinary 120-volt outlets that are only classified as Level 1 chargers. These add only a few miles' worth of driving range per hour. This is far below the Level 2's anticipated miles per hour. Level 1 chargers aren't usually powerful enough to recharge a vehicle to full overnight unless you only drive very short distances. However, if you travel only one or two days a week and stay close to home, they can work well. Homeowners that currently only have standard 110-120 volt outlets can contact Vine Electric if they wish to install a Level 2 charger. We'll take care of your residential needs. That way, you can easily charge your electric vehicle without worry. Contact Vine Electric for Help With an Electric Vehicle Charger Install Vine Electric can help you install the right electric vehicle charger. Get freedom from the gas pump and enjoy fueling up in the comfort of your own home.  We'll take a look at your electrical panel and discuss how we can install a new L2 charger in your garage or in another location on your property. We're here to help and would be happy to get back to you with a quote to help you install an electric car charging station at your home.

It's a dream scenario. You're ready to say goodbye to gas, and you've picked out the electric vehicle of your dreams. Before you place the deposit or drive off the lot, there's another thing you need to do. You need to learn about electric vehicle charger installation. Vehicle Information  Before you get started with your installation, you should learn a bit about how to charge your electric vehicle. There are now over one hundred different electric vehicles on the market, and you need to make sure that the charging system you choose suits your vehicle. Charging Levels There are three charging levels for electric vehicles. The level determines how fast your car charges. All electric vehicles are equipped with Level 1 charging. This is a 120-volt charger that plugs into a regular wall outlet. This is the slowest option but works for some people. Consumer Reports has said that if your commute is less than 40 or 50 miles, you can recharge your vehicle overnight. Level 1 charging is not an option for everyone. Those that drive more than 50 miles a day or have a long commute need faster charging. This means you should look into a Level 2 charger. For this type, you'll need to purchase special equipment and have a dedicated 240-volt outlet. With a Level 2 charger, you can recharge your vehicle much more quickly. Some vehicles will be fully charged within a couple of hours. High-powered Level 3 chargers are not usually made for home use. These public chargers can add 10-20 miles of range per minute to your battery. They are also known as fast chargers. Some of these public chargers are free, but many have a fee. Don't worry; it still usually costs less than the cost of gas. Charger Connection Port For the most part, electric vehicle chargers are interchangeable. Tesla vehicles have proprietary chargers that you need to purchase through them directly. The charger you choose needs to fit your vehicle. It should include the safety features you need to protect your home. Think about other features like cord length and luxuries like Bluetooth connectivity. Home Information Now, you know what kind of charger your electric vehicle requires. You know what type of charger you'd like to install. You'll also need to learn some information about your home. You'll need to know the total draw on your home's electrical circuit and the desired location of your electric vehicle charger. Your Home's Electrical Load One thing you need to calculate is the electrical load in your home. The electrical load is the total amount of electricity your home uses to power everything in it. Small appliances and lights generally don't draw much power. Large appliances are the highest energy draws. Certain appliances draw more power than others. Appliances that control climate draw a significant amount of power. These include furnaces and air conditioners. Electrical devices that create heat, like electric ovens or clothes dryers, are also high-energy users. Outdoor appliances can have a high electrical draw as well. These can be easy to forget, but they all exist on the same electrical panel. Think about pools or hot tubs that also have a heavy draw on your electrical load. Solar panels may help increase the total amount of electrical capacity available. It's important to share all of this information with your electrician so they can measure your home's electrical load. Take a look at your home's electrical panel to learn even more. This is a utility box in your home that contains the breakers for all of your appliances. Your electrician will need to look at your electrical panel to make sure your home can support a new 240-volt outlet. Before you install an electric vehicle charger, you need to know the total electrical draw on your home. An electrician can help you identify the total electrical load and make sure that you don't overload your electrical system. Charger Installation Location For many, the ideal location to install their electric vehicle charger is inside their garage. This is a great choice as long as the garage can support the 240-volt outlet. Others may not have a garage available, but this does not need to be a limitation. Some outdoor chargers are weatherproof. This is a perfect solution for those that cannot install a charger inside their garage. You'll need to work with an electrician to ensure your new outlet is weatherproof and safe. An electrician can also recommend the best location for a charger based on how you park your car. Electric Vehicle Charger Installation Near You Buying an electric vehicle is an exciting purchase. You don't need to get hung up on the details of installing a charging station in your home. Working with an electrical company like Vine Electric can save you a lot of time and confusion when upgrading your electrical charging system.

There are many ways that switching to LED lighting can help your business. You may be wondering if making the change is worth your time and investment. A commercial electrician can get the job done safely, efficiently, and affordably. Here are a few reasons why LED lighting is the best choice for your business. 1. Energy Efficiency  LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient kind of lighting. The efficiency is calculated with two factors. The first is source efficiency. This is how efficient the LED appliance is by itself. The second is luminaire efficiency. This is how well the device works to output the desired amount of light. LED lights also generate less heat than similar light bulbs. Managing heat is very important for the bulbs because too much heat can shorten the lifespan of the bulb. In fact, most modern LED bulbs contain heat sinks to reduce the amount of heat produced by the light. Additionally, they emit their light and heat in a specific direction, rather than in all directions, like incandescent and CFL bulbs. This also contributes to their energy efficiency. 2. Long Lifetime LED bulbs are the longest-lasting kind of light bulb available. They don't burn out as other light bulbs do. Instead, they grow dimmer over time. The lifetime of an LED ends when the bulb's brightness has lowered by 30 percent. A good quality white LED light is expected to last at least 30,000 hours. To put this in perspective, an incandescent bulb lasts about 1,000 hours, and a good CFL will last for 10,000 hours. In general, they are very reliable and not prone to catastrophic failure. 3. Better for the Environment LED lighting is the superior choice if you are concerned about the environment for many reasons. LED bulbs require less energy to operate and generate less heat than their counterparts. Because these bulbs are long-lasting, they create less waste. Fewer bulbs are thrown away, and fewer bulbs are produced to replace them. Keeping bulbs in use removes LED bulbs from the waste stream. In addition to the above reasons, LED production is also better for the planet. CFL bulbs contain dangerous chemicals like mercury. This means that they should not be disposed of in the regular trash and should be recycled appropriately. LEDs do not contain mercury and are better for the earth. 4. Low Operation Costs In the past, the high cost of LED bulbs kept business owners away from transitioning to this kind of lighting. When they were newer in the 2000s, LED bulbs could cost $75 each. Nowadays, the cost of the bulbs has come down significantly. They generally still cost a bit more than their incandescent or CFL counterparts. However, with the extended lifespan of LED lights, they will need to be replaced less often. They are also much cheaper to operate than other similar bulbs. It will cost less than $1-2 each year to operate an LED bulb. A halogen bulb with similar brightness to an LED bulb can cost more than four times more than the LED bulb to use. The savings in operating costs can make up for a higher upfront cost. 5. Easy Installation LED lights are very easy to install. There are some bulbs that screw into regular light fixtures. Others wire into your home's electrical system. This is an easy task for any electrician or skilled handyman. These kinds of light fixtures are low-voltage and can be added to your business without changing any existing wiring. One of the best things about these lights is their versatility. LEDs come in all different colors, sizes, brightness, and styles. Because they can be so small and so bright, they offer a whole new way to use lighting that has not been possible before. 6. Color Quality The color of light emitted by a light bulb is called the correlated color temperature of the light. This affects how the light is reflected on objects and can impact how your eye views color. This is called color fidelity. These are important because they are factors in the Color Rendering Index (CRI). To preserve color fidelity is to have an item appear to be the same color under artificial light and natural light. Indoors, a CRI of 80 or higher is generally considered the minimum to preserve color fidelity. LED bulbs regularly come in with a CRI over 90. This is a detailed way to say that LED lights are better are presenting objects as the color they actually are. Contact a Commercial Electrician Switching the lights in your business to LEDs can be done without a headache. You need a commercial electrician that is experienced in working with businesses and LED lighting. Vine Electric will work with you to install the best lighting solutions for your business.

Installation or repair of any electrical system can be a dangerous activity. Wrong electrical installations can cause fire outbreaks, risking lives and damaging properties. Hiring a professional commercial electrician is the right choice if you're considering installing or repairing your commercial property's electrical system. A professional electrician will take care of everything to meet all your business electrical needs. Five Reasons to Hire Professional Help to Rewire Your Business  Any electrical task in your commercial property is an endeavor not to take lightly. Regardless of your familiarity with the world of electrical systems, seeking professional help is crucial. Keep reading to know why you should hire an expert to rewire your business. 1. It Is Safer Fire outbreaks, electrocutions, and other related risks in your business can take your company down. They can also damage the reputation of your business, making you lose potential customers. You can avoid such risks and uncertainties by hiring a professional for all electrical works in your business. DIY electrical may seem the easiest route, but it is dangerous. Electrical experts have all the skills to do competent work and avoid errors that may cost you later. They understand how the electrical works, what to do, and what not to do. A professional will protect you from risks that may happen now as well as long-term safety hazards. Safety will motivate employees to do their best and grow your business. You will also enjoy peace of mind as you perform various tasks in your organization. 2. It Is Cost-Saving DIY electrical installation or repair will make you spend more than you would pay an electrical contractor. There are several ways how an electrician can save you money when rewiring your business. First, there will be no errors that may make you spend unnecessary cash on repairs in the future. Hiring these experts ensures that you get high-quality and durable work to prevent future damage to your electrical system. Professional electrical contractors also provide a warranty for their work. You will not have to spend extra cash hiring another contractor in case something happens to your commercial electrical system. DIY electrical work will force you to purchase expensive equipment like voltage testers, socket testers, side cutters, and cable cutters. Hiring an expert will save you this cost since they have all the required work tools and equipment. 3. It Is Time-Saving In any business time is money, and DIY electrical work wastes these important resources. A good contractor has all the skills to handle any electrical problem fast and accurately. Hiring a professional will save you from unnecessary delays that may even affect your company's service delivery. A good electrician can also detect early problems with your electrical system in your business. Because of this, they can rectify all early signs of damage before they become complex and unrepairable. Hiring a commercial electrical company will allow your workers to focus on other important tasks that promote your business. You will also not waste your time researching the electrical problem, buying the tools, and finding a solution to the problem. 4. For Professionalism Wiring and other electrical works are not tasks anyone can do. They require unique expertise and skills to avoid possible mistakes that may cause property damage, injuries, or even deaths. Good electricians have unmatched expertise to meet the needs of their clients. Their professionalism also enables them to address complicated electrical issues that may be risking your business. These experts also have excellent communication skills to make the entire work process easy for you. They will listen to your needs and keep you updated throughout the process. Licensing is the first proof that the contractor has the right training and experience. When checking the license/permit, ensure that it is legal and not expired. It would be best to consider the electrician's work years and track record. Professionals have a great work history of success. Avoid working with untrained and inexperienced individuals. 5. Are Insured Reputable electrical companies have insurance coverage to protect their workers and clients. They provide workers' compensation and general liability insurance. The insurance coverage will save you money and give you peace of mind when risks happen. Workers’ compensation is important when the electricians get injured while rewiring your business. You will not spend extra cash to cater to their treatment expenses. General liability is a cover to protect your commercial property from any damage during electrical works. Work With a Commercial Electrician Having a reputable commercial electrician to rewire your business will benefit you in many ways. You will not worry about risks that come with exposed naked wires, damaged sockets, and other electrical issues in your business. A professional will keep your business running smoothly by upgrading your electrical system. At Vine Electric , we do the job right the first time and at fair prices. Contact us and discover why our electrical contractor is the best. We are best in commercial electrical work, residential electrical work, industrial electrical work, and electric vehicle charging installations.

Wiring your spa or tub can be a simple process if you have the right knowledge and skills. Mistakes when performing an electric hookup of your spa can cost your life. Take time to consult a professional residential electrician or hire them for the work. 5 Steps for Performing Wiring of a Spa or Tub  You don’t have to incur extra costs when wiring your spa since you can do the work by yourself. Follow this guide to help you perform an electric hookup of your tub or spa easily and quickly. 1. Consult an Inspector You may not be legally allowed to wire a spa that does not meet your municipality regulation code. Going ahead to wire such a spa can cause serious injuries and risk your life. Since it is also against the legal requirement, you may end up getting charged hefty fines and penalties. Rushing to wiring your spa without knowing whether it has met the requirements is a mistake to avoid. A professional inspector can quickly identify little errors with your spa. If the spa is okay, the inspector will give you a permit to legally continue with the wiring process. 2. Have the Right Tools and Materials Remember that you will be handling live electrical wiring. Not having the right tools and materials can expose you to electrocutions and other serious accidents. Some common tools and supplies you may need for the work include electric tape, wire, marker, power drill, and wire nuts. With these requirements, you will save time and enjoy safety throughout the wiring process. You may make mistakes if you decide to purchase the tools without any prior knowledge. Consulting a good electrical contractor first can help you make the right choice. Thorough online research is also recommended when looking for the best equipment and materials to perform the work. Many professional electricians have all the required work tools: hiring one can be a good choice if you don’t want to incur the cost. 3. Plan the Installation Planning will prevent unnecessary errors and make things easier for you. In this step, you decide how to run the wires into the tub. Several things will help you plan the wiring installation easily. One of them is determining the distance from the service panel to disconnect. You will have to connect a circuit breaker to the service panel to ensure a constant power supply. Deciding whether the tub wire will run through the inside or outside of your home is another consideration. The wire can run through the attic or under the basement for safety in your home. You should also consider where the disconnect ends when planning the installation. The national electrical code requires the disconnect adjacent to the tub for safety. If the spa is outside your home, the disconnect will go outside. In this case, you will create trenches for the wires to run through. Use a PVC pipe to prevent the wire from wearing out due to unwanted elements. 4. Installing the Wire You hook up the wires with the spa or tub in this process. Not all wires are suitable in this case. The current required by the spa will determine the size of the wire you use. A very small-sized wire may cause fire outbreaks and even damage other spa features. Check the disconnect box first before hooking up the wires. GFCI disconnect boxes help to disconnect the tubs from the power sources. Indicators on these boxes will help you connect the wires to the service panel and GFCI to the spa. The wiring diagram on the tub’s user manual can also help you hook up the electric wires. Proper inspection of the service control panel is important before connecting the wires. It will help you hook up the wires to the right post, avoiding possible cases of future fire outbreaks. You will have green, red, and black wires. Note that you will hook up the black and red wires to the tub’s electric power. Green wires are neutral and so are connected with the ground bar. Don’t connect the wires while the circuit breaker is on. 5. Inspect and Test the Wiring Installation Inspecting and testing the hookup is the final step to show the results of your work. Hiring a professional building inspector is necessary for this step. A thorough inspection is necessary to help identify all possible electrical trips that may risk your life when using the tub. There are ways of testing the electric hook up. You can use electrical testers and test all the GFCI components. A good electrician can also do the testing if you are unsure how it should go. Lastly, clean up all the debris and dust caused while wiring the spa. Hiring a Residential Electrician Wiring a spa can be stressful if you don’t know what to do. You can also expose yourself to serious risks or even damage your property. Hiring a professional residential electrician to wire your spa/tub will save you time and give you peace of mind. Vine Electric guarantees you a quality job and fair prices. Give us a call and discover why we are the best electrical contractor. You can leverage our residential, commercial, and industrial electrical works as well as electric vehicle charging installation services.

If you still use traditional light bulbs and switches for your business, it’s time to see a commercial electrician and consider upgrading. A move to smart lighting systems can reduce your energy bills and improve functionality, security, and convenience. Here's an overview of the process involved in upgrading business lights to smart lights and the potential benefits: What Are Smart Lights? Smart lights use various controls to make it easier to light up your spaces without wasting energy or time. Typical smart lighting allows users to control their lights using a single panel or remotely via smartphone apps. Some systems include intelligent technologies capable of automating lighting based on motion, temperature, room occupancy, and natural light. Upgrading to smart lighting will also expose you to energy-efficient LED panels and strips and customizable solutions. Why Upgrade to Smart Lights? Smart lighting is trendy and modern. They also boast the inherent benefits of today's advanced technology. Here are some of the advantages of upgrading to smart lighting for your business: a) Save Energy Smart lighting can reduce your annual utility bills because they eliminate wastage. Some units use sophisticated sensors and motion detectors to determine when to turn lights on/off. If no one is in the room, the lights will go off automatically. Intelligent lighting also focuses on energy-efficient LEDs and options. b) Safety and Security Using smart lights keeps your offices, workshops, and business spaces well lit when needed. Motion detecting systems will ensure rooms are lit automatically, eliminating the need to try and search for switches. Using smart outdoor lights can also prevent burglary attempts and improve security, turning on when there's movement. c) Remote Control Smart lighting systems feature apps users can install on their smartphones and tablets to leverage remote control. If you forgot to turn off the lights, there's no need to go back to the office/workshop. You can use a sleek phone app to turn off the lights remotely. This feature is also ideal for scaring away thieves and animals when notified of an incident. d) Easy to Customize Smart lighting systems offer more customization options to achieve the perfect installation for your needs. Working with an experienced commercial electrician can help you identify unique units and features for the business. You can also change the lights without rewiring anything, and there are various colors, intensities, and features to choose from. e) Impression and Productivity Artful lighting will create unique settings and good impressions for your workforce and customers alike. Businesses can also use smart lighting to shift attention and highlight specific areas for better customer engagement. How to Upgrade to Smart Lights Upgrading from traditional to smart lighting isn't a light undertaking. You'll need to choose from a wide range of options, determine a budget, and schedule the installation without risking downtime. It's best to work with an experienced commercial electrician who can understand and meet your needs. Below are the steps involved in upgrading to smart business lighting: 1. Complete an Energy Audit Energy audits can help you calculate how much you are spending on lighting and identify opportunities for cost-saving. The goal is to get a sense of your energy expenditure and make necessary adjustments to reduce the bill. Audits will also reveal the work needed to upgrade to smart, energy-efficient systems. 2. Outline Business Lighting Needs This process involves taking an inventory of all lights your business uses. Depending on the company, you may need ambient lighting, accent lighting, task lighting, and/or several other options. An inventory will give you a clear idea of the investment and the units requiring an upgrade. You can then prioritize and schedule upgrades for specific lights. 3. Choose Your Lighting Businesses have a wide range of intelligent lighting systems and options. You may not need the most sophisticated configuration, but pondering all options is crucial when selecting lights for your business. The most obvious choice is to upgrade to LED lights and strips. You should also consider the following questions: • Do you need an upgrade for all lights or specific areas (interior/exterior)? • Will the lighting reduce operating expenses? • Does the business location receive customers? • How much will it cost to upgrade to smart lighting? 4. Create the Upgrade Plan Installing smart lighting systems might seem like a small job, but it comes with a massive upfront cost. You'll need to purchase the lights/panels and schedule installation services without hurting your business. The best solution involves working with a professional and installing when your business is closed. Don’t attempt doing anything on your own.  Reputable Commercial Electrician Services Smart lighting systems can be expensive if you need several indoor and outdoor installations. Working with an electrician will provide the best outcome and accountability. You can schedule an audit, explore your options, and determine ways to save more on your lighting upgrade. At Vine Electric , no electrical job is too big or too small. We provide premium-quality commercial lighting services, including installations, retrofits, rewiring, switch upgrades, and troubleshooting. Our team offers personalized services to get the job right on the first attempt.

If you plan to install outdoor lighting, use an experienced residential electrician. Outdoor lights can make your home less vulnerable to burglary attempts, saving you more on insurance premiums. Increased space illumination also prevents accidents and improves functionality. Here are six ways outdoor lighting will protect your home. 1. Prevents Unwelcome Guests Outdoor lighting will illuminate your front yard and backyard, making it unwelcoming for burglars. Thieves and squatters are generally afraid of homes with outdoor lights because it’s easy for someone to see them. Security lighting can also prevent animals from entering your property. You can use motion-detecting lights to scare animals and burglars away. Installing bright lights on exterior walls will eliminate dark hiding spots, which will let your neighbors easily see intruders. Thieves are known to survey the homes they intend to break into. You can customize the exterior lighting to make it harder for them to use standard light tripping techniques. Keeping burglars away will also give you peace of mind when you aren't at home. 2. Increases Home Safety Exterior lighting can prevent avoidable accidents like tripping on an uncoiled hose or stumps. Nights are risky to navigate without proper illumination, especially for visitors who don't know the area. Installing exterior lighting will ensure your visitors make it safely to your front door without tripping or running into unseen obstacles. Exterior lights also ensure safety during bad weather, such as snow and heavy rain. You can install lights on your driveways and pathways, porches, steps, walls, and other parts of your home. Adequate outdoor lighting will prevent accidents, saving you the stress of compensating trip victims. Your kids and pets can also safely navigate the property day and night. 3. Supports Your CCTV Cameras Surveillance cameras and alarm systems are essential parts of modern home security. You can find premium CCTV cameras capable of functioning in night mode. Outdoor lights offer even better results because they illuminate the space. Your cameras will capture brighter images and help with burglar identification during investigations. CCTVs work best when there’s sufficient light, so you should consider installing extra lighting on spaces you want to monitor. You can use bright floodlights or install surface-mounted lights on the same support. Motion-detected lights can also turn on and follow the person/animal, allowing the surveillance cameras to capture high-quality footage. 4. Protect Your Insurance Home insurance premiums prevent you from paying out of pocket to cover losses or damage to property. If a burglar invades your home, you can recoup losses through your insurance carrier. The insurance provider expects you to have adequate measures to protect your home from thieves and other threats. Installing exterior lights is one such recommendation. Statistically, a well-lit home or property is less likely to be vandalized or burglarized. Lighting also keeps animals and homeless squatters away. Installing bright exterior lighting around your home allows you to bargain lower insurance premiums. You’ll also have an easier time claiming compensation from the insurance provider in case of an incident. 5. Safer Outdoor Events Most Americans love backyard barbecues and parties that go late into the night. Exterior lighting can provide enough illumination to keep everyone safe during such events. Guest can easily navigate your space without running into unexpected objects and tripping hazards. The lighting also makes it easier to spot intrusion from animals or unwelcome guests. You don't need additional lighting for your backyard dinners and barbecues with exterior lighting in place. You can install energy-saving motion-detecting units to light up occupied spaces only. The lights are also perfect if you plan to record your events and produce better pictures. Use functional outdoor lighting to illuminate the area without sacrificing aesthetics. 6. Secure Uninhabited Homes Exterior lighting can protect the property when you are on vacation or spending a few nights away from home. Most people who see exterior lighting assume there's someone in the house. You can set up intelligent exterior lighting that turns on and off at specific times to make it look like someone is in control of the switches. This trick will scare away burglars and animals. Installing exterior lights will give you peace of mind so that you can focus on enjoying your holiday. They offer the best solution for protecting uninhabited property and should be the first thing you update when planning a vacation. Homeowners have access to various options, including remote monitoring. You can receive notifications whenever there’s a breach. Finding a Reputable Residential Electrician Installing exterior lighting is a massive undertaking with many solutions for all budgets. The first step is to review and identify the right lighting system for your home's needs. Working with a reputable local residential electrician can help you set up adequate lights in the key areas. You should also review the pros and cons of each solution to find reliable lighting for your home. At Vine Electric , no job is too big or too small. Our residential electrician services focus on each client’s needs to produce long-lasting results and reliable performance. We install traditional security lighting, low-voltage landscaping lights, floodlights, roadway luminaires, post luminaries, surface-mounted luminaries, and other exterior lights.

Are you considering buying your first electric car? You may have many questions about how to charge an electric vehicle (EV). Making the switch from putting gas in a tank whenever you need it to planning ahead to make sure your car’s electric battery is charged enough to make a trip takes some adjustment. How to charge and how fast you need to charge are decisions you’ll need to make about residential electric vehicle charger installation. 5 Reasons to have an Electric Vehicle Charger Installed at Home The idea of charging an electric vehicle in your own garage might seem like a dream, not having to go to the gas station. How fast you can charge your car depends on what is available to you. Consult a certified electrician to determine your options. 1. Convenience Driving an electric vehicle is an adjustment. You can’t just hop in the car and make a quick stop at the gas station to fill an empty tank. It takes four to six hours to fully charge an EV battery with a Level 2 charger. Without a home charger, you may need to wait for hours at a public charging station—and that’s if you can find one. EV stations may be rare or inconveniently located, depending on your location. During busy times like holidays or after 5:00 pm when the work commute starts, long lines will add even more time to the process. Having an EV charger installed in your garage makes it easy to keep your vehicle ready at all times. Plug your car in every night before bedtime and drive with a fully charged vehicle in the morning. 2. Cost Paying for an electrical vehicle charger install is an upfront investment that pays off in the long run. Depending on the type of charger you need, the project could cost between $300 and $2000 or more. Costs to charge at a public station may cost up to $40 for a full charge. Membership plans offer some savings compared to pay-as-you-go pricing. Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger. Even with the additional costs of a higher level charging unit and paying an EV-certified electrician for the install, having a charger at home means cheaper and convenient charging. Electricity rates charged at public charging stations are much higher than the rate you are paying at home. 3. Safety When you drive an electric vehicle, one thing you never want to hear right before bedtime is “Oh, I forgot to charge the car!” The thought of spending a few hours hanging out in a dark empty charging lot—or leaving your car unsupervised in one is not exactly comforting. If your residential EV charger has been installed correctly by a qualified electrician, charging your vehicle’s battery at home is completely safe. The 240-volt circuit needed to power the charger is the same that is used for your electric dryer. Once the unit is set up, your installing technician will take the time to train you on how to use the charger safely. Even better, you may never have to hang out in a public charging station after dark again. 4. Choices How to charge your vehicle and at what speeds will help you decide what to install iny our garage. The different types of chargers you can purchase for home use offer their own pros and cons. Level 1 A Level 1 charger is the most affordable option, and included with the purchase of your EV at no extra cost. Level 1 charging doesn’t require a special installation, simply plug it into a standard household outlet and it’s good to go. However, it may be necessary to install a new outlet if there is not one within 25 feet of the vehicle. The bad news is, Level 1 chargers are the least powerful. They typically provide only 4.5 miles per hour of charge. That comes out to only 36 miles for an 8-hour charge. It can take up to 25 hours to fill an EV battery using a Level 1. Level 2 A Level 2 charger costs between $350 and $900 on average. It does require professional installation and needs a dedicated 240-vole circuit that can handle 30 to 50 amps. The extra costs for an installation could be as much as $2,000 in some areas. Opting for a Level 2 charger decreases your charging time by more than half. Allow four to 10 hours for a full charge, more than enough for overnight charging. Level 3 If you drive more than 100 miles a day, you may need a Level 3 charger. A Level 3 station can cost up to $3,000, including installation. The payoff is in speedy charging time. With a rate of 150 to 300 miles per hour. It takes only 30 to 60 minutes to fully charge an EV battery. With a Level 3 residential station, you can be back on the road by the time your lunch break is over. What to Consider when Buying a Charging Station Before deciding which type of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is best for your needs, consider the following: Outlet location and cord length – longer cables allow for more flexibility You may be eligible for rebates through your utility provider Make sure your EVSE(Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) is properly rated for indoor or outdoor use Maintenance and warranty – Modifications made by non-certified providers may void your charger’s warranty Choosing a charging option isn’t quite as exciting as choosing an electric vehicle, but making sure you get the right one for your usage is important. Research your vehicle choice to understand its charging options. Take the time to do your homework, and be sure to ask your certified EV electrician for advice. Are You Ready to Get Charged? The EV-authorized electricians are here to answer your questions and help you choose the charging unit that best fits your needs. Contact us today for more information about your at-home EV charger install project.