Energy-Efficiency and Surge Protection in Palm Harbor

Energy-Efficient Electrical Solutions and Whole House Surge Protection

Energy efficiency refers to a means of performing the same task while consuming less energy. It is not only better for the environment, but it can save you money on energy costs. SafeCircuit Electric & Lighting offers several energy-efficient solutions for your home, as well as whole house surge protection for your expensive electronics and appliances. Our electricians serve Palm Harbor, East Lake, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs, and Dunedin.

Efficient Energy Electrical Solutions

Energy Efficient LED Lighting and Ceiling Fans

Purchasing energy-efficient products as well as using them efficiently can save on energy costs. The most common energy-efficient electrical solutions are ceiling fans and LED lighting. To ensure that your fixtures are installed properly and controllers are compatible, it is best to hire a qualified electrician.

Ceiling Fan Installation

Save Money On Your Utility Bill All Year With Ceiling Fans

When properly used, ceiling fans can help cut utility costs all year round, according to The U.S. Department of Energy. The most obvious solution would be to use ceiling fans instead of your air conditioner in moderate weather, as ceiling fans consume less energy. However, you can save on utility costs all year round by using the direction switch located on the side of the motor housing. A direction switch is a feature that comes with most ceiling fans, but be sure to check before purchasing. If additional lighting is needed, a ceiling fan with an LED light kit will provide optimal efficient energy benefits.

How To Use Ceiling Fans During The Summer

You can save on energy costs by using ceiling fans in addition to your air conditioner in higher temperatures. Make sure that you set the direction switch to rotate your ceiling fan counter-clockwise. The cool air circulating can allow you to comfortably raise your thermostat approximately 4 degrees higher than using an air conditioner alone. Keep in mind that a ceiling fan will only make you feel more comfortable. It will not change the temperature of the room. In other words, you should turn off ceiling fans in any unoccupied rooms to utilize energy-saving benefits.

How To Use Ceiling Fans During The Winter

You can also take advantage of the same energy-saving benefits in the winter. By reversing your ceiling fan to a clockwise direction, you may be able to lower your thermostat by about 4 degrees comfortably. Running your ceiling fan on a low setting will draw cool air upwards, causing the heat that has risen toward the ceiling to disperse back towards your living space.

Feel free to contact us to take advantage of the energy-saving benefits of a ceiling fan.

LED Lighting Installation

Lit up LED light among group of light bulbs

LED Lighting Consumes Less Energy

LED lighting can make a big difference in brightening the look of your home. LED bulbs generally provide more lumens (a measure of emitted light) using less wattage than traditional bulbs. Aside from appearance, there are energy-efficient advantages to LED lighting. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household could save up to $225 per year in energy costs by converting to LED lighting.

3 Advantages of LED Lighting Include…

Consuming at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs
Typically lasts 25 times longer than an incandescent
Emits very little heat compared to traditional bulbs

Converting To LED Lighting

Did you know that a dimmer used for LED lighting requires a compatible dimmer switch? In addition, using a non-dimmable bulb in a dimmable circuit can cause damage to the lamp or circuit. It’s also a good idea to use the same brand and model LED for all fittings in an area of a room.

Common Problems When Using LED Lights With An Incompatible Dimmer

While there may not be any signs right away, signs of a problem may start to show when your dimmer is not compatible with your LED lights. Some common problems with an incompatible dimmer include:

Lights don’t dim to the correct level
Flickering lights
No light output at the end of the scale
Lights don’t adjust smoothly
Issues using multiple lights
Damage to the circuit or LED

Ensure that your lighting is converted to LED properly with our whole-house LED lighting package.

Whole House Surge Protector Installation

Square D whole house surge protective device

Protect Your Electronics & Appliances With A Whole House Surge Protective Device

Although a surge protector itself does not provide energy efficiency, it can save you money by protecting your expensive electronics and appliances from a power surge. As of 2020, the National Electrical Code states that new and replaced service equipment supplying dwellings are now required to be protected by listed whole house surge protective devices. Surges can potentially damage an estimated $15,000 of equipment in the average home.

What Is A Power Surge?

A power surge is a sudden, unwanted increase in voltage. Possible causes of a power surge include lightning, faulty wiring, attempting to draw too much power from a circuit (such as turning on a large appliance), or it can stem from your utility company. A voltage spike can damage any electrical equipment plugged in during a power surge.

What Does A Whole House Surge Protector Do?

Electronics plugged in during a power surge can become overloaded and damaged. A surge protective device sends excess voltage to its ground wire before it reaches your electronics. A whole-house surge protector protects your entire electrical system, including large appliances, outlets, and light switches.

Point Of Use Surge Protector Vs. Whole House Surge Protector

A point of use surge protector plugs into your receptacle, much like a power strip. Although, not all power strips offer surge protection. Only electronics plugged into the device are protected with a point-of-use surge protector. Over time, it must be replaced or after a severe surge event.

A whole-house surge protector protects your entire electrical system, including any expensive electronics or appliances plugged in during a surge throughout your home. It protects against higher voltage surges than a point-of-use protective device and provides long-lasting surge protection. A qualified electrician must install a whole house surge protector. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions regarding whole-house surge protector installation.

Energy Efficiency and Surge Protection