Poor Laundry Room Lighting is a Common Problem

It makes the already dreary task of doing laundry seem even less appealing.   Many homes have only a single or double bulb fixture there and no windows in that room for natural light.  Working with low light levels or in shadow can add strain on your eyes as you try to see if clothes are really clean or not.  Improving your laundry room lighting will brighten your work, allow you to see the clothes better, and it will make the task seem less tedious.

We recently upgraded the laundry room lighting in a home and this photo shows the finished job.   The owner wanted more brightness in the center of the room so we removed the old smaller fixture and put up an attractive 48” fluorescent one in the same spot.  The installation was quick and easy, and the room is much brighter now.  The owner was very pleased with the change.

The addition of a long fluorescent light in the center of the ceiling is a common solution for low laundry room lighting, but there are many other ways to do it.

• You might find a classy chandelier you like in a second hand store
• you might keep the fixture you have and just add a second fixture in the darkest area
• you could install several can lights directly over the ironing board or the counter top.
• If you already have can lights, you might simply change the bulbs from incandescent to LED.  The difference between fluorescent lights and LED lights can be significant in the right room.

If your laundry room is too dark for you, give us a call today!  We can give you a free estimate and suggest several options to brighten it.   You deserve plenty of light and we can make that happen for you.

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Everyone at Frye Electric is extremely proud of the brave people in our armed forces, and deeply grateful for the sacrifice and service they give every day to keep us free.   We proudly hire veterans and we offer a 10% military discount as a thank you for their service.

During May 2013, we observe Military Appreciation Month by honoring current and former members of the US Armed Forces who have served the country and protected our  freedom.

Military Appreciation Month  is celebrated in the United States every May.  There are several significant days for celebration designated during this month.

• Wednesday, May 8, 2013 is designated as Victory in Europe Day.  This is a remembrance that on May 8th, 1945, the Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to WW II Allies.
• Saturday, May 11^th, 2013, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  Coming just before Mother’s Day, it is a day to honor military spouses and recognize the important role our military families play.  They are a key component in keeping our Armed Forces strong and our country safe.
• Armed Forces Day is set for Saturday, May 18.  This is a day for citizens to thank all of our military members for their patriotic sacrifices in support of our country.  This day honors everyone in all branches including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy.
• The last special day of the month is Memorial Day, which will be Monday, May 27.  This one is a federal holiday in remembrance of our veterans.  It commemorates the men and women who gave their lives during military service.

Are there any veterans in your family that you are especially proud of?

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May doesn’t only bring flowers- it’s also National Electrical Safety Month! Learning how to stay safe wherever electricity is involved is important for kids and adults alike. Electricity is very powerful, and precautions must be taken to protect your family and your home from electrical hazards. There’s no better time like the present than to conduct an electrical safety checkup at your home- here’s how:

1. Check switches and outlets

• Are your switches and outlets operating properly?
• Are there switches that stick or outlets which are warm to the touch?
• Are they discolored?
• Do they make sizzling or crackling noises when in use?
• Do your plugs fit tightly into your outlets?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, discontinue use of those switches and outlets until a licensed electrician has checked them and installed replacements if necessary. Faulty switches and outlets are a major fire hazard, as they may indicate unsafe wiring or loos connections in your home.

2. Check your cords

• Are your cords cracked or frayed?
• Is there furniture, doors, or windows pinching the cords?
• Have the cords been penetrated by nails or staples?

These scenarios all indicate damage to your cords. When there is damage to the insulation and the wires inside, this creates a risk for shocks and fires. Any damaged cords you find should be replaced.

• Are cords running under carpets? Are they wrapped up when you use them?

These scenarios can cause cords to overheat, which creates a fire hazard. Move either your cords or your rugs so the cords are not covered and can receive proper air flow to keep them cool when in use. Unwrap your cords instead of bundling them when in use.

• Are extension cords used as a permanent solution to power devices?

If you’re using extension cords regularly to supply power to devices and appliances in your home, ask yourself why. Is it because there’s no outlet where you need it? This problem can be easily solved by having an electrician install new outlets in locations convenient for your needs.

3. Check your lamps

• Is a bulb with the appropriate wattage for the fixture being used?

If you’re using a bulb with higher wattage than what’s recommended, the bulb can cause overheating of the fixture, wiring, or other combustible materials which may be nearby, which could cause a fire.

4. Check your electrical panel

• Are your circuit breakers constantly tripping or are fuses being blown?

Frequent blown fuses and tripped circuits are an indication that your system is being overloaded. This problem is also a sign of potentially serious electrical problems within your home. If you notice tripped breakers and blown fuses often, contact an electrician to evaluate your home’s electrical system.

• Are fuses and breakers sized right?

Using the wrong size fuse or breaker can cause overheating of the wiring, posing a fire hazard. Find out what the appropriate size is and only use this size when replacing.

• Do you have arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)?
• Do you test your AFCIs regularly?

AFCIs provide better protection against electrical fires compared to standard circuit breakers. If you don’t have them, have an electrician install new AFCIs for your electrical panel. If you have AFCIs, make sure you’re testing them regularly- once a month is good. This test will ensure the equipment is working properly, or alert you to failures so you can have faulty AFCIs replaced.

If you find any issues during your electrical safety checkup, give us a call. Frye Electric’s team of licensed electricians can perform the repairs you need to improve the safety of your home and eliminate fire hazards.

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Are you dreaming of an outdoor ceremony or reception for your wedding this summer or fall? Lighting outdoor spaces are often a concern, but Frye Electric has the perfect solution to transform your area into a well-lit and romantic space: LED outdoor wedding lights! Outdoor wedding lights from Frye Electric are the perfect solution for your wedding lighting dilemmas.

LED outdoor wedding lights use less energy

If you’re planning a wedding, you know that expenses can rack up. LED outdoor wedding lights won’t bust your budget! The same energy efficient technology used for indoor LED bulbs is used in our strands of outdoor LED lights, using less energy than traditional incandescent or fluorescent outdoor lights. Using LED outdoor wedding lights will keep your costs low so you won’t have to worry about those energy bills breaking the bank.

LED outdoor wedding lights create the perfect atmosphere

Our LED outdoor wedding lights are bright enough to light all your ceremony and reception areas effectively. Use elegant LED strands to light the dance floor, tables, walkways, trees, arbors, and more. The light produced by the LEDs will help your guests enjoy the outdoors well after dark, and keep everyone safe by providing sufficient light to help guests navigate your outdoor areas with ease.

Our LED outdoor wedding lights are sold in 1,000 foot spools and bulb sockets are spaced every foot. Frye Electric can hang your lights as well as cut and tape them so you won’t have extra cord lying around. Frye Electric can install lighting to help you highlight all the important features of your outdoor areas, and help you create a custom lighting plan for your ceremony or reception.

If your wedding is right around the corner, don’t wait any longer to schedule your outdoor lighting consultation and installation for your LED outdoor wedding lights. Call Frye Electric today to discuss the lighting needs for your event and outdoor area.

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Saving electricity can be done easily, everyday! One of our energy resolutions for 2013 was to make a change in our habits- simple changes can really help you save big. Try implementing these small adjustments to your routine, because they can make a big difference on your utility bills and help you save electricity every day.

• Shorten your dryer loads. Longer cycles often aren’t necessary; clothes can dry in a shorter amount of time than preprogrammed cycles run for. Try setting your loads for 15 minutes less, and don’t forget to clear the lint trap every time! These changes can help save you about $70 per year.
• Fix leaky faucets. Don’t just deal with the drip- they not only waste water, but if the hot water tap is leaking, your electric hot water heater is consuming extra energy to heat it! Preventing hot water leaks in sinks, tubs, and showerheads can save you hundreds of gallons in hot water each year and prevent electricity waste.
• Unplug appliances when you’re done using them. Some devices still consume electricity, even after you turn them off. This is called a phantom load, which can account for as much as 15% of your electricity use each year! Unplugging unneeded appliances and devices will help you save electricity and keep utility costs in check.
• If you haven’t already, switch to LED lighting! LEDs last 6 times as long as compact fluorescent bulbs, and are about 5 times more efficient! Using LEDs will lower your lighting energy use and cut replacement costs. As your bulbs burn out, make sure to replace with LEDs.
• Monitor your utility bills each month to help you save electricity. Knowing how to read your electricity bills will help you decode the valuable usage information provided by your utility company. For more info, check out this post.

Making some simple switches will definitely help you save electricity all year. These switches are easy to implement, and will make a big difference for your family. For more information about saving electricity and energy-smart home solutions, give Frye Electric a call.

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As you plan your landscaping and outdoor needs this spring, keep lighting in mind. Outdoor lighting makes walkways and spaces safer so you can enjoy the outdoors even after dark. Light the way for your family and guests, and keep everyone safe.

Outdoor lighting for pathways

Dark pathways on your property are a danger. Broken paving stones, uneven ground, even children’s toys left out after dark can lead to accidents. Outdoor lighting allows your family and your guests to see where they are going at night and make their way safely. Path lights can be installed at the edges of your walkway to illuminate the area after dark. There are a variety of options available; pick outdoor lighting fixtures that blend in with your landscaping or accentuate your look.

Outdoor lighting for steps and stairs

After dark, steps and stairs may be harder to judge, especially for guests who aren’t familiar with your home. Lighting the steps leading up to your entryway our out on your deck can help prevent falls after dark. Outdoor lighting can be built in to your steps; add outdoor lighting to the stair risers, along the edges of stairs, and even under the railings. Lighting under the railing can make these safety features known for those who need it.

Outdoor lighting for driveways

Driveway lights are great for helping people find your home and stay on track. If your driveway is hard to spot or your home is set back off the road, light fixtures near the road can provide a landmark for guests to find you. Installing pathway lights along the driveway can keep drivers on track and alert them of fixtures near the path to steer clear of, such as special landscaping or uneven ground.

Enhance the safety of your property with outdoor lighting this spring. Keep your family and guests safe while entertaining all summer long. Frye Electric is available to design a custom outdoor lighting plan for your home and install fixtures to light your property and pathways. Call us today to learn more.

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Does the placement of the switches and outlets in your kitchen or bathroom impact the design? In kitchens and bathrooms, outlets and switches are usually in plain sight. Many homeowners wonder what to do about them when planning to install backsplashes and new cabinets, or wonder what can be done to cover them up or integrate them better with the design or decor. Here are some tips that will help you hide switches and outlets in your kitchen and bathrooms without sacrificing utility.

Hide switches and outlets by repositioning them

You can hide above-counter outlets by simply lowering them and flipping them horizontally. The lower position will keep outlets away from decorative elements in a tile backsplash, and allow them to be easily hidden behind countertop appliances. A low, horizontal position will also help you hide kitchen and bathroom cords, because your appliances and devices will be plugged in low near the counter’s surface, not halfway up the walls.

Hide switches and outlets out of sight

Did you know it’s possible to have outlets and switches installed hidden from sight? Hide switches and outlets by installing them inside or underneath cabinets or in recessed compartments. Use this approach to supply power to a kitchen island, where a compartment to hide switches and outlets can be integrated with your cabinetry. Outlets can be installed underneath your cabinets to supply power to your countertop appliances without interfering with your backsplash.

Hide switches and outlets by grouping

Many switches and outlets placed all over an area can look distracting, but grouping will help you hide switches and outlets by minimizing their appearance. Group your switches and outlets where you need them most. Have them installed together and use a single switch plate- this reduces the scattered look of outlets and can offer convenience by providing power where you want it.

Hide switches and outlets with camouflage

Don’t want to relocate your switches and outlets? Try blending them in with their surroundings. Switches, outlets and plate covers come in a variety of colors, not just white. While white may really make them stand out, black or brown hardware will help your switches and outlets blend with your color scheme, cabinets, and countertops.

Whenever electricity is involved, it’s best to call the pros for safe and reliable help. If you want to hide switches and outlets in your kitchen or bathrooms, give us a call. Frye Electric is available to relocate your existing switches and outlets and install new ones where you need them. In living areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways, outlets and switches must be placed and spaced according to national and local electric codes.

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There are a lot of devices and accessories in your home that plug in to electrical outlets. With many cords in every room, they can be unsightly and unsafe. We have some tips to help you hide cords and still enjoy your electrical devices in every room.

Hide TV cords

With flat screen TVs in many homes, they’re often mounted on the wall to free up space and to maximize viewing. With a wall-mounted flat screen, you may not have an entertainment center to hide cords, like many people used in years past with larger tube-style televisions. To hide cords running to your wall-mounted flat screen, a small hole can be drilled into the drywall to route your cords out of site, to the power source or connections with other electronic devices like DVD players, gaming systems, and stereos.

Hide lighting cords

Many homeowners wish they had a lighting fixture mounted on a wall, but don’t like the thought of ugly cords being on display. We can always hard wire new fixtures for you, but if you are just using the fixture temporarily, try to hang it near a window or door. This way, you can attach the cord around the trim, hiding it better than just letting it dangle.

If you have paneling on your walls, you’ll have additional options for hiding cords. Running cords along grooves will help them not stick out so much, and you can even paint an approved cord to match your wall color. Some wall-mounted lighting fixtures may also come with conduit that matches the finish, which you can run the cord through. If your light kit doesn’t include conduit or you want a longer length, you can likely find this sold separately.

Desk and decorative lamps are often a source of cord hiding frustration. Your furniture can help you out- with back panels, the furniture hides the cord running behind it. Place furniture in front or near outlets if possible to hide your lighting cords. If your cords must extend a bit beyond the furniture to reach the outlet, run the cord along your baseboard to keep them inconspicuous and off the ground.

Hiding cords is not only beneficial for your décor, but also for your safety. Managing cords and keeping them off the ground can prevent falls, keep little ones and pets from playing with them, and protect the cords from damage. Frye Electric offers a number of services which can help you hide those unsightly cords, including flat screen TV and home theater installation, new fixture installation, and installing additional outlets. Call us today to keep those cords out of sight without sacrificing the use of your electrical devices.

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Last week, we explained the benefits of having a backup generator, especially when unpredictable spring weather strikes. While installing a generator is a huge step forward toward keeping your family safe and comfortable during a power outage, there are some steps you need to take when your generator isn’t in use to maintain and care for this important equipment. Here are some generator maintenance tips you can perform to prepare your generator for use, ensuring a reliable backup power source is available when needed.

Before performing any generator maintenance or inspections, make sure the unit is not running. If you are performing maintenance after using your generator, allow time for the equipment to cool down.

Start your generator maintenance routine by inspecting the area around your unit. Plants, trees, and other growth should be cut back so that they are clear of your generator. If your generator is covered in debris, it may not get the proper ventilation it needs to perform effectively, which can cause your unit to overheat. Grass, leaves, and other yard debris can pile up and may need to be cleared on a more frequent basis.

While your generator’s job is to provide power for your home, it needs fuel and its own power source to work when needed. Check the generator’s fuel system and batteries periodically throughout the year to ensure they are working properly.  Test your generator’s batteries to check that they are fully charged.

Most residential units are fueled by propane or natural gas, but there are models available which are diesel powered. On average, a residential propane generator uses between one and two gallons of fuel per hour of operation, so plan accordingly for the possibility of an outage. Store all fuel safely in approved containers. Check your owner’s manual for fueling instructions and care.

Like any other piece of machinery, your generator needs a tune-up periodically to keep it operating in peak condition. Your generator maintenance routine should include oil and filter changes annually. Changing the oil in your generator will help the engine run smoothly, and a clean air filter allows for proper air flow to prevent your equipment from overheating. Your generator’s owner’s manual will provide instruction for how to check your oil levels, which should be done every twelve hours of operating time. The owner’s manual will also tell you what type of oil should be used for your generator.

Without proper maintenance, your generator is more susceptible to failures. Lack of generator maintenance and preparedness can leave you without power when you need it. If you have any questions about how to properly care for your generator, call Frye Electric; our staff is available to answer your generator maintenance and care questions.

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With the spring season approaching, Indiana homeowners know all too well how severe the weather can get. In the midst of our sometimes serious spring storms, your power may be knocked out, leaving your home without electricity for extended periods of time. Don’t wait around wondering when power will be restored; electric generators can keep your home’s electrical appliances and lighting running despite utility blackouts.

Chances are, you’ve been through an Indiana blackout before- but hopefully it didn’t last too long. Do you ever wonder about how your family would handle a lengthy power outage? When severe weather hits, utility companies may be burdened and restoring power to all affected areas may take more time than you’d like. No electricity can be an inconvenience and cause troublesome issues, including:

• Perishable food products in refrigerators and freezers may spoil, and refrigerated medicines may not keep.
• Electric-powered medical devices for use in the home will not be able to operate.
• Air conditioning and heating systems may not be able to operate, depending on your home’s system.
• Downed power lines near your home can pose a safety risk to children, pets, and others.

Take the upcoming storm season seriously. Generators can protect your family from the risks as well as the inconveniences associated with a power outage in your area. Installing a backup generator for your home can keep the lights on, as well as the other electrical devices your family depends on.

Generators are safe and easy to use in the event of a power outage. A backup generator can be permanently installed outside your home and are connected to your home’s electrical system. With a permanent generator already wired for your home’s necessary appliances, you won’t have to run extension cords from the outside unit indoors.

Locating the generator outdoors is key- generators burn fuel to produce electricity and emit exhaust which you don’t want in an enclosed space for safety reasons. They should also exhaust away from openings like doors, windows, and vents. Generators need to be installed on a stable, dry surface with plenty of surrounding space.

Manual and automatic transfer switch options are available. A manual transfer switch requires that you switch the generator on in the event of a utility power outage. With an automatic transfer switch, the system senses when utility power is down and comes back, and controls your generator accordingly. An automatic switch is not only a convenience, but can be a big help; if you’re not home or out of town when power fails, your generator will start up automatically so you don’t risk food spoilage or other problems. Your generator should only be plugged into this transfer switch, never directly into your home’s wiring system or outlets; doing so can create backfeed (power flowing the opposite direction from the usual flow) which may cause injury, fires, and other dangers.

Frye Electric can help keep your family safe and comfortable in the event of a spring power outage, or loss of power any time of year. We install backup generators for homes which supply power to your necessary appliances and electrical devices in the event of utility power loss. We ensure your generator is installed correctly and safely to maintain reliability when you need it the most. Contact Frye Electric today to learn more about backup generators and have one installed before spring storms roll in.

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