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Transform Your Outdoor Space with These DIY Electrical Upgrades

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Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor space! One easy way to do this is by adding some new electrical features that will enhance your backyard and create the perfect ambiance for outdoor living. Here are some DIY spring electrical upgrades you can do yourself to make your outdoor area even more enjoyable.

Install Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting can help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can add lighting to highlight walkways or plants or install string lights to create a warm glow. Solar-powered lights are easy to install and don’t require wiring, making them an excellent option for beginners.


Add a Sound System

Music can enhance any outdoor gathering, and adding a sound system is easier than you might think. You can install speakers on your patio or deck and connect them to a Bluetooth-enabled device for wireless streaming.

  

Install an Outdoor Outlet

Installing an outdoor outlet can provide you with a convenient power source for all your outdoor activities. You can plug in your outdoor lights, sound system, or any other electrical devices you may need.

Upgrade Your Grill

If you love to grill outdoors, upgrading your grill can be a game-changer. Consider installing a grill with a built-in power source for convenience. You can also add a smoker or rotisserie to take your grilling game to the next level.

Install a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan can help keep you cool on hot summer days and create a comfortable breeze for outdoor dining or entertaining. It’s easy to install and can make a big difference in your outdoor comfort level.

 

These DIY spring electrical upgrades are a great way to enhance your outdoor area and make it more enjoyable for you and your family. At EarlyBird, we’re committed to excellence in all aspects of our business, including providing top-notch electrical services and support to our customers. If you need help with any of these upgrades or want to take your outdoor space to the next level with professional installation, our team of experts is here to help. Contact EarlyBird today and let us help you achieve total outdoor comfort and style!

How to Protect Your Electronic Devices During Wind Storm Season

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Windstorm season in Minnesota can be a challenging time for homeowners. High winds and severe weather can cause significant damage to homes, particularly electronic devices. Protecting your devices during wind storm season is essential to prevent costly repairs or replacements. Here are some tips from our EarlyBird team to help you keep your electrical system & items safe during this time:

 

Unplug Devices: Before the storm hits, unplug all electronic devices and appliances that are not in use. This will help protect them from any power surges or electrical damage that may occur during the storm.

 

Secure Outdoor Devices: If you have outdoor electronics, such as security cameras or speakers, make sure they are secured tightly to prevent them from being blown away by high winds.

 

Use Surge Protectors: Investing in high-quality surge protectors for your electronic devices can help prevent damage caused by power surges during the storm.

 

Keep Devices in Waterproof Containers: If you have electrical systems that you need to keep outside, such as a generator, make sure they are stored in waterproof containers to protect them from water damage.

 

Keep Devices Away from Windows: During high winds, windows can break and shatter, causing damage to anything nearby. Keep your electronic devices away from windows and doors, especially during severe weather.

 

Prepare for Power Outages: During a wind storm, power outages are common. Have backup batteries or generators to keep your electronic devices powered up and operational until power is restored.

 

By taking these simple steps, you can protect your electronic devices during wind storm season in Minnesota. At EarlyBird, we understand the importance of keeping your home and devices safe during severe weather. Our team of experts can provide you with the necessary support and advice to protect your home’s electronic devices. Contact us today and let us help you prepare for wind storm season with confidence!

What is an Electrical Whole Home Surge Protector and Why Do I Need One?

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An electrical whole home surge protector is an important device for any household, as it can help protect your expensive electronics from damage due to power outages or surges. In this blog post, we’ll explain what a whole home surge protector is, how it works, and why you should have one in your home. By understanding what an electrical surge protector does and the potential damage it can prevent, you can make sure that your home and its electrical appliances are safe and secure.

 

What Is It?

An electrical surge protector is a device used to protect your home and its appliances from surges of electricity. It is designed to detect any sudden increases in voltage and cut off the power to prevent any damage. A surge protector acts like a mini-circuit breaker and can be installed in your circuit breaker box or around specific outlets. 

 

How Does It Work?

When an electrical surge occurs, the protector steps in to limit the amount of voltage that can reach your electronics. Essentially, it’s like a wall between your home and the outside power lines, blocking high-powered surges from entering your home. A surge protector works by redirecting the excess voltage away from your electronics, keeping them safe from any potential damage. The protector also filters out noise and regulates the flow of electricity to ensure your devices get a steady supply of power. Surge protectors are designed to shut off when they detect a surge of electricity, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “circuit breakers”. If you ever find yourself in a situation where a surge protector has shut off due to a surge, you should replace it immediately as this means it has been damaged and is no longer functioning correctly. 

 

Why Do You Need It?

Electrical surges can be dangerous, and even deadly. They can damage your home’s wiring, appliances, and electronics, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Investing in an electrical surge protector is a great way to protect your home from such dangers. In addition to protecting your home, surge protectors can save you money in the long run. The cost of repairing or replacing damaged equipment is often much higher than the initial investment in a surge protector. Plus, most surge protectors come with warranties that can further minimize your risk and the cost of potential damage. 

 

Homeowners should take the time to consider investing in an electrical whole-home surge protector. Doing so will help protect your home’s electrical systems and connected devices from power surges and keep you safe from potentially dangerous and costly damage. Ready to protect your home? Our EarlyBird team of experts is here to help. Give us a call today!

Must Have Electrical Home Upgrades

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Looking to enhance your older home in 2023? Or maybe you are a new homeowner who is ready to start renovating your fixer-upper. Whatever category you may fall into, our EarlyBird team is here to help. Electrical upgrades can increase usability and functionality while ensuring your home meets electrical safety standards and increases the value of your property! The benefits are endless, but what should you upgrade first? Let our team of experts walk you through some of the most popular electrical upgrades.

Swap Out Your Electrical Outlets

The main reason to upgrade or replace electrical outlets around your house usually depends on safety, but it can also be a convenience issue. Regardless of your reasoning for swapping out your outlets, there is a wide variety of new outlets you can choose from based on your needs:

 

  • USB Outlets – These are one of the most common outlet updates. USB outlets are handy for charging phones and other devices without needing a plugin.

 

  • LED Nightlight Outlets – You might have seen these types of outlets in homes with small children. They have a built-in LED light in place of one of the plugs, making a built-in night light that takes up less space & energy.

 

  • Recessed Outlets – These outlets are perfect for your living room. Why? Recessed outlets are set back into the wall so that when cords are plugged in they don’t stick out & furniture can be pushed up against the wall.

Smart Thermostat

Chances are if you have an older home or have just bought an older home you still have a traditional thermostat! If you are looking to bring your home into the modern age while giving yourself the gift of comfort, this is the electrical upgrade for you. Smart thermostats have the ability to be controlled remotely, allowing you to see your home’s temperature from anywhere, improve your indoor air quality and have the ability to learn the heating & cooling needs of your home to make automatic adjustments based on your lifestyle.

Whole-Home Surge Protector

Extreme weather conditions like wind storms, blizzards, and thunderstorms pose obvious power-outage threats, but they can also present a threat to your home’s electrical system. Drops in voltage in an electrical power supply system often result in a surge when power is restored. Downed power lines, lightning strikes, and damaged wiring can also cause electrical surges in your home. A whole-home surge protection device (SPD) connects to your home’s electrical panel. It works like a filter that lets in the safe electrical current but blocks dangerously high current or voltage from entering your home’s electrical system, preventing electrical devices in your home from burning out and, in some cases, causing electrical fires. In conclusion, if your home does not have a whole-home surge protector it should be high on your upgrade list to keep everyone in your home safe!

 

Install A New Electrical Panel

Outdated electrical panels are one of the most common electrical hazards in homes and businesses, along with damaged wiring and secondhand appliances. If your panel is showing signs of rust or if it is between 25-40 years old, it’s important to make sure installing a new one is on your electrical upgrades list! The main benefit of upgrading your electrical panel is, of course, your safety, however, a new panel will also ensure your power needs can be handled and it will increase your home’s resale value!

 

We hope that by walking you through a variety of electrical home upgrades that can increase your safety while providing you with increased convenience and usability you have a better idea of what you want to put at the top of your upgrade list. Whatever home improvement task you decide to tackle first our team of electrical experts at EarlyBird is committed to providing you with EXCEPTIONAL service.

Electrical Upgrades to Help Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

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If you’re looking to cut down on your energy costs and make your home more efficient, making electrical upgrades is a great place to start. Whether it’s a simple or more complex installation, electrical upgrades can save you BIG in the long run! Let our team of experts walk you through three upgrades that will help aid in lowering your energy costs as we move into the new year.

LED Lighting

When it comes to saving energy, making the switch to LED lighting can help you cut down on your electricity bills and make your home more energy efficient. LED lighting uses up to 90% less energy than traditional lighting options like incandescent bulbs, and with an impressive lifespan of up to 25 years, they can last far longer than other bulbs. Additionally, LED lights don’t emit as much heat, so you’ll be able to stay comfortable and cool in your home during the summer months. Not only are LED lights energy efficient, but they also come in a variety of styles and designs that can fit any interior décor. With their bright and vibrant light, they can add warmth and a feeling of ambiance to any room. Installing LED lighting is a great way to reduce your energy consumption and make your home more energy efficient!

Light Switch Timers & Dimmers

One of the best ways to reduce energy costs and make your home more energy efficient is to install light switch timers and dimmers. Switch timers automatically turn off lights when they are no longer in use, while dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of the light, which allows you to save energy without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Installing dimmers can help reduce the amount of electricity used for lighting, as it allows you to turn down the brightness of the light if it’s not necessary for full illumination. Additionally, switch timers can help keep lights from being left on accidentally or for extended periods of time. They can also be set to activate during certain times of the day, such as turning on porch lights after dark or turning off kitchen lights at night.

 

Using switch timers and dimmers can have a big impact on your energy costs by reducing your overall energy consumption. It’s an easy upgrade that requires little maintenance and can help you save money in the long run. Plus, with a variety of styles and colors available, you can make sure the look of your home stays stylish and up-to-date.

Upgrade Old Wiring

When it comes to home energy efficiency, old wiring can be a big culprit. If your home has old wiring, it may be inefficient, resulting in wasted energy, and higher electricity bills. Upgrading your wiring is one electrical upgrade that can take some time and money, but the benefits make it worth considering. When you upgrade old wiring, you can help eliminate inefficient connections and replace them with newer, more efficient ones. This can help you save energy and money by ensuring that all of your electrical appliances are operating at peak efficiency.

 

When it comes to lowering your energy costs and increasing your homes energy efficiency there are a variety of electrical upgrade options available! From changing out the lights throughout your home or updating the wiring of your home, our EarlyBird team is here to help!

Why Does My Circuit Breaker Trip All The Time?

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The Short Answer

The short answer is because the:

  1. Power surging from your electrical panel to wherever there is a draw on the power, like when you turn on a light or start up your vacuum cleaner, is greater than the circuit can bear, or the
  2. Hot wire becomes grounded, or the
  3. Breaker or fuse is faulty, or the
  4. Product pulling an electrical draw is faulty

The Most Common Causes

The most common situation is that the circuit is overloaded. Examples may include plugging in:

  1. Too many electrical devices on one circuit, or
  2. A 1500 watt space heater is plugged into a 15 amp circuit, or
  3. A new microwave is plugged into a range hood outlet, or
  4. One or two blow driers or curling irons are used simultaneously, or
  5. An oversized or even a normal sized window air conditioner is turned on

That being said, circuits themselves may have different sizes or types of Breakers, Fuses, Wires and Outlets or connections. Examples include GFCI’s (ground fault code interrupters) or AFCI’s (arc fault code interrupters)

How to Diagnose

To truly figure out why your circuit breaker trips all the time, you will need to get the facts. A diagnostic of the situation will require an understanding of the above, along with the knowledge of the amp draw of the device which, when turned on, causes the circuit to trip, although that’s not necessarily the case either.

Step 1:

The first step is to determine the load on your circuit and if the circuit has been properly designed to handle the load.

Start out by looking in your electrical panel. You probably know which breaker you’re having trouble with, because you’ve most likely had to turn it back on. SAFETY ALERT: electricity is dangerous. The panel is the brains of the home, and you should take safety precautions. Do not touch wires in the panel or a circuit unless the system is off and you have determined the power is off with a voltmeter. You can shut off all your electricity to your home at the panel, or you can shut off the breaker in question, typically, by pushing it to off. If you have fuses, you will not be able to shut off the circuit; do not remove a fuse unless the entire panel is off.

Step 2:

Next, determine the size of your breaker or fuse for the circuit in question. Then determine, exactly, what areas of the home are controlled by the circuit. Now, take a look at everything that is plugged into the circuit, and determine the amp draw for all the devices. If the total amp draw is less than the ratings of the circuit breaker or fuse, then see if there is a faulty device or appliance on the circuit. It could be lamp that has shorted out or windings in a motor or any number of scenarios. Isolate each device to determine the culprit. If all devices are working properly, then you may have faulty wiring.

Of course there is an EASY BUTTON to stop the circuit breaker from tripping all the time – just call the professionals at EarlyBird Electric. EarlyBird electricians diagnose faulty circuits every day. Call (612) 843-2473.