Reasons to upgrade your electrical panel

The electrical panel controls all the electricity in your home. Its function is to receive electricity from the utility and then distribute it throughout your home’s circuits. The circuits bring electricity to lights, appliances, and anything plugged into an outlet.

Your panel has safety functions that can help prevent circuit overload, overheating, and even fires. However, if your panel is outdated, damaged or overloaded, it might be time for electricians in Calgary to update it. Enerpro Electrical Services Inc. shares more reasons to upgrade your electrical panel:

It isn’t to current code

In older homes, a 60-amp electrical panel was often enough to power a home in the 20^th century. Since those times, modern homes use A LOT more electricity than they used to. Air conditioners, computers, home theatre systems, and a score of other appliances and devices require more power. The standard for homes now is 100-amp, but a 200-amp service will ensure you have enough capacity for everything you need to run.

Breakers keep tripping

Circuit breakers are a safety feature of your home’s electrical system. If a circuit overloads beyond its intended capacity, it will trip the breaker to stop electricity from running. Stopping power can prevent overheating and fire hazards.

Sometimes we can overload the circuit by running too many appliances at the same time. But, if you’re constantly running down to the basement to flip tripping breakers, it means your panel is either worn out, doesn’t have enough capacity, or is malfunctioning. The best electricians in Calgary can fix this for you with a panel upgrade.

You need more power now or in the future

When your home was built, it was outfitted with an electrical panel to meet the needs of the time. However, if you’re running air conditioning more frequently, want to get a hot tub, or want to wire in for a future electric vehicle charging station, you’ll need an electrical panel upgrade. Upgrading to a 200-amp service now will ensure you have enough power today and into the future.

An overloaded electrical system is showing warning signs

If you’re overloading the electrical system, it can be a serious fire hazard. Plus, your system won’t work correctly. Warning signs include flickering lights, dimming lights when appliances kick in, tripping breakers, burning smells at outlets and switches, and sparks at the outlet when you plug something in. If you’re getting a slight shock when you plug something in, there is a problem. Don’t wait. Protect your home and family by calling a Calgary electrician in for an inspection and repairs. Read more warning signs of outdated electrical wiring.

Want to learn more about an electrical panel upgrade? Contact the pros at Enerpro Electric Services Inc.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Imagine never having to climb a ladder in the freezing cold to install Christmas lights ever again! You’re not a scrooge, but putting up and taking down Christmas lights is a chore – not to mention a safety hazard.

Enerpro Electrical Services Inc., electricians in Calgary, have a solution! Glowstone Lighting is a permanent solution for your holiday lights and comes with many year-round perks too. This permanent lighting runs on a track under your eave, perfectly matched to your soffit colour so you can’t see it during the day or when they’re not on.

Permanent outdoor lighting for all occasions

Christmas isn’t the only time you can light up the house to celebrate. Glowstone Lighting comes with endless colours and patterns, so you can program it and light the house for any holiday or occasion. That includes Christmas and other holidays, or if you want to show your team pride by illuminating your home with your favourite team’s colours. Plus, you can create unique colour and lighting patterns for birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, or any day of the year.

On non-occasions, you can turn off the lights or choose a setting for year-round architectural or ambient lighting. Glowstone Lighting installers in Calgary will show you the many features of your new permanent outdoor lighting system.

Built-in architectural lighting

When it isn’t a special occasion, use your Glowstone Lighting as architectural lighting. You can choose from a range of light tones, settings, and patterns to provide the perfect accent to your home. Glowstone also provides excellent ambient lighting for nights on the patio or barbeque parties on the deck. Not only will it look great, but having Calgary Electricians install Glowstone Lighting can also improve safety and security around your property too.

Durable and long-lasting lighting solution

Glowstone Lighting was built for cold Canadian winters. Most outdoor lights are rated to -20, but Glowstone lights can handle -55. Plus, they solder and heat-shrink their light strings together. Unlike plastic and copper connections, this method will ensure that your lighting system will operate correctly without failures and won’t be a fire hazard. Glowstone offers a lifetime waterproof rating, so they’re guaranteed to be rated waterproof for a lifetime of winter in Canada.

Calgary Glowstone Lighting installation

Enerpro Electrical Services offers permanent outdoor lighting installations. They’re a dealer of Glowstone Lighting and can provide you with more information. If you’re ready to put away your ladder and the tangled string of Christmas lights for good, connect with Enerpro Electrical to get started!

Contact them here.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Electric vehicles are environmentally friendly and a great way to commit to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. By switching to electricity, you’ll help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Owning an electric vehicle (EV) is a great choice, but there are still things to consider, including how you’re going to charge it at home.

Enerpro Electrical Services Inc. are electricians in Calgary. They share more information about residential EV charging stations:

EV charging station installation

The process for installing an EV charging station in Calgary is similar to other home upgrades. First, you’ll receive a visit from someone on the Enerpro Electrical team. They’ll view the site, present a range of EV charger brands and types, and build a quote for you to review.

Once the exact location of the EV charging station is confirmed, they check and ensure the electrical supply. You might need to update your electrical service from 100-amp to 200-amp to run the charger. These factors will play into your quote.

Finally, the installation begins. Depending on your situation and charger location, the installers might have to dig a trench to run conduit to the EV charger. Again, this is something your electrician will discuss with you before the work starts.

Building or renovating? Consider pre-wiring for a future EV charger

If you’re building a new home or doing a significant renovation, consider pre-wiring for an EV charger now. Even if you don’t own an electric vehicle but plan to in the future, doing that work now can save time and money.

First, make sure your building plans include an electrical panel that can power an EV charging station. With the charger and score of other devices and appliances drawing power, Calgary electricians suggest a 200-amp electrical panel.

They’ll need to run a conduit to link the electrical service to the EV charging location. Often, installers will have to dig a trench for the line. They will also need access to the electrical system to run wiring. That is why doing this during construction is the most effective. Walls and ceilings are already open, and the ground is ready for any conduits that need to installing across the property. Of course, you can do it after the fact, but it will be more disruptive and expensive than during construction.

What Enerpro Electrical can do for you

Enerpor Electrical offers full-service EV charger installations for residential homes. They’ll provide a range of charging point options. These options include standard plugs, chargers that use wi-fi for remote configuration, real-life monitoring, power-sharing features, output adjustment and more.

Their best electricians in Calgary will ensure to integrate the EV charger safely and seamlessly with your home’s electrical system.

If you have dreams of an electric vehicle now or in the future, get started with an EV charging station. Contact Enerpro Electrical for a no-obligation, free consultation.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Home automation in Calgary allows you to control things in your home with a touch of a button. Lighting and temperature controls, security cameras and monitoring, and home media can all be controlled from a smart device, virtually anywhere in the world.

When you think about a home automation system, you might think it’s a convenience and luxury that only the very wealthy can afford. However, there are options out there that are cost-effective and accessible.

Enerpro Electrical Services Inc. are electricians in Calgary. They share more about the benefits of their smart home systems:

Get the features you want

Enerpro Electrical Services offers Lutron Pro home automation products. These state-of-the-art products offer a suite of home automation features for you to choose from. These features include lighting controls and programming, advanced temperature control, window shades control, security control, and more.

You can have a whole home automation system installed or choose the features that suit you best. Having options allows you to pick and choose elements to create a home automation system that meets your needs and budget.

Quality installation

Enerpro Electrical Services can install any Lutron Pro product, from standard-level to advanced devices. They’ll ensure that your smart home system lives up to its full potential and that you know how to use it. Hiring the best electricians in Calgary to design and install your home automation system will ensure it works correctly, efficiently, and meets your needs.

Full integration

If you have an older home automation system, you might run into problems when you want to add a new feature or conduct repairs on an old one. That is because systems from 10 years ago or more might not be able to ‘talk’ with more advanced technology. Enerpro Electrical Services can help troubleshoot these issues to integrate new products with features in an older system. Using a third-party smart home device, like Google Nest, is a cost-effective solution for fully integrating new and old home automation products.

Boost energy efficiency and security

Two of the most important benefits of smart home technology is how it improves efficiency and security. When you can program lighting and HVAC systems to operate when needed most and not when you don’t, you’ll start saving on your energy bills. Plus, remote lighting control will allow you to turn exterior and interior lights on and off while you’re away. Programmable lighting can help prevent intruders from entering your home because they’ll think that someone is there using the lights.

Home automation systems also include security features. For example, you can access and monitor security cameras remotely from your smart devices. You can also lock and unlock doors while you’re away, so you’ll never have to worry if you left the door unlocked.

For more information on smart home systems, contact Enerpro Electrical Services Inc.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

When finishing or renovating a basement, how far up the to-do list is the electrical wiring? While wiring is important in the rest of the house, the basement is especially important. Not just to have, but to ensure it’s up to code and date and suits the needs of the space.

JMV Inc Electrical Professionals in Calgary specializes in residential electrical services, including home renovations and electrical upgrades. They share some reasons why a wired basement should be a top priority:

Optimize the layout

Starting with a clean space, especially an unfinished basement without the drywall is a prime empty canvas. You can fully optimize the layout of any electrical wiring to maximize the benefits before adding drywall. An electrician will help you plan for function, so you get the most out of your basement’s electrical system and layout.

If you want a basement suite, then adding extra outlets and light switches or ensuring there’s enough power will pay off. Another idea is to wire the basement for a home theatre or sound system. When it comes time to sell, potential buyers will love a readily wired basement and potential for that home theatre.

Well-lit spaces are more inviting

Optimal wiring also relates to optimal lighting, which, in a basement, is essential. Poorly lit basements feel dark and closed off and become very unwelcoming spaces. An overly lit and bright basement is just as bad as it wastes power and takes away from any lighting control. Working with a qualified Master Electrician to optimize the wiring will help ensure the space is welcoming, evenly lit, and doesn’t gobble electrical costs. Learn more about lighting during a renovation.

Protect against damage or wear

Old or outdated basement wiring that hasn’t been maintained in a while is a serious safety risk. Basements can risk water damage which can damage electrical work or even blow the power in the house. Exposed wiring is another risk for a fire to start, and all it takes is a spark. If you have outdated wiring, it’s well worthwhile to have a professional come in and do an inspection. If nothing else, you can upgrade the wiring in the basement to gain back value, lower costs, and prepare the space for new use.

Add value

Well-wired and planned basement wiring will add value simply by being there. Much like a well-designed room or suite, it opens the possibilities to use the space in a variety of ways. You can turn the basement into a home theatre, gym, suite, living room, home office space, and more. You can also add different lighting, such as sliding lights, for added lighting control and to add comfort and value. Once a certified electrician wires and finishes the basement, the space can be left as-is for potential buyers to choose how to customize the area. It’s a great investment overall.

Electricians in Calgary

JMV Inc Electrical Professionals offer full-service electrical services in Calgary and surrounding areas. They specialize in residential electrical work including home renovations, new home builds, electrical upgrades and wiring, and electrical repairs. If you have an electrical project coming up, you can trust the professionals at JMV Inc to get the job done safely and correctly.

Contact JMV Inc Electrical Professionals today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

When it comes to finding the right insulation for your home, spray foam insulation is one of the top contenders to choose. But beyond just good insulation, you also need the right company for the job. That’s where R & N Spray Solutions in Edmonton, a professional spray foam insulation company, come in.

They share more about the benefits of spray foam insulation.

Better comfort and quality

Thanks to the spray application method, spray insulation can get into every nook and cranny within those insulated spaces. Once installed, it creates an air-tight seal that keeps the interior temperatures level and the outside elements out. A professional company like R & N Spray Solutions handling the work will ensure maximum home comfort and long-lasting quality. 

Seamless installation and impact

Insulation contractors install spray foam using a spray gun that sends the insulation into any area of your home. That includes hard-to-reach places in attics and crawl spaces. As it dries, it seals completely, so there are no gaps or open spaces left behind. Since spray foam hardens as it dries, it won’t break down over time, which means it has a very, very long lifespan.

For eco-conscious homeowners, there’s no worry of a negative environmental impact over those years. It creates less waste because it lasts so long, unlike other insulation options that might need replacing. It also helps reduce your carbon footprint by reducing strain on your HVAC system and can be made from eco-friendly materials. 

While some homeowners attempt DIY spray foam installations, it’s best to be left to the pros. If it is installed incorrectly or doesn’t cure correctly, spray foam can cause long-term off-gassing that is bad for your health. R & N Spray Solutions has the experience and knowledge to ensure the insulation is installed correctly, so it can cure properly. When done right, there will be a short one to two-day off-gassing period, and then will be completely safe for the rest of its lifespan.

Better savings

A major benefit of spray insulation is the savings your home will gain immediately and over the years. That air-tight seal means there’s no risk of heat loss or cold air drafts, increasing monthly bills. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard either, so it will last longer and run more efficiently.

Keep in mind that an energy-efficient home is also much more appealing to potential buyers if or when you decide to sell. Over the years, those savings will build up and go towards other efficient upgrades or renovations. Either way, spray foam insulation is one of those multi-benefit home additions. 

Insulation Contractors in Edmonton

R & N Spray Solutions proudly provides high-quality spray foam installations for homes and businesses. They will educate you on their products and process, so you can make the best decision for your project. If you’re looking to increase thermal performance, comfort, and value for your home, spray foam insulation is a great solution. 

Contact R & N Spray Solutions today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

If you have a problem with your plumbing system, no online ‘life hack’ is better than professional repair from an experienced plumber. These DIY tricks can often lead to leaks and costly water damage if you’re not sure what you’re doing. But, if you’re interested in a laugh, check out these plumbing goofs and other scary stuff.

But in all seriousness, finding a contractor you can trust to work in your home can feel tricky. So if you’re looking for a reputable and friendly plumber, trust the professionals at Untouchable Plumbing & Drain in Calgary. They share more about things to look for in a plumber for your home renovations and repairs:

Transparency

You hear the word ‘transparency’ used a lot when researching home improvement and renovation contractors. Transparency has become an essential factor in choosing a contractor because it eliminates unfortunate surprises. You want to find a plumbing company that provides a detailed estimate outlining the costs of your project. Transparency in quoting means you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and often details of the project.

When you get a quote from Untouchable Plumbing & Drain for your repair or renovation, there will be no surprise costs or fees at the end of the project. However, if an issue does arise during your project, and these things can happen, they will communicate it with you honestly and directly. It’s important to include a contingency budget in a home renovation budget for these very reasons.

Honesty

You want to find a plumbing contractor that you can trust. That means a company that is clear in their communication and upfront about their fees and the services they provide. A good place to check for honesty is with prior customers. Ask for their last three jobs, and connect with those homeowners to see if they had an honest and positive experience. You can also check for third-party organizations. Certification from RenovationFind, for example, shows that the company has passed strict criteria and is upholding a high standard. Without an honest contractor, you could end up with some of those hack jobs we mentioned above!

Integrity

Untouchable Plumbing & Drain is also committed to integrity. Transparency and honesty are a big part of maintaining integral business practices. It means the company values strong moral principles. A plumbing company that values integrity will do everything it can to provide the best service and products. If something goes wrong, they’ll work hard to make it right, every time.

Plumbers in Calgary

Untouchable Plumbing & Drain strives to be the go-to plumbing company for Calgary and surrounding areas. So whether you’re embarking on a home renovation or have something funky happening with your toilet, they can help before you consider any plumbing life hacks. Most importantly, they are an experienced and knowledgeable company that commits to transparency, honesty, and integrity in everything they do.

Contact Untouchable Plumbing & Drain today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

If you’ve transitioned to a home office, you’ve likely converted a bedroom into a workspace. If you haven’t done more than move in some office furniture, there are some ways you can vastly improve your working environment.

Westland Electric is a knowledgeable and reputable electrical company in Calgary. They share some ways you can improve your electrical for a more productive home office:

Improve your office lighting

Bedroom lighting was not designed for office work. A more functional lighting plan will include ambient lighting, like recessed fixtures, and task lighting at your workspaces. You can also have decorative or accent lighting in certain areas to create warmth and visual appeal. Better lighting will boost your energy, reduce eyestrain and headaches, and improve your ability to work effectively! This article shares some great tips for better home office lighting.

Improve your connectivity

Most home wireless networks run on a single router serving the entire house. If your office is not close enough to the router, or if too many people are using the internet simultaneously, you could suffer from poor connectivity. Also, with video conferencing and streaming required for working from home, you’ll need to find a solution to make it work.

Electricians in Calgary can run network wiring and wireless network repeaters throughout your house extending and strengthening your wireless network to ensure a high-quality connection wherever you are working.

For some neighbourhoods, you might need help connecting to fibre optic internet. The internet service provider and electrical utility might bring the service to the street, but an electrician can run a conduit to your home to access the service. Some rural properties are far from the infrastructure necessary to provide broadband internet access, but the best electricians in Calgary can help you connect for faster and better internet access.

More outlets

If your home office is in a bedroom or another space in the house, it probably doesn’t have enough power outlets to meet your needs. Most bedrooms have three or four outlets maximum. However, if you need to run computers, printers, and other office equipment, you’ll need more than that. Calgary electricians can assess your needs and install enough outlets to more effectively run your equipment at locations in the room that make the most sense. In addition, more outlets will eliminate the need for extension cords and crowded power bars. They can even install outlets that include USB charging ports for your devices.

If you need some electrical upgrades to make your home office more productive and comfortable, contact Westland Electric!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

If you’re renovating the bathroom, use natural stone to add appeal, value, and design. It’s an attractive, functional, and long-lasting material. If you need help with design inspiration,  CJI Tile and Stone Ltd. in Calgary can help. As a professional tile contractor company, they share some stylish ways to use natural stone tile in your bathroom.

Spa floor tiles

If you want to capture the essence of a spa-like bathroom, then the flooring is the perfect start. Tile flooring is a great option for a bathroom since it’s completely water-resistant. As long as it’s properly sealed and installed, you won’t have to worry about water seeping into any cracks. Using natural stone tile flooring looks not only visually stunning but also feels wonderful on your feet. The different types of natural stone will each lend their own unique colours or appearance, but each one will add a definite calming, spa-like feel.

Decorative shower wall

Dressing up a shower wall, especially in a glass-enclosed or walk-in shower, is always a clever way to add some visual interest. Tile is the typical choice for an easy addition with major visual benefits. Adding natural stone tile, though, adds a striking elegance to your shower. A light natural stone like limestone or marble is great for a softer elegant touch. At the same time, dark options like granite or travertine will add that striking touch. Blending tiles with natural stone is another way to really change up the appearance and play around with new designs

Antique wall cladding

The shower isn’t the only wall in the bathroom where natural stone tiles can act as a stylish upgrade. Depending on the type of natural stone, you can again play around with a soft, elegant look or a bold, dark design. For something a little more rustic and antique, choose a rough finish with larger natural stone tiles. That blend between modern and old is a timeless combination and a very stylish way to add some interest to the bathroom.

Bathroom Renovations in Calgary

CJI Tile and Stone are a company that is committed to quality, timeless additions, and absolute satisfaction. All of their work comes with a lifetime guarantee, which means both the quality and your happiness. They create custom results for any tile or natural stonework by working closely with their customers on every project.

Contact CJI Tile and Stone Ltd. today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Space rooms, small rooms, and those areas in the home that don’t seem to have a purpose can be hard to decorate or navigate. If you are looking for ways to make the space feel a little better, here are some home improvement tips that can help you improve that small room.

Colors

The color a room is painted can really have an effect on how big or small it feels. Update your room with some fresh paint and choose light colors such as egg-shell white, off-white, beige, and more to make the space feel large. On the contrary, dark colors can make a space shrink and feel small.

Lighting

If your small room does not have good lighting, this needs to be fixed right away. Poor lighting can make a room feel small but one with good bright lighting can really open it up. If your room has a window, make sure those blinds are up or the curtains are back to let natural light in.

Furniture

If the room is already small, big accent pieces of furniture will not help much. These can dominate a room and make it feel smaller than it already is. Light colored pieces and quaint furniture will fit well in these spaces without getting in the way or feeling overbearing.

Storage

Custom storage can create many opportunities to keep items out of sight. For example, a bench seat along the wall or in a corner doesn’t take up much room but can have storage space inside. This will keep items from cluttering a small room, leading to a more open feeling.

From coloration, to lighting, and how you set up a room, you have many ways to make a small room feel airy and big. See how these tips can help you improve the spaces in your home. Start planning and discover how home improvements can be made around your house.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection today. Give us a call or text to schedule a free estimate to discuss our home improvement services and repairs.

The post How to Make a Small Room Look Bigger appeared first on Handyman Corporate.