Whether you want to save money on your electric bill, decrease your carbon footprint, or a combination of both, using less electricity is always a good start. Fortunately, there are many small and simple ways to accomplish this. Once implemented, you are certain to see the difference within weeks!

If you ever want advice on how to save electricity, reach out to your Calgary electrician! They will be more than happy to offer tips and tricks. But in the meantime, here are a few ways worth exploring.

5 Ways To Use Less Electricity

Turn off unnecessary lights

This is an easy step: simply turn off the lights as you leave a room! While you may know that you’re returning to that space in your house later on, the minutes can add up when it comes to electrical usage.

Additionally, consider replacing any incandescent bulbs with LED ones. That way, when the lights are on, they’re not eating up as much power.

Unplug unused electronics

Power on standby can account for 10% of your home’s annual electrical use. We’re talking laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, and even toasters and kettles. While some are easier to plug in when needed than others, by unplugging just a few of your unused electronics, you could see a significant difference.

Alternatively, consider getting a power strip. This will allow you to control which appliances or electronics are getting electricity with the flip of a switch, rather than actively unplugging them before bed every night.

Use natural light

Take advantage of that free energy source: the sun! Particularly in the summer months, lights are rarely needed during the day, provided your blinds are open and the sun is shining through. By essentially cutting your lighting needs in half during the sunnier months, you’ll notice a drop in your electric bill.

Air dry your clothing

Your dryer is a huge energy spender. So next time you run a load of laundry, consider skipping the dryer and invest in a drying rack instead! While this method requires a little more patience, the electricity you will save will be significant.

Alternatively, if you’re dedicated to your dryer, simply wait to do laundry until you have a full load. That way, you’ll be able to run a single cycle, rather than using the dryer in extended bursts.

Keep your oven door closed

Every time you open your oven door, the internal temperature can drop up to 25 degrees. This then requires your oven to use additional electricity to heat your oven back up. Therefore, try to utilize your oven window or light and minimize the number of times you need to open your oven.

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust, and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.

As we strive to become more eco-conscious, there are several ways our homes and businesses can do their part. Solar panels, for example, are a simple step to take that can have a large impact.

But how exactly do solar panels help the environment? Let’s explore a few of the ways.

3 Environmental Benefits of Solar Panels

1. Saves Water

Traditional electricity production can use thousands of litres of water every year. The water is used for cooling generators, processing and refining fuel, and transporting fuel through pipes.

Generating electricity with solar panels, however, requires no water at all. Seeing as how you are harvesting energy directly at your home or business, the entire refining process is skipped entirely. This also ensures that water is no longer risking contamination and filtering back into the earth. The only water you’ll ever need is when you want to give your solar panels a quick clean!

2. Reduces Air Pollution

Electricity generation from fossil fuels can generate harmful carbon dioxide and methane emissions that lower the quality of air that we breathe. These gasses build up over time and negatively impact our ozone layer, which in turn contributes to climate change.

Workers Measuring Photovoltaic Cells Dimensions Of Solar Panel

By using solar panels, you are ensuring that no harmful emissions are being produced. As more and more homes and businesses choose solar installations in Calgary, you will be able to quantifiably measure the difference in air pollution.

3. Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

Solar energy is one of the cleanest sources of energy. Not only do solar panels not require any water to successfully work or give off emissions, but they take advantage of an abundant and free resource: the sun. This is an extremely effective way for your home or business to become more efficient and sustainable.

Save both the environment and money on your monthly electricity bill by choosing solar installations in Calgary!

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.

Unfortunately, power outages don’t take summer vacations. If anything, it often seems as though they make an appearance at the worst possible moment. Blackouts during heat waves can be inconvenient to most and even dangerous to others.

So why do summer power outages occur? We list a few of the possible causes below.

4 Reasons Why Power Outages Happen in the Summer

Sustained Demand

During a heatwave, the demand for power drastically increases. As the power transformers work overtime to provide energy to those requesting it, it begins to heat up. While this can be expected, they do require time to cool off. Normally, the transformers find time to do this overnight, when less power is being used.

However, when the temperature is so hot, people will continue to use their air conditioners and fans throughout the night, preventing the transformers from taking a break. This can cause them to overheat and damage the electrical systems.

Man restoring power on circuit breaker after electricity outage

To prevent any or further damage, circuit breakers or other protective equipment will shut off the flow of power. This then creates a power outage.

Storms

With heatwaves come summer storms. Lightning strikes and circuit failures may increase the likelihood of a power outage due to the system’s inability to maintain a regular power flow.

Tornados are also born out of extreme heat. Their intense winds are able to knock out power lines, while flying debris creates the risk of damaging the lines and transformers.

Overloaded Lines

Like the transformers, power lines can heat up during times of high demand, as well as expand and sag. This might cause the lines to droop into nearby tree branches, thus causing them to tangle and short circuit. This then shuts off power to that entire power line.

Animals

This one may be less expected, but animals are actually a huge cause of power outages. From squirrels and other rodents to birds, animals can compromise the flow of energy by damaging the power lines or crawling inside power boxes.

It’s important to note that whenever power outages occur during the summer, trust that professionals are working to resolve the problem.

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.

When a home loses power, it may simply be an inconvenience. However, for some, it could result in financial losses.

Buying a generator can provide additional peace of mind when it comes to your home. When a power outage strikes, you can be secure in the knowledge that your house will be able to continue as usual.

Here are a few reasons why buying a generator for your home can benefit you in the long run.

Why Purchasing a Generator For Your Home Is Worth It

Work From Home

Over the past year, it has become more and more common for people to work from home, whether that be out of necessity or preference. Losing power in the middle of a workday may add to the stress of the day or even create the risk of losing clients.

Having a home generator will help ensure that your home business will continue to thrive, even without power. Home generators will keep the internet, lights, and electricity going so that you can too.

Sump Pump

If you live in an area where flooding is an issue, you likely have a sump pump. This pushes away any unwanted water and helps keep your foundation and basement dry.

Installing an whole house emergency generator for hurricane season

Sump pumps do rely on power to operate. Picking up a home generator will relieve you of any stress regarding your basement flooding during a blackout. All you need to do is plug your sump sump into the generator and it will automatically switch over in the event of a power outage.

Food

If the power is out for only an hour or two, this won’t be a terrible concern. However, if you’re waiting for electrical repairs for several hours or even days, you run the risk of the food in your fridge and freezer going bad. That’s potentially hundreds of dollars into the trash.

A home generator will ensure your fridge and freezer, along with any other appliance you connect to the generator, will continue to function without issue.

Having a home generator is a solid investment for your home if a power outage could negatively impact your life. Don’t hesitate to speak with a professional who can give further information on how a generator can benefit you.

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.

It’s one of the most popular and most used systems in the world: fibre optics.

Without them, much of today’s most powerful and useful technologies won’t be able to operate at full capacity – particularly the internet. Fibre optics, and data cabling in turn, are considered essentially for everyday living.

In this blog post, we take a deeper look at the details of fibre optics and data cabling.

Your Guide To Fibre Optics & Data Cabling

What is it?

According to Verizon, “fiber optics is the technology used to transmit information as pulses of light through strands of fiber made of glass or plastic over long distances”, and that they are “capable of transmitting more data over longer distances and faster than other mediums”.

Basically, these cables are the ones that provide connections, communications and data, primarily through internet, home automation, phone and TV services.

Are there different types of data cabling?

Yes, there are. There is Single Structure cabling (which is the standard model) and Multimode Structure, which is about 10 times larger than a single mode cable. There are also Simplex fiber optic cables and Duplex fiber cables, which are used when there is “only a single transmit and/or receive line is required between devices”.

Finally, there are also hybrid cables, which include copper materials and composite cable constructions that include a mixture of wiring.

What are they used for?

As we mentioned above, fibre optic cables can be used for multiple purposes at home and businesses, including computer networking, broadcasting, scanning equipment and medical or construction equipment.

However, each use requires a different fibre optic cable as it varies from usage to usage. You, therefore, need to investigate and learn about which cable you’ll be getting for your work or system.

For most homeowners and businesses though, the main purpose of these cables are for the internet, communication and TV services.

Who can help you with fibre optic data cabling?

Fibre optic data cabling services are handled by service providers or electricians, who have experience in such services. They will be able to handle your requests and install fibre optic cables, based on your requirements for it to work. This can include telephones, wired and wireless networks, Wi-Fi, and AV systems.

It’s best to contact a professional before handing any fibre optic cabling on your own.

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.

Like anything in your house, electrical panels have a lifespan of their own. In due time, it needs to be upgraded or replaced to ensure that your home still runs as expected while guaranteeing that your house is safe against electrical fires.

What does it cost to replace or upgrade your electrical panel in Calgary? We break down the factors that impact the cost while offering insight into the final figures.

What Affects The Cost of Replacing Electrical Panels in Calgary?

Multiple factors can impact the final cost of your electrical panels, including:

The Type of Circuit Breaker – There are two distinct types of circuit breakers: Single and Double Pole. Each has its own volts system, which can determine how much energy it can produce to support your home. Depending on your electrical output, you will have to decide on which breaker works for you.
The Brand of the Electrical Panel – The better the brand, the more you’ll have to pay for it. Manufacturers such as Square D, General Electric, Siemens and Leviton might be more on the costly side but will guarantee you years of quality and protection.
Upgrading to Higher Amps – Upgrading an electrical panel to support more power might be required to ensure your home system works as expected. Like the circuit breaker, you have to consider the number of amps needed to support your household.

Residential Circuit Breaker Panel with Service Writing

Moving the Electrical Panel – If you plan to move the electrical panel, it will cost you more in labour costs and wiring, as it means you’ll have to shift the focus of your power source. You can choose between indoor and outdoor panel boxes.
The Labour Costs – The type of system you install, coupled with your current model’s outlay, will impact the amount of work the Calgary electrician has to do. The more work they have to do, the more it will cost you.

What Are The Advantages to Electrical Panel Upgrades?

Opting for replacing or upgrading your electrical panels in Calgary means more power in your home with the ability to run all appliances and electronics safely while increasing the safety and value of your property. You will also be able to reduce the number of electrical repairs you need for your home, saving you money and time.

The Cost of Electrical Panel Replacement in Calgary

According to Home Advisor, “the cost to replace an electrical panel averages $1,140, with a typical range of $496 and $1,786”.

Home Guide offers similar prices, stating that “the average cost to replace an electrical panel ranges from $850 to $2,500 depending on the amperage,” noting that “a service panel upgrade to 100 amps costs $850 to $1,600, a 200-amp breaker box replacement costs $1,800 to $2,500, and a 400-amp electrical service upgrade costs $2,000 to $4,000.”

Contacting our Calgary electricians can ensure that you get a hard figure on the cost of electrical panels upgrades in Calgary.

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.

Notice that your lights are flickering, your panel is struggling, or your electricity isn’t operating as it should be? Don’t know why it’s happening? Let’s drop a little spoiler for you: it might be the cold weather…

Can the cold weather cause electrical problems?

In the short answer, yes, extremely cold weather can instigate plenty of electrical problems for homeowners and businesses.

There is no need to panic. In fact, during the winter months, such is the commonality of electrical problems, most people assume that it’s the cold weather.

However, in many situations, these problems are not due to the cold but other issues. They are merely exacerbated during the cold, as it triggers them.

Let’s take a look at the common electrical problems that can happen during winter and how you prepare your home for it.

Electrical Repairs For Your Cold-Infused Problems

Tripping Circuit Breakers & Power Outages

The cold weather can wreak havoc on your electrical panel, particularly with the overuse of energy through heaters and general electrical use. Therefore, the large emphasis on these kinds of devices will put your system on edge. In turn, this results in breaker trips and flickering lights.

How to get around this problem? Electric panel upgrades or installing a home generator can prove beneficial, safeguarding your home against any tripped breakers. You should also schedule electrical maintenance to ensure your system is ready for the winter.

(Learn the Cost to Upgrading Electrical Panels here)

Out of Date Equipment

Old and heavily used equipment can be problematic for your electrical system. Everything from space heaters to electric blankets can put too much pressure on your system, resulting in it crashing later on. This is due to most of these older items being incompatible with modern homes.

As a precaution, you should remove all old, used equipment from your home (anything more than five years) and get your system checked regularly to avoid an electrical fire.

Static Electricity

A charge imbalance in dry materials (such as wires) can result in static electricity, ultimately making it dangerous in certain conditions.

If you suspect a damaged or unmonitored electrical current or flammable substance near your system, either buy a humidifier to prevent it or get professional electric repairs in Calgary to prevent fires.

(Want to know “How to Prevent Snow & Ice Buildup on Your Home”? Read this!)

Frayed Wires

Frayed wires can be problematic any time of year but become noticeable during the wintertime. Harsh elements such as snow and ice can do major damage to wiring if it isn’t properly maintained.

If they are left too long unnoticed, they risk catching fire, putting your home and lives at risk. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all wires are clean with no opening, and most importantly, are in perfect working condition.

Hire A Calgary Electrician To Prepare Yourself

The best way to prepare your electrical systems for winter is simple: hire a qualified Calgary electrician. Only with an expert pair of eyes to evaluate your systems can you determine whether or not you need extensive repairs or minor adjustments. They’ll also prevent potential problems occurring in the winter if these safeguards are put in place.

Maintain and enjoy a comfortable home throughout the winter season by taking proactive measures with a professional.

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.

Do you want to enjoy the luxuries of a home theatre? Do you want to enjoy the complete cinema experience in your home with the sound and the visuals? If so, you need a Calgary AV company.

With the rise of audio and visual entertainment systems, homeowners are turning towards professionals to help them with their personal systems. This is why AV technicians are hot commodities right now.

What do they do? What skills do they need? We break down everything you need to know about AV tech in this guide.

Guide To AV Companies in Calgary

What is AV Tech?

In basic terms, AV means “audio visual technology”. It refers to systems where audio and visual systems work hand in hand, such as projectors and surround sound.

What Is an AV Technician?

An AV technician is a professional who operates, maintains, troubleshoots and installs audio and visual technology. Their role is to manage the system and ensure the links between each multiple hardware and software works in tandem.

Systems can include projectors, theatres, TV, sound systems, databases, computing equipment, and other internet-based hardware.

Although they are considered IT professionals, they’re in fact more in line with Calgary electricians, as they deal with the connection of wires, power sources and so forth.

What does an AV Technician Do?

These professionals have a variety of job functions. Their responsibilities can include, but are not limited to:

Installing and connecting audio and video systems
Managing and troubleshooting AV equipment
Providing solutions for client requests, such as connecting TV conference rooms to follow one monitor
Guaranteeing that the quality of the sound and images of the technology is of a high-standard

AV techs can assist homeowners and businesses that require assistance with their systems.

What Skills Do They Need?

Primarily, Calgary AV companies employ people that have an in-depth knowledge of electrical systems and the various components of AV systems for each different system. They should also have an understanding of data cabling and internet connectivity, as well as a good eye for image and sound quality.

Hire A Calgary AV Company When You’re Ready

Any issues arise from your AV systems, and you can’t handle yourself, it’s best to contact a professional Calgary AV technician. They will be able to provide you with the solutions to ensure that your AV system is operating as expected.

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.

The process of becoming a master of anything is long and difficult, and this is just as true for master electricians. The well-known saying that “it takes 1000 hours to become a master” is popular for a reason. Devoting yourself to a skill or trade is a full-time commitment that should be undertaken with full knowledge of the required dedication and commitment.

For master electricians, the process begins with an apprenticeship. We look at the full process for becoming a master in this trade, for Alberta, down below:

Start to Finish: Becoming a Master Electrician

Apprenticeship

The electrician apprenticeship program is four years in length and must include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training for the first three years. Additionally, there are technical training requirements, which consist of eight weeks of training for the first three years. Each of the four years is divided into a 12-month period, and special rules apply to the final (fourth) period.

These additional rules state that a minimum of 1,440 hours and 12 weeks of training must be completed in the fourth year. Further, individuals may challenge the interprovincial exam during this period and be granted their red seal.

Journeymanship

You must complete at least three years of work experience as a journeyman electrician before you can obtain a master electrician certification. There may be breaks in your work experience during this time, but only for the last five years.

Examination

After meeting the prerequisite work experience requirements, potential masters can challenge the Master Electrician Exam, which is administered by the Safety Codes Council. To succeed at this exam, applicants must score at least a 75% average and no less than 60% on either part of the exam.

Work with a Master Electrician Today

Whether you are looking for information about the rigours of being a master electrician or looking for the services of one, contact us today. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and provide helpful information. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.

Electricity is one of the most beneficial innovations we have the luxury to benefit from in the 21st century. However, it also comes with a fair amount of knowledge, and professionals must devote a significant portion of their lives to understanding this remarkably versatile and dangerous resource, including learning about Calgary electrical panel upgrades.

Still, for the casual electricity user, this relationship may not exist. For many of us, it is enough to simply flick the switch on and off before calling it a day. But then, how do we improve our electrical systems when it is time to upgrade or install a new piece of equipment? What must we do to ensure there is sufficient electrical power and guards to prevent short circuits?

How Many Breakers Do You Need in your Calgary Electrical Panel?

The breakers in your home are essentially just a hardwired safety device. The main power generated by the power plant exists on one side of the breaker. On the other side are the electrical circuits, outlet and connected device. Only when the breaker is connected do they receive power and function correctly.

So, when looking for electrical panel upgrades in Calgary, the amperage is not actually terribly relevant. Instead, it is the number of spaces for breakers that you should consider. Why is this?

All of the information you hear about calculating electrical load for a building is correct and relevant to master electricians, architects and builders. Still, for the consumer, it is often not a relevant consideration. Unless you are planning to add larger load sizes for extra appliances, the amount of small-amp breakers is already predetermined.

One of the main reasons for this is that amperage is not a consistent measure. If your blender is on, but your garburator isn’t, the amperage is less than if both devices were being used simultaneously. Because the load isn’t consistent, you can add more circuits to the system without issue. Just don’t go putting in energy-sucking equipment after the fact.

Start Your Electrical Upgrades Today!

Your electrical upgrade goals can become a reality with our help! Contact us to get information, quotes and advice about all your electrical questions and needs!

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.