Menu

electrical checklists

electrical maintenance

Prepare for Fall With an Electrical Checklist Barrington

, ,

Prepare For Fall With An Electrical Checklist in Barrington

Evenings get chilly and days get shorter once fall comes around. Make yourself prepared with our Fall Electrical Checklist!

1. Consider installing landscape lighting.

With not as much daylight as the summer months, being able to stay outside gets to be difficult. That can change when landscape lighting installation becomes part of the overall equation for a home, since it allows for an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and more security for the home’s residents. If you’re proud of your landscaping efforts, this is the perfect opportunity to show it off.

This type of subtle landscaping lights tend to offer a cost effective alternative to the glaring 120-volt systems that most people attempt to use.  

2. Make sure your back up power is in working order.

When storms hit, the last thing you want is for the power to get cut out. It’s always a good idea to have tons of batteries for flash lights and blankets. It’s a good rule of thumb to have a back up generator if you are around an area that has power lines that can pose a problem with trees during storms. 

3. Test your GFCI circuit breakers and/or outlets to make sure they are operating correctly.

While significant improvements have been made in electrical safety over the years, the threat of accidental electrocution remains present and you need to take the steps necessary in avoiding it. The best way is by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) which will cut off power immediately once it detects a contrast between input and output current, thanks to its built-in circuit breaker. Without a GFCI outlet installed in your home, areas where water is more likely to come into contact with electricity like bathrooms and garages are suddenly much more dangerous. It may even result in a person being electrocuted once they come into contact with an outlet. Upgrading with a GFCI outlet will save lives and keep you more relaxed.

As we start more outdoor leaf blowing and projects, and start planning our holiday light displays, we need our outdoor power more than ever. Test your GFCI outlets–press the test button and if it engages then it is working properly. Press the reset button to re-energize the circuit breaker or outlet.

4. Make sure no tree branches are touching any of your power lines.

In the case of a storm, or a very windy day, branches could interfere with your power. If you have branches touching power lines, call the power company and they will trim at no cost to you. Remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. And remember, the detectors need to be replaced every 10 years.

Be Cautious

Check to be sure tree growth or dying branches aren’t on wires around your home. Schedule a professional tree service to remove these branches. DO NOT do alone.

5. Water Heater Outlets

This is likely something that some homeowners don’t often notice—until something goes wrong. As the temperature drops, it makes a great deal of sense to consider all of the problems that may occur with this particular appliance.

Leaks within pipes for water heater outlets can be evident from the top or bottom. There may minimal or no hot water available. It might take an extended period of time for water to reheat because the vent flue is dirty or because of low pressure or simply be too hot. Finally, keeping the pilot or burner lit becomes a challenge or lighting the pilot simply becomes impossible.

6. Interior Lighting Upgrades

Haunted houses are a popular attraction during the fall, but your home may resemble one without any working or outdated lights. At Wayne P Leonard Electric, we offer several lighting upgrades that will shed new light into your kitchen, bathroom, family room, and more. We offer cabinet lighting, accent lighting, artwork accents, bathroom lighting, and so much more. Any guest will feel immediately welcome into your home thanks to warming, eye-catching lighting that enhances indoor atmosphere. Plus, you will be able to cook, clean, read, and navigate in your home so much more effectively.

7. Inspect your extension cords

with the holidays coming up, you’re going to want to make sure your extension cords are in good shape and not damaged or frayed. Any extension cords you’re planning on using outdoors should be weather-rated. Inside, make sure you use surge protectors and power strips with internal overload protection, and make sure you minimize the amount of adapters plugged into a single outlet.

8. Check Your Alarms

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases significantly in winter. That’s because people are using heating systems, water heaters, and any other gas, oil, wood, or coal appliances in colder months. Be proactive: Install and test detectors before you turn on the heating equipment.

Smoke detectors should be tested every month to ensure they are working properly. Be sure to check before you get too busy during the holidays! Detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Wayne P Leonard electricians are happy to install or test your smoke detectors!

Wayne P Leonard can fix any electrical problems — safely and quickly. Our team of electricians is on call to respond to any electrical emergency you may have. No matter your electrical need, Wayne P Leonard’s team of electricians in the Chicagoland area is here to serve you. Call now to schedule service or a free estimate for your new installation.

Call now
lower electrical bills

Saving Energy During Daylight Savings Time Schaumburg

, , , , , ,

Saving Energy During Daylight Savings in Schaumburg

Where did the time go? Daylight Savings Time ends on Nov. 4 at 2 a.m. and we all magically gain an hour in our day.

But, what does moving back the hands of time actually cost us in energy consumption?

The notion of Daylight Savings Time is to allow us to make better use of natural daylight and Benjamin Franklin is first credited with the idea in 1784 because of his saying, “Early to bed and early to rise,” according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The U.S Department of Energy, however suggests credit goes to the Germans who were the first to implement Daylight Savings Time in 1916 to conserve resources during World War I.

The starting date and time has been adjusted over the years, currently beginning at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ending at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November.

But, just how much energy does Daylight Saving Time save? In 2008, Energy Department experts studied the impact of the extended Daylight Saving Time on energy consumption in the U.S. and found that the extra four weeks of Daylight Saving Time saved about 0.5 percent in total electricity per day. That adds up to electricity savings of 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours — or the amount of electricity used by more than 100,000 households for an entire year, according to the Department of Energy.

Here are some ways you can save money during Daylight Savings Time:

  • Harness the heat from the sun- open curtains to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill from the cold windows.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to heat your home only when you are at home. Turning back your thermostat 10-15 degrees while you are at work and the kids are at school can save about 10 percent on your heating and cooling bills.
  • Make sure your heating system is working efficiently. Replace dirty filters.
  • Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting. Your hot water heater soaks up about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
  • Plumbing pipes, gaps around chimneys or vents, and even recessed lighting in the ceiling often have spaces that allow air into the house from outside. Seal them up to keep air from escaping.
  • Use LED holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

As we head into the fall and winter months here in Illinois, know that Wayne P Leonard is here to make sure your home is as comfortable as possible.

Wayne P Leonard can fix any electrical problems — safely and quickly. Our team of electricians is on call to respond to any electrical emergency you may have. No matter your electrical need, Wayne P Leonard’s team of electricians in the Chicagoland area is here to serve you. Call now to schedule service or a free estimate for your new installation.

Call now
electrical maintenance

Prepare for Fall With an Electrical Checklist Schaumburg

, ,

Prepare For Fall With An Electrical Checklist in Schaumburg

As these beautiful fall days turn into dark and chilly evenings, make sure you are prepared for fall with our Fall Electrical Checklist!

1. Consider installing landscape lighting.

With not as much daylight as the summer months, being able to stay outside gets to be difficult. That can change when landscape lighting installation becomes part of the overall equation for a home, since it allows for an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and more security for the home’s residents. If you’re proud of your landscaping efforts, this is the perfect opportunity to show it off.

This type of lighting costs less for installation and can offer a safer alternative to the standard 120-volt system that many people attempt to use. There’s no need to offer up a glaring atmosphere, in part because of possible complaints from neighbors. With the landscape variety, subtlety wins out.

2. Make sure your back up power is in working order.

Make sure your back up power is in working order in the case of upcoming winter storms! Now is the time to test your stand by generators, or to install a generator transfer switch for a portable generator–not when the storm is upon us!

3. Test your GFCI circuit breakers and/or outlets to make sure they are operating correctly.

While significant improvements have been made in electrical safety over the years, the threat of accidental electrocution remains present and you need to take the steps necessary in avoiding it. The best way is by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) which will cut off power immediately once it detects a contrast between input and output current, thanks to its built-in circuit breaker. Without a GFCI outlet installed in your home, areas where water is more likely to come into contact with electricity like bathrooms and garages are suddenly much more dangerous. It may even result in a person being electrocuted once they come into contact with an outlet. Upgrading with a GFCI outlet will save lives and keep you more relaxed.

As we start more outdoor leaf blowing and projects, and start planning our holiday light displays, we need our outdoor power more than ever. Test your GFCI outlets–press the test button and if it engages then it is working properly. Press the reset button to re-energize the circuit breaker or outlet.

4. Make sure no tree branches are touching any of your power lines.

In the case of a storm, or a very windy day, branches could interfere with your power. If you have branches touching power lines, call the power company and they will trim at no cost to you.5. Remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. And remember too the detectors need to be replaced every 10 years.

Be Cautious

Check to be sure tree growth or dying branches aren’t on wires around your home. Schedule a professional tree service to remove these branches. DO NOT do alone.

5. Water Heater Outlets

This is likely something that some homeowners don’t often notice—until something goes wrong. As the temperature drops, it makes a great deal of sense to consider all of the problems that may occur with this particular appliance.

Leaks within pipes for water heater outlets can be evident from the top or bottom. There may minimal or no hot water available. It might take an extended period of time for water to reheat because the vent flue is dirty or because of low pressure or simply be too hot. Finally, keeping the pilot or burner lit becomes a challenge or lighting the pilot simply becomes impossible.

6. Interior Lighting Upgrades

Haunted houses are a popular attraction during the fall, but your home may resemble one without any working or outdated lights. At Wayne P Leonard Electric, we offer several lighting upgrades that will shed new light into your kitchen, bathroom, family room, and more. We offer cabinet lighting, accent lighting, artwork accents, bathroom lighting, and so much more. Any guest will feel immediately welcome into your home thanks to warming, eye-catching lighting that enhances indoor atmosphere. Plus, you will be able to cook, clean, read, and navigate in your home so much more effectively.

7. Inspect your extension cords

with the holidays coming up, you’re going to want to make sure your extension cords are in good shape and not damaged or frayed. Any extension cords you’re planning on using outdoors should be weather-rated. Inside, make sure you use surge protectors and power strips with internal overload protection, and make sure you minimize the amount of adapters plugged into a single outlet.

8. Check Your Alarms

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases significantly in winter. That’s because people are using heating systems, water heaters, and any other gas, oil, wood, or coal appliances in colder months. Be proactive: Install and test detectors before you turn on the heating equipment.

Smoke detectors should be tested every month to ensure they are working properly. Be sure to check before you get too busy during the holidays! Detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Wayne P Leonard electricians are happy to install or test your smoke detectors!

Wayne P Leonard can fix any electrical problems — safely and quickly. Our team of electricians is on call to respond to any electrical emergency you may have. No matter your electrical need, Wayne P Leonard’s team of electricians in the Chicagoland area is here to serve you. Call now to schedule service or a free estimate for your new installation.

Call now
electrical maintenance

Prepare for Fall With an Electrical Checklist

, ,

Prepare For Fall With An Electrical Checklist in Elgin

As these beautiful fall days turn into dark and chilly evenings, make sure you are prepared for fall with our Fall Electrical Checklist!

1. Consider installing landscape lighting.

With not as much daylight as the summer months, being able to stay outside gets to be difficult. That can change when landscape lighting installation becomes part of the overall equation for a home, since it allows for an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and more security for the home’s residents. If you’re proud of your landscaping efforts, this is the perfect opportunity to show it off.

This type of lighting costs less for installation and can offer a safer alternative to the standard 120-volt system that many people attempt to use. There’s no need to offer up a glaring atmosphere, in part because of possible complaints from neighbors. With the landscape variety, subtlety wins out.

2. Make sure your back up power is in working order.

Make sure your back up power is in working order in the case of upcoming winter storms! Now is the time to test your stand by generators, or to install a generator transfer switch for a portable generator–not when the storm is upon us!

3. Test your GFCI circuit breakers and/or outlets to make sure they are operating correctly.

While significant improvements have been made in electrical safety over the years, the threat of accidental electrocution remains present and you need to take the steps necessary in avoiding it. The best way is by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) which will cut off power immediately once it detects a contrast between input and output current, thanks to its built-in circuit breaker. Without a GFCI outlet installed in your home, areas where water is more likely to come into contact with electricity like bathrooms and garages are suddenly much more dangerous. It may even result in a person being electrocuted once they come into contact with an outlet. Upgrading with a GFCI outlet will save lives and keep you more relaxed.

As we start more outdoor leaf blowing and projects, and start planning our holiday light displays, we need our outdoor power more than ever. Test your GFCI outlets–press the test button and if it engages then it is working properly. Press the reset button to re-energize the circuit breaker or outlet.

4. Make sure no tree branches are touching any of your power lines.

In the case of a storm, or a very windy day, branches could interfere with your power. If you have branches touching power lines, call the power company and they will trim at no cost to you.5. Remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. And remember too the detectors need to be replaced every 10 years.

Be Cautious

Check to be sure tree growth or dying branches aren’t on wires around your home. Schedule a professional tree service to remove these branches. DO NOT do alone.

5. Water Heater Outlets

This is likely something that some homeowners don’t often notice—until something goes wrong. As the temperature drops, it makes a great deal of sense to consider all of the problems that may occur with this particular appliance.

Leaks within pipes for water heater outlets can be evident from the top or bottom. There may minimal or no hot water available. It might take an extended period of time for water to reheat because the vent flue is dirty or because of low pressure or simply be too hot. Finally, keeping the pilot or burner lit becomes a challenge or lighting the pilot simply becomes impossible.

6. Interior Lighting Upgrades

Haunted houses are a popular attraction during the fall, but your home may resemble one without any working or outdated lights. At Wayne P Leonard Electric, we offer several lighting upgrades that will shed new light into your kitchen, bathroom, family room, and more. We offer cabinet lighting, accent lighting, artwork accents, bathroom lighting, and so much more. Any guest will feel immediately welcome into your home thanks to warming, eye-catching lighting that enhances indoor atmosphere. Plus, you will be able to cook, clean, read, and navigate in your home so much more effectively.

7. Inspect your extension cords

with the holidays coming up, you’re going to want to make sure your extension cords are in good shape and not damaged or frayed. Any extension cords you’re planning on using outdoors should be weather-rated. Inside, make sure you use surge protectors and power strips with internal overload protection, and make sure you minimize the amount of adapters plugged into a single outlet.

Wayne P Leonard can fix any electrical problems — safely and quickly. Our team of electricians is on call to respond to any electrical emergency you may have. No matter your electrical need, Wayne P Leonard’s team of electricians in the Chicagoland area is here to serve you. Call now to schedule service or a free estimate for your new installation.

Call now
lower electrical bills

Saving Energy During Daylight Savings Time

, , , , , ,

Saving Energy During Daylight Savings in Elgin

Where did the time go? Daylight Savings Time ends on Nov. 4 at 2 a.m. and we all magically gain an hour in our day.

But, what does moving back the hands of time actually cost us in energy consumption?

The starting date and time has been adjusted over the years, currently beginning at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ending at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November.

But, just how much energy does Daylight Saving Time save? In 2008, Energy Department experts studied the impact of the extended Daylight Saving Time on energy consumption in the U.S. and found that the extra four weeks of Daylight Saving Time saved about 0.5 percent in total electricity per day. That adds up to electricity savings of 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours — or the amount of electricity used by more than 100,000 households for an entire year, according to the Department of Energy.

Here are some ways you can save money during Daylight Savings Time:

  • Harness the heat from the sun- open curtains to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill from the cold windows.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to heat your home only when you are at home. Turning back your thermostat 10-15 degrees while you are at work and the kids are at school can save about 10 percent on your heating and cooling bills.
  • Make sure your heating system is working efficiently. Replace dirty filters.
  • Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting. Your hot water heater soaks up about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
  • Plumbing pipes, gaps around chimneys or vents, and even recessed lighting in the ceiling often have spaces that allow air into the house from outside. Seal them up to keep air from escaping.
  • Use LED holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

As we head into the fall and winter months here in Illinois, know that Wayne P Leonard is here to make sure your home is as comfortable as possible.

Wayne P Leonard can fix any electrical problems — safely and quickly. Our team of electricians is on call to respond to any electrical emergency you may have. No matter your electrical need, Wayne P Leonard’s team of electricians in the Chicagoland area is here to serve you. Call now to schedule service or a free estimate for your new installation.

Call now
lower electrical bills

Saving Energy During Daylight Savings Time

, , , , , ,

Saving Energy During Daylight Savings in Streamwood

Where did the time go? Daylight Savings Time ends on Nov. 4 at 2 a.m. and we all magically gain an hour in our day.

But, what does moving back the hands of time actually cost us in energy consumption?

The starting date and time has been adjusted over the years, currently beginning at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ending at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November.

Here are some ways you can save money during Daylight Savings Time:

  • Harness the heat from the sun- open curtains to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill from the cold windows.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to heat your home only when you are at home. Turning back your thermostat 10-15 degrees while you are at work and the kids are at school can save about 10 percent on your heating and cooling bills.
  • Make sure your heating system is working efficiently. Replace dirty filters.
  • Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting. Your hot water heater soaks up about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
  • Plumbing pipes, gaps around chimneys or vents, and even recessed lighting in the ceiling often have spaces that allow air into the house from outside. Seal them up to keep air from escaping.
  • Use LED holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

As we head into the fall and winter months here in Illinois, know that Wayne P Leonard is here to make sure your home is as comfortable as possible.

Wayne P Leonard can fix any electrical problems — safely and quickly. Our team of electricians is on call to respond to any electrical emergency you may have. No matter your electrical need, Wayne P Leonard’s team of electricians in the Chicagoland area is here to serve you. Call now to schedule service or a free estimate for your new installation.

Call now
electrical maintenance

Prepare for Fall With an Electrical Checklist

, , ,

Prepare For Fall With An Electrical Checklist in Streamwood

As these beautiful fall days turn into dark and chilly evenings, make sure you are prepared for fall with our Fall Electrical Checklist!

1. Consider installing landscape lighting.

With not as much daylight as the summer months, being able to stay outside gets to be difficult. That can change when landscape lighting installation becomes part of the overall equation for a home, since it allows for an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and more security for the home’s residents. If you’re proud of your landscaping efforts, this is the perfect opportunity to show it off.

2. Make sure your back up power is in working order.

Make sure your back up power is in working order in the case of upcoming winter storms! Now is the time to test your stand by generators, or to install a generator transfer switch for a portable generator–not when the storm is upon us!

3. Test your GFCI circuit breakers and/or outlets to make sure they are operating correctly.

While significant improvements have been made in electrical safety over the years, the threat of accidental electrocution remains present and you need to take the steps necessary in avoiding it. The best way is by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) which will cut off power immediately once it detects a contrast between input and output current, thanks to its built-in circuit breaker. Without a GFCI outlet installed in your home, areas where water is more likely to come into contact with electricity like bathrooms and garages are suddenly much more dangerous. It may even result in a person being electrocuted once they come into contact with an outlet. Upgrading with a GFCI outlet will save lives and keep you more relaxed.

4. Make sure no tree branches are touching any of your power lines.

In the case of a storm, or a very windy day, branches could interfere with your power. If you have branches touching power lines, call the power company and they will trim at no cost to you.5. Remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. And remember too the detectors need to be replaced every 10 years.

Be Cautious

Check to be sure tree growth or dying branches aren’t on wires around your home. Schedule a professional tree service to remove these branches. DO NOT do alone.

have the threatening branches trimmed back to avoid downed power lines and electrical fires.

5. Water Heater Outlets

This is likely something that some homeowners don’t often notice—until something goes wrong. As the temperature drops, it makes a great deal of sense to consider all of the problems that may occur with this particular appliance.

Leaks within pipes for water heater outlets can be evident from the top or bottom. There may minimal or no hot water available. It might take an extended period of time for water to reheat because the vent flue is dirty or because of low pressure or simply be too hot. Finally, keeping the pilot or burner lit becomes a challenge or lighting the pilot simply becomes impossible.

6. Interior Lighting Upgrades

Haunted houses are a popular attraction during the fall, but your home may resemble one without any working or outdated lights. At Wayne P Leonard Electric, we offer several lighting upgrades that will shed new light into your kitchen, bathroom, family room, and more. We offer cabinet lighting, accent lighting, artwork accents, bathroom lighting, and so much more. Any guest will feel immediately welcome into your home thanks to warming, eye-catching lighting that enhances indoor atmosphere. Plus, you will be able to cook, clean, read, and navigate in your home so much more effectively.

Wayne P Leonard can fix any electrical problems — safely and quickly. Our team of electricians is on call to respond to any electrical emergency you may have. No matter your electrical need, Wayne P Leonard’s team of electricians in the Chicagoland area is here to serve you. Call now to schedule service or a free estimate for your new installation.

Call now
Get Lit!