Category: Uncategorized

Save Money and Energy With LED Lights 

If it has been more than a few years since homeowners have upgraded the lighting in their homes, chances are they are using wasteful and inefficient lighting. Using old lighting can contribute to higher energy bills. Luckily, better options are available that are more energy efficient. Upgrading to LED lighting is one of the smartest choices a homeowner can make. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners navigate the process of retrofitting their homes with LED lighting. 

What Is LED Retrofitting? 

LED lights are the most energy-efficient option for lighting a home. They provide light using far less energy than incandescent bulbs and even CFLs. The technology has quickly outpaced most homes’ infrastructure and lighting fixtures. This means that upgrading to LEDs may require a retrofitting project to make fixtures compatible with LED lighting. 

In many scenarios, installing LEDs around the home can be as simple as replacing bulbs. However, fixtures may need to be professionally upgraded to complete the project. For help, people should call electricians. They can walk every customer through the process of selecting new light fixtures when necessary and retrofitting LED lights into existing light fixtures. 

Why Should Homeowners Switch to LED Lighting?

Until fairly recently, most of the world was illuminated by incandescent lights. Incandescent lighting uses a lot of energy and wastes a considerable portion of it in the form of heat. However, switching to LED lights is extremely beneficial as they are more energy efficient and last much longer than incandescent lights, saving homeowners money. 

Additionally, some light bulbs, such as fluorescent bulbs, contain toxic chemicals like mercury that can make them hazardous. Luckily, LED bulbs don’t contain this harmful chemical. LED bulbs also emit very little heat, compared to incandescent and CFL bulbs, which release most of their energy as heat, which also makes LEDs safer.  

Things to Remember During LED Retrofits 

LED retrofits are an exciting time because they allow homeowners to experience the benefits of LED lighting. LED light bulbs come in many shapes and sizes. In most cases, an LED bulb can be found to fit an existing light fixture, but installing a new fixture can allow the homeowner more compatible options. 

Another thing to consider during an LED retrofit is that the hardware for dimming LED lights is generally not compatible with traditional lighting fixtures, so homeowners may need new LED dimmers installed to go along with the new bulbs. Hiring an electrician is the best way to ensure safety and compatibility with LED lights. 

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. arrives on time and is ready to work on retrofitting projects. Their teams are easy to work with and pay attention to every detail. Call today for LED lighting services in Fort Myers, FL. 

When Is Outlet Replacement Necessary?

Electrical safety in the home is a critical aspect that is often overlooked until warning signs escalate into serious problems. Among the various components that make up a home’s electrical system, outlets are some of the most frequently used. Recognizing the signs that electrical outlets need to be replaced is crucial for maintaining a functional power supply and preventing potential hazards. This blog will share some of the telltale signs that it’s likely time to replace electrical outlets, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the home. 

The Outlet Faceplate Is Damaged 

Chips and cracks on the outlet’s plastic covering or faceplate are one sign it needs replacement. These cracks and chips may indicate an underlying issue and can allow dust or dirt to get into the outlet and cause problems. Other damages to the faceplate, such as burn or scorch marks and melted plastic, are another indication it needs replacement. These often indicate an unreasonable demand on the circuit or faulty wiring, causing the outlet to overheat and cause melting and scorching. 

Any visible damage to the outlet can signal electrical problems and needs to be addressed immediately by an electrician to keep the home and its residents safe. They can safely replace the affected outlets and perform an inspection to ensure there aren’t any other dangerous electrical problems. 

Faulty Power Outlet or Loose Plugs

A faulty outlet is an outlet that does not provide power to the device that is plugged into it. Several issues could be responsible for this problem. If all the outlets and switches on a particular circuit aren’t working, then it is likely that the problem is that the circuit itself has tripped and needs to be reset. If, upon resetting the breaker, a particular outlet still isn’t working, then it needs to be replaced.

Another thing to watch out for are plugs that are loose or keep falling out of a particular outlet. This is often an indicator that the outlet is old and isn’t working properly and should be replaced by a new outlet that will allow plugs to stay put. An electrician can inspect the system to determine the cause of these outlet problems and what is needed to fix them. 

Watch Out for Heat and Sparks

Other signs that an outlet needs replacing are the presence of excess heat or sparks flying off an outlet. These could point to issues that are serious enough to cause an electrical fire if left unresolved and warrant an immediate call to an electrician to be inspected and replaced. An outlet that is overly hot to the touch or creates sparks may be overloaded, too old, or short-circuiting. 

All of these are undesirable scenarios that can lead to dangerous outcomes. So, whenever these outlet issues come up, it is always best to call an electrician immediately to check the problematic outlets so they can be repaired or replaced for the safety of the household and family.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Fort Myers, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2010. They provide upfront pricing, financing options, and friendly, professional, and courteous technicians. Call them today for electrical outlet replacement and repair services in Fort Myers, FL. 

Change Things up in 2024 With These Electrical Home Improvements

A new year is here, and many homeowners may be looking for ways to improve their homes. More and more, homeowners are switching from old technology to newer, smarter upgrades that can benefit them. One place to start is with electrical home improvements that can save money and offer new conveniences. Here are some useful electrical upgrades to make in the new year. 

Add Ceiling Fans

There are several benefits of installing ceiling fans at home, including:

• Improves air circulation – Ceiling fans allow air to circulate better indoors by pushing out stale air and bringing in fresh air. Moving indoor air also helps prevent dust from settling and helps reduce the accumulation of indoor allergens.
• Year-round comfort – Ceiling fans can help with home comfort during both hot and cold months, depending on the direction they spin. This helps provide comfort no matter the season.
• Cost savings – Because they can be used alongside both the AC and heater, they allow the temperature to be changed to conserve energy and save money, taking some of the workload off the HVAC system.

Modernize Indoor Lighting

A beneficial upgrade for indoor lighting would be to switch from other types of light bulbs to LED lighting. Not only are LED lights much more energy efficient and can save money over time compared to traditional fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, but they also last longer and have much less heat loss. 

Another lighting upgrade would be to install a dimmer switch, which is meant to allow residents to adjust the brightness of lights. Dimmer switches can be installed with many kinds of lighting and are great for people with light sensitivity, as it helps them adjust the brightness to suit their preference. Dimmer switches also offer energy savings, as less energy is used when lights are dim.

Step Into the Future With an EV Charging Station

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and one of the least convenient parts of owning one is having to find charging stations and wait for the car to charge. For homeowners with an electric vehicle sitting in the garage, installing an electric vehicle charging station in the comfort of their own property is a good idea. 

Not only do at-home EV charging stations offer the convenience of being able to charge the car at home anytime, but they also don’t have to wait in line at a charging station or wait in their cars while it charges. Instead, cars can be charged while homeowners are in their homes. EV chargers at home also allow people to charge during off-peak hours, which can save EV owners some money and increase the property’s value.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a reliable electrical services provider that has been serving the Fort Myers, FL, and Lee County communities since 2010. Their dependable electricians offer upfront pricing and use the latest technology. Call them today for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL. 

All About Whole-Home Surge Protectors

Electricity is necessary in every home for comfort and safety. Avoiding interruptions in electrical service and protecting devices is imperative all year, including during the holidays. One of the hazards that threatens to interrupt holiday plans is power surges. Here is a guide to preventing damage from power surges, discussing surge protector installation.  

How Power Surges Cause Damage 

Despite what people may think, the power in the home is not perfectly consistent. Powering a grid means that available power must be constantly changing to meet the demands of houses, factories, and businesses tied to the grid. When demand drops suddenly, excess power is available from the grid and flows into homes and businesses. This event is called a power surge, an increase in voltage. 

Another common cause of power surges is lightning strikes that overpower the grid and cause massive damage to power lines and homes. When all that extra power flows into a home, it can easily damage sensitive electronics and appliances. It can also expose weaknesses in wiring, outlets, or the grounding system in the house. Luckily, there is a way to stop the damage from power surges without relying on numerous power strips and unplugging every electronic device and appliance that is not in use. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protectors 

A whole-home surge protector is the easiest and most effective way to protect a home from power surges. These devices are installed in the breaker panel, so when excess power threatens to pour into the house, they trip and stop the flow so that it won’t cause damage. 

Whole house surge protectors do a great job protecting devices and appliances plugged into a home’s electrical outlets as well as those that are hardwired into the home, so homeowners don’t have to worry about power surge damage and the cost of replacing damaged electronics and appliances. 

When to Replace Old Surge Protectors 

Surge protectors do their job for years before they need replacing. But after around three to five years, they often need to be replaced, depending on the number of power surges they have experienced. If areas are more prone to power surges, they will require replacement more often. 

One way to tell if surge protector replacement is needed is if the warning light that indicates it has reached the limit of joules it can absorb turns on. If homeowners suspect that their whole home surge protector is reaching the end of its lifespan or see the indicator light turn on, they should call an electrician to check if it needs replacement. 

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Fort Myers, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, the latest technology, and attention to detail. Call them today for a whole home surge protector installation in Fort Myers, FL. 

Every Home Benefits From Having a Generator

Homeowners are no strangers to sudden power outages. Sometimes, all it takes is a mild thunderstorm to knock the power out. This can spell disaster for people who work from home, have family dependent on medical equipment, or otherwise don’t feel like sitting in a dark and uncomfortable home for hours.

Thankfully, there’s a solution: whole-home generators. These supplementary devices can keep the electricity and appliances running even when the electrical grid is down. Here, one can learn if their home would benefit from having a generator installed and how it helps the entire household.

Generators Benefit Homes in Areas With Heavy Rain or Storms

Here’s a scenario Florida homeowners know all too well. A storm or hurricane brews outside, knocking out the power. Soon, the house gets drafty, humid, and plain uncomfortable. With a generator, homeowners can avoid the uncomfortable inconveniences of power outages, as they can keep the electricity and appliances like water heaters and heating and air conditioning systems on.

HVAC systems not only heat and cool homes but also help maintain good indoor air quality by controlling humidity. When they cannot be used due to an outage, the home can deal with uncomfortable temperatures and a humid and muggy feeling indoors. A standby generator also allows for the continued use of the water heater, so nobody is stuck taking cold showers.

Generators Benefit Houses That Frequently Lose Power

Some homes and areas, like Florida, are more likely to experience power outages than others. This is also an issue with older homes, residences by the beach, and mobile homes. If a house loses power more than a few times a year, it can benefit significantly from a whole-house generator installation. When the power goes out without a backup generator, homeowners risk:

• Food spoiling: Meat, dairy products, and other food can spoil in hours if the refrigerator and freezer lose power. A backup generator prevents this by supplying power, helping homeowners save money on replacing spoiled food.
• Having medical equipment fail: Some individuals rely on breathing machines and medical devices that must remain plugged in. When a home loses power, a generator can help keep these devices working and residents safe.

Generators Benefit Homes That Lose Power During the Summer Heat

Some electrical systems can’t take the heat––literally. When it gets too hot outside, the heat can strain the power lines, and the electrical system may cease operations until the heat dies down to prevent fires and other scares. There’s no controlling the heat, and when power outages strike. However, homeowners can control what happens when they lose power.

A whole-home generator keeps the power on, including the air conditioning, so the summer heat doesn’t become dangerous to residents, keeps them cool and comfortable, and ensures that homeowners don’t have to risk losing access to their appliances, electronics and other necessities.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a local, family-owned and operated company serving Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, the latest technology, and financing options. Call them today for whole house generator installation in Fort Myers, FL.

Safety Tips for Keeping Halloween Electrical Scare-Free

Halloween has always been about scares, but no homeowner wants to worry about an electrical scare. As homeowners adorn their houses with spooky decor and lighting, it’s crucial to remember electrical safety. In this post, electricians offer some tips to keep the Halloween season safe from fire and other electrical hazards.

Inspect Electrical Holiday Decorations

One of the best ways to ensure that electric holiday decorations and holiday light installation for Halloween celebrations are as safe as possible is to check the lights and decor for any signs of damage, such as damaged or frayed cords and wiring. Other signs of damage include loose, wobbly bulbs, broken or damaged sockets, and glass bulbs with a smoky discoloration or a telltale black or gray appearance. These indicate that those holiday lights or decor shouldn’t be used and should be replaced.

Homeowners should also take note of the proper way of installing or putting up lights and other electrical decor. When hanging lights, electricians stress the importance of avoiding the use of staples, nails, and other sharp objects as these can not only damage the wires but also conduct electricity and create a fire and safety hazard. 

Prevent an Overloaded Circuit

Another way to keep holiday light installations and decorating safe is to avoid an overloaded outlet and circuit, which usually happens when too much power is drawn from a single source. To counter this, homeowners should spread the power draw around by connecting their holiday decor to different outlets to avoid overloading circuits. 

It is also vital to avoid connecting multiple extension cords together. Extension cords shouldn’t be overloaded as well. It shouldn’t have more devices plugged into it that draw more power than it can safely handle, as this can lead to an overloaded circuit that may become a fire hazard. It’s best to plug lights or decorations directly into an outlet.

Some Signs It’s Time to Schedule Electrical Repair

Sometimes, homeowners may notice signs that indicate an electrical problem while decorating for holidays. It’s essential to have an electrician perform the required repairs before the home uses more electricity for holiday lighting and decorations. Some signs that indicate electrical repair is needed include the following:

• Dimming or flickering lights: Lights that flicker or dim, especially when another device is plugged into the same circuit, can indicate that the circuit is overloaded or another issue that requires repair.
• Malfunctioning or damaged outlets: Outlets that show signs of damage, including loose receptacles, burn marks, electrical sparks, and overheating, as well as those that are not working correctly, should be inspected and repaired or replaced by an electrician.
• Breaker trips or blown fuses: Breakers that trip often or fuses that blow are sure signs of an electrical issue or overloaded electrical circuit. 
• Burning smell: If homeowners smell burning, it can indicate an electrical problem or even the start of an electrical fire, so it needs to be addressed immediately. 

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. has more than ten years of expertise serving Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, on-time service, and the latest technology. Call them today for electrical repair and troubleshooting in Fort Myers, FL.

Keep Homes Safe From Electrical Fire Hazards by Catching Faulty Wiring

Did you know that faulty electrical wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in the US? According to the National Fire Protection Association, wiring and related equipment account for around 68% of home fires directly caused by electrical distribution and lighting equipment. This is a staggering number, especially because most electrical fires can be prevented with proper installation, use, and maintenance of a home’s electrical system. To prevent this, homeowners should watch out for the following signs of electrical wiring problems at home and have an electrician fix it. 

Blown Fuses and Tripped Breakers 

Occasionally, a circuit breaker trips, or a fuse is blown at home. It isn’t uncommon, especially when many devices are plugged into a single circuit. In fact, a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker is a good thing. It means that the safety measures designed to protect a home from sudden power surges or too much electrical demand work. 

However, it’s something else entirely when these incidents occur more frequently. Homeowners who notice that their breakers trip or fuses blow often should call a qualified electrician to inspect the electrical system, determine the problem, and fix any wiring issues that could be causing these issues.

Scorch Marks and Hot Outlets

Another sign of wiring problems that homeowners need to keep an eye out for is the presence of burn or scorch marks on an electrical outlet. Scorch marks could be the beginning of an electrical fire, especially if they feel that the outlet is also hot to the touch. 

Electrical outlets, in general, should not be hot even while in use, and any heat that comes from it could be a sign of faulty electrical wiring. This energy leak has the potential to heat up the wires and fry appliances. A more significant hazard is that it can also cause a fire. 

Strange Sounds and Burning Smells

Homeowners who notice a buzzing sound coming from their electrical outlets may be tempted to brush it off as the electrical hum of a working device or appliance. However, buzzing sounds from an outlet are worth a second thought. That buzzing sound could be caused by an electrical current that isn’t flowing properly and could be caused by faulty electrical wiring. 

Aside from buzzing sounds, another red flag to watch out for is the smell of burning plastic from electrical outlets. That burning smell is likely due to electrical wiring getting fried. In this case, the best thing to do is to unplug all appliances and contact an electrician immediately to correct the issue before it becomes a major concern that could spark an electrical fire.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Fort Myers and the surrounding areas since 2010. They offer upfront pricing, on-time arrival, and rigorously trained electrical technicians. Call them today for electrical wiring repair and replacement in Fort Myers, FL. 

Essential Safety Measures 

Home is the place where people should feel safest. It is where we relax at the end of a long day, where we are greeted by people who love and care for us, and where we leave the stress at the door. In celebration of National Wellness Month, which is dedicated to promoting self-care, happiness, and stress reduction, we should look closer at our homes and find ways to make them safer, healthier, and happier places to spend time in. Here are some tips from electricians to help families stay safer in their homes. 

Stay a Step Ahead With a Smoke Detector

One of the easiest ways to improve the safety of a home is by installing smoke detectors. As the name implies, a smoke detector is a device designed to sense the presence of smoke to alert households to the danger and help prevent a small flame from turning into a full-blown fire. 

In the U.S., every home must be equipped with smoke detectors placed in strategic areas in the house. In the event that smoke is detected, these battery-operated devices will trigger an alarm to alert a home’s occupants of the fire risk, so it is essential to test smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries when needed. 

Be Protected With a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors are also a crucial component in maintaining safety in the home. Whether it is a separate device or a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector, they are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide. This odorless, colorless gas is poisonous when inhaled and can be lethal, especially in high concentrations. This gas, produced when carbon in fuel is burned incompletely, can be a byproduct of small engines, gas stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces.  

Carbon monoxide detectors are especially important because they help detect what could be an invisible assailant at home. Without these devices, homeowners exposed to carbon monoxide may not even know that they’ve inhaled this gas until they’ve started showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as vomiting, dizziness, headache, chest pain, and confusion. 

Schedule Routine Electrical Safety Inspections

Another way to protect homes and their occupants from safety hazards is by having an electrician conduct regular electrical inspections to determine the health of a home’s electrical system. An electrical inspection, which experts recommend every three to five years, is meant to check whether a home’s electrical system meets current safety standards and if any problems must be addressed to protect residents from electrical dangers like electrocution or fire.

Homeowners should also note that they don’t need to wait the recommended three to five years between electrical safety inspections if they observe any signs pointing to compromised electrical safety. If electrical problems occur, such as flickering lights, sparking, discolored or hot outlets, burning odors, short circuits, or small electrical shocks when plugging in or unplugging a device, an inspection must be conducted immediately.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Fort Myers and the surrounding areas since 2010. They offer upfront pricing, on-time arrivals, and the latest technology. Call them today for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL.  

What Is a Tamper Resistant Outlet?

One could easily describe outlets as both incredibly useful and incredibly dangerous. They give homes access to electricity, which is beneficial and harmful. Children, especially young ones, are naturally curious about such things and will want to experiment. A tamper-resistant outlet protects them from hurting themselves when trying to stick something inside. This post will discuss these childproof outlets, their benefits, and signs to replace an outlet.  

Operating a Tamper Resistant Outlet

Tamper-resistant outlets are installed to prevent children from accidentally sticking their fingers or objects into the electrical outlet. This type of outlet is designed with a built-in shutter system that prevents small objects from entering the outlet. The shutters are spring-loaded, so when the correct thing, such as a plug, is inserted, the shutters automatically move apart to allow the plug inside. Once the plug is removed, the shutters close back up again. 

Another safety measure with tamper-resistant outlets is that they require two simultaneous inputs with equal force on both sides for an appliance to receive power. For example, if a child sticks their finger into one of the slots, the other slot must also be activated simultaneously to supply power. This feature prevents children from inserting objects into outlets and suffering electric shock or burns because electricity is only sent when both are occupied.

Advantages of Childproofing With These Outlets

Though the significant benefits of these tamper-resistant outlets may be obvious, this section will review them. Though it is primarily about electrical safety, there are other practical reasons to install childproof outlets in a home. 

• Safer than the alternative:  Are these outlets necessary when a person can buy a package of childproofing outlet covers for practically nothing? The problem with plastic outlet covers that plug into outlets is that little fingers can learn to remove them, and they become a choking hazard. Tamper-resistant outlets don’t have parts that small hands can remove.

• Appeal to home buyers: A house with these outlets can be much more appealing to families looking to purchase a home.

• Safe for everyone: While not everyone has children, they may have pets or babysit or have nieces and nephews that come over. Tamper-resistant outlets can be helpful in these cases as well. It works very well with a universal design that allows everyone to be safe. 

Indicators an Outlet Needs to Be Replaced

There are common signs that indicate a need for outlet replacement that should not be ignored. If a homeowner sees any of these signs, they should have a professional replace the outlet and consider installing one that is childproof. Some common symptoms requiring outlet replacement include:

• The outlet is warm to the touch.
• There is sparking coming from it.
• There is a burning smell or burnt plastic smell.
• The outlet casing is cracked or has scorch marks.
• Plugs are loose or fall out of the outlet easily.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a local family-owned and operated business serving Fort Myers and the surrounding communities. They provide upfront pricing, the latest technology, and financing options. Call them today for childproof outlet installation in Fort Myers, FL. 

Prepare Outdoor Spaces for Summer Entertainment 

The best thing about summer is that it allows people to slow down a little and relax. While some people choose to take vacations and others plan to relax, one of the summer’s favorite pastimes is going to a backyard party or cookout. Firing up the grill and having friends and family over is a great way to enjoy the summer. To set the stage for all those good memories, ensure the home is ready. Why not set the yard up for successful parties by upgrading the space? Here are some of the most sought-after features for outdoor gatherings. 

Install Exterior Lighting 

Many people plan their parties or gatherings to start after sundown to beat the summer heat. While this is great for the comfort of the guests, it presents a problem, namely the fact that lighting will be an issue. An outdoor space’s exterior lighting must be perfect to set the right atmosphere while being bright enough for safety. So homeowners should plan their outdoor space with appropriate exterior lighting. 

Start with the essentials. According to building codes, all exterior doors must be lit to provide safe access. Wall lanterns and decorative lighting provide utilitarian light without washing out the surrounding area. Step lights are the perfect addition around steps and stoops, making walking safe and providing a gentle, warm light. Pathway lights extend around the property to add to ambient light and guide people safely along walkways. Finally, people can add some landscape lighting, string lights, and pendants to accentuate certain parts of the yard and create the right mood. With the right combination of outdoor lighting, homeowners can create the perfect ambiance. 

Get a Backup Generator 

Summer is notoriously hard on the electrical grid, with harsh storms. When that or other electrical issues happen, homes can lose power. Not only can a power outage ruin a summer party, but it can also cause food to spoil and be a safety threat for those who rely on medical equipment that needs power. 

However, homeowners don’t have to worry about the power going out by having a backup generator professionally installed to provide a seamless transition between grid power and backup power. With a standby generator, every power outage can be an excuse to throw a party and invite people who have lost power!  

Put in a Pool or Hot Tub 

Every summer party needs things to entertain guests. While firing up the grill is great, some people want something more. Putting in a pool or a hot tub is an excellent way to upgrade an outdoor space and gives everyone something to do while they wait for food to finish cooking or for the sun to go down and helps them stay cool in the summer heat. 

Always use a qualified electrician to do the wiring when installing a pool or hot tub. With the expertise of a professional electrician, homeowners can have the confidence that their pool or hot tub is safe and has been installed correctly. The backyard will be ready for guests and fun summers with some upgrades!

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. has over a decade of experience serving Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, on-time arrivals, and the latest technology. Call them today for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL.