Smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation can be deadly. Over 300 deaths and 200 hospitalizations occur in Canada each year as the result of carbon monoxide poisoning, and one in every seven unintentional fire-related deaths in residential buildings is due to the absence of a working smoke alarm. Those numbers are scary, but they illustrate an […]
It seems like the stuff of horror movies—you’re hanging out in your home when all of a sudden, the lights start flashing and flickering all by themselves! But while this phenomenon can definitely be spooky, it’s actually quite common. But what you’re probably wondering if this has happened to you lately is—are flickering lights dangerous? […]
In our last article, we covered some of the common wiring issues of homes built in the 1900s to 1950s. In this article, we’re going to discuss the common wiring issues in homes built in the 1960s to 1980s. The 1960s and 70s had brought about massive changes in how homes were wired—as ways of […]
Technology is accelerating at speeds unseen in human history, but we must pay tribute to one of the greatest inventions of all time—the light bulb! The light bulb changed the game for worker productivity and reduced fire hazards compared to gas lighting, which was previously the norm. The light bulb remains an integral part of […]
Everybody knows that a working smoke detector saves lives. But to function at their very best and be on alert, traditional alarms do require some TLC from their owners. However, we all lead busy lives, and sometimes small home maintenance tasks can slip through the cracks, no matter how integral to our safety they can […]
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming one of the first choice bulbs for residential and commercial lighting due to a variety of factors. Business owners can benefit from using LED lighting within their buildings to save money and reduce environmental waste—while also boosting productivity. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it isn’t. Below we’ve outlined […]
Electricity and electrical devices are becoming more and more a part of everyday life. The convenience is great! But the tradeoff is climbing utility bills and using more electricity in your home. These 10 steps are sure to lower your electric bills and help you manage rising energy costs in today’s connected world. 1. Avoid […]
Dimmer switches are a great way to reduce energy output, add ambience, and save on maintenance costs. While all dimmers have these benefits, not all of these devices are built the same. In fact, there are several different types of dimmers designed to work with specific loads, lighting sources, and circuits. Let’s discuss the possibilities […]
Everyone knows that properly installed smoke detectors save lives. A loud alarm is triggered when it senses smoke, alerting you and your family to get to safety. But if those beeps are constant, even when there isn’t any danger, they quickly go from helpful to frustrating. Before you take down and try to disassemble your […]
Many different materials go into building a home, and as time goes by, technology and standard practices are always evolving. When it comes to electrical wiring, different conductors perform on different levels. In today’s new home construction, copper is king when it comes to electrical wiring. Aluminum wiring can provide a path for electrical current […]
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