Month: September 2013

6 Lighting tips that can make your home more efficient.

Lighting. It’s one of those things we all need. Seriously. There is no exception to this rule, we all need light. It’s an essential part of our day-to-day needs, no matter who you are. It’s one of those things that is not separated by class, ethnicity, diversity etc. etc. We all need it, we all budget for it, it’s a must have. What people don’t all know is that there are some extremely effective ways to ensure that you’re making the most of your energy budget by producing cost-effective energy solutions. So we’re here to tell you how.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is a full service electrical and lighting contractor specializing in a variety of projects – we’re here to give you a few tips on how to reduce your costs on energy when it comes to lighting. We know you need your light, we know you want to save money – follow a few of our tips and you’ll be able to have both!

To start off – did you know that an average household allocates at least 10% of its energy budget to lighting? That’s a good amount so let’s try to reduce your bills.

1. The first and easiest way to reduce energy bills related to lighting is to replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy saving light bulbs. (For the best results make sure to get Energy Star qualified bulbs)
   1. Fun fact: The use of new lighting technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), can reduce the energy use required by lighting by 50% to 75%
   2. Fun Fact: CFL bulbs last 10 x longer and use ¼ the energy of traditional incandescent bulb. It’s crazy that a CFL bulb can pay for itself in energy savings AND saves you money each month.
   3. Fun Fact: Energy Star qualified LED’s use 20-25% of energy and lasts up to 25 x longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. That’s incredibly awesome isn’t it!
2. Replacing your bulbs is one thing, make sure you’re replacing them with the right light bulb. Do you need help choosing a light bulb? Energy Star has a great light guide that can help guide you through this process after Norcal Electric & Pump Work helps you out with your electrical wiring.  Using the wrong type of bulb can shorten the length of time for the bulb. Let’s be as efficient as possible!
3. Look to alternative lighting opportunities instead of electrical lighting – although we’re in the business of electrical lighting one of the easiest ways to cut down on the energy bill for lighting is to create a home or atmosphere that provides natural lighting in the day.
   1. Skylight and windows are a great source of natural light. While this tip is really only useful for those of you building or remodeling a home, it’s a great tip to keep in mind. Putting in a skylight, even in a bathroom, can help add quite a bit of natural light, allowing you to reduce the amount of electrical wired lighting you might be using. (i.e. consider adding windows to places that might seem odd such as staircases). Windows facing South are ideal. Open up your curtains! Let your light shine through
   2. If it’s too late to add a natural skylight then consider TDD’s. They are essentially “reflective cylinders or pipes installed between the roof and ceiling, with a clear plastic dome. The bottoms of the tubes are diffused or glazed to prevent glaring beams of light and to ensure a soft glow.”
   3. Glass doors are one of the easiest ways to allow extra light into any given room. You can even make sure your glass doors have etched glass decals to give your home a little bit more privacy – depending on the door location. Even with interior doors – adding French doors to a family room or library can help let light in from other areas of the house. Sliding glass doors to the backyard – yes please!
4. Use a dimmer for your lights! When utilized in its low setting it can help save energy. Common sense says if you use less light, you’ll use less energy thereby causing you to spend less on energy bills.
5. Planning on going out but don’t want to come home to an empty house? Use a timer to save electricity by turning lights off when you’re not home, but keeping them on so you don’t come home in the dark.
6. Remember when we said the easiest way to reduce energy bills and lighting is to switch your light bulbs – well we forgot the most basic one. This is actually the easiest way to reduce your lighting energy bills – TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS. It’s simple, when you’re not in a room turn off the lights. When you’re not home – turn off the lights (or put the lights on a timer). When you’re not using a light – turn it off. Do not use lighting when it’s unnecessary. We all do it, but try not to.

These are just a few ways to make the most of the lighting in your home. We all need lighting, but these are a few great ways you can save on lighting. Want to know more about our electrical work and lighting and how you can save? Just ask! We’d be happy to share some more tips and give you a little bit of insight on what why we are the most efficient lighting and electrical contractors in the North State.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Paradise, Oroville/Yankee Hill and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Generator sales and repairs to HVAC sales and repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way.  We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from generators, heating and air, electrical and lighting, and more!

• Chico:                    (530) 345-5003
• Paradise:             (530) 872-3922
• Oroville/Yankee Hill        (530) 538-9350

Top 10 Songs to listen to when your heating unit is broken

The best part about cold seasons and winter is the ability to turn your heater on and snuggle up with some blankies. The downside to winter months: coming home and finding out that your heater is out of commission. You don’t know why, you don’t know how all you know is that it needs to be fixed because you can’t feel your toes. First thing is first, you give Norcal Electric & Pump Work a call at (530) 345-5003 so we can take care of your heating unit right away. Second, the best way to de-stress in a stressful situation is to distract yourself! Since it’s cold outside and your heating unit appears to be down, we’ve come up with our top ____ songs to listen to know when your HVAC system is broken and it’s cold out. Put a few of these songs on and you’ll warm right up. At least in theory right?

1. Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet. It doesn’t matter if it’s 50 degrees outside. All you need to do is put on margaritaville and you’ll instantly feel the 100 degree temperature. Just imagine that you’re on a beach in paradise. It’s pretty much the same thing right?
   
2. Here comes the sun by The Beatles. Let’s be honest, is there a better source of heat then the sun? Thinking about the sun can only bring warmth at least in thoughts. Imagine how nice the sun would be reflecting on you! When you call Norcal Electric & Pump Work, you get the help you need when you need it. Instead of the lyrics “sun, sun, sun, here it comes” just imagine “heat, heat heat, here it comes” and soon enough, your heat will be here. “Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting.”  See – the cold feeling you have will soon be melted away.
   
3. California Sun by the Rivieras. Sure it might be cold out right now, you’re truly enjoying the comfort of hot cocoa, a book and your blanket but it’s always nice to think about the warm California sun and all the fun that is to be had when it’s nice and warm out. Instead of ice fishing, imagine you’re out on the lake with the fresh California sun, throwing a line and bringing in some nice new salmon. Doesn’t that feel good? Just keep that memory until Norcal Electric & Pump Work can get to your house to restore your heat.
   
4. Soak up the sun by Sheryl Crow. Just imagine yourself out on the beach and soaking up the sun. Seriously. Listen to this song and watch this video, you’ll instantly feel a little bit warmer.
5. Under the boardwalk by The Drifters. I don’t know about you but this song reminds of instantly of Bette Midler in Beaches – what about you? Even if it doesn’t, it’s hard to envision being cold when you’re listening to this song about the sun beating down, hot dogs, being down by the sea. Etc. Just pretend your blanket is the sand, burry your feet nice and deep and it’s pretty much the same thing.
   

These are just a few songs that we’ve suggested to listen to that will keep you warm when you’re cold and waiting for your heating unit to get fixed. Do not worry though, with Norcal Electric & Pump Work we’ll get your HVAC system up and running before you can even get through the list. Have you considered getting a generator? A generator is a great way to help ensure that if power is the reason your HVAC system is down, it will help ensure you’re never too cold or warm ever again, with power that works all year round. Whether it’s a generator, or a HVAC repair you need, at Norcal Electric & Pump Work we’ll be able to help you with all of your HVAC issues.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Paradise, Oroville/Yankee Hill and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Generator sales and repairs to HVAC sales and repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way.  We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from generators, heating and air, electrical and lighting, and more!

• Chico:                    (530) 345-5003
• Paradise:             (530) 872-3922
• Oroville/Yankee Hill        (530) 538-9350

Air-conditioning on a budget – 11 ways to improve AC efficiency.

It’s that time of year – that time when it’s unbearably hot but no matter what you do, you must have air conditioning on. Turning it off is just not a realistic situation. Really, it’s not. Sure everyone thinks, we can always turn off the AC if it gets too high, but does anyone really do that – not really! When we’re dealing with 112 degrees out, it’s just not plausible. We feel your pain though, it can be costly to run that AC unit, so we came up with a few ways for you to improve the efficiency of your Air Conditioning, without breaking your wallet. (We’re not promising it won’t cause a dent, or a money crease).

1. Clean Air Filters on a regular basis (monthly). Surprise, surprise but the cleaner your filters are the faster they are at providing air circulation. The dirtier your air conditioning unit is, the more likely it is to block the air circulation, causing the unit to work hard and not allowing the air to pass by as frequently. This raises the cost of your energy bill by causing your unit to work harder then necessary. Help it out a little, make sure it’s cleaned regularly and when necessary, replace it. You wouldn’t neglect giving your car an oil change would you (please say no)? Just as you have to do regular maintenance and upkeep on your vehicles and other technology, you have to do the same with your AC units.
2. Clean debris from around your HVAC unit. You don’t want leaves, bushes, trash or anything else causing your air conditioning unit to be ineffective. To be safe just make sure there is plenty of free space surrounding your heating ventilation air conditioning unit when it’s installed and to keep a regular eye on it to ensure it remains clear and free to work as seamlessly as possible.
3. Replace Air Filters when dirty. See #1 if you have any questions as to why. It’s that important it’s on the list x 2.
4. Make sure your air ducts are insulated and sealed. When you have insulated air ducts you’re able to keep the air conditioning in an enclosed space, allowing for the air to spread. Without insulated air ducts the air ventilation can escape a lot quicker which causes your energy bill to increase because your HVAC unit is working a lot harder to keep your house cool when the ducts are not insulated and sealed.
5. Don’t forget to make sure your attic is properly ventilated too. Did you know that if you do not properly vent your attic that it can raise your cooling costs by up to 10%? Proper attic ventilation will help keep you cool during those hot months and warm during those cool months so making sure it’s properly ventilated is a huge asset.
6. Make sure your dryers vent is at least 10 feet away from your HVAC unit. Did you know that lint from the dryer can lower a HVAC unit’s efficiency level simply because the lint from a dryer will then cling to the compressed coils on the AC unit causing it not to function, which of course, is no good. When you keep your dryer vents 10 feet away you lessen the chances of coils causing damage.
7. Use your ceiling fans or other fans in conjunction with your AC unit. People tend to turn off their fans when they have their AC units on thinking that their AC units will replace the need for fans, well Norcal Electric & Pump Work is going to let you in on a little secret – ceiling fans can actually help keep your home cool by helping to circulate the cool air throughout the room and home. The more the ceiling fans help circulate the air conditioning units, the less strain on your HVAC unit and energy.
8. Keep lights that are underutilized turned off! The hotter a room is the longer it is to cool a room down. The longer a room is to cool down, the more your HVAC system needs to work in order to cool it down. Wondering what the solution is? Keep the lights off. We all know that lights can easily add unnecessary heat to any room, by turning off lights that aren’t be utilized we’re able to help keep the natural air temperature down, even if it’s just a few degrees.
9. What was that, you don’t have blinds for your windows? Make sure to get some. Especially for those south or west facing windows that will kill ya during the hot parts of the day.
10. What we’re saying is, avoid the heat. Try turning off appliances that cause additional heat such as oven, dishwasher, dryer, etc. The less heat you use, the less AC it will take to keep you cool, thereby helping keep your cooling costs to a minimum – awesome right?!
    1. If it’s hot out, think about drying your clothes outside instead of in your dryer. This does three things.
       • It allows you to keep the temperature in your home low
       • It allows you to keep your energy bill lower
       • you still get to dry your clothes! (this is a win-win-win situation)
11. When you leave the house raise the thermostat (also, please keep it on auto not on) – this not only helps with lowering your energy bill but also helps your air conditioning unit serve more efficiently since it won’t have to work as hard, all the time. There’s no reason for you to keep your AC “on” if you’re out of the house. By putting it on auto, you’ll still be able to keep the home cooler, without it running the full time.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Paradise, Oroville/Yankee Hill and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Generator sales and repairs to HVAC sales and repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from generators, heating and air, electrical and lighting, and more!

• Chico: (530) 345-5003
• Paradise: (530) 872-3922
• Oroville/Yankee Hill (530) 538-9350

Every business has a “go-to” essential tool that their business needs, or at the very list should have.  At the top of our list would be a backup generator. It’s our belief that every business should have a generator. Whether your business is large and in charge or a smaller business, it’s essential that you always think of the business tools that can separate you from your competition. We’re here to tell you that there are 5 basic reasons why every small business should have a generator.

1. In case there’s a total power outage, you’re protected.
   • There is nothing worse than a power outage. Seriously.
   • Think about all that work you need to get done for the rest of the day, between emails, calls, and faxes alone having the power on during business hours keeps you protected.
2. It provides with you with – a “peace of mind”.
   • There is no greater peace of mind than knowing that a power outage wont completely ruin your day or business day. Especially for those folks who live and work in heavy storm, fire, or power outage areas –there’s no bigger relief than having a generator.
3. Generators minimize stress and business downtime
   • Losing power for even a few hours can mean thousands of dollars in lost revenue for your business – having a generator can help prevent and minimize the levels of stress that occur when a business has a power outage.
   • A generator allows for your business to minimize the amount of unnecessary time, energy and money that will be lost by not having a generator. Work flow can continue when you have a backup generator for your business. Don’t send employee’s home – let them keep on working through your already stressful day by ensuring you have an easy to access backup generator.
4. It’s an affordable back up plan, that keeps you safe.
   • Think about all the potential money you would lose if you had a power outage. Between having to close down shop, losing work, time and money spent restoring lost work, etc. etc. a power outage can cause a domino affect of costs. With a generator you never have to experience an outage ever again, yet alone experience the costs of the aftermath of a power outage. It’s a win-win situation when you have a generator at your store front.
5. Reliable power, power you can trust.
   • It’s fair to say that power is reliable, most of the time. However most of the time is not the same as, all of the time. It’s reassuring, especially in towns on the outskirt, to have a way of powering shop up when the power outages occurs. Never stress out again knowing you have a reliable way to get power when you need it most. Expect the unexpected, prepare for the unknown, be ready for it always with a generator.

Are you interested in a generator? Call us today for more information at (530) 345-5003!

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Paradise, Oroville/Yankee Hill and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Generator sales and repairs to HVAC sales and repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way.  We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from generators, heating and air, electrical and lighting, and more! 

• Chico:                    (530) 345-5003
• Paradise:             (530) 872-3922
• Oroville/Yankee Hill        (530) 538-9350