If it’s been a few years since you’ve hired an electrician in Waterloo, IA, then you might be surprised by some industry-wide changes that have been sweeping the country.
Most, if not all of them have been good changes, both for manufacturers and consumers, but they’re still a shock to many people who have been operating with the same technology for decades.
For instance, incandescent light bulbs have recently been banned, as shoppers try to figure out the specifics and information behind the new, longer-lasting LED light bulbs. Also, insurance rates have started to change as wildfires and heatwaves have become more common. An electrical problem could have serious ramifications on especially hot and dry days now.
So, let’s discuss some major electrical changes in 2023, and what you can expect on your end.
The Big Light Bulb Switch
Let’s first talk about the elephant in the room, the big switch from incandescent light bulbs to LED light bulbs. This switch has been discussed for years now, and it’s finally happened.
- Why is this happening? Incandescent light bulbs are extremely inefficient, releasing most of the energy they use as heat. On hot days, this can be very bad for your home since your AC works hard to cool things, while incandescent bulbs heat up and keep things warm. LED bulbs are much more energy efficient and don’t produce much heat at all, using only energy for light. And they last a lot longer because of that.
- What should customers know? The switch to LED lighting is easy, but it takes some adjusting. LED bulbs have different color settings, from daylight to soft white. If you’ve got an older home that’s used incandescent bulbs in the past, try working with one of our professionals to find LED bulbs that look the same, but without the energy loss. You’ll thank us when your new energy bill comes back cheaper!
Insurance Rate Changes
Insurance has been a big topic in the news, and for good reason. With wildfires, heatwaves, and other record-breaking weather events, electrical malfunctions are becoming less isolated.
For instance, an improperly insulated wire could heat up and cause a fire in your home, and during a particularly hot or dry season, this can be a disaster for you and your neighbors.
This is why insurance rates are changing and costs are going up. Be sure to stay ahead of these costs and make the necessary fixes or replacements that are required by your insurance company.
Upgrades Are Becoming More Necessary
In the past few decades alone, the amount of electric appliances we’ve been using has skyrocketed. From phones to smart TVs, it’s true that we’re placing a heavier burden on our home power grids than ever before. This makes upgrades extremely important.
Do yourself a favor and hire one of our electricians for a walkthrough. We can point out important places where GFCI outlets should be installed, lighting should be replaced, and even if you need an electrical panel upgrade. These upgrades can do a whole lot for your home comfort and your budget.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Falls area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.