Hot time in the summer

Summer heat is here.   Be sure your attic fan is working since it makes such a big difference in keeping the living area cooler. 
 
And if you're having a/c problems, check the A/C Checklist on the Helpful Hints section of our web page to check what the problem is.  Click here:

Outside lights

A simple idea, but very nice:  for outside lights like floodlights or walls sconces, add a dimmer to soften the light.  You still have a lot of light when necessary, but more attractive lighting when you want to simple set the mood outside and make it easier on the eyes. 

Ceiling fan buying tip

Important tips when shopping for a ceiling fan: Do you want a light? How much light? Can it be dimmed (many fluorescents can't)

Some like it hot, but not that hot

Weather's getting hotter, attic's getting hotter, house's getting hotter. Attic roof fans keep you cool. We install new or repair or replace.
Our Helpful Hints section in our web site explains what they do and why there so important.
http://a-1electricco.com/helpfulhints.shtml#AtticFans

A brighter idea.

Most people realize that the screw in fluorescent bulbs (CFL - compact fluorescent) can give you the same light as the old incandescents, but use less energy.  A 13 watt CFL bulb gives you the light of the standard 60 watt incandescent bulb. 
But did you know that you can get an added bonus?
If a fixture says 'Maximum 60 watts' (due to the heat build-up of the bulb), you can use a brighter CFL bulb that still generates less heat.  For example, a 23 watt CFL bulb gives you the light of a 100 watt incandescent, but still only the heat and energy usage of a 23 watt bulb.  More light, less electricity - not bad.

Some like it hot

We're getting some warmer days lately, and they'll seem almost hot compared to the last few months.  It's a good time to test you central a/c system.  It'll probably work fine and that's a relief.  However for some, it won't work and you'll have a chance to have it checked out before you really need it.  If your system doesn't seem to run right, use the checklist in the Helpful Hints section of our website to do a little troubleshooting yourself and determine what to do next.  Click here to read it.

Assault on batteries

Daylight savings time means not only changing your clocks, but also changing the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.   Write the date on the batteries too so you'll know how old they are when you check next time.
(The previous post talks about replacing units after a certain age since they lose their reliability.)