Without a service panel upgrade, homeowners will experience several issues due to an outdated panel. Flickering lights, odd sounds from a fuse box, tripping breakers, and even even cars that require this kind of circuit.

If you’re constantly dealing with lighting issues or your outlets just don’t seem to work as well as they use to, then don’t procrastinate. Upgrading your service panel can clearly help in so many ways, especially when it comes down your family and their safety. Always call an electrician if you sense a problem with your service panel, that way they can assess the issue and clearly identify a solution.

Now that spring is well on its way, many enterprising homeowners are looking forward to home improvement projects and renovations to their homes. What they likely are not looking forward to, or may not even realize that they have to consider, though, is scheduling inspections and pulling permits. Not every job is going to require a permit or an electrical inspection, but many do, and they are not always the jobs that you’d expect. Language in permitting regulations may necessitate that you pull a permit for replacing a window, for instance, as this is an egress. The best way to ensure that you are doing everything by the books is to hire a skilled professional to do the job.

When it comes to an electrical inspection, it is all about your safety. Once your contractor has finished his or her work, or even just the rough work phase of the job, having an electrical inspection is most likely going to be necessary. This guarantees not only that any existing electrical systems and components in the area are in great working order, but also that nothing was compromised during the home renovation process. You need everything in your home to be up to code, and it is in your best interest to ensure that this is the case prior to the completion of the entire project.

There are a lot of questions surrounding this particular practice, and nobody wants to go through the process of pulling permits prior to getting a project underway, only to find that the permit was not necessary. That being said, allowing a contractor to work on your property without the necessary permits can have some pretty serious consequences. If a complaint is filed, and an investigation opened, the work will have to stop. Any improvements made may actually need to be removed, and you may face considerable fines. There will likely be a lot of red tape that will seriously delay your project, as well. Contact the appropriate governing bodies in your area to know for certain if a permit is needed.

Winter is in full swing in the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver area. Winter in British Columbia usually means a severe drop in temperature, possible snowfall and an unfortunate spike in the electrical bill. We often get asked whether or not it is possible to keep a home warm during the Winter season without breaking the budget. Absolutely it is! The licensed electricians at Expert Electric offer a variety of residential electrical services and cost-effective tips that can help clients keep their homes warm during the holidays. For more on this, read our list below for tips on how to keep your home warm in the Winter season.

One of the best ways to keep your home warm in the Winter is by installing a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats have been proven to significantly reduce the electrical bill of residential homes while keeping residents warm when it counts. Rather than continuously adjusting the thermostat throughout the day, program it so that it keeps you warm when you are at home, and does not waste energy when you are away at work. If you are unsure of what model of thermostat to purchase or what settings are best, contact the licensed electricians at Expert Electric.

Using the sun to your home’s advantage is the most cost-effective way to warm up your home during the Winter. If your home has lots of windows, Expert Electric recommends opening the curtains and letting Mr. Sunshine go to work during the day. The best thing about taking advantage of the sun’s rays is that you will not be billed for them at the end of the month.

In order for heating registers and vents to work properly, they need to be free of furniture and other household items that could be blocking the air flow and the circulation of heat. Keep your home warm this winter by making sure that any vents and heat registers are clutter-free and able to properly distribute heat throughout.

This may seem obvious to some but keeping your doors both closed and locked is a simple way to keep your home warm during the Winter season. This applies to all the doors in homes, not just doors to the outside. Determine which rooms in your home are used the most frequently. These are the rooms that you will want to focus on keeping warm. By keeping the doors to these rooms closed whenever possible, it will create a sauna effect and allow the heat to become more effective in spaces where it counts.

For more tips on how to keep your home warm this Winter, please call the licensed electricians at Expert Electric. You can reach us at 604-681-8338 or book an appointment through our website. We offer a large variety of electrical services that can help keep your residential home warm and toasty throughout the Winter season without breaking your budget. Expert Electric offers flexible scheduling, written estimates and complete customer satisfaction. Don’t let the cold get to you this holiday season. Contact the trusted team at Expert Electric.

 A properly sized and decoratively coordinated entryway foyer fixture provides an opulent and brilliant introduction with just the right lighting effects.

 Even if your home is not made of glass, fine lighting shines through more than any other home accessory or decorative feature.  An attractive foyer fixture creates a welcoming atmosphere, while emitting generous ambient light for greeting guests safely into your home.

It is important to size and install your foyer lantern properly to make the most of your lighting composition.

To determine how big your foyer lantern should be, you must know your ceiling height. The overall height of a foyer fixture should allow for a clearance of at least 7 feet from the floor.

In a two-story foyer, if there is a picture window above the front door, center the foyer lantern so it can be seen from outside. If the foyer is extra-large, wall sconces make a nice accompaniment to add depth and supply additional illumination.

The latest lighting trends feature oversized fixtures.  Make a grand statement with a large foyer lantern for superb upscale illumination.  Foyer lanterns from Savoy House Lighting are captivating and superbly crafted, featuring original style, timeless elegance, and designer authenticity.

With an elite team of designers, Savoy House continues to create sophisticated award-winning light fixtures. Artistic innovations include works by Karyl Pierce Paxton, Raymond Waites and Brian Thomas—artists who command attention and brilliantly define the next generation in home illumination and décor.

The design team at Savoy House has propelled home lighting and décor to new heights by creating and defining light fixture fashions and novel lighting compositions for over 46 years.

Check out the latest collections to revamp your home entryway and welcome the Summer Season.

Trends may come and go, but fine quality and classic finishes endure throughout the ages. Keep in fashion with the latest in home lighting and accessories.  Look to Savoy House when renovating or updating your home lighting design for light fixtures, lamps and decorative accessories that are steadfast, strong and enduringly beautiful.