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DENVER, CO – Commercial property operators and homeowners alike are all looking for ways to cut energy consumption and utility bills these days without sacrificing work load or lifestyle, and they are increasingly turning to such “green” products as highly efficient lighting systems and light bulbs, EnergyStar and more efficient HVAC systems and appliances, improved insulation, newer more efficient windows, and more.

One of the more interesting “green” product developments coming into vogue are Energy Controllers, devices that regulate the flow of electricity, that can cut electrical usage – and costs – anywhere from 6% to as much as 30%. And since electrical costs the most expensive component in utility expenses any savings here can ease the burden of that monthly utility bill and add significantly to the bottom line in a commercial operation.

Energy controllers are essentially capacitors that attach near to a home’s electrical box and on the service panels at commercial facilities. The science involved is very detailed and it would take an electrical engineer from MIT to explain all the ins and outs, if that EE could be understood by the layperson.

In simple terms, however, electrical power is delivered by utility companies over lines and systems that are designed as one-size-power-for-all strength, and yet each individual user has different demand needs depending on the types of electrical devices used in the property. Also, this power from the utility company ebbs and flows as demand rises – like on a hot summer day when every air conditioner is working overtime – or falls, like in the middle of the night when businesses are closed and homeowners have darkened the house until morning. The fact is that often there is too much power feeding the electrical system in a home or commercial facility and the excess is dissipated as heat and wasted. Energy controllers manage the flow of electricity to the structure so that the right amount of power is supplied and the excess power drawn is minimized – thus, lower electrical use and lower electrical bills.

The measurement of all of this is generally conducted by licensed and qualified electricians and involves what is known in the trade as the Power Factor – and those electrical systems with a Low Power Factor can benefit more from an energy controller than those with a High Power Factor. Indeed, the idea behind an energy controller is to correct the Power Factor within a facility where the utility-supplied electricity is delivered, so that the system itself will draw less current.  

Moreover, this fluctuation in electricity being delivered to electrical devices can be hard on them, particularly on electric motors that drive such things as AC units, HVAC fan systems, refrigerators and freezers, dishwashers and electric dryers, and on pumps for swimming pools, spas, French drains and septic systems. The extra power and the heat generated can and often does shorten the life of electrical devices so the use of an energy controller also delivers savings in the longevity of such equipment.

Capacitors themselves, formerly called condensers, have actually been around since the late 1700s, and they were the beginning of what we today call battery technology as those early scientists discovered that these inventions – a glass jar or Leyden jar – could store electrical charges. Capacitors are used in all kinds of electrical devices to both store and separate different types of current. To offer some practical idea of what this means is that it is a capacitor that allows such electrical devices as radios and computers to maintain information like the time of day, favorite stations and other settings for short intervals while power is out or batteries are being changed.

The savings effect of energy controllers – which must be installed by a certified electrician to guarantee proper operation – is much more pronounced on devices equipped with electric motors and on many types of lighting systems, particularly in commercial applications, so the savings derived will vary widely depending on the use and the equipment.

In a typical home, one where there is an AC unit or swap cooler running often during the summer months, estimates are that the savings in kilowatt (kW) usage can be anywhere from 6% to 15%, again depending on the size of the home, the devices used and the frequency of that use. The payback on the initial cost of the energy controller and installation and the savings realized can range from 1 year to three years. The energy controller themselves are designed for a 20-year life span.

In commercial settings – and most electricians recommend energy controllers more for industrial locations more ballast-type lighting systems and where more electric motors may be in use – the savings ranges from approximately 12% to as much as 30%, with payback periods ranging from three to six years.  Energy controllers are found very often in small manufacturing plants and shops, and also in such businesses as restaurants.

And for those concerned about the carbon footprint, energy controllers will of course reduce the amount of energy needed to be produced by the power companies so even an application on a home can reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by up to several pounds per month.

Allstar Electrical Services, serving the Denver metro residential and commercial electrical service needs since the 1990s, has fully licensed and highly experienced electricians who can perform Power Factor audits on both homes and commercial facilities and then, if called for, recommend and install the proper energy controllers. Not every home or every business can benefit much from adding an energy controller, but for those subject to a high Power Factor the savings can be immediate and substantial.

For all of your commercial and residential electric service needs, from minor repairs to full installation of electrical service, call on Allstar Electrical Services at 303-399-7420.

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Lighting options for homeowners have never been so varied, allowing for a wonderful mix of functionality, security and aesthetics like never before. The same is true for commercial buildings – office buildings, warehouses, industrial plants, restaurants and retail – but beyond the lighting issues that homeowners look for, commercial building owners and operators also must concern themselves with a variety of different local codes and – the chief concern – the energy costs of those lighting systems.

It’s not as if paying the electric bill on residential lighting isn’t a cost factor; it is. And with new technologies in fixtures and low-wattage bulbs homeowners can save on powering up their home lighting.

To the commercial property manager, however, powering the facility’s lighting is a significant cost factor and one where handsome savings can easily be found. According to Xcel Energy, a leading electric utility in Colorado and seven other states, lighting in commercial properties accounts for as much as 44% of the monthly electric bill. Arizona Public Service Co. says these coasts can range from 35-cents per square foot annually in a primary or secondary school, to 50 cents per square foot each year in a large office building, to as much as 90 cents/sq. ft. for a large grocery operation. Obviously, cutting that electric bill, even by a small fraction, while maintaining the required and desired lighting characteristics, can add up to a bottom-line boost.

And it’s not just the direct electric bill for lighting where savings can be found: old-line incandescent lighting also puts out a lot of heat which puts an extra strain on a building’s HVAC system. Deploying newer lighting technologies can therefore save money on air conditioning costs as well, not to mention the comfort of the occupants.

If a commercial building operator is building a new facility, especially if it is to be a LEEDS “green” building at almost any certification level, the project architect will most likely spec in the newer lighting technologies right from the design phase. Retrofitting existing buildings with new lighting options, particularly older buildings, can also deliver great savings. While the initial cost for lighting systems – new or retrofit – can often be substantial, utility companies such as Xcel offer a wide variety of rebate programs that can trim those costs. Indeed, on the Xcel Energy website ( http://business.responsiblebynature.com/rebate-programs/lighting-efficiency) in the Case Studies area, the utility highlights a retrofit project for an American Furniture Warehouse facility under the Lighting Efficiency program that, with incentives and energy savings, paid for itself in 2.1 years.

There are many kinds of lighting for a commercial property, and each can lead to savings for a building owner. The changes can be as simple as replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) that burn cooler, use only 20% to 33% of the energy, and are rated for eight to 15 times longer life, to wholesale changes of fixtures to accommodate new technologies. Just one great example of some of the possible changes is to swap out incandescent bulbs with LED lights in Open/Closed and EXIT signs and save 80% of the energy.

A good place to start finding ways of saving money and going “green” in commercial facility lighting is to have the local utility conduct an energy audit under such programs as the Lighting Efficiency program through Xcel. This will set a baseline and give owners an excellent idea of what is possible.

Another good idea is to contact a professional commercial electrician, like Allstar Electrical in Denver, well experienced in new-build or retrofitting commercial properties with energy-saving lighting systems. Allstar Electrical conducts its own audits for commercial property owners, and in any case is a great choice to install the new lighting technology no matter who conducts the audit.

Commercial property owners have to concern themselves with exterior and parking lot lighting that complies with local codes and rules concerning light pollution, task lighting which may vary depending on the work being performed in the space, security lighting that stays on even during non-business hours or when a power outage hits the building or the area, signage, hall and stairway lighting, and, in the case of warehouses, ample lighting for the task at hand not matter what the height of the ceiling in the building.

There are many lighting choices in the commercial setting and it is best to contact an expert like Allstar Electrical to make recommendations based on the unique use in each facility. It could be replacing old T12 fluorescent lights with the new standard T8 lights, swapping out incandescent lights for halogens, and using LED lights were appropriate.

Savings can also be garnered by having an electrician install daylighting controls, occupancy sensors in low-use areas like washrooms and kitchens, changing magnetic ballasts with electronic ballasts, and much more.

For complete details on how to save energy costs through modern lighting technologies in commercial facilities, call Allstar Electrical at 303-399-7420.    

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Electrical service on commercial and industrial properties is an all-important aspect of any commercial property owner’s operations, as an interruption can cause tenant downtime, and faulty, inadequate or outdated electrical to the facility can and often does hinder a sale of the property or delay the occupancy of a new lessee.

Whatever the case, if the commercial facility electrical isn’t right, the cost in time and money can be considerable.

For over 12 years, Allstar Electrical Services has been a leading electrical contractor in Colorado, and while a full-service shop handling both residential and commercial electrical issues, founder Gary Stone has specialized in commercial electrical service at his firm and for another 20 years as a licensed journeyman electrician. The company handles new-built commercial construction electrical installations, retrofitting and repair in existing properties, and in evaluations and commercial service audits to ensure a smooth operation.

The modern office building, warehouse or industrial facility places a lot of demand on its electrical systems what with the proliferation of electrical office equipment, new rules and tastes for indoor and outdoor lighting, heating and air conditioning units, signage, telecommunications, security systems, “green design” solar systems, and the additional wiring and power requirements of computer networks. In many buildings these requirements can vary by tenant or by specific-use departments within the space of a single tenant, which often means that buildings need to area-adjusted to better balance the demand loads – and this often changes when a lease expires and a new tenant fills in the space.

Electrical codes under the auspices of the National Electrical Code (NEC) are updated every three years – the current code was issued in July 2011 – and these stringent requirements are often mandated when there are significant changes and remodeling and tenant finish in a building. Also, when a commercial property is marketed for sale the condition of its electrical systems is often a key aspect of its salability and a chief negotiating point between buyer and seller. When these events occur, it is often wise and/or required that the building owner conduct an inspection of the facility electrical system to ensure it is up to code and ready to handle the demands of a new owner or tenant.

Allstar Electrical Services offers a complete Commercial Electrical Evaluation Audit for commercial property owners where all challenges related to a property’s electrical service can be quickly addressed or eliminated before they become an interruption. At the very least, such an audit provides peace of mind that everything is ship-shape and ready for all building operations to grow and prosper.

In commercial properties the most typical problems to electrical panels are age, weather damage, and overloading of circuits, says Stone.

“In my experience, many commercial properties were built to handle one type of business operation and over the years there has been significant change in that business or a different tenant has moved in with different electrical use patterns,” says Stone. “Sometime these shifts happen without regard to the impact on the electrical system, which could and often does jeopardize electrical service. Weather also plays a role as electrical panels tend to be outside and subject to every weather and moisture extreme possible. Our service ensures your building is where it needs to be or it clearly shows what improvements should be made.”

An additional benefit of a complete Commercial Electrical Evaluation Audit shows where significant savings on energy costs can be found. New lighting systems use far less energy than those specified in new construction or retrofits even a few years ago, an upgrade of HVAC systems to more energy efficient units also saves money, and the installation of solar photovoltaic systems can drastically reduce the amount of energy bought from the utility company. Allstar Electrical works in all of these areas and is an expert at making energy-efficient upgrades and installations.

Allstar Electrical Services Commercial Services Division delivers:

• Design and Design Assist
• New construction
• Tenant finish
• Remodel and retrofit
• Service upgrades
• Code corrections
• Lighting maintenance
• Signs
• Outdoor lighting and controls
• Security lighting
• Bucket truck service
• Generator installations
• Machine hook-ups
• Insurance claims
• Inspections and testing
• Computer circuits
• Neon and florescent repairs
• CCTV and card access systems
• Photovoltaics
• Parking lot lighting—new and repair
• Serving property management companies and HOAs
• LED lighting design services

For complete information regarding Allstar Electrical Services Commercial Electrical Evaluation Audits and thorough commercial/industrial electrical service and repair, call 303-399-7420.

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When electricians and inspectors talk about being “up to code,” they mean in compliance with NEC. Revisions every three years improve safety and address emerging technologies

DENVER, CO – The National Electrical Code, NEC, is a complete compilation of rigorously adopted standards for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment – in all settings, from residential and commercial, to industrial, outdoor, health care facilities and more – throughout the United States. While voluntary, the NEC has been adopted by most governmental jurisdictions throughout the land as a single, standardized source of electrical requirements, and its recommendations and procedures are used by inspectors to verify compliance.

When electricians, contractors and building department refer to something electrical as “being up to code,” it is NEC they are talking about.   

The NEC is part of the National Fire Codes that were developed and are maintained by the National Fire Protection Association, and as such NEC is also sometimes referred to as NFPA 70. This whole codification began back in the 1890s in a limited area back east, and has been joined by other regional electrical code initiatives over the years to create a national standard.

However, “standard” may be too strong a word. With input by a wide variety of stakeholders, the NEC is under constant discussion, and every three years the code is revised and new standards issued. The NEC 2011, released just last year, is the latest edition of the nation code, and it comes in at a whopping 870 pages in its softbound edition (it’s also available as an electronic PDF file. Visit NFPA for ordering and pricing). The next revised NEC standards are due in 2014.

The NEC is certainly important to the average homeowner, however much of its provisions and revisions are meant for the professional audience of electricians, electrical engineers, contractors and the like. While there are changes to the code every three years, there are no requirements for the homeowner to automatically be in full compliance. In fact, the homeowner can make minor changes – changing a plug or a switch, for instance – without regard to the code, and keep things in their own home the same as they are.

Remodeling, however, can change everything. In any remodeling project the NEC will have to be followed to the letter of the code or the project will not pass the required round of inspections. Plus, if it’s a major remodeling project – in some jurisdictions defined as 70% of the home, everything electrical in the home will have to be brought up to code.

We here at Allstar Electrical Services, a professional, licensed electricians, keep completely up-to-date on the NEC and all of the changes instituted every three years. As mentioned above, the code is now 870 pages, and just going through the changes in the 2011 updates is a very laborious undertaking – with which all of us are current.

Unless you are an electrician, or one of the related professionals mentioned, going through all the new code changes is an unnecessary and time-consuming activity – and much of it if fairly esoteric or industry-specific, to wit:

•New Article 694 has first-time requirements for small wind electric systems.

•Revised Article 625 includes updates on safe battery charging for plug-in hybrid vehicles that reduce the risk of explosion.

•Revised Article 705 covers interconnecting generators, windmills, and solar and fuel cells with other power supplies.

•New Article 840 addresses the increased demand for broadband communications systems with requirements for wireless, routers, and wireless disconnects.

New requirements focused on workplace safety include:

•Means to reduce incident energy (240.87)

•Labeling at subpanels to identify feeder supply source (408.4(B))

•Disconnecting means for transformers (450.14)

`       *New Article 399 incorporates requirements for overhead distribution systems for large electrical system users, such as school or business campus settings.

For the homeowner, the new NEC standards have a lot to do with the use and placement of GFIC – ground fault interrupter circuits, those special plugs in bathrooms and kitchens (near water sources) that feature the reset buttons – and also for the type of receptacles, plugs, that protect, for instance, little children from sticking things into them. Here’s a general overview of some changes in the NEC for 2011 having to do with the home:

Bathroom Electrical Code:

• Only install GFCI (ground fault current interrupter) receptacles in bathrooms.
• There must be a receptacle within 3 feet of the outside edge of sink basin.
• No receptacles face-up on countertops.
• Receptacles must be on at least one separate 20 amp. branch circuit (because this receptacle usually powers high-wattage devices like hair dryers).

General Rooms:

• Wall receptacles every 12 feet.
• Receptacles on any wall space more than 24 inches wide.
• Hallways more than 10 feet must have at least one receptacle.
• Foyers, which used to be classified as hallways, now have their own receptacle distribution code.

Kitchens:

• All countertops receptacles must be GFCI.
• No receptacles more than 20 inches above countertops. Exceptions are for the physically handicapped and for islands or peninsulas where this is not possible.
• Receptacles above all countertops 12 inches or wider.
• No face-up receptacles.
• At least one receptacle for islands or peninsulas.
• At least two branch circuits must supply the countertop receptacles.

There are also some new rules for receptacles and lighting in garages, attached and free-standing, and other outbuildings that have electrical power – like tool sheds wired for recharging electrical power tools, for instance.

Once again, the homeowner not undergoing a major remodeling is not required to meet the new standards, only when changes are made. It is, obviously, wise to call in a professional electrician to accomplish these tasks because we understand the code requirements and can easily handle these upgrades and improvements.

For all of your residential, commercial and industrial electrical needs call on Allstar Electrical Services, serving the Denver metro area and the Front Range of Colorado since the 1990s with fully licensed and experienced electricians. Call 303-399-7420 for complete details.

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Allstar Electrical Services, serving metro Denver for over a decade, reminds consumers that winter power outages often occur and taking precautions will keep people and their homes safe

DENVER, CO – Already this winter there have been power outages reported in many jurisdictions across the country, particularly in New England, and while some of them have been short-lived, a few hours, some areas have experienced no power for several days.

Colorado has been spared a winter power outage as yet this winter, but these occurrences do happen in the state and people should be prepared. Most commonly, power outages in the winter are weather-related, when severe storms bring down power lines or blow out local substations, or they can be isolated to even a single home if the wires come down. They can last for a matter of a few minutes or they can go on for several hours or even days depending on the severity of the outage.

At Allstar Electrical Services of Denver we are experienced with power outages, both localized and widespread, and over the years we have developed a few Winter Power Outage Tips to help our customers and the public in general in case of a problem with the electrical supply.

In the event of a loss of power in your home or in a business location, the first thing to check is if the power outage is just your property or if it is something affecting an entire area. A quick check of the neighborhood will give you a good idea of whether the outage is just your property or a bigger problem. If it’s just your property, then check your circuit breaker to see if you have a blown fuse and/or circuits out, and try to switch them back on or replace fuses (it’s always a good idea to have extra fuses on hand in this event). If it is more widespread, it is recommended to check with the local utility company – call the utility, but don’t call 9-1-1 as that is reserved for emergencies. The local utility should have information on how long it will take to restore power.

Here are our Winter Power Outage Tips:

Before a power outage occurs.

• Be prepared. You never know when a power outage might occur, so it is a good idea to be prepared in advance. Make sure you have batteries for flashlights and battery-operated portable radios on hand so you’ll have a light source and some communications.
• Alternative heating sources. A power outage will keep most furnaces out of commission for the duration, so if you have a gas-powered fireplace or wood-burning stove or fireplace, make sure you keep adequate fuel on hand. Do not use a kerosene heater or a barbeque grill for heating as these devices inside a home will spread toxic fumes.
• Insulation. Make sure your home is well insulated and that doors and windows are caulked. Storm windows or windows prepared with winterization kits are also a good idea. This will help hold in the existing heat for as long as possible. Also, make sure water pipes are adequately insulated.   
• Water shut-offs. Know where the water shut-off valves are so in the event of an extended power outage you can shut the water off and be prepared to keep the pipes from freezing. (If an outage occurs and is predicted to last an extended period, shut off the water and open the spigots throughout the house to drain pipes.)
• Check the garage. Know how to manually operate a garage door. Instructions for overriding an automatic garage door opener come with the device. In the event that you have to leave the house you want to get your car out.

During and outage:

• Stay away from downed power lines. Storms often bring down power lines and you don’t want to touch them or be near them when the power comes back on.
• Listen to your battery-powered radio or TV, especially for news at the top of each hour, to find out when the power might be restored.
• Dress warmly. Wear layers, including a sweater, sweatshirt or even a jacket. You lose heat through your hands and the top of your head. Wear gloves and a knit hat, not just a baseball cap.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator. Food in the refrigerator and freezer will last longer if you keep the doors shut as much as possible.
• Unplug major appliances. When the power comes back on, all of those appliances can create a drain or power surge, which can harm sensitive equipment. To avoid a power surge when the electricity returns, turn off computers, TVs, stereos and other unnecessary electronic equipment at the power source. Leave a light on so you’ll know when the power is restored.
• Generators. If you have a generator, do not connect it to your home’s power system unless it has been properly installed and disconnects you from the main power grid when it is operating. If you do not disconnect from the power grid, you can be sending electricity back down the lines; not just to your home. That could be deadly for power company workers.
• Check on your neighbors. The elderly or those with medical conditions may need some assistance.  If you have to go out, drive carefully. Remember that traffic signals may be out during a power outage. Consider each intersection to be a four-way stop and drive defensively.
• Be careful going out. A widespread power outage will most likely impact traffic signals and street lights, so take extra cautions if you must drive around.
• Check the radio. Keep that portable, battery-powered radio at hand and check news reports (usually at the top of the hour) to keep apprised of the power outage situation and utility company reports.

Most often power outages will only last a short time, from a matter of minutes to a few hours. However, if it is going to be a long time, check with friends to see if they have power and can take you in, or in some cases local emergency shelters are set up to help. Being caught in the cold for an extended period of time can be dangerous, so be prepared to evacuate to safe location if necessary.

For all of your electrical needs, from minor repairs and additions to emergency work, both residential and commercial, call on Allstar Electrical Services, serving the Denver metro are for over a decade. For complete information call 303-399-7420.

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Utility costs can rack up for than 30 percent of a commercial property’s operating expenses. Finding ways to save on electricity and natural gas can pay dividends right away

DENVER, CO – As anyone who owns, operates, manages the costs of commercial office buildings knows, energy fees lead the list of recurring expenses year after year. What’s more, energy costs are often variable what with changing weather patterns, cold spells and heat waves, and the inevitable requests from utility companies for higher rates on electricity and natural gas.

According to statistics amassed by various energy efficiency organizations, including the Energy Star program within the U.S. Department of Energy, utility costs in commercial office buildings rack up nearly 30 percent of a property’s annual operating expenses, mostly in electricity and natural gas fees. Since the average office building in the U.S. is estimated at 15,000 sq. ft., these utility costs can easily exceed $40,000 per year, with obviously some weather and pricing variables by region of the country. Here in Colorado we experience both hot and cold weather, of course, so we are fairly balanced in our energy use, but we enjoy overall lower humidity than the country in general, which puts less pressure on our air conditioners. We also have more wintertime sunshine which mitigates some heating costs.

Still, energy consumption in Colorado office buildings is a significant contributor to operating expenses, and there are several ways in which building owners and operators can attack those expenses and save as much as 30 percent on energy bills.

Here at Allstar Electrical Services, we have been in the business of providing a full range of electrical services for over a decade, including commercial and industrial electric where we have vast experience in new-build, retrofitting existing buildings, and in updating commercial properties with new electrical fixtures and service to meet stringent energy use requirements. Our licensed electricians have worked with LEED and Energy Star certified building projects in both the design and build out of new properties, and in the certification of existing structures in remodels.

In other words, we have learned a great deal about commercial property energy consumption and, more importantly, how to lower electric and natural gas utility bills. This article represents years of energy-saving involvement.

First and foremost, the best thing any building operator can do in the battle to lower utility costs is to get a full energy audit done on the property. These audits are conducted, for a fee, by engineers specifically trained or experienced in energy consumption in buildings, and often local utility companies, such as Xcel Energy, partner on such audits and offer certain rebates and financial incentives for conducting them and/or implementing recommendations. A building energy audit covers everything, from HVAC system analysis and energy status of current indoor and outdoor lighting systems, to heating and cooling use patterns and how building tenants use effects energy usage. And, of course, everything in between.

Of course, the biggest users of energy in the office building are lighting, cooling and ventilation on the electricity side (about 60 percent of overall energy consumption), and heating on the natural gas side. Because of this impact, these are the areas to begin with for energy use reduction.

As simple as it sounds, nearly every energy audit we’ve ever seen concludes that the largest impact any building owner/manager can have on electricity usage is just turning things off. It’s like teenagers left alone in the home – every light on, every TV, every appliance. Like being Dad the bill payer, simply going around a building and hitting the switches is an important energy-saving strategy.

Many building owners institute company policies on energy use and turning lights off, and in many cases this will involve working with tenants, and sometimes multiple tenants with differing work schedules. To help out, there are some relatively easy electrical system changes that can help. Lighting systems can be on timers programmed to go off at a certain time (like 7 p.m. in wintertime), which can be easily overridden by tenants who work late. By code, there will be a few designated fixtures and lights throughout the building that never go off for safety reasons. In non-regular-work areas, like rest rooms, kitchens, storage closets, etc., it would be wise to install motion- or door-detector that turn lights on for a pre-determined time when someone enters the room, and then go off automatically when idle.

Among more expense options, but offering significant savings as well as a variety of rebates and tax incentives, is changing the lighting systems in the building to more energy-efficient lighting. For instance, many building which have been in place for several years utilize T12 fluorescent light tubes, soon to be discontinued, but replacing them with Super T8s or T5s can not only drastically slash to electricity use, but in many cases deliver better lighting characteristics in lumen output and color. Building owners should consult with lighting experts as there are many alternatives for interior, exterior and parking lot lighting solutions these days that offer better lighting at significant energy savings.

For electricity use on the cooling and ventilation side of the energy-consumption ledger, once again the easiest solution is generally very simple: make sure the HVAC units themselves have regular maintenance, clean coils, and that the filters are changed to the specifications set forth by the manufacturer. If the units themselves are older than 10 years, replacement may be a good option as the newer models of air conditioners, furnaces and ventilators are significantly more energy efficient with no discernible difference in capacity. An energy audit will help determine pay-back periods for any improvements, and of course rebates or any tax incentives will improve the pay back.

Window treatments can also help to significantly reduce energy consumption in both cooling and heating. There are new commercial windows on the market with photo-sensing properties that shade heat-producing sunlight in the warm months and let warmth in in the cold months, and there are window films that can deliver some similar properties for a lower cost. Engineers also recommend lighter roofing materials in some cases that can reflect sun warming and not contribute to heat build-up; i.e. painting or covering a roof with white instead of black.

And don’t forget age-old techniques for heating and cooling management like deciduous trees planted on the south and west faces of a building that shade the property in the summer and let the warmth in during the colder months.

In the colder months managing heat levels in a building is a superior energy-management technique. Most newer properties with have programmable thermostats and multiple sensors for temperature management, but older properties could benefit by upgrading to such a system.

The truth is that energy management these days is a highly sophisticated endeavor for commercial properties, and we haven’t even scrapped the surface here. There are lighting design systems, for instance, that utilize daylight measurements and reflectors than con contribute to savings, the installation of different doors and/or windows, and even something like moving the main entrance from the north face to a south face that can help. An energy audit, as we said, is a great place to start the investigation. For more information visit the Energy Star program website from the U.S. Department of Energy at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=evaluate_performance.bus_portfoliomanager

Allstar Electrical Services is an expert at all things electrical when it comes to commercial properties and we can help building owners and managers to get he4aded in the right direction for energy efficiency. Call 303-399-7420 for complete details.

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Changes in lighting regulations and energy-savings plans could make retrofitting warehouses and industrial operations a quick pay-back and utility cost savings proposition

DENVER, CO – Commercial operators of warehouses and industrial facilities can enjoy significant rebates and tax incentives for switching out antiquated high-bay lighting systems by the end of 2011, and this is on top of energy-cost savings of up to 50%.

Allstar Electrical Services of Denver has been providing top-notch commercial electrical systems retrofits and new builds for over a decade in Colorado, and is an expert at replacing whole-facility lighting systems that meet the demands of Xcel Energy rebate programs and government tax incentives.

Many warehouses and industrial facilities utilize HID (high-intensity discharge) lamps or the common T12 fluorescent lighting arrays for high bay and large-area lighting solutions, both of which are less efficient energy users for these applications than more modern lighting systems. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Energy in 2010 began phasing out T12 fluorescent lights and the manufacture of the most common forms of T12 lights will cease as of July 2012. It is highly recommended that operators of large-are facilities retrofit their buildings with T8, T8 Super or T5 HO systems.

Xcel Energy in Colorado is offering a great rebate program for such retrofitting, providing bonus rebates of up to 50% of the cost of the project through the end of 2011. When you add in up to 50% savings on utility bills for operating such systems versus the old systems, the pay-back on the purchase and installation costs can be as little as three to seven years. Plus, since the T12s are being phased out by mid-year 2012, the cost of maintaining an older lighting system will significantly increase. These special rebates are a bonus on top of existing Xcel Energy rebates for switching to more efficient lighting systems in commercial facilities, so the savings could even be greater: all rebates cannot exceed 75% of the cost of the new lighting.

In addition, under provisions of EPAct of 2005 (Energy Policy Act) owners or tenants in commercial properties can enjoy generous tax deductions for upgrading lighting systems with the Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction, a special financial incentive designed to reduce the initial cost of investing in energy-efficient building systems via an accelerated tax deduction. Under this provision, the owner (or tenant) can upgrade a building’s lighting system to qualified levels to earn the deduction, capped at $0.60/square foot. For example, in a 100,000 square foot warehouse facility, the deduction would amount to $60,000; for a business in the 35% tax bracket, that would reduce the tax burden in the year of retrofitting by $21,000. The provisions of the tax code these incentives fall under are known as EPAct 179D deductions, and for the moment they are scheduled to expire on January 1, 2014 (they have already been extended twice).

The size measurement of fluorescent lights refers to the diameters of the tubes themselves. T12 tubes have a diameter of twelve eights of an inch, or 1 ½ inch, while T8 are one inch in diameter, and T5s come in at 5/8”. This matters because the thinner bulbs are more energy efficient, and thus save on utility costs.

Lighting designers, and expert commercial electricians like Allstar Electrical Services, are very adept at choosing the proper lighting systems for each facility. In general terms, T8 systems are used for mounting heights under 20 feet, with T5 used when mounting heights exceed 20 feet, and there are also T8 Super and T5HO (high-output) lights that provide greater lighting capacities at a higher cost. Designing the proper system for any facility may involve mixing the fixtures, so that, for instance, the lower-cost T8 fixtures and bulbs will be used in office settings, and areas in the warehouse requiring higher lighting capacities would use one of the other choices.

Beyond the rebates, tax incentives and energy savings that come along with a new lighting system for warehouses and industrial facilities, another advantage of going to a T8/T5 fluorescent lighting solution is the relative ease of retrofitting and installation. In other words, Allstar Electrical Services can get a new lighting system up and running with minimal downtime in the facility’s operation cycle.

Owners and developers of new commercial properties should also take note that such high-efficiency lighting systems in new construction also may qualify for rebates and tax incentives.

As with all rebate and tax incentives on lighting systems, there are many specific qualifications that must be met in order to claim the benefits, and these vary by project. In some cases, for instance, the plan must be submitted to Xcel Energy in advance for pre-qualification, and of course tax professionals may need to be consulted in order to meet the accounting procedures for claiming deductions.

Allstar Electrical Services has worked with a variety of commercial facility managers, contractors, architects and tax professionals on lighting projects that qualify for rebates and tax incentives and can plan such a project to meet all of the requisite qualifications. For complete information call 303-399-7420.

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Many homes even 10 years old, but especially older homes, have inadequate electrical service and wiring to handle the explosion of electric conveniences that define modern life

DENVER, CO – What with the real estate market continuing in the doldrums as a result of – and most likely the cause of — the recession, many homeowners in Colorado are deciding not to sell, but rather to do some remodeling to make their current home more livable for the long haul. Why not add a room, build out a basement, put in a new kitchen, expand the garage, or redo the landscaping? Many homeowners find that their existing homes, with a little work, can be just as comfortable as a new one and even more valuable.

At Allstar Electrical Services we get called in all the time to assist with the electrical needs of these projects and we often find that the electrical system is incapable of handling the increased demand.

And it’s not just for remodeling projects: even when a homeowner wants to add a few new outlets, install a swamp cooler or hot tub, or add exterior lighting for beauty and security, electrical demand becomes a key issue.

The reasons are many, but they start with the changing electrical codes over the years and the simple fact that modern life is far more based on electrical conveniences that far outstrip the electrical demand anticipated by builders – and code writers – even in 10-year-old homes, much less those that are decades old.

Plus, the issue of electrical demand also arises for those homeowners who actually decide to place their homes on the market: in many cases, especially in older homes, the electrical system in the home is so out of date, and out of code, that it needs to be upgraded before the home can even be offered for sale.

A residential electrical upgrade can not only insure that a home is capable of handling all of the electrical demand now and into the future, but it is also an investment in the safety and comfort of the home’s occupants.

It all begins with the circuit box, or the service panel, the centerpiece of any home’s electrical system and usually located outside on the back of the home where the power lines from the utility enter the structure. More than 40 years ago the basic standard for most homes was 60 amp service, and this was more than adequate for smaller homes back then that lacked any large-electrical-demand appliances like air conditioners. The standard switched to 100 amp service in most areas by the 1970s, as the size of new homes increased and more appliances came into vogue.

Today the basic standard, and code in most areas, is 200 amp service. It’s not hard to imagine why: A/C, or at least a swamp cooler, is now almost a given in most homes and literally all new homes, kitchen and bathroom appliances have exploded with an “app” to handle just about any cooking or grooming task, and the sheer boom in home electrical conveniences as computers and related hardware, as well television and entertainment systems replete with myriad add-on devices would boggle the imagination of home planners even 20 years ago. Electrical demand in the home has, quite obviously, expanded exponentially.

While homeowners themselves, with a little handy background, can perform some minor electrical upgrade tasks in their home – new plugs and switches, for instances – it is not recommended that anyone other than a professionally licensed electrician tackle something as complicated, or potentially hazardous, as a service panel upgrade. We at Allstar Electrical do these upgrades all the time, and without fail it drastically improves the electrical operation in any home and provides enough electrical capacity for remodeling projects, new appliances, and any and all lighting projects.

Another area where homes, and again especially older homes, need electrical system upgrades is in a home’s wiring. Wiring standards, and even the type of recommended wire and insulation used, have changed a lot over the last 10 to 20 years, and electricians regularly find wiring areas needing an upgrade even when performing minor repairs and installations. This frequently occurs when adding additional outlets and switches to accommodate a new entertainment system with a large-screen TV, digital recorder, sound system, cable/digital/HD boxes, DVD players and the like. Electricians often find that the room selected for the entertainment area lacks the wiring necessary to handle the job and that replacement wiring is called for.

Upgrading a home’s electrical system is a great investment in the comfort, safety and convenience of any home, and is an excellent and even essential platform for such wish-list items as a hot tub or spa, A/C unit or swamp cooler, and exterior lighting, and, of course, for any remodeling project that will add size to a house. When considering an electrical upgrade, have a licensed electrician perform a home system inspection to ascertain what level of service currently exists, how old and/or up-to-date the wiring may be, and be sure to anticipate the kind of add-ons and wish-lists that involve electrical usage so the home will be capable of handling anything electrical. The inspection will establish the baseline and help any homeowner decide on the type and extent of an electrical upgrade required.

For all of your electrical service needs, from minor repairs and outlet installation to major upgrades and remodeling projects, call of Allstar Electrical Services, serving the metro Denver and Front Range of Colorado for over 11 years with fully licensed professional electricians. Call 303-399-7420 for complete details. 

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Power outages in the US are on the rise, and electric generators can keep business running smoothly and protect homes. Keeping the generator in good repair requires an expert to ensure it works when needed

DENVER, CO – For many businesses, and even many homes, an electrical outage of more than a few minutes could present a severe problem, including downtime from operations, overheating or a too-cold environment, security breaches, personal safety issues, spoilage of food stuffs, and a variety of other issues.

Imagine being a hospital, day care center or long-term care facility; if a power outage hit for any length of time, lives could be in the balance. Retail outlets and office environments losing power would be virtually shut down for the duration, and even in homes where people work, or in winter during severe cold snaps, and where refrigerators and freezers protect valuable food stores, a major power outage could be a major inconvenience or a costly and potentially dangerous situation.

Wide varieties of commercial and industrial properties, and a growing number of American homes, have installed automatic generators that can seamlessly provide all of the power necessary, or at the very least enough power for essential services within the property, in the event of an electrical service interruption. Since a generator is like an insurance policy – there for an emergency situation – it is highly important that when called upon, an electrical generator performs as advertised. Most of these units contain regular automatic testing cycles that go a long way to ensure a property owner that the generator will work when the power goes down, but it’s important to observe a regular maintenance program to keep a generator system ship-shape, and to have an expert on call to make necessary repairs in the event of a failure.

Allstar Electrical Services is just such an expert. As licensed, professional electrical contractors in Colorado for commercial and industrial properties, and well as residential service and repair, we have installed hundreds of electrical generators for all types of properties, and we are fully versed in the necessary maintenance programs and generator repairs. And since we specialize in 24-hour emergency service, an electric generator on the fritz in most cases can be repaired before the power is restored.

The issue of power outages is, in fact, a growing concern. They are associated with such natural disasters as floods, hurricanes and other storms, of course, but power failures not associated with such events are on the rise nationwide. According to a report in an online4 edition of CNN Tech from a year ago, there has been a “frighteningly steep increase in non-disaster-related outages affecting at least 50,000 residents“ recently. In fact, the story noted, from the beginning of the 1990s to the end of the first decades of the 2000’s, such blackouts have increased 124 percent. From just 41 blackouts nationwide over the 5-year period 1991-95, and 92 such incidents between 2001 and 2005, utilities across the country reported 36 such outages in 2006 alone.

The reason for the increase in non-disaster power outages is ascribed to two main factors: 1) the aging infrastructure grid in the United States electrical system that is, essentially, operating on 1960’s and ‘70’s technology; and, 2) the concomitant growth in the U.S. population over the period (the estimated US population in 1980, for instance, was 226.5 million people, while the 2010 Census showed that 308.7 million lived in the country – an increase of a whopping 36%.)

So, obviously, having a back-up source of electrical generation in case of an electrical emergency is not just possible, but highly probable.

Electric generators come in a variety of forms and sizes. There are, of course, portable generators, usually operated by gasoline that depending on the size can handle the emergency needs for electrical power for a few electrical devices.

For most buildings, however, electricians install generator units capable of handling whole-building electrical needs. They can run on natural gas, gasoline, diesel, or propane or LPG, liquefied petroleum gas. These units typically require a transfer switch, sold separately, that automatically switches on the generator in the event of a power outage to the building’s main circuit box(es), that maintains a nearly seamless supply of power. The transfer switch also shuts down the generator and returns the power supply to traditional channels when power from the utility is restored, again in a fairly seamless manner. In other words, the building operator or homeowner really doesn’t need to do anything if the power goes out – which is a good thing if it happens in the middle of the night on a very cold period of time.

These switches can also be programmed, along with the power supply generator itself, to perform periodic test – generally weekly – to ensure the system is working properly.

As with any piece of complex equipment, however, particularly one located outdoors and subject to the weather, deterioration, blockages, freeze-ups, and unexpected service issues arise. Like air conditioners, furnaces, swamp coolers, and automobile engines (which generators most resemble), regular maintenance is required to make sure the machine will operate properly when needed. Just as car owners take in their cars periodically for a tune-up, check-up and winterization, having a trained technician check out a generator each year will offer peace of mind.

If there is a failure, having a generator technician with immediate access to the required parts and the necessary expertise to do the repair now is also a necessity. After all, the generator is there to perform in case of an emergency; if it fails when called upon, it is an expensive – and unnecessary – power outage.

Our clients with generators on their properties know Allstar Electrical Services will be there with expert maintenance and timely repair services should the need arise. Call 303-399-7420 for complete details.       

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Simple projects like replacing switches can be done by homeowners, with caution

Working with electricity can be hazardous, but some minor projects can be accomplished by the DIYer; however keep in mind the rule of thumb: when in doubt, call a professional

DENVER, CO – Many people — and let’s be honest, especially men – fancy themselves handy enough to tackle small repair, replacement and enhancement projects like installing light switches, receptacles and lights. Or in some cases it isn’t the DIYer complex, but rather the aversion to spending the money on a professional electrician that drives people to Do It Yourself.

The truth is that simple electrical projects in and around the home can be done relatively easily by the homeowner, and the easiest among these involve installing or replacing light switches, receptacles (“plugs”) and fixed lights connected to switches.

Like everything else involving electricity, extreme care should be taken at all times. Even for the most minor of projects, it is wise to purchase a simple circuit tester to afford some assurance that the circuit being worked on is indeed off. There are also relatively inexpensive testers available at most hardware stores that can identify the “hot” wires and measure the amperes being used in the circuit.

If you are going to add or replace a light switch in a particular area, the paramount first thing to do is to identify the circuit that is supplying the power to that area so you can switch off the power supply at the circuit breaker. If you are installing a new switch, light or receptacle you’ll have to identify the circuit being used to supply the power and make sure it is turned off at the circuit breaker.

The easiest job, of course, is simply replacing a switch, light or receptacle. You take the old one off and rewire it in the same way. Make sure the switch is placed in the box so that “on” is up and “off” is down. For a switch, the black or “hot” wire from the power source leads directly to the bottom connector on the switch, and the white “neutral wire goes on the top. There are generally two ways to make these connections: most modern switches have both a screw (where the stripped wire is wrapped around and the screw tightened), and there is a hole on the back of the switch where a ½-inch stripped wire can be inserted. Then the wire leading out to the light is attached in the same way (wrapped around the screw or inserted in the hole), from the other side, with the “hot” or black wire leading out from the top connection. If the box is metal, attach the ground wire to the box; if it is plastic take all the other wires and cap them off with an electric screw cap.

If you are pulling wires to connect a new switch the job is much more difficult. Pulling wires through an existing wall is a task better left to a professional. If you are placing such a switch in a new wall or one that will be covered with drywall later, then you’re in luck. Make sure the circuit if off and connect all the wires in the same way. For receptacles (“plugs”) the connections are very similar and should be just as easy.  Switches should be 48 inches off the floor for convenience and it is recommended that they be placed in easy-to-reach spots that won’t be hidden by furniture.

When it comes to wiring light fixtures so they work off the new switch, all these same guidelines apply. You can attach the wires on an existing light switch the same way they came off; for a new one follow the instructions included in the light fixture package.

With all switches, receptacles and light fixtures, turn the circuit back on and test them before securing the boxes or fixture in the wall or ceiling

These are fairly simple tasks. It takes a little more skill to install dimmer switches or such room light with multi-purposes like ceiling fans, but these devices comes with relatively detailed instructions that the handy homeowner should be able to handle.

Where it gets tricky to install such devices is when you are putting a light fixture on two switches, like at opposite ends of a hall, both of which can turn on and off the lights. These are called 3-way switches.

First, bring the power supply in to one of the switch boxes (one hot, and one neutral), on a #14/2-wire cable, then run a #14/3-wire to the other switch location. From the second switch, run a #14/2-wire up to the light box. In the first box, splice the neutral (white) wire from the power supply to the white wire in the 3-wire cable going to the other switch. Attach the hot (black) wire to the common screw on the 3-way switch. The red and the black conductor from the #14/3 cable will be called the “travelers”, and will hook up to the two remaining screws on the switch. At the other switch location, you will hook the white wire from the #14/3 to the white wire going up to the light. The “travelers” (black and red) from the #14/3 will connect to the same screws as on the other 3-way switch, and the black wire going to the light will tie on to the “common” screw.

Of course, if you are installing switches and plugs into kitchens, bathrooms, basements or garages, most local codes require these to be GFI – ground fault interrupter – switches; these are called for anywhere there is water in close proximity. These types of devices are wired similarly to regular devices, and the generally come with instructions that can be easily followed.

The thing to remember about electricity in the home, even on small projects, is that it can be dangerous. There is, of course, the potential of shock, and improper wiring can lead to fire. Some older homes, wired before current codes were in place even just a few short years ago, have wires that would not pass muster in today’s environment, and years-older homes contain wires that were never color-coded. The best rule of thumb is: if in doubt, call a professional.

When you need expert, professional electrical services – from minor repairs and replacements to major projects, emergencies, even remodeling projects – call on Allstar Electrical Services, serving the commercial and residential electric service needs of the Denver are for over a decade. Call 303-399-7420 for complete details.