Now that we’ve survived Thanksgiving, it’s time for our annual reminder to be sure you survive hanging those outdoor holiday decorations.
So if you’re planning to decorate during the post-Thanksgiving thaw, review these tips and suggestions to keep your home and family safe while showing you’re ready to…
If you’re among the millions who work off that Thanksgiving feast by decorating your home for the upcoming holidays, be sure to read on for our annual Holiday Safety Tips.
Don’t Become a Statistic
Here are a few holiday fire facts from the National Fire Prevention Association:
U.S.…
Thanksgiving’s just around the corner, followed by Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa. And don’t forget New Year’s and bowl games, including the Super one.
These are all occasions to celebrate, and those celebrations usually include food…sometimes lots of it. Is your kitchen ready for the extra workload?
They’re Called…
If you’re one of the thousands of people who’ve had their power cut off with little or no warning this year, you’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—how important it is to have a backup plan. It’s a growing trend and only promises to get worse as weather, demand, and…
2022’s National Drive Electric Week starts on September 23 and runs through October 2nd. It’s a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.
Presented by Plug in America, the Electric Vehicle Association, the…
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and this year pent-up vagabonds promise to make this the heaviest travel season in years. If you’re among the millions heading out this summer, keep your home safe and secure during your absence by following these tips before you leave…
To promote 2022’s Electrical Safety Month this May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is focusing on ways to work toward a “net neutral” energy profile for homes, businesses, and institutions through what they call Energy Resilience. It’s a particularly well-timed campaign for this year…
If you’re juicing up your electric vehicle (EV) at a commercial charging station, you could be paying a lot. In fact, a recent article in the newsletter Torque News, a writer claimed that at a commercial DC fast charger (DCFC) he paid three times what it cost…
With a record run of snowless days, bright, sunny skies, and temperatures in the 60s, it’s easy to overlook winter’s arrival. But savvy Coloradans know that Mother Nature is full of surprises and has a way of evening things out. So if you haven’t done it already, it’s…
With relaxed travel and gathering restrictions this year, many of us are looking forward to more entertaining and overnight guests in our homes. Here are a few tips on how to keep your home both welcoming and safe throughout the holiday season.
Icicle lights may be pretty at holiday time, but if you have the real things, you may have a problem with ice dams.
Colorado is notorious for its wintertime freeze-and-thaw cycles. They play havoc with our roads and bridges, causing cracks and potholes. They crack our mountains, sending…
As Covid-19 restrictions ease this holiday season, festive outdoor lighting is a great way to celebrate long overdue gatherings. But just as we continue to take precautions against the pandemic, careful practices are called for in hanging your outdoor lights for the season.
Here are some tips…
The holiday season brings gatherings of family and friends and with pandemic restrictions easing this year could mean plenty of extra mouths to feed. Will your kitchen stand up to the added demand for prep work, cooking, and serving?
An Abundance of Appliances
It seems that there’s an…
In 1604, Sir Edward Coke declared “the house of every one is to him as his Castle.” Time shortens all. The saying is today, “a man's home is his castle”.
Trending today in home “castles” are open floorplans. Very 2021. With expansive great rooms and living rooms. Houzz.com…
This image was made by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble)
Unlike incandescent and fluorescent bulbs that pass current through a filament or gas-filled tube, LED lights are devices that rely on several components to operate. And each of these pieces contribute to the performance and longevity of the bulb.
…Your home’s outdoor lighting can add extra pleasure as the sun sets earlier and evenings move indoors. Here are some ideas for bringing added enjoyment and safety to your fall and winter nights.
Show Off Your Yard’s Beauty
The same trees and other features you highlight in…
Your home’s outdoor lighting can add extra pleasure as the sun sets earlier and evenings move indoors. Here are some ideas for bringing added enjoyment and safety to your fall and winter nights.
Show Off Your Yard’s Beauty
The same trees and other features you highlight in…
Electric power enters your home or commercial building at what’s known as the service entrance. That represents all the power your electrical system is able to deliver. In newer homes that’s usually 100-200 amps at 240 volts but older structures may have as little as 60-amp service and…
There are two types of metal commonly used in wiring: copper and aluminum. They’re chosen for their efficiency, ease of use, and affordability. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and knowing those can help avoid problems that range from annoying to disastrous.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Wiring
A recent article in Houzz Magazine pointed out that every homeowner should have a team of repair and maintenance professionals at the ready for home emergencies and projects. And with the number of people moving into and around the Colorado Front Range, plus the thousands choosing to stay…
The outdoor living season is just around the corner and this year promises to be special. As COVID restrictions ease, we look forward to a renewal of gathering with family and friends over the summer holidays and weekends.
Now is the time to plan ahead for the warm…
April brings longer days and the promise of beautiful weather to come. And spring 2021 also brings hopeful signs that backyard gatherings with friends and neighbors will be back as COVID-19 makes an overdue exit.
But April is also the snowiest months along Colorado’s northern Front Range, so…
The year-long COVID pandemic has forced most of us to change our lifestyles—some of us dramatically. Work-from-home has surged and is likely to become much more prevalent than pre-COVID days. Kids have been locked out of most schools for months. And going out, whether to dinner, movies or…
Most of us will be more than glad to see the end of 2020 and the long pandemic-induced nightmare of a year. But even as we gradually recover, we should pay attention to the lessons learned from the lifestyle changes forced on us—some of which will be enduring.
…According to a recent article in the Denver Post, as many as one in five employers expect that 40% or more of their staff will be working remotely by next spring. That represents a major shift in corporate attitudes in the pre-COVID era. Additionally, many people, especially…
Used properly, a power strip doesn’t necessarily create a hazard. But power strips can become fire-starters used improperly.
Then there’s the issue of daisy-chaining. Daisy-chaining power strips together by plugging multiples into each other is simply asking for trouble. It’s a violation of most safety codes.
Put your…
Nearly 100 days ago, Colorado Governor Polis issued Shelter in Place orders. Some workers toted home a legal box filled with topmost project notes. It seemed like it would be a brief time relegated to working from home…until it wasn’t.
Staples and Best Buy reported surges in work-from-home…
When the stay-at-home orders lift, and they will, people won’t emerge slowly out of their homes. They’ll run. They’ll head right to the back yard.
But they will still be cautious and more aware of their outdoor surroundings than prior to the COVID-19 crisis.
The secure sense of…
On a business call last week, I was on the receiving end of a dialog that went like this: “Agreed. Let’s get this next phase completed…just a minute…stop kicking each other. Otto, do you want a time out. You sit there on that end of the sofa. Calvi,…
THE U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a directive March 19, 2020 identifying essential critical infrastructure workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Electricians are included as critical workers including, of course, Allstar Electrical.
The directive states that the list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers should continue normal operations, appropriately…
Like many other businesses, the Allstar Electrical team has spent the last several days learning about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it is impacting our world. That means understanding how it affects our employees, customers and communities, and making any necessary adjustments to our work and operations.
Our…
Spring brings Daylight Saving Time and Colorado’s beautiful outdoor living season isn’t far behind. Get a head start on outdoor enjoyment by making sure your electrical service is ready to add to your warm weather fun.
Here are some things to consider:
Outdoor Lighting
Winter can take…
One of the biggest causes of home fires is holiday lighting gone bad. Here are a few tips on how to keep your home both beautiful and safe throughout the holiday season.
There’s nothing like the look and smell of a freshly cut tree to evoke memories and the holiday spirit. And part of that tradition should include making sure the tree stays in good condition until it’s time to take it down. This becomes especially important in places like…
As we button up our homes for winter, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors assume an even greater role in protecting property and loved ones from disaster.
Both battery-operated and hard-wired devices need to be tested monthly for proper operation and that’s a good time to…
Maybe you’re the type who waits for the Thanksgiving weekend to hang your outdoor lights for the holidays. Or maybe your outdoor lighting is in place by now. Either way, here are some tips to be safe and stay safe this holiday lighting season.
Be safe when hanging,…
Space heaters add comfort to drafty and hard-to-heat areas and can actually save money when used to heat individual rooms while keeping the central thermostat lower. But used carelessly they can be hazards to your property and your safety.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that around 25,000…
California’s Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has been cutting power to hundreds of thousands of residents in an attempt to lower wildfire danger from downed power lines. Some people have been without electrical service for several days, creating concerns about food safety, water, and medical needs along with…
Circuit breakers, fuses, and GFCIs are safety devices designed to protect you from shocks, overloads, and electrical fires. But millions of breaker boxes installed in the 1960s through the 80s may defeat these life-saving protections.
A Federal Problem
Federal Pacific Electric was a manufacturer of circuit breakers…
When people think about thermostat settings it’s usually in the context of saving heating costs in winter. But air conditioning demands in summer can add considerably to your electrical bill, sometimes more than heating does. That’s because in some places electricity costs more per BTU than natural gas.…
Whether it’s a remodel or new construction, scheduling a work-in-progress walkthrough with your architect/designer and subcontractors can avoid annoying and costly re-dos. A careful assessment of electrical and plumbing installations after the framing is up but before drywall is hung lets you confirm that walls, doors, and windows…
Each spring we remind readers that winter isn’t the only time that weather emergencies occur. Colorado has the second-highest number of lightning strikes in the nation, surpassed only by Florida. The state ranked third in the highest number of large hailstorms in 2014, and the Front Range has…
Most utility companies in the US offer rebates on energy-saving upgrades and some of them can be substantial. For instance, Xcel Energy, the primary energy provider in Colorado and seven other Western and Midwestern states has programs that subsidize insulation, cooling equipment, and thermostat upgrades. Here’s what they…
What a difference a digit can make! As the weather warms up and our attention turns to outdoor projects, it’s important to pay attention to hidden dangers. And some of those hazards are right under your feet.
Many utility lines are underground, especially in newer neighborhoods, but even…
Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown to a global reminder that we humans are a large part of our planet’s ecosystem and that each of us has a role to play in keeping it healthy and sustainable. While opinions vary widely on large-scale approaches to…
In celebration of 2019’s Electrical Safety Month this May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is focusing on the importance of preparing for, surviving, and rebuilding after natural disasters with the theme "Electrical Safety During Natural Disasters."
ESFI spearheads an annual campaign to educate key audiences about the…
It’s Time to Switch to LED
Long-lasting LED lamps are the unquestioned leader in economically lighting homes and offices, and with more choices and lower prices there’s no reason to not make the switch.
Early LED bulbs were low on output and high in price, but that’s changed.…
One of the biggest causes of home fires is holiday lighting gone bad. Here are a few tips on how to keep your home both beautiful and safe throughout the holiday season.
INDOOR SAFETY
Don’t overload circuits
Typical household branch circuits are 15 amps, and this is plenty…
Whether you’re lighting a single tree or going full Griswold, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to be sure you have the equipment and electrical service you need. Do it now and you won’t be trying to string lights in sub-zero cold and wondering why your breakers…
Electronic devices are certain to be at the top of most wish lists this holiday season. With so many things connecting to the internet, it’s important to keep your sensitive data safe from the growing numbers of internet predators.
The National Cyber Security Alliance, in coordination with the…
Coloradans know that power outages are a way of life. Careless drivers and construction crews knock down poles and cut into underground lines. Snow, ice, and broken limbs take down overhead lines and lightning knocks out transformers.
Most of the time, utility crews work to restore power in…
Winter’s coming and along with snowmen and sleigh rides, it brings its own set of hazards to your comfort and safety. But with a few precautions, you can look forward to keeping safe and snug when winter rolls in.
Here a few things to consider:
Keep Your Home…
Halloween is almost here and mobs of mischievous marauders are ready to descend on your castle. Some are welcome—some are not. Here are a few tips on how to keep the ones you want safe and the ones you don’t away.
Lights!
Outdoor lighting makes your home safe…
Fall is a busy time for homeowners. The calendar is full of school activities, fall sports are in high gear, and pre-winter yardwork looms on the schedule. While it may be tempting to rush through your fall chores, haste can not only make waste, it can be downright…
The recent windstorms on the Colorado Front Range are a reminder that winter isn’t the only time that weather emergencies occur. Colorado has the second-highest number of lightning strikes in the nation, surpassed only by Florida. The state ranked third in the highest number of large hail storms…
Electricity is an essential part of our lives. It powers everything from the smallest electronics to the largest appliances and tools. And with all that power at our command comes a need to use it safely and responsibly. That’s the idea behind National Electrical Safety Month, a program…
We live in a connected world, and it’s making life easier, safer, and more efficient in a lot of ways. In our series on “smart” homes we’ll talk about the many ways connectivity can work for you.
Today, we’ll take a look at security features that add convenience…
Colorado winters are unpredictable. Temperatures can swing over a 100-degree range in January and February, and while playing a round of golf on Valentine’s Day isn’t unheard of, you can be assured that there will be bone-chilling periods, too.
With energy costs predicted to rise between 8 and…
Did you know that the added holiday lighting in the US is observable from space?
According to a recent article in the Washington Post, the light intensity in US suburbs increases from 30-50 percent in the weeks leading up to Christmas. And that extra lighting costs money, both…
It’s never nice to have to tell a customer that they’ve wasted hundreds of dollars and hours of shopping time, but with more and more people buying on the internet, it’s becoming all too common. It happened to one of our regular customers, and she wanted us to…
Ceiling fans are an easy and inexpensive way to add comfort to rooms year-round. They can provide a gentle breeze indoors and out in the summer and can keep cool air evenly distributed around a room. In winter, they keep warm air from collecting near the ceiling, eliminating…
Recent changes in local laws have sparked interest in growing plants normally found in outdoor gardens in indoor settings. These plants require more light than is typically found indoors, causing a spike in grow light sales. It has also led to numerous electrical problems, from overloading and power…
An emergency generator is a great option to have when the power goes out. It can keep the lights on, vital equipment operating, and the fridge running. It can even be a lifesaver, especially in remote areas where it may take days to restore power.
Here are some…
Some electrical installation and repair work can be done by someone with a basic understanding of how circuits work. While hazards exist with electrical work of any kind, things like replacing a broken light switch or adding a dimmer are within the capabilities of anyone who can understand…
There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in a pool or spa on a hot summer day. Don’t let worn out or improperly installed electrical connections ruin the experience by following these tips:
Pool and Spa Electrical Safety Tips
● Keep electric cords and devices at least ten feet…
Air conditioning season is here and it’s important to be sure your equipment is in good working order. It’s also important to know your limits to prevent electric shocks, fires, and other disasters caused by improperly servicing your cooling appliances.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that 15%…
As the days get warmer and longer, people head outdoors to enjoy the nice weather. As you stroll around the yard and the neighborhood, it’s a good idea to keep an eye peeled for changes that may present new hazards and remind yourself of safety tips regarding the…
High winds cause all sorts of problems with electrical systems, and in Colorado, we see them all. From hurricane-force blasts roaring across mountaintops and through passes to tornados and microbursts on the plains, windstorms account for millions of dollars’ worth of damage in the state every year, and…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have determined that there is no safe level for lead in young children’s blood. Even extremely low levels have been shown to have irreversible, life-long effects on IQ, academic achievement, physical development, and attentiveness.
To prevent lead exposure, the CDC…
Earlier, we pointed out the need to use a Lead-Safe Certified Electrician to be sure your electrical work conforms to EPA lead safety standards. At the state level, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has its own set of Read More
You’re probably aware of lead concerns with paint and plumbing, but did you know it’s a concern in electrical work, too?
The Lead, Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule
Reducing lead levels has been one of the most successful health goals, with anover 90% decline in blood lead…
If your remodeling or expansion plans include a laundry room, there are some specific requirements that you need to know.
Circuit Requirements for Electric and Gas Dryers
The first thing to consider is the clothes dryer. Will it be electric or gas? That determines whether you’ll need both…
It seems everything is wireless these days. From streaming video and security systems to window shades and baby monitors, if it’s not Wi-Fi, it’s not cool. But cool isn’t necessarily the best, especially when it comes to data transmission and security.
Granted, advances have been made in Wi-Fi…
Fall is in the air, and the holiday season is just around the corner. Like most of us, you are probably starting to formulate your plan for decorating your home inside and out. Even though most holiday decorations are designed to withstand the rigors of being put up,…
Well, summer is over and it’s now officially fall!We know what that means - holiday decorating is just around the corner, and it starts with Halloween. When gearing up for this spooky night, keep the following safety tips in mind to make sure the electrical elements in and…
Electricians undergo specialized training and spend several years developing their skills to complete their work safely. However, even the best trained electricians are constantly exposed to on-the-job risks that can result in injury or even death.
Here, we will be looking at the top five causes of accidents…
It’s that time of year: family vacations, BBQs, pool time, and yes, air conditioning. As summer is in full swing, it’s important to make sure your air conditioning unit is up to par, as well as ensure you’ve had a maintenance service completed before the temperature started to…
It’s that time of year again! The hotdogs and hamburgers are on the grill, the kids are in the pool, and summer is officially in full swing. It’s a great time of year for families to enjoy being outdoors, but it’s always prudent to remember some simple safety…
Well, it’s summer, and in just a few days the biggest holiday of the season arrives: The Fourth of July! As we prepare for backyard BBQs and poolside fun, there are some important things to remember to make sure it’s a safe holiday.
Whether you are hosting or…
Regardless of the age of your home, with the use of so many utilities during the summer, many electrical problems begin to pop up. These problems are a warning sign of serious issues if left unchecked. Fortunately, regardless if you are dealing with the main service panels in…
As you load up the grill this Father’s Day (June 19th) and get the party started, be sure to guarantee the safety of those in your home. While keeping in mind basic electrical safety (avoid placing your radio too close to the kiddie pool, climbing into trees next…
With the heat of summer soon approaching, cranking your air conditioner will have you searching for ways to save. Whether backyard parties create the need for new decorative lighting for walls and walkways, or you’re simply looking for a full kitchen remodel, going green is the pervading method…
The Denver City Council approved some major changes to the city’s building codes on March 10 that include a mandate to make garages of single-family homes and duplexes capable of installing charging stations for electric vehicle (EV) support.
Charging Station Installation Process
Installing charging stations to existing structures…
The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is partnering with local agencies and the U.S. Department of Energy to offer a free Weatherization Assistance Program to low-income residents of Colorado.
What is “Weatherization?”
“Weatherization” is a blanket term for a variety of measures that improve the energy efficiency of a…
Backup generators are great insurance to keep the power on when the grid goes down. They add protection against food loss, keep sump pumps running, plumbing safe, security systems active, appliances on, and can even save lives. That’s why it’s important to be sure your generator is in…
It’s a rare home office or entertainment center that doesn’t have cables and power cords running in all directions. Since many modern electronic devices draw very little current, it’s not uncommon to see power strips or multiplex outlets loaded with everything from battery chargers to television monitors. Sometimes,…
Home heating and air conditioning haven’t changed their basics much since we stopped relying on manually-stoked fireplaces or boilers and hand-held fans. The widespread availability of electricity made automation of furnaces and coolers practical, and electricity continues to be what powers improvements in modern HVAC systems, whether they…
Whether you use a water heater for showers and dishes or for heating your whole home, having it underperform or quit working altogether can range from a nuisance to a major problem. Following its manufacturer's maintenance procedures is the best way to ensure good performance and a long…
About 60% of home fires are caused by electricity and hundreds of thousands of accidents, injuries and deaths are traced to misuse or failure of electrical appliances. The sad part is that most of these tragedies can be prevented with a few simple commonsense measures.
If your home or office was built between 1965 and the mid-to-late ’70s, chances are good that aluminum wiring was used for all or part of your electrical service. Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity and when copper prices soared in the mid-’60s, it came into widespread…
Hot tubs are popular retreats for year-round relaxation and are high on the list of DIY projects. But they typically require high-voltage electrical connections for the heaters and pumps, so that part of the installation is best left to pros unless your wiring skills are well above average.
…Burglaries increase in the summer. It’s why now’s a good time to take a look at your home security measures.
You may have an alarm system, but what about using your outdoor lighting as added deterrent to burglars? Properly installed, outdoor lighting can cause burglars to think twice…
While nothing can guarantee your home will be safe from burglaries, statistics show that homes with security systems are three times safer than those without, plus their losses are much smaller.
If you’re thinking about a home alarm system, here are some things to consider.
Monitored or Not?
…
Your holiday schedule is busy enough without a trip to the emergency room interrupting it. And while everyone enjoys cozying up to a fire, it’s nicer if the burning is in your fireplace instead of on your lawn or roof. Holiday…
It’s estimated that smoke alarms have cut down the number of fire deaths by over 50% in the U.S. alone. That’s a pretty strong case for having them in your home, but how do you choose among the dozens of options available?
With Colorado’s new laws regarding recreational marijuana, people are scrambling to set up growing areas for both personal and commercial production. While we reserve our opinions on the subject for private discussion, there are a couple of related issues on which we have very strong and very public…
Whether it’s wrapping up the winter projects or getting a jump on spring, rushed and poorly planned electrical work can result in shocks, burns, fires and worse.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends having only licensed professionals do electrical work, but they understand that a certain number of…
As temperatures drop and days become shorter, people spend more time indoors. And more indoor time means more electricity use. Energy savings gained by shutting down air conditioning are offset by greater use of lighting, furnaces, and appliances. But you can pocket some real wintertime savings by planning…
Each year there are over 300 workplace deaths and 4,000 injuries attributable to electrical hazards. While some are due to improper acts on the part of employees, a great number are caused by faulty electrical systems that have been inherited with an older building or compromised over time…
Alarm systems are great security devices, but what are you going to do when one goes off? Or when it’s turned off? Low cost closed circuit television (CCTV) monitoring systems let you see what’s happening without the risk of being there.
Today’s criminals are bolder than ever with…
