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Fornoff Electric Blog

Improve Safety And Use Less Energy With Motion-Activated Lighting

May 2, 20140

Outdoor lighting is essential in both urban and rural areas, but keeping on a high-intensity flood light all night uses up a lot of power. Many homeowners have had to switch off their outdoor lights to keep electricity bills under control. However, there is a simple solution that increases the safety of your property without using up too much power.

Try Motion Activation

By swapping your switch controlled outdoor lights for motion-activated lighting, you can get the illumination you need with an intruder or stray animal immediately. These detectors have quite a range. With proper spacing and installation, you can surround your entire yard with inexpensive fixtures that give enough light to highlight anything unusual when movement triggers the switch.

Saving Power

These motion activated options are energy friendly because they keep the lights off when they’re not needed. Since most homeowners turn to halogen or other high-draw bulbs for exterior use, these lights cost more to run constantly than a bulb you’d use indoors.

For more helpful tips on cutting your energy usage in Conejo Valley, pick up the phone and call Fornoff Electric.

How To Baby-Proof Your Electrical Outlets And Wires

April 28, 20140

The home is full of risks and hazards for a curious baby, but there are simple steps to take to reduce them. Extra care should be taken with the electrical system because it has the power to severely injure a full-grown adult. Try these tips around your house to make sure your bundle of joy stays safe.

Start by putting on outlet covers. These small, inexpensive plastic devices keep tiny fingers and toys out of the sockets. They’re strong enough to withstand a toddler’s attempt to remove them, but come out easily when an adult needs to plug something in. Sliding switch plates also work to cover outlets when not in use. Invest in outlet locks as well to make sure plugs stay in when tugged on by curious explorers.

Move those electrical cords as well so crawling family members can’t wrap themselves up or chew on them when teething starts. It’s also best to use simple latches and locks to keep babies out of risky rooms like the bathroom and kitchen, where it’s too easy for an electrical device to get knocked into water.

If you need more tips for protecting your family in Conejo Valley, pick up the phone and contact Fornoff Electric.

Protect Your Family With Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

April 25, 20140

Your home is a place of refuge and somewhere you should feel safe, but fire and carbon monoxide poisoning are two hazards that can destroy your sense of safety and put your life in danger. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, four out of five fire-related deaths occur in the home. Fortunately, installing fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your house is a simple way to keep yourself and your family safe from potentially deadly situations. Smoke detectors, also known as fire alarms, come in two forms. Ionization smoke detectors can detect open flames that produce heavy smoke, while photoelectric smoke alarms can detect smoldering fires that produce little smoke, such as electrical fires inside the walls. Some smoke detectors include both types of technology to cover all types of fire. Carbon monoxide detectors scan the air for CO, a colorless, odorless gas similar to the carbon dioxide your lungs produce but with a different, more deadly chemical structure. This gas is produced by any type of fuel that burns, including natural gas, heating oil and firewood burning in a fireplace. It can cause you to fall unconscious or even die if high levels build up in your home. If you have both a fire alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm, you can rest easy that you’ll be alerted to any potential problems in time to safeguard your life. Also make sure to keep an eye out for potential fire hazards in the home, such as damaged wiring or appliances that feel hotter than normal.

For more information about local electrical repairs in the Conejo Valley area, contact Fornoff Electric today. We’re also available to answer questions about electrical problems that could lead to fire.

 

Decorating with Recessed Lighting: The Better Look

April 21, 20140

Recessed lighting is perceived as the better look in decorating because without bulbs hanging down from the ceiling, the look is more streamlined.  The amount of light is increased and this type of lighting helps to focus on a particular area such as hung artwork, or recessed lighting can make a room seem bigger. It is best to install this type of lighting when building a house.

 

The ideal time to install recessed lighting is when a home is being built.  The lights are placed between the ceiling joists and are part of the original install. When updating an existing home, adding recessed lighting can be quite challenging and a licensed electrician should be consulted.  It’s important to choose the right fixtures; for example, if used near insulation, the lighting fixtures should be rated (IC housing rated). There are safety factors to consider and it must be decided what size bulbs to use.

Recessed bulbs come in basic sizes of 4, 5, and 6 inches in diameter. The smaller sizes have a sleek, modern look, and are perfect for smaller spaces.  The 6 inch size works best in entryways with a tall ceiling.

Recessed lighting is a great look for the home whether in the planning stages of building a home, or for an updated look in one room or many.

Contact Fornoff Electric for advice on your next decorating project.  We are available to answer all your questions because we care about your results being stellar and safe. Electricity runs through our veins at Fornoff as we are three generations strong. A family of electricians, we have been serving the area of Conejo Valley and beyond since 1968 and have earned the reputation of being honest and able. Contact Fornoff Electric for your local residential and commercial needs.

Celebrate Mother Nature: Earth Day facts and energy saving tips

April 18, 20140

On April 22 billions will celebrate Mother Earth for Earth Day in 190 different countries around the globe. Earth day is a time to celebrate being green and preserving our natural resources, such as water, trees and the animals.

The start of Earth Day goes back to the protests during the Vietnam War in the 1960s, when the grassroots movement wanted to raise the awareness of environmental issues. It was not until April 22, 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day and the world started to pay attention to environmental concerns. The increase in environmental awareness has many organizations and political projects have been created, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Water, Clean Air and Endangered Species acts.

In addition to raising environmental awareness, Earth Day-related initiatives, including recycling, reusing and remanufacturing of items has created more than three million jobs in the United States. Plus, recycling saves three to five times the energy used to incinerate waste.

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, there are multiple ways to save energy right in your own home. Some of these energy saving tips include:

  • Unplug unused appliances
  • Set computers to sleep
  • Control temperatures
  • Turn off lights

For answers to your electrical-related questions or for ways to conserve energy in the local Conejo Valley area, contact Fornoff Electric. We are available and ready to help you become more green this Earth Day.

Burning Odors and Sparks

March 28, 20140

Let us be abundantly clear–if you have burning odors and sparks at your home, this is an indication of a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Failing to do so can have catastrophic results.

Although there are various scenarios that can lead to burning odors, this is most often attributed to an electric appliance or wiring which has overheated. Damaged or poorly insulated circuits or even a sudden electrical surge can lead to an electrical spark. But both can contribute to fire damage at a home if they are not quickly and accurately corrected.

Fornoff Electric has assisted Conejo Valley and Thousand Oaks homeowners with all types of electrical repairs since 1968. These master electricians are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week and are available to respond to emergencies. In addition, Fornoff’s technicians can install light fixtures, perform electrical testing, conduct routine maintenance and install upgrades to make your home more energy efficient.

If your home in Conejo Valley or Thousand Oaks needs electric service or repair, trust the company your neighbors have turned to since 1968–Fornoff Electric. Fornoff offers both the quality and experience you need with the customer service you deserve. For a free estimate or to schedule an appointment, contact Fornoff Electric today!

Hot Ceiling Fixtures

March 24, 20140

Fornoff Electric has been serving the areas of Conejo Valley and Thousand Oaks since 1968. Specializing in lighting designs, installations, electrical upgrades, and service work, Fornoff Electric is the answer to a remodelers dream. Choose your design style, and they do the rest.

Lighting Designs

Reduce the temperature in your home with a decorative ceiling fan. Quiet blades offer a cool breeze and reduce the need for expensive central air. Some models are equipped with lights which provide more than just a light breeze.   Ceiling fans range in cost with the lowest price beginning at $75.00 with additional parts and labor.  If no electric is currently in place, Fornoff will supply a box or upgrade an existing electrical supply. Fornoff will install the chosen model(s) and when experts manage the installation, clients are provided peace of mind with glorious results.

Installation

Fornoff Electric safely installs the hardware of ceiling fans.  Fornoff experts have put together and hooked up hundreds of models. It is vital that ceiling fans are mounted properly for the long-term safety of the unit. If a building does not have electric running to the designated area for the ceiling fan, Fornoff will run the wiring.  Fornoff will also upgrade the existing box if that is necessary.  Fornoff is capable of doing whatever the job entails to provide great results, which is why Fornoff Electric has such a powerful reputation.

Services

·         Electrical Repair:  Fornoff offers electric repairs for emergency situations.  Lighting your situation is what Fornoff does best.

·         Ceiling Fans:  The Fornoff team understands the importance of hanging ceiling fans and providing proper installation of hardware and mounting for long-term safety.

·         Home and Business:  Fornoff provides repair services and electrical panel upgrades to both commercial and residential properties.

Contact Fornoff Electric  to learn about the full range of hot ceiling fixtures in Conejo Valley and Thousand Oaks. Operating since 1968, Fornoff Electric has become the “go to” for installation of ceiling fans, electrical repairs and upgrades.  Fornoff services both residential and commercial properties and looks forward to new and returning business!