Category: Residential Services
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Lower Your Energy Bill Now with These 10 Easy Steps
Electricity powers so many of the devices, appliances, and fixtures that make modern life comfortable and enjoyable—but the more we use, the more it costs each month. And since Alberta’s electricity costs have been steadily increasing over the past 5 years, it’s more important than ever for Calgary home and business owners to look for…
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Hardwired vs Plug-In Appliances
Electric appliances provide modern conveniences to homeowners—most often in the kitchen, where they’re used to help prepare, cook, store, and even serve food. But the appliances you and your family rely on at home aren’t all designed to be plugged into wall outlets. Some of these devices are hardwired directly into your home’s electrical system!…
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Common Wiring Issues in Old Homes: 1900s-1950s
Older homes have a certain style and character that can be incredibly endearing, and their lower price tags often make homeownership much more plausible. Although living in these older homes can be a rewarding experience, they also come with some potential issues—including the condition of their electrical wiring. The electrical wiring in homes built in…
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What Separates a Qualified Electrician from a DIY “Expert”?
Not everyone who offers to upgrade your electrical panel or replace your aluminum wiring is necessarily a qualified electrician—and hiring someone who doesn’t have the proper skills or knowledge to do safe electrical work is a risk you should never take. But how can you tell the difference between a reliable electrician and a DIY…
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Smoke and CO Detectors: They Save Lives!
Smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation can be deadly. Over 300 deaths and 200 hospitalizations occur in Canada each year as the result of carbon monoxide poisoning, and one in every seven unintentional fire-related deaths in residential buildings is due to the absence of a working smoke alarm. Those numbers are scary, but they illustrate an…
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Common Wiring Issues in Old Homes: 1960s-1980s
In our last article, we covered some of the common wiring issues of homes built in the 1900s to 1950s. In this article, we’re going to discuss the common wiring issues in homes built in the 1960s to 1980s. The 1960s and 70s had brought about massive changes in how homes were wired—as ways of…
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The Best Way to Charge an Electric Car at Home
If you’ve made the decision to purchase and drive an electric car, you know that the technology surrounding these vehicles is always evolving. But almost as important as how you get from point A to point B is having the battery life to do so. Most electric vehicles come with adaptors that allow you to…
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Why Do Electrical Outlets Stop Working?
For most people, the intricate maze of wires behind their outlets is a mystery. We just expect to plug in our devices and magically have them work. So when your phone doesn’t charge, your alarm doesn’t go off, or you can’t get your morning coffee fix, it’s important to know the reasons why. And important…
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How Do I Ground a 3-Prong Outlet?
Ungrounded outlets in your home can cause big problems. This includes damaging appliances, electrical shock, and potentially even fires. Grounding your 3-prong outlets properly can ensure safety and efficiency within your home. There are different ways to spot an ungrounded outlet, which we’ll discuss in this blog. Properly diagnosing, repairing, and testing outlets is best…
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Can I Do My Own Home Electrical Wiring?
Whether you’re upgrading your home’s lighting, doing a full-on renovation, or adding a hot tub to the backyard, you’re going to need to modify the electrical wiring. For many jobs, the choice to call a professional electrician is your own. Although some electrical tasks always require a certified electrical expert. If you are planning to…