Joey Heard

How to Qualify for Rebates on Commercial Lighting in Georgia

/in , , , /by

If you’ve been following my blogs, you know I have been focused on energy saving lighting.  I’ve included information on the Federal tax deduction (EPAct 2005) and how quickly a lighting upgrade can pay for itself.  Here’s the latest, and it is great news! Georgia Power recently announced The Georgia Power Commercial Energy Efficiency Program.  It is not a tax deduction or a credit on your bill. It is an incentive for installing energy efficient lighting, as it literally results in a check issued to commercial customers.  These incentives will help reduce the initial investment in indoor energy efficient lighting projects. Read more

Gordon Watts

How to Install a Ceiling Fan & 5 places Not to Install One

/0 Comments/in , , /by

unscrewing fan assemblyInstalling a ceiling fan can vary from a very simple job that can be performed by a homeowner with basic handyman skills to one that is somewhat complex requiring the services of a qualified electrician.  There are many factors that need to be considered when dealing with ceiling fans: ceiling height, whether ceiling is sloped, condition of existing outlet box and whether it is adequately supported, access above the ceiling, how many switches are to be installed, will there be dimmers or remote kits installed, if the fan is to have a light kit, etc.   Materials required may include: fan brace, electrical switch, cut-in boxes, switch plate, romex and staples, down-rod, mounting kit,  pancake box and ceiling medallion. Read more

Gordon Watts

Why your Electrician Needs Insurance Before Doing Electrical Repairs

/0 Comments/in , , /by

We all make mistakes and accidents happen, so no matter how reliable the electrician or electrical contractor, comprehensive and adequate insurance is a necessity.  Checking for proper insurance may be more complicated than just asking your electrician if he has insurance.  Sometimes the electrical contractor’s insurance consists of minimum insurance on his truck which happens to be leaking oil all over your driveway or parking lot.

For our blog post this week, we are featuring a guest article from our commercial insurance agent, Wilson Vickers, who will explain the importance of requiring proof of insurance from an electrical contractor who you employ whether it be to work on your electrical system at your business or your home:

Read more

Gordon Watts

Belco Named 2011 Best Pick Electrician in Atlanta

/0 Comments/in , /by

We just learned that Belco Electric has once again been selected as a “Best Pick” electrician in Atlanta by Home Reports, a publication of EBSCO Research, a consumer satisfaction research organization.  Home Reports has given us its top rating every year since it was first published here in Atlanta in 1997.

Read more

Joey Heard

Save Money and Energy : Modernize your Office Fluorescent Lighting

/in , /by

If you have standard four lamp fluorescent lighting fixtures in your office building in Atlanta, our electricians can save you money.

Office buildings that are older than five years use four lamp T12 fluorescent lamps for lighting.  Due to advances in fluorescent lighting and new energy efficiency standards, replacement lamps for these lighting fixtures will no longer be manufactured within the next few years.

Read more

Tim Jackson

How to Change a Kitchen Range from Electric to Gas or Gas to Electric

/in , /by

A frequent question we receive at Belco Electric is one concerning replacing a gas stove with an electric range or vice versa.  Often people may be buying a new home and are in the habit of cooking on one type of stove only to find that the opposite and unfamiliar type currently exists in their new kitchen.  Well don’t worry, all is not lost!

Let’s look first at replacing an electric stove with a gas stove.   Read more

Kenny Jackson

What is a UPS?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

Many of us have been in the middle of entering data into a computer only to have the power blink off for a few seconds, deleting the information and causing us to spend more time re-entering it.  Some of us have even experienced having a server crash and lost critical computer data due to not shutting down properly during a power failure or power outage.   Have you ever thought of how you would react if one day you were to try to surf the web or use your phone and found out it doesn’t work due to a power outage in another state.  These events cause frustration, cost money, and can even cost lives.  UPS units help us avoid these problems. Read more

Tim Jackson

Is my electrical panel safe? | 14 Point Electrical Panel Inspection

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Most insurance companies recommend that your home electrical panel be inspected and maintained once every three years, yet the majority of homes are never inspected or maintained until a problem develops. Flickering lights, buzzing and sizzling noises coming from the panel, or a burning smell are sure indicators that it is time to get your panel inspected. However, there are many more “silent” signs that are much less obvious and can be detected with an electrical panel inspection before they have a chance to do any damage. Read more

Gordon Watts

How to choose a Licensed Electrician | Licensed Electrical Contractor

/0 Comments/in , /by
Looking for a licensed electrician or certified electrician?

The most important consideration when hiring an electrician or electrical contractor in Atlanta is to verify whether or not the company is properly licensed.  This includes checking for both a Georgia business license and a valid professional license. Read more

Tim Jackson

How to Avoid a Power Outage while using your Hair Dryer

/0 Comments/in /by

Here’s a question we recently received from a customer at our Ask an Expert page.

Question: Every time my wife uses the hair dryer, it trips the fuse and shuts down the power. How do I fix this without completely overhauling my electrical system in the house?

Read more