Water heaters play an important role in every residential home. Water heaters are the source behind hot showers, warm baths and various temperatures of water used for washing dishes and clothes. When choosing to install a new water heater in your home, there are a few different options available. Homeowners can choose between traditional gas water heaters and the increasingly popular electric water heaters. The licensed electricians at Expert Electric recommend installing electric water heaters. Here are three reasons why electric water heaters are a better alternative to gas water heaters.

By choosing to install an electric water heater as opposed to a gas or propane water heater, you are creating a safer environment for your family. Gas and propane water heaters can result in leaks which can eventually lead to fires and explosions. The damage caused by a gas leak can be detrimental to a home. Electric water heaters are a much safer alternative. With electric water heaters and other electrical appliances, homeowners still run this risk of electrocution; however, this is less likely to occur.

Electric water heaters have fewer parts than gas water heaters which reduces the costs associated with part replacement and repair. Electric water heaters generally last longer than gas. A longer lasting water heater is important to many homeowners given how expensive the installation of a new water heater can be.

The process of installing a gas water heater is far more complex than installing an electric water heater. In most cases, the installation costs with electric water heaters are significantly less than the installation costs with gas water heaters. The cost-efficiency of electric water heaters lasts beyond the initial installation. Electric water heaters are low-maintenance resulting in less repair costs throughout their lifespan. In addition to their low-maintenance, electric water heaters can be programmed to only run when needed, resulting in less wasted energy.

To learn more about electric water heaters and their installation, please contact the licensed electricians at Expert Electric. We offer various commercial and residential electrical services including outdoor parking lot lighting, standby generators, motion sensing lights and more. Call us today at 604-681-8338 or book a service appointment through our website.

Adding Security Lighting to Your Home There is a great selection of security lighting systems for homes that can be customized and designed to fit the needs of your home. Home security lighting systems can help deter thieves while lighting the area around your house so you can see to walk after dark.

Advantages to Residential Security Lighting Walking outside your home after dark can be dangerous because you cannot see any obstacles that may be in your way. With security lighting, you have your path well-lit so you can make sure you can see where you are going and avoid the risk of tripping or falling.

As previously mentioned, security lights have been proven effective in deterring criminals. When they approach your home or storage buildings and the lights come on, they will be startled. They don’t want to be seen by the neighbors or police, so they will most likely leave and head to a home that doesn’t have such good lighting and protection.

Your home’s exterior lighting plays a significant role in your home’s appearance as well as safety. Another feature you may want to consider is adding floodlights. Adding floodlights to your landscaping and having them aimed toward your home can help accent the area and add an extra layer of protection by keeping your home in clear view.

It might be tempting to save money by doing the job yourself, but only a licensed electrician should attempt an electrical panel change out. The panel is a critical part of your home’s electrical system, as it supplies the electricity that powers the entire structure. As such, changing one out is a very complicated process, one which should only be undertaken by a professional. Electrical work is always dangerous, and an electrical panel change out is even more so. In fact, in some cities, it is illegal for anyone other than a professional to attempt it.

Every home needs upkeep and maintenance, especially older ones. The electrical switches and outlets are often overlooked. Although any particular outlet may not be important, if it isn’t working it’s likely a sign of a larger problem. Switches usually aren’t replaced when they should be but rather as an afterthought when they stop working altogether. Even if an electric outlet or switch is still working, there are times when you should go ahead and have them replaced.

Modern Standards

In some instances the existing switches and outlets simply aren’t up to code for what is considered adequate and safe. Older outlets may not have a ground plug but only two holes. There are adaptors available for such a problem, but they really don’t provide a proper ground like your outlet should have. With a switch, if you have to jiggle it or flip it on and off a few times for it to work, it has a bad connection and isn’t safe.

Better Quality

Simply put, newer switches and plugs are better quality than old ones and continue to develop and become even better. As long as everything is working you may not need to go out of your way to start making replacements, but when you make remodels or more extensive repairs it’s a good idea to have your electrician go ahead and replace the switches and outlets for the area he’s working in.

Ugly

Sometimes old outlets get to the point that they show their age. They can develop deep stains that won’t come clean, or perhaps they’ve been painted over the years. Worse yet are chips, scratches and cracks in the outlet or switch. Although these things are typically nothing but an eyesore, they can be a dangerous fire hazard if the damage goes into the structural aspect of the unit.

Conveniences