We all want the best for our children, and one of the most important ways we can help the next generation is by ensuring that they are receiving the highest quality education they can. But what if I told you there is an element to education that most people overlook when discussing ways to change education, even though it has been proven to improve behavior and focus, reduce disruptions and increase reading speed and learning capacity?

Though often overlooked, Research has shown that full-spectrum, cool white light is best for encouraging concentration in a classroom, so swapping out outdated fixtures for newer technology could be a great start to better classroom lighting.

Although fluorescent fixtures are popular in schools, the way they flicker (often imperceptibly) especially if a child has a visual impairment that necessitates a brighter environment. Try to position the lights (or the students) so that the task lighting is on the opposite side of their dominant (writing) side. This ensures that their writing arm won’t block the light, and distracting shadows won’t affect their work.

Teachers should try to avoid standing in front of lights or windows when talking, because these can easily distract or bother students. Though it can be difficult, students will focus and learn better when the teacher eliminates as many distractions as possible. And who among us hasn’t caught themselves drifting in a daydream out a window, whether interested in the topic at hand or not?

There are many programs and initiatives for better classroom lighting in place, though many are local to specific regions. Have you heard of any neat programs geared towards smart classroom lighting? Let us know in the comments!

If the bulbs in your fixtures aren’t easily replacable, you may need to buy new ones if you want to upgrade to more energy efficient lighting. Ultimately it will be worth the up-front investment either way, since you can save so much both in your energy bill and in replacement costs when you use LEDs or other similarly long-lasting solutions.

While some people like to own a house as soon as possible, it isn’t always practical. If you live in a rental, never fear! With just the right amount of ingenuity, you too can experience the joys of great lighting. Even if you aren’t allowed to tamper with the hardwiring, you can add more temporary fixtures such as battery operated puck lights under your kitchen cabinets or some really trendy plug-in lamps.

Lights are one of the greatest things about the holidays. You’ll find them in trees, colorfully decorating home exteriors; you’ll even find them on vehicles. And honestly, we love it. Lighting is one of the keys to the spirit of the season and an integral part to this time of the year. But, as we’re all well aware, they aren’t exactly the easiest thing in the world on your energy bills.

Looking for ways to keep your holiday lighting costs at a minimum this year? With more than 25 years of experience and knowledge, we can give you a hand! Sit back, relax, and let the certified electricians at Hoffman Electrical show you some quick and simple ways to lower holiday lighting costs!

A home theatre system is the corner stone for any man cave. With the huge TV and massive speakers, it can make any movie seem like a reality. But to get that home theatre system perfect it requires organization and the right tools.An Expert Electrician can help get your home theatre system setup just the way you like it.

Home theatre systems can use a lot of power. When you have everything plugged in (the television, speakers, blu-ray player, gaming system) there is a lot of power that is required to keep it all going. Sometimes it is not as simple as plugging into the wall outlet and turning it all on. You want to ensure that the outlet is strong enough and the wires behind the wall can support the load. If your overload your outlet you could cause damage to your new electronics and home electrical system. Similarly, if you have too much load on a circuit, you could be risking electrical problems that could damage anything on that circuit or cause constant tripping in your breaker. When you have all your equipment prepared, have an expert electrician assess the output that the circuit and outlet will need. We can make the necessary upgrades to get you going.

One thing we have been encouraging everyone with lately is to have a surge protector on your appliances and electronics. There is no exception here. You have a lot invested in your home theatre system, so using surge protectors will add a barrier of safety to your expensive devices. Whether it is a power bar or a home surge protector, it is worth the investment.

One sign of a properly setup theatre system is the absence of visible cables. There can be several cables connected from one device to the next. This makes an eyesore if it is not properly sorted. When you have your equipment and the necessary wires, make a plan of where you would like everything to go. If you have difficulty mapping out your wires, call in the experts. We will help create a plan of action to place each and every wire. Keeping the wires organized and out of sight will make the system not only aesthetically pleasing, but also much easier to switch out and upgrade in the future.

It can be complicated setting up a home theatre system, but if you are organized and have a plan you will end up with an area all your friends will be jealous of.