This summer is already heating up and it is time to make the best of the warm weather. It is an excellent time to enjoy the outdoors while relaxing alone and with friends. Sitting on your patio is nice, but imagine sitting on your patio in a tub of hot, bubbling water. A hot tub is a luxurious way to unwind after a long, hot day at work. Sitting on your patio in a hot tub and watching the sun go downs is a little slice of heaven, right here on earth. If you are ready have your own hot tub installed, you will need to contact your local Burbank electrician. You can count on the team at The Electric Connection to help you get your new hot tub up and running.

You will want to visit your local hot tub dealership to pick out the perfect one for you. There are various sizes and styles out there. Once you have decided on the hot tub, it is time to call an electrician. Burbank residents will need to determine where the hot tub will be placed. There are a few things you will need to consider before you schedule your installation. Because your new hot tub will need electricity to operate, you will want it somewhat close to your home to avoid the electrician having to dig a long trench through your yard.

Once you have determined where to place the hot tub, it is time to schedule delivery. An electrician will hardwire the hot tub to your home. You will need a new breaker installed to support the 240-volt outlet required to run the hot tub. Depending on the status of your current electric panel, you may need an electric panel upgrade. Your electrician will do a quick inspection and let you know what is needed. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your hot tub installation.

We’re barely a week into fall and the temperatures are already dropping and the stormy season is upon us. Here in Virginia, we’re bound to get our fair share of severe thunderstorms, which always carry the potential of a power outage. Because September is National Preparedness Month, we thought we would help you prepare ahead of time for a power outage, should one happen in your neighborhood.

Looking to buy or rent the perfect vehicle for your summer vacation? You might want to consider going electric. From reducing carbon emissions to improving air quality and limiting noise pollution, electric cars are a great alternative to regular vehicles and can save you money on gas! The benefits of an electric car surpass the benefits of other vehicles while helping the environment. Here are a few reasons why using an electric car will be great for your summer vacation!

Greener Alternative

According to EPA estimates, transportation accounts for 28 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, 80 percent of that belonging to automobiles and trucks. How much are you contributing? While electric cars produce slightly higher manufacturing emissions than traditional vehicles, after you consider vehicle manufacturing, fuel combustion and fuel production, the carbon footprint of an electric vehicle is nearly half that of its gas-powered cousin – 300g CO2e/km for the average gas vehicle versus 180g CO2e/km for electric. This protects not only the environment, but your wallet as well!

Increase in Charging Stations

The number of charging stations available for electric cars across the U.S. is increasing in response to the surge in popularity of electric cars. More than 9,500 electric stations and over 24,000 charging outlets are available across the country, searchable by zip code. Since 2010, more than 18,000 stations have been added, including free, pay-as-you-go and monthly subscription style services. Many states are also rolling out tax incentives to increase accessibility to charging stations at home and during travel.

Electric vs. Gas Power

Powering electric cars is cheaper than fueling cars that operate on gasoline. Solar and time-of-use (off-peak) electricity pricing also decreases the costs of operating electric vehicles, and available government grants and tax incentives can greatly reduce the sticker price. Add to that the fact that electric vehicle prices are continuing to fall while gasoline prices continue to rise, and you’ve got a recipe for some serious saving!

No Tailpipe Emissions

Nearly all credible researchers believe that electric cars, even in coal-dependent regions, have a smaller environmental impact than conventional vehicles. In regions with a strong grid mix of renewables—such as hydro, wind and solar—or for electric car drivers with home solar, the emissions benefits are dramatic. You can expect some analysts to argue the opposite. But it’s undeniable that electric cars don’t have a tailpipe, and therefore provide a real benefit to improving air quality for you, your family, and your community.

Home Recharging

If you decide to purchase an electric vehicle, there’s a good chance you’ll never have to go to the gas station again. All you have to do is pull into your garage or driveway, reach over for a plug, and push it into the charging inlet. It’s very convenient and takes all of about 15 seconds. Wake up the next morning, and you have a car ready to go another 80 to 100 miles—or double that, depending on the model. That’s plenty for everybody except interstate travelers. (The charging task can be more difficult for people living in condos and apartments, but access to multi-family and workplace charging is improving every day.)

Renting an electric vehicle for your summer vacation could save you a lot of money and trips to the gas station. This will leave extra money in your pocket for other fun things to cross off your vacation bucket list. Who knows? You may end up loving your experience with an electric vehicle that you’ll probably buy one when you get back from your vacation!