The average household in Virginia pays $125 per month for electricity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Association. In Maryland, that number is $136 per month and in DC, it’s around $90. For commercial properties, the figure is even higher. But at Kolb Electric, we know that there are simple steps you can take to lower your electric bill—and we’re going to share a few key tips.

1. Check for gaps in windows and doors. Perhaps the easiest thing you can do to reduce your energy usage, and thus your electric bill, is to check your home at the beginning of each season for gaps around the windows and doors. It’s important to do this every six months or so, since your home can settle and shift slightly over time. It only takes a small gap for energy to escape.

2. Turn down your water heater. The standard setting on most electric water heaters is 140 degrees. Turning the heat down to 120 degrees can save you $60 or more each year in water heating costs. Save more by replacing your water tank with a tankless system.

3. Repair leaky ducts. If your ducts have holes in them or if they have come partially unattached, then you’re paying to cool and heat air that is never getting to your living spaces.

4. Have your HVAC and electrical systems serviced annually. Keeping all electrical systems, as well as HVAC products, well-maintained can not only extend their lifespans and help ensure your safety, but can save you money on your electric (and gas) bill too. Your system has to work harder and use more energy to push through an accumulation of dirt and debris. Regular electrical maintenance can also prevent the need for costly repairs.

5. Check your electric meter against your monthly statement. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your electric usage on the meter and comparing it to your statement. This allows you to easily determine whether your monthly energy bill is accurate and provides you with the information you need to monitor your usage so you can use electricity smarter in the future. Click here to learn how to read an electric meter.

At Kolb Electric, we don’t want you to pay any more than necessary for your electric usage. For more tips on how to reduce your electric bill and/or to schedule you annual service appointment today, call us at 877 287-1179. Our licensed electricians have been helping Mid-Atlantic homeowners with their electrical needs since 1925.

If you have recently purchased a home or are in the home-buying process, you know there are a series of inspections that are required or recommended. One of those inspections may be an electrical inspection by a certified electrician in Glendale. The inspection is designed to give you an inside peek at what lies behind the walls of a home. If you have lived in your home for some time and have never had an electrical inspection, it may be a good idea to have one done. The team at The Electric Connection can help you get that scheduled.

If you have never seen an electrical inspection or are unsure as to what they encompass, this information will help you understand a bit more.

A Glendale electrician will inspect the electric panel, the breakers and look at the wiring that is visible in the panel. The electrician may also remove a light switch cover plate and have a look to see what the wiring looks like. If you have any exposed wiring in the attic or basement, make sure you point it out for the electrician. Glendale homeowners who have exposed wiring will want to have it taken care.

Once the inspection is complete, the electrician will write up a report about the findings. If there are things that are hazardous, they will be outlined and explained. Electric hazards should be resolved as soon as possible. Your electrician will also note things that are not necessarily hazardous yet, but should be taken care of at your earliest convenience. Any code violations will be pointed out. In some cases, failure to have a house brought up to code leaves you vulnerable should there be a fire or injury caused by wiring that is not up to code.

Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your electrical inspection whether you are buying, selling or plan on staying in your house for years to come.

You are only as bright as the company you keep, and Carol Saggiamo knows how to keep customers shining brightly.  She loves her customers, and they rave about her.

She has been working for Capitol Lighting for over 36 years, and she remains a valuable member of the Capitol Lighting family.

Carol with one of her biggest fans, Joanie Silver.  Carol and Joanie worked together in the 1980’s at Capitol Lighting’s Woodbridge store.  Like Carol’s customers, Joanie treasures Carol’s friendship.

After having raised a family of her own, Saggiamo began looking for a new venue in which to invest her time.  She came to Woodbridge Center and started working for Capitol Lighting as a part-time saleswoman in the late 1970’s.

She quickly caught on to the retail lighting business, learned the vendors and how to provide the right illumination according to her customers’ needs.

She was nicknamed “Scoots,” for her quick attentiveness to customers and boundless energy.  Along with this attentiveness, Carol’s natural goodness –her smile, her gentle demeanor and her whole-hearted care–are extraordinary.  At 89, she shows no signs of slowing down or burning out!

Her spunk and salesmanship, along with her good taste and wisdom are main reasons why customers rely on Carol.  She befriends everyone and genuinely cares that she provides him or her with the right lamps and light fixtures.

Carol navigates a showroom with style and grace; she seems to be in perpetual motion.  Keeping up with technology, keeping up with current events, keeping up with customers—her capacity for learning and enjoying life are awe-inspiring.

Beyond her work with Capitol Lighting, Carol is in great demand at home.  With 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and an abundance of family and friends, Carol lives each day to the fullest.

Carol celebrates with Hy Goldman at Hy’s 100th birthday party.

With her bright smile and depth of character, Carol creates an atmosphere in which you want to dwell.

Carol Saggiamo exudes kindness and compassion; she genuinely loves people.  She never tries to make a sale, she looks to make a friend and build a trusting relationship.  One relationship at a time, she makes the world a brighter place.

Her customers travel far and wide to consult with her about their lighting.  They know that with her good taste, professional lighting know-how and honesty, she will help them find what they are looking for.

Along with Carol, all the employees of  Capitol Lighting strive to provide customers with outstanding service and quality.  We appreciate your business, your loyal patronage and your friendship.  Please let us continue to light up your life, and enjoy 10% off your entire purchase at all showroom locations as we celebrate Customer Appreciation Month.

WE LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS!  THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND TRUSTING US WITH YOUR LIGHT…

Customers are kicking up their heels with Eric Lebersfeld and Capitol Lighting’s latest illuminations.

Eric Lebersfeld of Capitol Lighting shares a treat with favorite customers.

Loyal patrons of Capitol Lighting find what they are looking for to keep them in the limelight.

Storm damage electrical repair is a common issue we help customers with in the Des Moines Metro areas.  Storms can cause major damage not only to your homes roof, siding, and windows but also the wiring in and out of your home.  We are not just talking about the major storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes, but storms such as thunderstorms, hail storms, heavy rain and snow storms, and freezing rain or ice storms.  Thunderstorms can cause massive power surges damaging your homes electronics, appliances, and wiring.  Heavy snow and ice storms can damage overhead wiring ripping service mast off the side of your home and cause major physical damage.  Heavy winds can blow down trees hitting overhead service lines.  Even a tree coming in contact with the power grid can cause massive surges and still damage your home even miles away from the incident.

We have electricians available 24 hours for emergency electrical repair.  We realize that with overnight storms you can not always wait for the next day in order to have your home or businesses wiring repaired.  Our emergency team consist of experienced and licensed electricians, 24 hour live answered phones, and a warehouse stocking a full line of parts to repair most major problems.

Not only do we carry our own inventory but we also have 24 hour access to all major electrical supplies stores in the Des Moines metro area.  With our licensed electricians we can make that emergency electrical repair no matter what the time of day or night is.

With no electricity in your home you can often experience more damage than the initial storm presented.  Sump pumps protect your homes basement from incoming water.  Heavy rains and ground water may continue to flow for hours or even days from the time your home or business lost electricity.  Flooded basements depending on the level of finish can cost thousands of dollars or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair.  Even winter time power outages can cause damage.  Your furnace runs on electricity and without it you may not have any heat in your home.  Without heat pipes can freeze and burst flooding your property.

We have equipment that can be used to get to areas not normally accessible or areas not safely reached from a ladder.  Our equipment is designed to safely get your power restored so you can rest comfortably.

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