Ask any parent what they spend a large portion of their day doing and many, if not the majority, are going to say worrying. There are loads of potential dangers out there, and as parents we are vividly aware of all of them. They exist everywhere, and we can’t really mitigate literally all of them. But we certainly have control over the dangers in our homes!

Wondering about childproofing your outlets and how best to go about it? The team at Hoffman Electrical has you covered! Our certified professionals take safety as our number one priority, and we can give you the lowdown on what works, what doesn’t, and how you can make your home safer for you and your children.

The question is a simple one, but the answer takes a bit of doing. There have been many types of “childproof” outlets or safety measures offered throughout the years. Some are great and work as well as anyone could hope. Others, on the other hand, are a bit lackluster.

These methods offer some protection, but don’t tend to do as well as anyone would really like:

The trouble with these solutions is that kids are super curious. Outlets are a strange, interesting thing that is right at their level and they see us fiddling with them all of the time. Bottom line, simple covers aren’t going to dissuade an inquisitive mind.

Two costs are associated with any electrical appliance: the buying price, and the running cost in terms of energy and maintenance. Of the running costs, energy is one of the major items. Typically, the equipment can last several years before requiring a major repair.

Consumers should therefore not just look at the price tag on the item.  Rather, pay attention to its energy rating and available energy saving modes.

Energy star certified refrigerators and freezers are at least 9 and 10 percent more efficient respectively. Other considerations that help in saving energy include selecting the adequate capacity. In addition, the refrigerator or freezer should be kept in a cool place away from heat sources such as direct sunlight or ovens.

More energy savings can be realized by using the proper settings. In addition, ensure the door is closed all the time and that seals are in place. Place the refrigerator or freezer in a spot that allows free air circulation around the fridge; especially at the back where there are cooling pipes.

Manual defrost freezer models use less energy and are therefore more efficient than the automatic defrost models. Another important factor is the design of the freezer. An upright freezer with shelves is easier to organize. However, the chest freezer may be more energy efficient since there is less cold air escaping from the door which opens from the top.

These are usually 40 percent more efficient than the standard purifiers. Other factors to consider include the room size and placement. Select a model adequate for the room; otherwise, an oversized air purifier or cleaner will end up consuming more power unnecessarily.

Energy star certified dishwashers use at least 12 percent less energy and 15 percent less water than the conventional models. However, this may vary depending on the model and other factors.

These dishwashers utilize more efficient technologies that reduce both the energy consumption and water usage. For example, the design uses soil sensors that check the amount of dirt on the dishes.  An optimized cleaning cycle reduces the minimum amount of energy and water. In addition, there are more efficient water jets and a dish rack design that ensures efficient use of water and energy.

Energy Star dehumidifiers

Certified dehumidifiers use 15 percent less energy. They utilize more efficient compressors, refrigeration coils, and fans.

Washing machines

Energy star certified washing machines are usually 25 percent more energy efficient than their equivalent standard models. In addition, they use 40 percent less water. This results in the consumer saving water, as well as energy for both the washing machine and the water pump.

Clothes dryers

Certified dryers use at least 20 percent less energy than the standard models. The equipment utilizes more efficient technologies such as heat pumps. Moisture sensors automatically stop the drying cycle once the clothes are dry. This sensor-based drying machine is more efficient compared to thermostat or timed drying, which continues to consume energy even after clothes are dry.

Televisions qualify for energy star certification when they become at least 20 percent more efficient. Some models can reach up to 40% better efficiency than traditional models, while the set-top boxes can achieve up to 45 %. However, the amount of power used depends on the size of the TV screen, display technology, and resolution.

The home theater systems that are energy star certified are 60 percent more efficient. Certified battery chargers for small household appliances such as power tools, electric shavers, and cordless gadgets use 30 percent less energy.