CFLS’ are the future and we don’t have a choice. Let’s face it, they’re ugly, the light they emit is not very warm, and they contain mercury. The world is changing though, if we keep making personal decisions that affect the rest of the world, regardless of the consequences (i.e. hummers,) , we will be in serious trouble very soon . I personally feel that it’s up to us to investigate the information, then act accordingly .

As a consumer, and an environmentalist I am leery about the change, but as an aesthetic perfectionist (an artist- ha, ha ) I think it really stinks. The good news is, the light emitted from CFLS’ are progressively getting better all of the time.

I hope that what they say about the environmental benefits are true, but I tend to not believe the smooth talking corporations, especially when they are holding hand with lawmakers.

Click on this link CFLS’ , and you will have all of your questions answered.

If you have any further comments or questions, please feel free to post below.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

1. Knob and tube wiring.

Nob and tube wiring is explained in detail at this link, the things to pay attention to are, how it could affect your homeowners insurance, it’s inability to cope with todays electrical demands, and it’s level of deterioration.

2. Open junction boxes.

There are many different versions of the same hazard, basically if you see the wire nuts on wires and they aren’t in a metal box with a closed lid, (obviously you wouldn’t see them otherwise) then it is a hazard . I can’t stress enough how important it is to fix this problem, wherever you find it, but it is especially dangerous in an attic surrounded by insulation, or in a garage where it could be exposed to flammable substances.

3. Old plug fuses

These represent an electrical system that is very out dated and without properly grounded wiring. If you have the type of panel that uses these fuses, it’s time to upgrade your system. The most dangerous feature of these older systems, is that you can (unwittingly) insert a fuse that will allow too much power to be pulled on a circuit, allowing the wires to overheat and potentially cause a fire.

4. Shoddy work.

If the home you are in has the feel of not being well maintained, you can bet that it pertains to every aspect of the house, Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc. Always have the home you are interested in purchasing, thoroughly inspected. The cost of the repairs later, after a disaster, far outweigh the cost of an inspection, and the effort it will take to find a different home to purchase.

Most homeowners are completely unaware that what they are observing, are potential hazards to them and their families. Educate yourself, and you will be wiser, wealthier and safer for it.

There are a lot of people who live with frustrating, sometimes dangerous problems because they are afraid of choosing a bad contractor.

It’s always been a challenge since the dawn of trade, to find someone who will deliver specifically what is asked of them in exchange for what they ask for.

There are quite a few people out there who will try to do as little as possible, cutting corners by using cheap material, overcharge for work or materials not furnished, not showing up to work when scheduled, etc.

You will be happy to know that there are just as many if not more people who are honest, hard working, punctual, and take pride in doing quality work.

Here are some steps you can take in choosing the right electrician/contractor:

#1. Always make sure the person you hire is licensed!!!

a. This doesn’t mean they can use their plumbing license to do electrical work, or their carpentry license to do plumbing. The license must be specific to the trade.

b. All licenses expire, make sure you check your contractors license to see if it current or expired. You can check any California license number at the California State License Board.

#2. Ask for references!!!

a. Most people who have a pleasant interaction with a contractor will happily testify to their experience. If the person you are hiring doesn’t eagerly provide a list of references, that is probably not a good sign. It’s also nice to have someone furnish photographs of work they’ve done, in this age of easy tech there is really no reason why some should not be available.

b. A great way to find a good contractor, is to ask your friends and neighbors whom you think have a comparable standard for quality.

#3. Vibe, vibe, vibe!!!

a. If you have checked their license, references, and reputation, and you still just don’t feel “right” about it, DON’T DO IT! Vibes are a built in warning device that too many of us choose to ignore or not fine tune.

#4. List of warning signs

a. Slurred speech, or alcohol on the breath.

b. Using swear words when communicating with you.

c. Poor hygiene, ie: greasy hair, filthy clothes. Usually someones professional appearance is a reflection of their standard of quality.

d. Punctuality, if you have a meeting scheduled to have an estimate done, and the person is over 15 minutes late, that is a big warning sign! Think of how many relationships you have looked back on with regret, only then to remember the “little warning signs”.

Any questions you have about finding the “right” electrician, feel free to post a question, or write to me at: enlightenelec@yahoo.com