The weather is changing and while your outside renovations might be taking a back seat now, this is a time for your inside home renovations to shine.

Electrical Outlets:
Older kitchens are known to have less electrical outlets in the kitchens. This is something that an electrician can easily do for you. They can evaluate what your electrical service can handle and give you the best solution.

Ground Wiring:
If you house if very old, you can get an electrician to look at all the wiring in your kitchen to make sure you have all the ground wiring you need to help prevent shock hazards and breaker trips.

Lighting:
In your renovation you might want to add lighting or simply update what you have. Having that new bright light over your sink will make a difference when you are washing dishes. No more broken glasses! You could also add a whole new atmosphere to your kitchen design by updating the lighting you have to something that more fits your style!

If you are designing a new kitchen in your house, it is beneficial to contact a professional contractor. Your ideas might involve electrical work that is beyond your scope of expertise. By contacting a professional, they can help you to outline the exact project, so it is done right and within budget.
Eco Electric is always available to help answer questions and help with concerns. We would love to help you in your next project!

If something could power your home for less money while polluting the environment less, wouldn't you consider it? Well, solar energy does just that and more. Please read the following article and think about the benefits of solar energy. In the short and long term, it's really a smart choice!

Having a pool is a luxury that is becoming unaffordable for many families. Have you watched the past couple hot ABQ summers pass by, without opening the pool? Switching your system over to renewable solar energy can help make it possible to keep enjoying your pool, without the high energy bill each month.

In the event you only wish to use solar energy in part, you should examine some of the smaller scale applications available. This can be accomplished in two ways. The first way is to get solar panels that you can recharge small electronics like phones and tablets and remote controls. Another option is to look for solar-powered camping gear like lanterns and stoves. Every application or power need you take off the grid, no matter how small, also comes off your power bill.

Eco Electric is here to answer any questions you might have regarding your electric output and solar energy pros and cons. We are also on call 24/7. So, while the sun might not be shining, we are still available!

This is the right place if you want to learn how to improve your home. This is geared to help you learn ways to improve your house with many insightful tips. Be certain to really take the advice to heart in order to get the best results.

Be certain your air conditioner's filters is kept clean. If the filter gets clogged up, the air conditioning unit will have to work harder to cool your house, using up more energy. It can make it run longer than it needs to, as well. Change your filter on a regular basis; monthly is ideal.

Make sure to have a contractor or electrician install a power outlet in the cabinet above where the microwave will go. If you don't do this, you will be struggling to find a place to plug it in during or after the installation of the microwave and hood vent.

Consider hiring a professional to do the electrical work for your home improvement project. It may seem easy to change out an outlet from two prongs to three, but if you are unfamiliar with electrical work, the safest thing to do is to have an electrician take care of the rewiring for you.

The days of calling a plumber or electrician for minor household repairs are long gone, not to mention the outrageous costs. Today, hundreds of websites are dedicated to sharing how-to tips and tricks, in a way that is easily understood by even the most reluctant handyman. You will find step-by-step directions and many also, include video demonstrations.

Hopefully, with the information you acquired from this, you're feeling like you have a better idea of what it is you need to do to improve your home. Use what you have learned to make new and better strategies that can help you succeed. If this is something that you can do, then the results will satisfy you.

Home improvement can be tricky at times, but is well worth it. You not only create a better home for yourself on the inside, but improve the look on the outside, to impress your neighbors. Home improvements also, make you feel good that you have done your best to create a beautiful home for you and your family.

Consider replacing your roof with shingles that are lighter in color or even using white tiles. Having a lighter-colored roof will reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your attic and upper floors, making your house more comfortable and reducing the energy needed to cool it during those hot summer months.

In order to save money on air conditioning costs during the summer, try installing ceiling fans. Ceiling fans recirculate air within a room, cooling it down without the need for turning on a central air system. They are relatively easy to install and can be installed in place of your lighting fixture.

There are a few electrical tasks that a non-expert can do around the home. One is replacing a light switch. After you turn off the electricity and remove the cover plate, detach the wires on the old switch and replace them in the same order on the new switch.

When you are shopping for a home, it is easy to see chipped paint, water damaged ceilings and rotting decks. However, other problems can only be spotted by an inspector, including roof defects, structural damage, and electrical problems, etc. Invest a bit of money before buying a house in order to save lots of dollars in the longer term.

Your home improvements will be especially satisfying because you did them yourself. Claiming the space and remaking it the way you want creates a feeling of accomplishment that you just can not hire out to someone else.

Faulty wiring is a fire waiting to happen. That's reason enough to hire an experienced electrician, but not the only one. Although wiring might seem like a black-and-white proposition—either the light goes on or it doesn't—it's a vast interdependent network. Circuits that are otherwise safe but poorly designed can damage appliance motors and electronic gear because they deliver the wrong amperage. Lights on even partially overloaded circuits can flicker when an appliance is in use, or the breaker may trip or the fuse might blow, shutting down the circuit entirely. Hiring an experienced electrician local to Albuquerque NM, can help you avoid these problems.

Finding a qualified electrician is easier than you think it is if you go through a local company like Eco Electric. You can assume a certain level of competence when looking for an electrician with their state license. A master electrician has passed a standardized test and has at least two years of experience under his belt. He knows the National Electrical Code and any modifications that your state has made to it. He is qualified to plan, design, install and maintain an electrical system for your project. A journeyman electrician hasn't qualified for a master's license, but he too is licensed by the state. (Some states require journeymen electricians to work with a master electrician.) By law, he cannot design systems but can install wiring and equipment.
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There's another layer in the safety net. Most electrical work requires a permit issued by your local Albuquerque building department. Before the building inspector can sign off on the work, the inspector must take a look at it to see if it's up to code. So be thorough when picking an electrician and keep these things in mind when trusting someone with your home or business.

​If you want to know how to lower your electric bill, it’s important to keep in mind that even small changes and updates can make a big difference in both your wallet and the environment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling are the largest expenses for most homes, accounting for more than half of the energy use in a typical household. With summer around the corner you might some ways to save money on your cooling bill.

So how do you reduce energy usage and save money? While you may not be able to control factors like how much your electricity provider charges, you can lower your electric bill by getting a free or inexpensive energy audit and making small daily changes, like turning off lights when you aren’t using them and unplugging electronics after you shut them off. You can save up to 30% on your energy bill just by making the suggested changes on an audit!
Here are some other smart ways to reduce your energy usage and lower your electric bill.

 THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE

1. INSTALL ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES AND LIGHT BULBS
2. UNPLUG ELECTRONICS TO REDUCE STANDBY POWER LOADS
3. REGULARLY MAINTAIN YOUR HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
4. CHECK YOUR AREA’S PEAK ELECTRICITY HOURS
5. BE STRATEGIC WITH YOUR CURTAINS AND BLINDS TO CONTROL TEMPERATURE
6. CLEAN OR CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTERS EACH MONTH
7. LOWER YOUR WATER TEMPERATURE TO 120°
IN THE KITCHEN

8. ONLY USE THE DISHWASHER TO WASH DISHES
9. CLEAN THE TOP OF YOUR REFRIGERATOR – AND THE COILS
10. TURN OFF THE ICE MAKER

A few simple changes can translate to long-term energy cost savings (as well as environmental benefits). While a few solutions require you to make an initial investment, most of the energy-saving habits we mentioned require very little time or money. Once you lower your electric bill with small steps like unplugging your cell phone charger and putting your computer on a power strip, you might find that you’re ready for some of the more ambitious changes that make your home more environmentally-friendly.

​As technology advances, the home of the future is finally available today, all at a cost-effective price and with a relatively simple installation. With smart home technology becoming increasingly refined and effective for almost any household, now is the time to look at the best smart home devices so you can begin putting the pieces in place so you can enjoy a home full of convenience.
Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat isn’t just a pleasant device to automatically regulate your home’s temperature for maximum comfort. Most smart thermostats can help a household save up to 23% annually on their heating and cooling costs. Further, you can adjust smart thermostats with your smartphone, linked tablet, and, depending on the device, your voice. The best part? They’re somewhat easy to install, with just a few screws to remove and wires to hook up. Of course, you can call Eco Electric if you need any assistance.
Smart Plugs: A smart plug can transform any appliance or light into a “smart” appliance. Smart plugs take the form of adapters that connect to the existing plug and allow the appliance or light to access your home’s Wi-Fi. Through an app on your phone or tablet you can then access the plug to automate lighting, remotely turn devices on and off, and monitor their energy use. The smart plug app will show you how long the corresponding devices have been on in your home. That said, not all smart plugs are created equal, so make sure you find ones that work with your smart home ecosystem.
Smart Lock: Installing a smart lock to your entrance might seem daunting, but this nifty tech makes it simple for anyone to replace their deadbolt and digitally hand out keys to their trusted neighbors, family, or guests. After roughly a 30-minute setup requiring only a screwdriver, and a few more minutes to install the app, you can invite who you’d like to access your home with a simple text message. The convenience of a smart lock is negligible on your electric bill and the locks aren’t controlled by Wi-Fi like most smart devices, using Bluetooth through smartphones as a controller, instead.
Smart Speaker: One of the best entry-level devices for any smart home is the smart speaker. Depending on your smart home ecosystem, most speakers will control other smart devices around the home like a smart thermostat, but most consumers are introduced to the smart speaker as a sort-of digital assistant. Being able to use voice commands to get music, news and weather reports, control your TV, or receive help in the kitchen with recipe reciting and timer setting makes a smart speaker a game changer for many. They truly offer a level of convenience that has to be experienced and lived-with to be believed. Some smart speakers are better than others, however, and the features vary widely. But all will also offer a convenient means of controlling your smart home.
A Smart Home Energy Monitor: With a smart home energy monitor you can monitor your energy usage in real-time, and depending on your device and smart plug setup, even check to see which appliances are draining pointless energy and adding to your electric bill. For those who are investing in residential solar, many monitors are coming out that can track your solar array’s daily capture of energy. Installing a home energy monitor does require connection to the home circuit breaker, so consulting a licensed electrician like Eco Electric is recommended.

Apps for environmentally aware and app loving millennials. However, huge role in the going green has been played by us, customers. By becoming eco-minded, and increasing the demand for environmentally friendly products, companies can postpone going green, but they cannot ignore it. The Nielsen Company study, from 2015, states that millennials are willing to spend more for products that are environmentally friendly.
To make a positive impact on our planet and engage the millennial audience in the ecology movements, organizations started making apps. While the environmental apps cannot be an instant solution, but in a few clicks on our smartphone, everyone can take small steps towards a cleaner environment on a daily basis. Environmental apps can help us to start creating a habit of making more eco-friendly choices and switching to a “green mindset”.

If you want to avoid costly repairs, make sure that your home is ready for the winter. But isn't always easy to know what you can do now to help prepare and protect your property from the cold weather.
Don't worry, we are here to help. Read on for our top 10 winter home maintenance tips.
1. Check Your Gutters and Drainage
With winter comes increased rainfall, so you want to be ready. While cleaning out the gutter isn't a fun job, it can save you money in the long run. Well maintained gutters can reduce the need to replace them, and the chance of roof damage.
A clogged gutter can overflow and break, putting strain on the roof itself. It can also fill with ice, which will cause thawing damage and strains the guttering.
Whether you have special tools or are doing it the old-fashioned way, here's how to go about it:
Firmly set your ladder against the side of the house. Preferably have someone hold onto it and make sure it is on even ground.
Scoop out the dirt with a small shovel. Dump it into a bin bag or onto tarp -- don't put it on your lawn.
Flush out the gutters with a hose for a full clean.
Gutter guards often aren't worth bothering with. They can make your gutters impossible to clean, which is more hassle than it's worth.
Once clean, give a check for any other signs of drainage issues.
Check your basement for water damage stains and your attic for mildew. Both mildew and water damage indicate that your drainage system isn't taking the water far away enough from your house, particularly in older homes.
If water is getting back into the foundation, your attic and basement will start showing signs of damp. To fix this, try extending your downspout to direct the water further away.
2. Test Your Sump Pump
Sump pumps act as the last line of defense against condensation buildup, floods, and water from drains. Test the pump before winter hits. You want to make sure it works; otherwise, you could end up with a flooded basement and foundation damage.
Once you locate the exit pipe, check it for any dirt and debris. If there are any clogs, remove them. Make sure that the water is being directed well away from your home's foundation.
If you have a dual cord pump, both cords should be unplugged. If you can hear a humming sound when you plug in the pump cord, this means that it's working as it should. Remember to plug everything back in though after testing.
If you have a single cord pump, pour 20 liters of water into the pump pit until the float rises. You should hear the pump turn on. While on, make sure the water is pumping out as it should, and the pump turns itself off when the water is removed.
It may be worth investing in a water detector to further protect your basement from moisture.
3. Check Your Window Wells
Window wells are a great way to let natural light into your basement and provide ventilation. They also help keep soil away from the window fixtures. But if they are not maintained well, they can put your basement at risk.
One of the major reasons for window well flooding in liner failure. If your liner becomes detached from the foundation wall, soil pressure can widen the gap between the loose liner and the wall. This gives water an opportunity to penetrate when the soil becomes over-saturated.
Before winter sets in, check your window wells. This is the time of the year where the problem can be at its worst. Inspect the liner and replace any that have become loose.
4. Clean Your Dryer Vents
As the colder months set in, your dryer is likely to get more use. Dyers can be a fire hazard, causing over 15,000 fires each year, so it is important to reduce this risk.
Make sure to remove built-up lint from the dryer in order to reduce the fire risk and improve your household energy efficiency.
First thing, clean the lint filter. You can often find this component toward the front of the dryer.
Slide the filter out and scrape off any lint. You can use a vacuum to take out any lint caught in the lint trap too. Replace the filter after cleaning it.
Next, clean the lint vents. You can find these at the back of most dryers. If you have any trouble locating them, check the manufacturer's instructions.
Take a flathead screwdriver and loosen the clamps. This will allow you to pull the vent away from the wall and the dryer. Next, hold the vent upright and use a dryer vent duct brush to brush down the piping.
Twist the brush when you pull it out, but make sure to be gentle. Repeat this until all the lint in the vent has been removed.
Then reconnect the vent and turn your dryer on for around 15 minutes. This forces air through the vents and will blow out any lint that may have been in the tubing or stuck in the outer vent.
5. Check Your Electrical System
With the winter months bringing cold weather and days that stay dark for a longer time, the last thing you want is your electrical system to fail.
Before that cold weather sets in, make sure to schedule an electrical maintenance tune-up. Check the main service panel for sparking, and inspect the breaker wires for bad insulation and any discoloration.
Use a multi-meter to test power flow through the electrical circuits. Check things like extension cords and wall sockets as well as your heating systems.
While doing this, test your ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) too. All you need to do is press the test button and use the multi-meter to determine if there's any power flowing through it.
In case you experience problems, hire a reputable electrician to investigate further. This isn't exactly something you should yourself.
6. Bleed Your Radiators
Your radiators will need bleeding each winter to ensure they run at full capacity and efficiency. They won't maintain themselves, after all.
Even if you haven't done it before, bleeding your radiators won't be difficult for even the least handy.
Turn on all your radiators to the maximum temperature they can reach. Wait a few minutes, turn off the central heating, and let them cool down.
Handle one radiator at a time, and start with the one closest to your boiler.
Turn off the radiator and open the bleed valve. Put a tray under the valve and let out all the air. The tray will catch the water that comes out, so don't worry -- this is normal.
Once all the air is out, close the valve and repeat this process for all the other radiators.
Next, check if the air pressure in the heating boiler is at the correct level. This is the green section of the manometer.
7. Avoid Ice Dams
In freezing conditions, ice dams can form at the edge of your roof. They prevent melting snow from draining properly. The water can leak into your roof and cause damage to ceilings, insulation, and walls.
Ice dams can form when heat collects in the attic and warms the roof, apart from the eaves. This melts the snow on the warm parts of the roof, but it freezes on the cold eaves, which forms the dam. The melt-water from the warm part of the roof backs up and flows under the shingles into the house.
To prevent ice dams from forming, keep the entire roof at the same temperature. To do this, increase ventilation and add insulation. Make sure to seal off every possible air leak that might warm the underside of the roof.
8. Seal Leaky Doors and Windows
Check your windows and doors by opening and closing them. When you close the lock, do you notice a gap between the seals?
If you have old windows, you can add new weatherstripping. There is a variety you can choose from:

• Bronze weatherstripping can last for decades, but it can be time-consuming to install
• Self-stick plastic is easy to put on, but they will need to be changed often as they don't last long
• Adhesive-backed EPDM rubber meets in the middle, and it can last up to 10 years at the least

Once you have changed the weatherstripping on your windows, you'll need to do the same with your door -- and check for air leaks. There are some options here too that you can choose from:

• Foam-tape that has an adhesive backing
• Felt - this is cheap and easy to install, but has a low durability and will need replacing more often
• Tubular rubber, vinyl or silicone; these are more expensive and trickier to install but will provide a superior seal

Check the exterior trim for any gaps between it and the door frame. Caulk any gaps with exterior latex caulk.
If a draft comes through the bottom, check the condition of the threshold gasket. If worn, replace it. You can also install a weather-resistant door sweep designed for exteriors.
9. Weatherproof Exterior Pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause serious problems for your external pipes. Frozen pipes can crack, and once they thaw they can release hundreds of gallons of water in a single day. This can lead to serious structural damage.
Check all of your pipes for signs of weakness. And moisture on faucets and connectors can point to wear and tear. If there is moisture, replace these parts immediately.
Turn off your external pipes at the mains, and make sure they're fully drained. It may be useful to double check a few days later to ensure that all the water has fully drained.
For extra protection, you can also buy insulating tape to wrap around any exterior pipes and any other pipes that are found in the basement.
If you don't have your plumbing plans at hand, it may be useful to paint your exterior faucet handles a bright color. This will make them easier to spot against snow or at night. It also means that a plumber can find the faucet for a faster repair if there's an emergency in winter.
10. Prepare for Winter Storms
Winter brings freezing rain, sleet, and blizzards. Get prepared ahead of time so that the next big storm doesn't leave you in trouble.
If you have a generator, you want to make sure that it's working. Also, keep a stash of batteries for lanterns and flashlights in case of power outages and blackouts.
Another good tip is to keep a solar-powered or battery-operated radio in your home. This means that if cellphone reception goes out, you can keep up to date with the news and weather.
Check the condition of your snow shovels, gloves, and window scrapers. Store any heavy snow supplies near the door when you can get quick access to them.
Finally, a buildup of heavy snow on a tree limb can increase the risk of them breaking off. This poses a threat of injury to people and property damage.
Also, brush snow off tree limbs after each big snowfall. You can use a broom to extend your reach.