Author: Chris Petersen

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Electrical Problems

Scary Electrical Problems In Your Toms River Home

No one wants to be in for a nasty shock at home. But that’s exactly what can happen if your electric system is not well maintained, or if you try to fix electrical problems yourself.

In unskilled hands, electricity can be very dangerous. We’re here to let you know when you should call out the professionals. That way you’ll keep yourself and your Toms River home safe.

So if you have flickering lights or switches that are hot to touch then read on. Here are the most common electrical problems that need the help of a pro.

Frequently Tripping Breakers

This usually means you have a circuit that’s overloaded. Some high wattage items need a real power punch. This can be a problem if you’re running other items off the same circuit.

If this is a continuing and frequent issue, it’s a potential fire risk and a sign that something’s not right.

Perhaps you’ve just moved into a home with old and outdated wiring. Now may be time to add a circuit or consider upgrading your electric wiring. Either way, it’s time to call the electrician.

Flickering Lights

Fluorescent and LED lighting can be prone to flickering, especially in the first minute of turning them on. Lightbulbs that haven’t been screwed in properly may also flicker. This will stop once they’re tightened.

If the problem is frequent and constant then this could be due to a loose connection. Loose wiring is one of the most serious causes of flickering lights and a major cause of house fires. A professional will sort this out for you.

Light Bulbs Burning out Too Often

Even if you bought a bulb with the right wattage, it could be that it’s too large for your fixture. This may cause overheating and result in the bulb burning out. Excessive vibration close to the bulb may also cause premature burnout.

If you’re getting through lightbulbs at an excessive rate, then it could mean your fixtures or wiring were poorly installed. Get them checked out by a qualified electrician.

Warm Switches

It’s normal for a dimmer switch to be slightly warm. If it doesn’t adjust the light correctly, it may be that the product is below standard or hasn’t been connected properly.

Generally speaking, warm switches are a cause for concern and could mean there’s a circuit or wiring fault. Consult an electrician if you have issues with any switches in your home.

Recurrent Electrical Surges 

Electrical surges could be due to a lightning strike or damaged power lines. They may though be due to poor wiring in the home.

If you’re experiencing frequent surges then this could be harmful to the electrical appliances connected in your home. An electrician will help you get to the root of the problem.

Fix Electrical Problems and Save Money

Everyone wants to have lower utility bills. Repairing damaged wiring and circuits can do just that.

We want you to be safe. So whatever electrical problems you’re experiencing, get in touch with us and we’ll be right there to sort them out for you.

Recessed lighting not working

Recessed Light Not Working? Troubleshooting the Most Common Issues

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Recessed lighting is some of the most popular forms of lighting in most homes today. Why? Because it’s reliable, cost-effective, and suitable for almost any area of the home. 

This being said, recessed lighting is not impervious to its own set of issues—after all, most things in the home tend to need maintenance over time. 

If your recessed light is not working, these common issues could be at play…

Why is My Recessed Light Not Working? 6 Common Problems

A recessed light that suddenly begins to blink may seem like a complete mystery to you—but there is generally a very simple issue at hand. 

Most of the time, recessed light problems boil down to 6 main causes: 

1. A Sagging Light Trim 

Recessed lights are designed to sit flush with your ceiling, making for a chic, streamlined look and feel. But as soon as the trim around the light fixture begins to sag, this can cause lighting issues.

When the trim begins to sag, the light fixture becomes exposed—allowing drafts into your home, while also posing a potential fire hazard. To add to this, the light fixture will no longer have the support it needs and could go on-the-blink (quite literally!). 

Luckily, a sagging light trim is easy to spot and simple to fix! 

2. A Blown or Damaged Bulb 

As with most light bulbs throughout the home, they have a tendency to become damaged over time or simply die out. 

The only way to know for sure is to inspect the light bulb within the fixture. Make sure your recessed lighting is switched off and the bulb itself is cool. Remove the bulb and inspect it for gray or black spots—this means it’s blown. 

Simply replace the bulb and your recessed light should work as good as new. 

3. A Blown Light Socket 

This is not a very common occurrence but is still something to look out for if you’re having lighting issues. One of the first signs of a blown socket is when the light does not turn on, but the bulb is still in perfect condition. 

Alternatively, listen out for a slight buzzing sound coming from the light fixture itself. Otherwise, if you’re having to replace bulbs far too often, this is a sign of a faulty socket.

4. Incorrect Wattage 

When a light bulb with a high wattage is used, this can cause the light fixture to overheat. Make sure to compare the light bulb wattage with the rating on the light fixture.

If the wattages don’t match up, it’s likely that your recessed lighting won’t work! Go for a lower-wattage light bulb if this is the case. 

5. Over Insulation 

Recessed lights are designed to fit into a small, compact space, but if this space is packed too tightly around the fixture, this could lead to over-insulation. 

Ultimately, this leads to your light fixture overheating, causing the entire light fixture to shut down or blow. Ensure there is enough insulation and space around the light canister to prevent overheating. 

6. A Faulty Limit Switch 

Recessed lights are operated by a limit switch – once this switch detects too much heat around the fixture, it will go off automatically. 

However, if your bulb wattage is correct and there is enough insulation and air around your light fixture, this is a sign the limit switch could just be faulty! 

Find Expert Services With Petersen Electric

Based in Tom’s River, New Jersey, Petersen Electic is your local expert in all things lighting – no matter the issue. 

So, if you find yourself asking ”why is my recessed light not working?”, even after reading this blog, get in touch for expert assistance!

Outdoor Ceiling Fan

4 Things to Look For When Buying a New Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Lazy summer evenings are perfect for hanging out in your outdoor space. In fact, 57% of Americans prefer to spend their summer evenings outside. But here in New Jersey, even the evenings can be humid and hot.

An outdoor ceiling fan is a perfect way to stir the air and cool off your space. They’re quieter than a freestanding fan and much more convenient as you won’t have to go looking for it.

Let’s look at 4 things you should look for when it’s time to buy.

  1. Damp or Wet Rated Outdoor Ceiling Fan

One of the most important considerations is the moisture rating of the fan. Dry fans are for enclosed, indoor use only. Using them outside can lead to rust, warped blades (which will make noise and shorten the lifespan of the fan), and even fires from electrical shorts.

Damp rated fans are a great option for areas where the fan won’t be directly exposed to the elements. This would include things like a screened-in porch or a covered patio.

If your fan is going to be heavily exposed to water, you should choose a wet rated fan. This type of fan can handle everything the weather can throw at it and will still hold up well — even against salty sea breezes.

  1. Size

As with all types of fans, a bigger fan can cool a larger space. Thus, the size of your space will dictate the size fan that you should choose. You can follow this guide as a general rule:

  • 29-36 inches for spaces up to 75 square feet
  • 36-42 inches for spaces between 76 and 144 square feet
  • 44 inches for spaces between 144 and 225 square feet
  • 50-54 inches for spaces between 225 and 400 square feet

For good coverage in spaces larger than 400 square feet, you should opt for two fans.

  1. Space for the Fan

In addition to the size of the space, you should make sure there is adequate space for the fan. For example, the minimum distance from the ceiling should be 12 inches. The area should be tall enough to also allow for a minimum of 84 inches of clearance from the floor.

Finally, you should allow for a minimum of 24 inches of distance from the nearest wall.

  1. Style

Though less practical than our first three tips, style is still very important. You want your fan to fit in with your decor and accent the look of your outdoor space.

You can make your fan blend in by choosing the same color as the ceiling. Alternatively, if you want to use your fan as an accent you can choose an interesting design or fun color to make it pop.

Looking for design ideas? Feel free to check out this article on ceiling fan design trends.

Time to Cool Off

Now that you know what to look for, all that’s left is to pick the perfect outdoor ceiling fan.

You’ll be feeling cool and your outdoor space will be looking cool. For help installing your ceiling fan, feel free to contact us today.

Ceiling Fans

Top 4 Signs You Need a New Ceiling Fan

 

Did you know that over 15 million ceiling fans get sold each year?

With those numbers, you might be wondering when the last time you bought a ceiling fan was. Many people choose to never buy one, opting for one that was in the house already.

But not buying a ceiling fan can be a costly mistake. It can lead to danger that you won’t want to deal with. Imagine the possibility of it falling on someone’s head!

On a lighter note, it may just be time for an upgrade for your ceiling fan. Too many people update their whole home but forget about what’s right above them. 

Whatever the reason, you’ll need to know the signs for when it’s time to buy a new ceiling fan. But if you’re not an expert, you might not know when.

Lucky for you, this article will tell you everything you need to know about the signs that it might be time to buy a new ceiling fan. Read on to learn more!

1. Wobbles

1. Wobbles

When your ceiling fan is starting to move, there’s a chance that it might fall eventually. There’s a potential that some of the instillations are falling apart.

If that’s the case, you may have a dangerous situation on your hand, and you need to talk to an expert about their services as soon as possible. 

It could also be that your blades aren’t balanced. This isn’t the worst possible situation, but it could end up becoming a problem.

2. Is That a Bee?

If you keep hearing a buzzing sound from your ceiling fan, odds are that it’s time to get a new one. There are a number of things that could cause this, but it will usually mean a new ceiling fan no matter what. 

3. Out of Style!

Getting a new ceiling fan can cost you a bit of money, but having an ugly home costs too much to look at.

If your ceiling fan looks out of style, it’s time to upgrade to something you like. It can be a real eyesore if you don’t take care of it.  

4. Broken Fan

If there’s one thing that makes getting a new ceiling fan the obvious choice, it’s a broken fan. A broken fan should be evident, and there’s no doubt that you’ll need to get that fixed.

Remember that a chipped or partially broken fan can work for a little while, but if something were to happen, it could break entirely. A broken fan can be a physical danger as well, so make sure to get this issue fixed as soon as possible.

Get a New Ceiling Fan Today

Now that you’ve read this article, you should know if you need to get a ceiling fan today. Remember that getting a new ceiling fan can never hurt; eventually, the one you have now will run down. At the very least, it will look quite nice in your home!

Lucky for you, you’re in the right place. Get in contact today to see what we can do for you. 

Electrician ready to work on house

Hiring a Contractor Checklist: 4 Things to Bear in Mind

On average, homeowners spend $60,400 a year on home renovations.

But how do you go about hiring contractors? You use a hiring a contractor checklist to make sure your project is in good hands.

Read on for the four things you must keep in mind before you hire a contractor.

Is the Contractor Insured, Licensed, and Bonded?

Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that contractors have the required paperwork. But that isn’t the case all the time.

If your contractor manages sub-contractors or has employees, he or she should have sufficient general liability and workers compensation insurance.

Do your research. Check the Contractors License Board in your State to make sure that the contractor you choose has a current license.

Get Recommendations Or Ask For References 

The best way to hire a contractor is to use someone that your friends, family or neighbors suggest. That way you choose someone whose work has been vetted by someone you trust.

If you can’t get referrals from your contacts, don’t hire a contractor without asking for three references.

If your contractor can’t give you the name and phone number of at least three past clients, that is a red flag.

Get Contractor Quotes In Writing  

When you call around, don’t accept verbal estimates. These aren’t legally binding.
Phrases like “it’ll run you around…” are a no-go.

Ask for a detailed quote with itemized pricing on each part of the project.

A contractor may not be able to give you a definite quote until the work gets started. In this case, reputable contractors often write in project over-run clause into their quote. Basically, this clause states that the estimated cost won’t go by more than 15% of the given price.

If along the way, you make changes to the project, get those in writing as well. So if you decide to add pendant lights over your kitchen island, you have proof that you agreed to that work.

While you get bids from contractors, it may be helpful to put all the information together in one Excel spreadsheet. This can help you stay organized and keep track of everything.

Once you’ve found the perfect contract with a fair price, don’t hire him or her just yet.

Find Out How Many Projects Will be Happening at the Same Time

Projects are messy, loud work. You want them done as quickly as possible. So before you hire a contractor, make sure to ask how many other projects this contractor will have on the go at once.

If your contractor has a large staff, there may be multiple projects on at once. In this case, ask how often a superintendent will visit your job site.

Ideally, your contractor or a superintendent will stop by at your site once a day. This way, the contractor can make sure the work is progressing well and the workers are doing what they are supposed to.

You want to hire a contractor that can manage his crew and his time well.

Hiring a Contractor Checklist

There you have it. Four things that must be on your hiring a contractor checklist.

If you do your research and thoroughly look into contractors before you hire them, you will have a much better experience and better end results.

Now, learn what to look for when hiring an electrician.

Fan Design

The 7 Hottest Ceiling Fan Design Trends of 2018

When you think of home decor, the ubiquitous ceiling fan probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind.

Ceiling fans may not have a reputation for being chic, but they are decidedly useful. They help to evenly distribute both warm and cool air, increasing the efficiency of A/Cs and heaters. They circulate fresh air and provide a cooling effect in warmer weather, meaning you may be able to turn up the thermostat on the A/C.

In the past, opting for a ceiling fan meant opting for function over form. Luckily, there are newer styles and options in the world of fan design that may get you excited about these helpful household fixtures.

Take a look at our list of the seven coolest (pun intended!) 2018 fan design trends to find the perfect fan for your home.

  1. Sleek & Modern Looks

Picture getting both form and function in a ceiling fan. The modern ceiling fan goes beyond the faux-wood blades and shiny brass fixtures found in many older living rooms. Newer fans might be silver, oil-rubbed bronze, or metallic matte.

Modern fan designs can be sleek, double-bladed, and aerodynamic. Some offer beautifully carved wood blades.

With all the exciting new fans on the market, it’s more than likely you can find the perfect style for your home decor!

  1. Energy Efficient Fans

Today’s homeowner is more aware than ever of their energy consumption. Installing and running energy efficient fans not only saves money — it’s also more environmentally friendly.

Newer fans use less electricity than some of their older counterparts. If energy consumption is an important consideration for you, look for Energy Star-certified ceiling fans.

A good ceiling fan will already help cut your heating and cooling costs — opting for an energy efficient unit can lower your utility costs even more!

  1. Compact Fans for Small Spaces

Does your house have walk-in closets, a small laundry room, or long hallways? If so, you likely know that smaller, window-less areas of the home can be host to stale air and poor circulation.

There are now small, low-profile ceiling fans available to fit the cramped spaces in the home. Many fans also have a light fixture, which can help brighten up small rooms, too.

Consider installing fans in these areas to experience more comfort and better overall airflow.

  1. Outdoor-specific Fans

Add enjoyment to your covered porch or patio with a ceiling fan that’s designed to be installed outdoors.

Look for specially designed fans built to withstand high humidity and wet conditions for outdoor installations.

Steamy summer evenings are much better with a fan overhead!

  1. High Tech Fans

Like every other gadget in our homes, tech has crept into ceiling fans.

If convenience is your priority, look for high-tech options in your next fan. Fans with Bluetooth speakers, fans operated by remote or wireless wall controllers, and fans with efficient LED lighting are all available.

There are even automated fans that increase or decrease speed depending on the temperature in the room.

  1. Large Fans for Large Spaces

Consider the largest space in your home — chances are it’s your living room. Large rooms need larger fans.

Opt for a larger bladed fan with a more powerful motor to circulate air in a big room. This can be especially useful in the winter when warm, dry air tends to rise.

A large, powerful fan on a low setting can help reduce the amount of heat that stagnates at the ceiling by gently recirculating it throughout the room.

  1. Stylish Fandeliers

Still not sold on the look of ceiling fans? Maybe you’d prefer a “fandelier,” which is essentially a fan hidden inside a cylindrical lighting fixture like a chandelier. They are generally also a lighting fixture, increasing the practicality and further disguising the blades.

Fandeliers can add much-needed circulation to a room while still maintaining a low profile and not disrupting your decor.

Final Thoughts on Fan Design and Functionality

We hope this blog has helped you see that ceiling fans are still a smart choice. You can cut down on energy bills, maintain a more comfortable living space, and still have a stylish home with the right fan design. Win-win!

If you have more questions about choosing or installing fans, get in touch with us. We’re happy to answer questions and assist you in choosing the right ceiling fan for your needs!

Beautiful white kitchen with large island.

5 Kitchen Lighting Ideas for Your Home

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. It’s a place where your family gathers multiple times a day and where you can really express your love for one another through the food you cook.

As such, the kitchen deserves to have a welcoming, beautiful design. You can’t afford to have it super cluttered all the time and let it become outdated. But, maintaining a fresh design doesn’t have to be super taxing, either!

The key is to find simple ways to upgrade your space. Sometimes, all a kitchen needs to look like new is a different lighting style.

If you think this is what your home’s kitchen is missing, check out these five awesome kitchen lighting ideas.

  1. Make Room for More Natural Light

Think about the direction your kitchen faces and how many windows are in the room. Maybe it’s time to peel back the curtains in the dining area or get rid of the shades on the window above the sink.

These small adjustments make a huge difference. Natural light is one of the best design tools there are. You just need to realize how much of it is available to you and how to best leverage it.

  1. Set up a Few Pendant Lights

When natural light isn’t enough, pendant lights are the way to go. These are small, elegant light fixtures that hang from the ceiling.

They can make the walls of your kitchen look taller if you hang them just right, and more importantly, they work very well to brighten up the whole room. Plus, pendant lights come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You can get sophisticated round fixtures, industrial-looking metal ones, or even use exposed bulbs.

  1. Use Task Lights

Another lighting style that’s great to have in the kitchen is task lighting. If your coffee maker sits under a cabinet or you’re always making breakfast before the sun is up, you need this.

Task lighting refers to lights that are placed under your wall cabinets but above your counters. They illuminate small areas of the kitchen at a time, which is perfect when you’re only in there to perform a simple task.

  1. Install Automatic Lights

Automatic lights are to the inside of cabinets what task lights are to countertops. These are best used in corner cabinets with lazy susans that you need to turn. They’re also amazing for deep drawers and cabinets that go really far back.

Such lighting makes it easy to find everything you’re looking for. They’re lifesavers when you’re creeping around the kitchen for a midnight snack, but they also make every day cooking more doable.

  1. Buy a Statement Chandelier

What if you want to turn your kitchen into a show-stopping part of the house? If that’s the case, buy a chandelier!

The right kitchen chandelier looks gorgeous whether you have an open kitchen that leads into the living room or a smaller kitchen that’s a bit more closed off. The trick to this kind of kitchen lighting is to find something that’s proportionate to the kitchen and fits the style of the whole house.

Installing These Kitchen Lighting Ideas in Your Home

It’s one thing to know which kitchen lighting ideas you want to incorporate in your design process and another to know how to set everything up. The last thing you want is to mess up the lights you’ve worked so hard to pick out and saved up to buy.

It’s best to trust the professionals instead.

If you’re getting ready to redesign your kitchen – or you’re already in the middle of the project – call us today. We can get your new lights safely and securely installed in no time.

Hiring an Electrician

What to Look For When Hiring an Electrician

When deciding to hire someone to work on your home, you should always first make sure they are right for the job. The last thing you want is for an amateur to botch what they are supposed to do, and end up causing even more damage.

This rings especially true for hiring an electrician to repair something in your house. You want to be confident that you have someone who is reliable, safe, and trustworthy if they’re going to be working in your home.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what you should be looking for when hiring an electrician, so you can get the results you want without having to jump through any unnecessary hoops.

Tips for Hiring an Electrician

Before you decide on which electrician to hire, there are a few things you should consider before choosing. Here are 3 important tips you should use when hiring an electrician to work on your home.

  1. Look for Online Reviews

The first thing you should check when deciding on an electrician is what kind of reviews they have from previous customers. If someone has low ratings, read what other people had to say about their service.

It’s best to avoid electricians who have been rated poorly by other people. Stick to workers who have 4 or more stars on Google, Yelp, or any other reviewing platform to ensure you get a quality electrician.

  1. Make Sure They’re Certified

There are two kinds of electrician certifications: master and journeyman.

The master electrician has passed the standardized test and is licensed by the state to work with electrical units. These are the most experienced workers and will tend to be more reliable.

Journeyman electricians are licensed by the state but have not yet passed the standardized test. Oftentimes, they will work under a master electrician. They are allowed to install equipment, but cannot design.

Make sure whoever you hire as an electrician is at least licensed by the state to be working with electrical units and devices.

  1. Consider the Cost

No matter what job you’re hiring for, the cost is always going to be a factor. You don’t want to spend a fortune on an electrician when you can get an equally good one for much less money.

However, it’s important to investigate the cost of the electrician. If someone is much cheaper to hire than another electrician, you should ask why. Never sacrifice good work just to save a few bucks.

While saving money is always important, you need to make sure the job is being done right so you don’t have to worry about having to do repairs again.

For More Information

If you’re in need of a quality electrician to do some repairs on your house, it’s important that you make sure they have good reviews online.

Also, you need to make sure they have the proper certifications and are licensed to be working as an electrician in your state. Always consider the cost, but don’t settle for a cheap worker who won’t do a good job.

For more information on hiring an electrician, please contact us today.

low voltage lighting | Petersen Electric

5 Benefits of Low Voltage Lighting for Your Home

Harsh lighting can make your home feel uncomfortable and uninviting. But what can you do about this?

Installing lower voltage lights is a simple and easy solution to your illumination problems. These lights look great and are functional, offering a variety of ways to give your home a new look and feel.

But how do you know if these lights are right for you?

Read on for 5 benefits of low voltage lighting in your home.

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Installing A Ceiling Fan Petersen Electric

Installing a Ceiling Fan With These Simple Tips

Installing a ceiling fan in your home is a great way to keep cool and save a bit of extra cash. Typically, a ceiling fan running on high only expends 75 watts of energy. In contrast, your air conditioner unit outputs roughly 2,000 watts.

Now, thanks to department stores and lower pricing, you don’t have to be a master electrician to purchase and install your own ceiling fan.

While installing your own ceiling fan may sound like a hassle, you’re more than equipped to handle the challenge. Make sure to read these three helpful tips before you start.

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