lewistown-electric

EV Charger Installation in Lewistown, PA: What Homeowners Need to Know

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:30:46 GMT

Electric vehicles are becoming more common throughout Central Pennsylvania, and many homeowners in Lewistown, Burnham, Reedsville, Yeagertown , and the surrounding communities are now looking to install home EV chargers. Having a Level 2 charger at home makes owning an electric vehicle far more convenient — and often reduces long-term charging costs.

Whether you’re driving a Tesla, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Bolt, Hyundai Ioniq, or any other EV model, installing a dedicated home charging station is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

This guide walks you through what Lewistown homeowners need to know before installing an EV charger — including electrical requirements, installation steps, and code considerations.

�� Why Install a Home EV Charger?

While you can technically charge using a standard household outlet (Level 1 charger), it’s slow — often taking 20–40 hours to fully charge an empty battery.

A Level 2 EV charger , on the other hand:

Charges 4–10× faster than Level 1
Can fully recharge most EVs in 4–8 hours
Works well for overnight charging
Adds long-term convenience and property value

Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit , similar to your electric dryer or range — which is why installation must be done by a licensed electrician.

⚡ What Lewistown Homeowners Should Consider Before Installing an EV Charger

1. Electrical Panel Capacity

Many Lewistown homes were built between the 1950s and 1980s. Depending on the age of the home, the existing panel may be:

Too small
Lacking available breaker space
Not equipped to handle a 240-volt EV circuit

We start every EV charger installation with a full panel assessment to determine if upgrades or modifications are necessary.

2. Charger Type

There are two common EV charger types:

✔ Plug-in Charger (NEMA 14-50 outlet)

Allows flexibility
Easy replacement or upgrading in the future
Works with Tesla Mobile Connector, Wallbox, JuiceBox, and many others

✔ Hardwired Charger

Cleanest installation
Slightly faster charging
Preferred for outdoor installations
More secure and reliable

We help homeowners decide which option best fits their home layout and vehicle.

3. Garage or Outdoor Installation

Depending on your parking setup, chargers can be:

Mounted in the garage
Installed on an exterior wall
Installed near a driveway
Connected to a weather-rated outdoor enclosure

We ensure proper placement, conduit routing, and weather protection — especially important for Pennsylvania winters.

4. Circuit Distance & Routing

The distance from your electrical panel to the installation location impacts:

Wiring cost
Installation time
Conduit needs
Load balancing

We plan the cleanest and safest wiring route for your home layout.

��️ What Happens During a Professional EV Charger Installation?

When Lewistown Electric installs an EV charger, we follow a clear and safe process:

1. Home Electrical Assessment

We evaluate:

Panel amperage
Available breaker space
Existing wiring
Load calculation for safe EV charging

2. Charger Placement Design

We help determine:

Best charger location
Cord length needs
Indoor vs. outdoor installation
Accessibility and safety clearances

3. Dedicated Circuit Installation

We install:

A new 240-volt circuit
Properly sized breaker (usually 40A–60A)
Wiring and conduit
Hardwired or plug-in outlet connection

4. Safety Testing & Setup

We ensure:

Proper grounding
Code-compliant installation
Charger activation
Full system test
Homeowner walkthrough

Your charger will be safe, clean, and ready for daily use.

�� Why EV Chargers Are Becoming Popular in Lewistown

Mifflin County is experiencing a steady rise in EV ownership. With more residents commuting to State College, Harrisburg, and Altoona, home charging is becoming essential.

Benefits locally include:

Lower fuel costs
Reduced reliance on public charging stations
Faster charging
Increased home value
A more reliable charging schedule during busy days

Installing a home charger is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for modern living.

�� When You Should Upgrade Your Electrical Panel First

Some Lewistown homes need panel work before installing an EV charger. This is especially true if:

Your home has a 100-amp panel
Breakers are already full
You experience tripping breakers
Your panel is older or outdated

In these cases, we may recommend a:

Panel upgrade
Subpanel installation
Load management system

This ensures your EV charger runs safely and efficiently.

�� Compatible EV Chargers We Install

We install and support all major brands, including:

Tesla Wall Connector
ChargePoint
Wallbox
JuiceBox
Emporia
Blink
Grizzl-E
and more...

If you already purchased a charger, we can install it.

If not, we help you choose the right one for your home and vehicle.

�� Make Home Charging Easy and Reliable

Home EV charging gives you control, convenience, and long-term savings. Whether you need a simple plug-in setup or a full hardwired installation, Lewistown Electric ensures the job is safe, code-compliant, and built for long-term reliability.

�� Call Us Today: (717) 400-6787
�� Serving Lewistown, Burnham, Reedsville, Yeagertown & all of Mifflin County
⚡ Your Local Electrical Experts

Top Electrical Safety Tips for Homeowners in Lewistown, PA

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:48:53 GMT

Electricity powers nearly every part of our daily lives — but when something goes wrong, it can lead to serious hazards. In a community like Lewistown and the surrounding towns of Burnham, Reedsville, Yeagertown, Belleville , and the broader Mifflin County area, many homes were built decades ago, meaning their electrical systems may not meet modern safety standards.

This guide will walk you through the most important electrical safety tips for your home, how to identify warning signs, and when to call a licensed electrician to protect your family and property.

⚠️ Why Electrical Safety Matters in Mifflin County

Many homes in Lewistown — especially those built in the 1950s–1980s — have aging wiring, older electrical panels, outdated outlets, and increased power demands. Modern appliances, devices, and HVAC systems place more stress on electrical systems than they were originally designed to handle.

That means even small issues like flickering lights or warm outlets can be signs of deeper electrical problems.

�� 1. Watch for Warning Signs of Electrical Issues

Early detection is key. Call a licensed electrician if you notice:

⚡ Flickering or dimming lights

Often caused by overloaded circuits or loose wiring.

�� Warm or discolored outlets

A serious warning sign — heat = electrical resistance, which can lead to fires.

�� Frequent breaker trips

Your panel may be overloaded or have a faulty breaker.

�� Buzzing or crackling sounds

Electrical components should never make noise.

❌ Burning or "hot plastic" smell

This is a red flag — turn off power and call an electrician immediately.

Lewistown Electric can diagnose these issues quickly and safely.

�� 2. Avoid Overloading Outlets & Power Strips

Homes in Lewistown often have fewer outlet circuits than modern homes.

Overloading happens when too many devices are plugged into a single outlet, especially:

Space heaters
Air conditioners
Microwaves
Hair dryers
Computers & monitors
Gaming systems

Pro Tip:

If you regularly rely on power strips, it’s time to add more outlets or circuits.

�� 3. Use GFCI Outlets in Wet Areas

GFCI = Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

These outlets prevent electric shock by shutting off power instantly when moisture is detected.

GFCIs are required in:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Garages
Laundry areas
Basements
Outdoor outlets

If your Lewistown home doesn’t have GFCIs in these areas, it’s a must-do upgrade .

�� 4. Inspect Your Electrical Panel Regularly

Your electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system.
If it’s old or undersized, it may struggle to handle modern electrical loads.

Signs your Lewistown home may need a panel upgrade:

Breakers trip often
Panel is warm
You still have a 60–100 amp panel
Burn marks or rust spots
You hear buzzing
Adding large appliances or an EV charger

Many older homes in Mifflin County were built with panels not designed for today’s electrical demands.

A panel upgrade improves:

Safety
Reliability
Capacity
Home resale value

�� 5. Replace Damaged Cords and Outlets

Frayed cords and loose outlets are major fire risks.

Replace:

Cords with exposed wires
Outlets that spark
Outlets that feel loose
Switches that don’t click firmly

Never use tape to “fix” a damaged cord — this is incredibly dangerous.

�� 6. Upgrade to LED Lighting for Safety

LEDs run much cooler, reducing fire risk — especially in older homes with questionable wiring or older fixtures.

Benefits:

Lower heat output
Lower energy usage
Longer lifespan
Safer for older circuits

To learn about the additional benefits of upgrading to LED, check out this article .

For more information about our LED installation services, click here .

��️ 7. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

Power surges are common in Central PA due to storms, power grid switching, and rural utility issues.

A whole-home surge protector:

Blocks dangerous voltage spikes
Protects appliances and electronics
Extends lifespan of HVAC systems
Shields sensitive smart-home devices

It’s a small investment that prevents thousands in damage. Learn more here .

�� 8. Never Ignore Electrical Problems

In small towns like Lewistown, many homeowners attempt DIY fixes. Unfortunately, electrical work is not an area where DIY is safe.

Call a professional if:

You’re unsure what’s wrong
You smell burning plastic
You hear buzzing noises
Your lights regularly flicker
Outlets or switches feel warm
Breakers trip frequently
You have aluminum wiring or an outdated panel

Safety always comes first.

�� 9. Keep Space Heaters Away From Outlets & Cords

Central PA winters are cold — meaning many homes use space heaters.

However, these heaters draw a lot of power and should never be plugged into:

Power strips
Extension cords
Older 2-prong outlets

Only plug space heaters directly into a dedicated wall outlet .

10. Protect Your Home During Storm Season

Lewistown, Burnham, and Reedsville experience:

Thunderstorms
High winds
Ice storms
Power outages

Storm season can cause:

Surges
Downed lines
Outages
Brownouts

Prepare with:

Surge protection
Generator hookup or standby generator
GFCI-protected outdoor outlets
Safe extension cord use
Proper grounding and bonding

To decide whether or not you need a backup home generator, read this article .

�� Let Lewistown Electric Keep Your Home Safe

Electrical issues are not something to take lightly. Whether your home is older or recently remodeled, regular electrical safety checks can prevent fires, outages, and expensive damage.

Lewistown Electric provides:

Electrical safety inspections
Panel upgrades
LED lighting upgrades
Surge protection
Outlet replacements & GFCI installation
EV charger installation
Generator setups
Complete wiring repair

�� Call Today: (717) 400-6787
�� Serving Lewistown, Burnham, Yeagertown, Reedsville & all of Mifflin County
⚡ Your Local Electrical Experts

Why LED Lighting Installation Is a Smart Move for Homes in Mifflin County

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:38:02 GMT

Thinking about upgrading your home’s lighting?

LED lighting has become the #1 choice for homeowners across Mifflin County — and for good reason. It’s long-lasting, energy-efficient, safer for your home, and provides better light quality than older bulbs. Whether you're updating a single room or planning a whole-home lighting upgrade, LEDs offer benefits that older incandescent and CFL bulbs simply can’t match.

In this post, we’ll walk you through why LED lighting is the smart choice for homes in Lewistown, Burnham, Yeagertown, Reedsville, Belleville , and the entire Mifflin County region.

�� What Makes LED Lighting Different?

LED stands for light-emitting diode. While traditional bulbs create light by heating a filament, LEDs use semiconductors to produce bright, efficient light with far less energy waste.

What this means for your home:

✔ You save money every single month

LEDs use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

✔ You replace bulbs far less often

LED bulbs typically last 10–20 years , depending on usage.

✔ They stay cool

LEDs run cooler than halogens and incandescents, reducing fire risks.

✔ Better light quality

LEDs offer brighter, cleaner light that makes rooms look better instantly.

�� Top Benefits of LED Lighting for Lewistown Homeowners

1. Lower Energy Bills

Lewistown homes—especially older ones built more than 40 years ago—often use outdated lighting that pulls a lot more power. When you switch to LEDs, you immediately reduce energy consumption.

For a typical Mifflin County household, this can mean saving $150–$300 a year just by upgrading lighting.

2. More Light, Better Light

LEDs produce bright, even illumination that works great in:

Kitchens
Living rooms
Exterior entryways
Bedrooms
Utility areas
Garages and workshops

Your home will feel brighter and more welcoming, both inside and out.

3. Much Longer Lifespan

Many Lewistown homeowners are surprised that LEDs can last 25,000–50,000 hours — compared to the 1,000 hours of older bulbs. That means less climbing ladders and less maintenance.

4. Safer for Older Homes

Lewistown is a historic borough with many homes built in the 1950s–1970s. Older wiring and fixtures can create heat issues with older bulbs. LEDs run cooler and reduce the load on older circuits.

That means:

Fewer breaker trips
Less heat buildup
Reduced fire risk

5. Better for Outdoor & Security Lighting

LEDs shine especially bright outdoors:

Porch lights
Pathway lights
Motion detectors
Garage lighting
Floodlights

They kick on instantly and work in extreme temperatures — ideal for Pennsylvania winters.

�� Professional LED Installation vs. DIY

While swapping a bulb is easy, installing new LED fixtures, recessed lighting, or retrofits should be handled by a licensed electrician — especially in older Lewistown homes where wiring conditions can vary widely.

Professional installation ensures:

Safe wiring connections
Proper circuit load balancing
Code compliance
Fixture compatibility
Well-placed lighting layouts

We help homeowners design the right layout — whether you want brighter kitchen lighting, modern recessed lighting, or full-home LED upgrades.

�� Why LED Lighting Matters in Lewistown, PA

Lewistown and Mifflin County have a mix of older homes, newer builds, and renovated properties. Many of these homes still rely on older fixtures that aren’t designed for modern lighting standards.

LED lighting is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to make your home:

More efficient
More modern
Brighter and safer
More visually appealing

Plus, LEDs increase property value and appeal if you're planning to sell in the future — especially in competitive neighborhoods like Burnham, Reedsville, and Belleville.

�� Where LED Lighting Helps the Most

Interior:

Kitchens
Living rooms
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Home offices
Basements
Hallways

Exterior:

Porches
Garages
Driveways
Walkways
Sheds/outbuildings
Security lights

Whether indoors or outdoors, LEDs provide clean, consistent light and significantly improve the look of your home.

⚡ Ready to Brighten Your Home?

Upgrading to LED lighting is one of the simplest ways to improve your home’s appearance, safety, and efficiency. Whether it's one room or your entire property, we can help design and install the perfect lighting setup.

�� Call Us Today: (717) 400-6787
�� Request a Quote: Use the contact form below
�� Serving Lewistown, Burnham, Yeagertown, Reedsville, Belleville & all of Mifflin County

Surge Protection & Generator Installation Lewistown PA | Protect Your Home

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:01:40 GMT

How to Protect Your Lewistown Home From Power Surges & Storm Damage

Central Pennsylvania weather can turn unpredictable fast — especially in Mifflin County, where heavy rain, lightning, high winds, and winter storms can all strike in the same season. These sudden weather events often lead to power surges , which can quietly damage your home’s electrical system and shorten the lifespan of your appliances.

If you live in Lewistown, Burnham, Reedsville, Yeagertown, Belleville , or anywhere across Mifflin County, surge protection and backup power planning are essential for keeping your home safe and powered year-round.

This guide breaks down what power surges are, what causes them, and the best ways to protect your home — including whole-home surge protection and backup generators.

��️ What Is a Power Surge?

A power surge is a sudden increase in electrical voltage flowing through your home’s wiring. Even a split-second spike can damage anything connected to your electrical system.

Common signs a surge has occurred:

Electronics suddenly shut off
Lightbulbs burn out more often
Appliances behave strangely
Breakers trip for no clear reason
GFCI outlets randomly reset

While some surges are small and go unnoticed, repeated minor surges slowly damage your equipment over time .

⚡ What Causes Power Surges in Mifflin County Homes?

Homes in Lewistown and the surrounding areas experience surges from a variety of sources, especially during storms.

Lightning Strikes
Central PA thunderstorms create strong lightning activity. Even if lightning strikes a power line miles away , it can travel through the electrical grid into your home.
Power Outage Restorations
When Penelec restores power after an outage, a sudden flood of electricity enters your panel — often causing a surge.
Faulty Appliances
Older refrigerators, AC units, heat pumps, or well pumps can produce internal surges when they cycle on.
Downed Trees or Power Lines
A common Mifflin County issue — especially in windstorms and winter ice events.
Utility Switching
When the energy provider switches grids or transformers during storms or repairs, it often sends a voltage spike down the line.

�� Why Surge Protection Matters for Lewistown Homes

Many homes in Lewistown and nearby communities were built between the 1950s and 1980s. Their electrical systems weren’t designed for:

Modern electronics
Smart home devices
High-efficiency HVAC units
Home offices full of sensitive equipment

This makes them more vulnerable to damage when voltage spikes occur.

Power surges can damage or destroy:

Refrigerators
Televisions
Computers
Furnaces & AC units
Water heaters
Sump pumps
Garage door openers
Well pumps
Smart home devices

A whole-home surge protector can prevent thousands of dollars in potential damage.

�� Whole-Home Sur ge Protection: The Best Defense

Unlike small power strip surge protectors, a whole-home surge protector is installed directly in your electrical panel.

Its job is simple:

Absorb or block dangerous voltage spikes before they reach your appliances, outlets, and wiring.

Benefits of whole-home surge protection:

Protects your entire electrical system
Handles outdoor and lightning-related surges
Reduces strain on your panel
Prolongs the life of appliances and electronics
Adds value to your home
Works instantly during storms or outages

For a typical Lewistown home, this is one of the best electrical upgrades you can make.

�� Backup Generators: Staying Powered During Storms

Storm-related outages are common across Central PA, especially in rural parts of Mifflin County.

A backup generator keeps your essential systems running when the power goes out:

Power stays on for:

Refrigerators & freezers
Lights
Heating & cooling systems
Medical devices
Wi-Fi & home office equipment
Sump pumps (critical during heavy rains)

We install both:

Automatic standby generators — turn on instantly
Manual transfer switch systems — safer and code-compliant alternatives to portable generators

A generator paired with surge protection gives homeowners complete storm resilience.

�� Professional Installation Matters

Installing a whole-home surge protector or generator isn’t a DIY project.

Lewistown Electric ensures:

Proper panel compatibility
Safe wiring and grounding
Correct amperage sizing
Code compliance
Lightning-rated surge devices
Clean installations with long-term reliability

We assess your panel’s current condition, load capacity, and wiring quality — especially important in older Lewistown homes.

��️ Does Surge Protection Really Make a Difference?

Yes — especially in areas like:

Lewistown
Burnham
Reedsville
Yeagertown
Milroy
Belleville

Homes in these communities frequently experience:

Lightning storms
High winds
Ice damage
Utility switching
Seasonal outages

A single lightning surge can damage thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment. Surge protection costs far less and protects far more.

�� Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm Hits

Storm season in Central PA can arrive without warning. Don’t wait until your next outage or damaged appliance to take action.

Lewistown Electric provides:

Whole-home surge protection installation
Backup generator installation
Electrical panel upgrades
Storm-readiness assessments
Safe, code-compliant generator hookups

�� Call Us Today: (717) 400-6787
�� Serving Lewistown, Burnham, Yeagertown, Reedsville & all of Mifflin County
�� Your Local Electrical Experts

5 Signs Your Electrical Panel in Lewistown Needs an Upgrade

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 04:53:12 GMT

Why does your electrical panel matter?

Your electrical panel is the “heart” of your home’s electrical system—it routes power safely to every circuit in the house. In older homes around Lewistown and across Mifflin County, panels often weren’t designed for today’s loads (EV chargers, mini-splits, high-efficiency appliances, home offices). Knowing when to upgrade can prevent nuisance tripping, power loss, or safety hazards. (See our service page for how we approach panel upgrades.)

What does an electrical panel do, exactly?

Your panel receives electricity from the utility and distributes it to branch circuits through breakers. Breakers are designed to trip when a circuit draws too much current, protecting your wiring and devices. If the panel is undersized, outdated, or damaged, it can’t reliably protect the home. Our Electric Panel Installation or Upgrade page explains the basics and when upgrades make sense.

What are the top signs I need a panel upgrade?

Here are five common red flags we see in and around Lewistown:

Frequent breaker trips or “random” power loss.
If you reset breakers often—especially when using the microwave, hair dryer, or window AC—your panel may be at capacity.
Fuses instead of breakers.
If your home still uses a fuse box rather than circuit breakers, it’s time to modernize. Our service page specifically flags fuses as an indicator for upgrading.
Panel age: 25+ years.
Panels don’t last forever. Older equipment can be less reliable and may not meet today’s safety standards. Our service page highlights 25 years as a practical threshold to consider upgrades.
Visible wear, rust, buzzing, or heat.
Corrosion, scorch marks, warm cover plates, or buzzing could signal loose connections or internal damage that needs professional attention.
You’ve added major loads.
Renovations, finished basements, mini-split systems, hot tubs, well pumps, or EV chargers can overwhelm older panels. If you’ve upgraded your lifestyle, your panel likely needs to keep up.

Is it risky to delay an upgrade?

Yes, it can be potentially risky to delay an upgrade. Outdated or overloaded panels increase the chance of nuisance tripping and can, in worst cases, raise fire risk if heat and resistance build up at weak points. If you notice burning odors, scorching, or the panel feels hot, turn off affected circuits and call a licensed electrician.

Why is this common around Lewistown?

Lewistown is a historic borough and the county seat of Mifflin County , situated along the Juniata River. Many local homes were built decades ago—long before modern appliance loads and electronics—so electrical systems may be undersized for today’s needs. As the region continues to modernize (State College corridor influence, home offices becoming more common, comfort upgrades for modern living), panel capacity often becomes the bottleneck.

What size panel do I need?

Most modern single-family homes use 200-amp service as a comfortable baseline, but it truly depends on your connected loads (HVAC tonnage or mini-splits, electric range, dryer, water heater, EV charging, workshop tools). During an assessment, we’ll calculate your load and discuss future plans so you’re not upgrading twice.

Will I need permits and inspections?

Yes—panel upgrades should be permitted and inspected for safety and code compliance. As your local licensed electrician, we handle the process and coordinate the cutover so downtime is minimized and everything is buttoned-up when the inspector arrives.

How much does a panel upgrade cost in Lewistown?

Costs vary based on:

Existing service size and location
Whether we’re replacing the meter base and service conductors
Grounding and bonding upgrades
AFCI/GFCI requirements and surge protection
Complexity of the cutover and any needed repairs

We provide site-specific quotes after inspection so you know exactly what’s included—no surprises. (You can request a quote right on our site.)

What about whole-home surge protection?

Today’s electronics are sensitive. We often recommend adding a whole-home surge protector at the panel to protect appliances, HVAC, and sensitive devices. It’s a modest add-on that pays for itself the first time it intercepts a surge from a storm or utility event.

Do older fuse boxes or small breaker panels still “work”?

Sometimes—but “working” isn’t the same as working safely or meeting your lifestyle . Fuse boxes aren’t designed for modern loads or convenience; and as circuits get added over time, DIY fixes can multiply. If you’ve got fuses, double-tapped breakers, or a crowded panel with no spare capacity, it’s a strong signal to plan an upgrade. (Our When To Upgrade guidance calls out fuses and older equipment specifically.)

What’s the process if I upgrade with Lewistown Electric?

On-site assessment & load calculation
Scope & options (service size, breaker types, surge protection, future-proofing)
Permitting & scheduling
Cutover day (safe temporary power plan if needed)
Inspection & cleanup
Walkthrough of new panel labeling and maintenance tips

Serving Lewistown and Mifflin County

As a Lewistown-based team, we know the local housing stock and permitting landscape. We proudly serve homeowners across Lewistown, Burnham, Yeagertown, Reedsville, Belleville, McVeytown, McClure , and surrounding communities in Mifflin County—plus nearby counties as listed on our site. (See our Electric Panel Installation or Upgrade page for more.)

Ready to talk through your home?

If your panel is showing its age—or your breakers keep tripping—let’s take a look and give you a clear plan. We’ll size your system, future-proof for things like EV charging or mini-splits, and handle permits and inspection.

To learn more about our approach, visit our Electric Panel Installation or Upgrade page and our Blog for related topics.

SPEAK TO A TEAM MEMBER TODAY

Call Us Now! (717) 400-6787
Request a Quote: Use the form below or on our website’s contact page
Lewistown Electric — Your Local Electrical Experts

Do I Need an Electrician to Install LED Lights?

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 21:39:06 GMT

Are LED lights hard to install?

While screwing in an LED light bulb might be easy to handle on your own, that’s only a small part of the job. There are a lot of other reasons why you may want to call in a professional when upgrading your home to LED lighting.

There are several situations where knowledge and experience truly pay off during LED lighting installations, so keep reading to learn more about when it’s best to work with an experienced electrician to install your LED lights.

Can you install LED lights yourself?

Depending on what type of LED lighting you want to install, there are times when you may be able to do the job by yourself without any issues. However, there are many situations where having an expert’s opinion is important for your safety and also to be sure that your upgrade will not affect the operation of the rest of your electrical system.

Do LED lights require special wiring?

A commonly asked question when it comes to LED lighting is whether or not special wiring is required. The short answer is that it’s uncommon to need to rewire your home prior to installing LED lighting. While most common household wiring will work perfectly fine with your new LED bulbs, that doesn’t mean that you won’t have any problems installing LED lights throughout your home.

It’s important to make sure that the wiring is set up to accommodate the significantly lower voltage of LED lights and avoid electrical resistance. As excessive voltage can put you at a greater risk of causing a fire, we always encourage you to speak with a licensed electrician before beginning any of your own electrical work.

How much does it cost to install LED lights?

As far as the cost to install LED lights, there are several things we consider when working up a quote. The first factor involved is the scope of the project. For example, installing LED lighting in an average kitchen will be a very different job compared to a commercial office space. Often times, customers like to convert their entire home to LED in order to get the highest cost savings, which can come in at different price points depending on the size of the home and the number of bulbs to be changed.

Another important point to keep in mind is that not all fixtures or wiring are compatible with LED lighting, so it is possible that there will be an additional cost involved to upgrade your wiring or electric service.

Whether you’re thinking about converting your kitchen lighting, bathroom lighting, or even your outdoor lighting to LED bulbs, the job requirements will always vary based on nature of the project itself. In any case, we always encourage anyone who is considering LED lighting installation to contact us so we can discuss your project specifically and provide you with an accurate quote.

To learn more about our approach to LED lighting installation and the different types of LED installations we do, please visit our LED lighting installation page .

Should I Put Mini-Splits in My House?

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:08:45 GMT

Is it worth it to install a mini-split?

One question that comes up often when talking about mini-splits is whether or not it is worth installing a mini-split. And the answer to that question depends on the individual situation, but in this article, we will talk about several important things you should consider when deciding whether or not you should install a mini-split in your home.

What are the benefits of a mini-split?

There are several benefits to mini-splits. The most obvious benefit is that mini-splits do not involve air ducts. With this being the case, mini-splits are ideal for any home where you want to have air conditioning, but the home does not have existing ductwork or the room to install it. For example, mini-splits are a perfect choice for many of the homes in Lewistown, Burnham, Yeagertown, and Reedsville which were well built homes, but lack the space for ductwork.

While renters in these areas may have to stick with window units, mini-splits are a great option for homeowners and rent-to-own tenants. They may be a bit more expensive up front, but mini-splits are a permanent and much more effective solution on hot summer days.

Do mini-splits devalue a house?

Mini-splits are a great way to increase not only the function of your home, but also the overall value of your property. Why? Because installing a mini-split system not only allows you cool your home, but certain units and systems also offer a secondary heat source. Everyone knows how expensive oil heat can be, so knowing that you have another option in the event of an emergency or high oil prices is great peace of mind.

But, from efficiency to flexibility, mini-splits offer many other benefits you may not know about – even if you do have the room to install central air!

What is the efficiency of mini-splits?

For example, another great benefit of a mini-split is that they are considered to be very energy-efficient. Mini-splits are much more efficient than window units, and they can even be more efficient than central air because they eliminate the energy loss that occurs as air flows through the ductwork.

Can a mini-split be installed anywhere?

With very few exceptions, mini-splits can be installed almost anywhere in a home, so you can easily work them into your existing design or layout. Because mini-split units are extremely quiet, you can install one in a bedroom or nursery without worrying about the noise level. As far as flexibility, mini-split systems can be used for an area as small as a single room or for an area as large as your entire house. Just one unit can be responsible for either a single room or a specific zone in your home. The more units you add, the more area they can cover.

What are the disadvantages of a mini-split?

As with any heating or cooling system installed in your home, mini-splits do come with a few minor disadvantages when you compare them to other available options. Mini-splits take up more space in a room than an air vent or window unit, and some people may even consider them to be an eyesore. But, because mini-splits can be installed almost anywhere, you can be strategic about where you place them in a room to reduce any wasted space or visual distractions.

Do mini splits really save money?

The short answer in most cases is that mini-splits really do save money. One minor drawback that most folks talk about is that the installation and maintenance costs of a mini-split is higher than simply installing a window unit. However, the real question should be “is it expensive to run a mini-split in the long run?"

Believe it or not, the cost of running a mini-split is often lower than central air and the results are much better. Because of their efficiency, mini-splits can eventually pay for themselves in the amount of energy savings over other A/C systems.

How much does a mini-split system cost to install?

The cost to install a mini-split system depends on how many units need to be installed to cool or heat your specific space. For a free and accurate estimate, we encourage you contact us so we can answer any other questions you may have and schedule a time to see your property in person.

To learn more about mini-splits, visit our mini-split service page !

Are Backup Generators Worth It?

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 05:24:04 GMT

Is it worth getting a backup generator?

Many people want to know whether or not it’s worth the money to get a backup generator – and depending on the situation, a generator can be worth much more than peace of mind. In fact, there are several instances where having a backup generator can be absolutely necessary.

So, is it smart to have a generator? Of course! Anyone who has temporarily lost power in their home can imagine that having a generator would come in handy. But before you can decide whether or not it’s worth the money to have a generator installed in your home, there are several other important points you should consider.

Do I really need a home generator?

To figure out whether or not you really need a home generator, you have to first consider the impact an extended power outage may have on you and your family. While the average person wouldn’t mind a brief interruption in power, there are many groups of people out there who rely on a constant supply of power to function.

For example, folks who rely on a CPAP machine, stair lift, power wheel chair, or other medical devices would find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation in the event of an extended power outage. Some sensitive populations including young children, the elderly, people with special needs, and even pets could become alarmed during a power outage, especially if the power is out for a long period of time.

Are backup generators a good investment?

A backup generator is a good investment for more reasons than you might expect. Beyond peace of mind, most homeowners don’t know that some insurance companies offer a policy discount if you have a backup generator. Depending on the savings, the generator may even pay for itself!

Having a back generator also adds value to your home if you were to sell it. Buyers see generators as a bonus because almost anyone can appreciate the benefit of keeping the appliances running during an outage. Here in Mifflin and Juniata counties, no one wants to go through the headache of losing a fridge full of groceries or the heartache of losing a deep freezer full of meat from hunting season!

Do you need an electrician to hook up a generator?

It is best to have an experienced electrician hook up a generator. Unlike some smaller household projects, a generator installation done incorrectly can be extremely dangerous and pose a serious threat to you and your family. That is why many manufacturers offer a certification for electricians who want to learn how to install a particular type of generator. For a list of brands we install, check out our generator page .

How much does it cost to hook up a backup generator to your house?

The cost to hook up a backup generator to your house can vary quite a bit depending on the size and capacity of the generator you need and the area where it is being installed. One of the key steps in figuring out the cost of installing a generator is figuring out how much power you would need the generator to provide in the event of a power outage. Having this information will help you to determine which brand and model of backup generator is best for you.

If you need help figuring out which backup generator would be the best fit for you and your home, then don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule a free consultation. One of our expert team members will be happy to talk you through the options and help you to evaluate which backup generator would be the best fit and provide you with a quote to have it installed.