Electric Car Charger Installation

Thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle? Have you thought about how you’re going to charge it? At Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay, we offer a selection of the most advanced, fully featured residential charging systems available! After all, you don’t want to have to find a charging station every time your car is low on battery, right?

What is EVSE?

EVSE stands for electric vehicle supply equipment and its function is to supply electric energy to recharge electric vehicles. Learn more about this Energy efficient and money saving form of transportation.

EV charger installation includes:

• Full inspection of all equipment prior to EVSE installation by Mr. Electric.
• Site inspection to ensure equipment is installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
• Electrical system upgrade (required to power the quicker-charging Level 2 EVSE). Mr. Electric will add a new dedicated circuit, with a new 40 AMP, 240 volt circuit and 8 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wiring.
• Your licensed electrician from Mr. Electric will install your EVSE equipment to conform to all National Electrical Code and permit requirements.
• Start-up inspection performed to verify equipment is functioning properly in its operational environment.
• On-site electrical consultations.
• Complete EVSE information provided to customer on equipment features, correct usage, limitations, necessary maintenance and warranty terms.

So what are you waiting for? Call Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay today and never be left with a dead battery!

How Can A Ceiling Fan Help In The Summer?

Did you know that running your ceiling fans during the summer months can actually help you save on energy bills? In addition to keeping energy costs down, they can also add style and decor to any room of your house. But those are only two of the benefits ceiling fans can provide, so see below to find out a few more:

The Benefits of Ceiling Fans

• Save energy and increase comfort in summer: In hot weather, ceiling fans create a cool breeze, making anyone nearby feel cooler. You can turn the thermostat up a few degrees to save energy and money, without compromising comfort. Ceiling fans also keep cool, conditioned air circulating so that it does not become too damp or stale.
• Light up the room: Most ceiling fans come equipped with overhead lighting. If not, your Mr. Electric electrician can upgrade most old or new ceiling fans with a lighting kit.
• Useful indoors and outdoors: There are specially made fans for outdoor use, where they can make backyard parties or BBQs more enjoyable and comfortable.
• Decoration: Versatile ceiling fans come in world of unique designs, to complement your décor in the kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, front porch, living room and other areas of the home. Homes with larger bathrooms or powder rooms often have ceiling fans installed along with exhaust fans. You can find almost any combination of size, features, number of blades, blade material, metal finish and lighting styles. In any part of the house, properly chosen ceiling fans draw your attention upward to showcase ceiling detail or make rooms look larger.

For superior ceiling fan installation, call Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay and set up an appointment today! We're ready to help with prompt and professional residential electrical service and get you back to a cool, comfortable home.

Illuminate Your Property With Landscape Lighting

If you like spending time outside during the spring and summer, think about how beautiful it would look if your yard was lit up at night. Landscape lighting is one of the most dramatic improvements that you can make to a home or garden, regardless of size, shape or elevation. When it comes your custom landscape lighting needs, we’ll bring your ideas to life!

Why Install Landscape Lighting?

Ambiance and Entertainment:  Create the perfect atmosphere for outdoor entertaining with landscape lighting.  Illuminate pools, decks, outdoor kitchens, patios, recreational spaces and sitting areas long after the sun sets. Landscape lighting sets the tone for any occasion and gives your guests an experience they will not forget.

Beauty: Accentuate the architecture of your home while showcasing its artistry and charm.  Allow your guests to experience the beauty of your fountains, flowers, trees and shrubs at any time of day.  We will construct dramatic scenes that reveal the subtle contours, shapes and textures of your property.

Security: Lighting your home is an effective way to deter residential crime and keep out unwanted intruders. Although lighting cannot prevent crime, statistics show that a well lit home is much more likely to deter potential criminals.

Floodlights: Motion tripped floodlights are a great way to protect your home and save energy at the same time. Your floodlights only turn on when you need them instead of running all night long.  

Safety: Avoid any accidents with a well-lit yard or garden. Landscape lighting accents pathways, stairs or any other potentially hazardous areas within your yard, helping you to navigate safely around your property, while enjoying its beauty at the same time.

At Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay, landscape lighting design and installation are just a few of our specialties. Ready to make your property shine? Contact us today at (813) 280-4998.

Electrical Safety Outdoors

Spending time outdoors with friends and family members is always something we look forward to during the spring and summer months. As we spend more time outside, it’s important to understand some electrical safety measures that should be considered so you can enjoy the fresh air and sunlight without worrying. After all, who wants to spend the summer indoors?

Generators

Have a generator that you use outside to power tools or other electrical devices? Take this statistic into consideration, “between 1999 and 2012, 79% of the 931 carbon monoxide (CO) fatalities were associated with generators.” This doesn’t mean you should panic and throw your generator in the trash, just follow these tips and you’ll be safe!

• Never use a generator in a garage or shed. It needs space for proper ventilation.
• When in use, position generators outside and away from doors and windows.
• Plugging your generator directly into a home outlet should be avoided at all costs. Make sure there is a transfer switch to prevent backfeed.
• Equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors and test them monthly.

Extension Cords

• If you must use an extension cord outdoors, make sure it’s labeled for outdoor use.
• Keep in mind that they only provide a temporary solution and should not be used long-term or permanently.
• Don’t try to extend the length of an extension cord by plugging it into another extension cord.
• Make sure the amperage rating of the electrical device is lower than that of the extension cord.

At Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay, electrical safety is one of our top priorities. When it comes to protecting your St. Petersburg home, you need an electrician that knows what to look for! Our experts are trained to look for safety hazards and point out each and every concern, so give us a call today!

Protect Your Home and Your Business From Power Surges

When it comes to surge protection, it’s not something you want to pass up on. Power surges can be very dangerous and have the potential to wipe out the electronic devices in your home or office. So how can you keep yourself and your gadgets protected? Find out below:

What is a Power Surge?

Before we dive into how to stay protected, it’s important to understand what a power surge is and what causes them. “A power surge, or transient voltage, is a sudden and unwanted increase in voltage that can damage, degrade, or destroy the sensitive electronic equipment in your home or business,” according to ESFi. They can be caused by large appliances like your refrigerator or air conditioner or a bolt of lightning. They can also happen when electric utility companies perform power grid switching. In any case, you’ll want to make sure you’re protected.

Surge Protection Devices

There are two types of devices that can help keep you and your devices safe from a power surge. The first type, Point-of-Use Devices, protects only the items that are plugged directly into them. While they won’t suppress or arrest a surge, they will divert them to ground.

The other type of devices are called Service Entrance Protection Devices. They are mounted in or on your main electrical panel or at the base of your meter. These devices will protect your entire electrical system, but they can’t be connected to a point-of-use device.

Ready to take action? Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay specializes in whole-home surge protection and we’re ready to provide your home with a line of defense. Give us a call today at (813) 280-4998 to make an appointment or to speak with our experts!

Leave Your Business' Electric To Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay

You’ve got money to make and a business to run so leave your company’s electrical system to the pros! With that said, successful businesses endure by making adjustments and keeping costs to a minimum. Find out how we can help you save today!

It’s no surprise that energy prices aren’t getting any cheaper and the amount of energy we consume is on the rise. So why not let Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay try to help save your business money? With our Commercial Energy Savings and Audits, you can take advantage of increasing light quality while reducing consumption.

Here’s How It Works:

1. Schedule a free energy analysis with Mr. Electric or call 254-745-2577. Then, one of our Commercial Representative will arrive at your facility to collect the information necessary to identify energy saving opportunities.  The representative will need access to the entire facility, a short interview with company leadership and information regarding your electric kilowatt-hour rate.
2. We provide a thorough analysis along with recommendations to management within 5-7 days. We will also identify any incentives or programs available to incentivize upgrades.  Have any questions? Ask away!
3. If you like what you hear, we’ll provide you with the project details and best of all, most of our customers do not pay anything out of pocket.  We can show you how to immediately increase cash flow by utilizing our finance options and in most cases, the monthly payment for financing is actually less than the monthly savings on energy.  In other words, you are already spending at least that monthly amount either way, whether or not you have top of the line lighting solutions.

What are you waiting for? Contact Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay at (813) 314-7160 to start saving today!

It May Be Time For A Circuit Breaker Upgrade

When was the last time you took a look at your circuit breaker? If you can’t remember, now would be a great time. Most homes are still operating with old breakers and you may start noticing the effects. If you are blowing fuses constantly or have flickering lights you should consider upgrading today!

Benefits of Circuit Breaker Replacement

• Protect expensive electronics, computers and appliances from electrical surges and the risk of damage to the devices
• Prevent possible data loss from your computers when electrical supply is interrupted
• Avoid interruptions to your Internet connection and other important connections to the outside world
• Minimize the risk of fire when your old breaker gets overloaded
• Say goodbye to the inconvenience of using just one or two electrical devices or appliances at once to avoid tripping the circuit breaker

Although circuit breaker replacement can be very beneficial to your home, you won’t want to tackle this project yourself. Rely on the expert electricians at Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay - we’re always on call in your neighborhood!

Don't Leave Your Business In The Dark

Are you afraid of the dark? Even if you aren’t, your employees might be. But don’t worry - with a power generator for your business from Mr. Electric you’ll be prepared the next time a bad storm or power outage hits.

You may be thinking, “I don’t need a generator, why would I invest in something like that?” While power outages may not come into play every day, they can be very detrimental when they strike. Find out some reasons why you should consider having one installed below:

• Generators ensure continued productivity, keeping necessary appliances operating
• They ensure safety and comfort during the event of a bad storm or heat wave
• They help protect computer data and allow security systems to function
• Despite brownouts and outages, standby generators provide an uninterrupted supply of power

So don’t leave your business in the dark, be prepared with a power generator from Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay. Our experts can properly calculate wattage to find the perfect machine for your office or store. Give us a call today at (813) 314-7160 to learn more.

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs: Is It Worth It?

Who doesn’t like a good deal? If you’re like the rest of us, you get really excited when that item you wanted goes on sale and there’s nothing wrong with saving a few bucks here and there. But smart shopping doesn’t always mean you have to save money or spend less. Sometimes, spending a little extra up front can really be to your benefit in the long run.

Take light bulbs for example. Yes, you can take the cheap route and spend $2 or $3 for a bulb but how long will those last you? Chances are, you’ll be back at the store within a few weeks or months to replace the bulb. Well, that’s not the case with energy-efficient bulbs.

Yes, they may cost a bit more but we strongly believe it’s worth the investment. Energy efficient bulbs use an estimated 75% less energy and create around 75% less heat than incandescent bulbs. Still don’t think it’s worth it? Additionally, they can last up to 10 times longer and can save you nearly $130 per year on your electricity bills.

When your power shorts out, call Mr. Electric® of Tampa Bay for quick and convenient repairs. We offer our electrical expertise in Tampa, Clearwater and Largo and the surrounding area - and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook!

Benefits of Switching To CFLs

According to Energy.gov, “An average household dedicates 5% of its energy budget to lighting.” While the number of fixtures in your home plays a role, the type of light bulb you use can really make a difference. Instead of wasting money on high energy bills, it’s time to switch over to energy efficient bulbs.

When it comes to indoor lighting, there are a number of energy-saving options. Some popular bulbs include halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). While the initial price may turn you away (they tend to be a bit more expensive) you’ll actually save money over their lifespan because they use much less energy. We’re putting the spotlight on CFLs, so see below to find out some of their benefits:

• Energy Star qualified CFLs can use up to 75% less energy and last about 10 times longer than a traditional incandescent bulb. Additionally, CFLs use about ¼ of the energy than that of a traditional incandescent.
• How long will it take for the bulb to pay for itself? You’ll have to wait about 9 months, but trust us - it’ worth the wait!
• Do CFLs offer the same brightness and colors as traditional bulbs? The answer is, yes; and some CFLs are encased in a cover to provide a similar shape to traditional incandescents.
• It is important to note however, that CFLs contain a small amount of mercury. In a case where a bulb breaks, be sure to handle it with special care and attention.

Ready to make the switch? Why go through the trouble of replacing all of your bulbs when Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay can take care of it for you? Give us a call today at (813) 314-7160 to schedule an appointment and remember to connect with us on Facebook for all of your electrical needs.

Custom Lighting Solutions For Your Business

You’ve incorporated specialty lighting in your home, so why not add it to your business?  Custom lighting is a great way to make your company stand out whether it’s in the office, a retail store, or in an outdoor space. Not to mention, it can bring attention to a certain area and also provide convenience and security.

Not happy with your standard office lighting fixtures? At Mr. Electric, we design lighting solutions for many small businesses all around the local community, and we're familiar with some fundamental electrical and lighting needs all businesses share. We know it’s important that your lighting functions well and looks good without huge operating costs and if custom lighting sounds like a great idea to you, we’ve got you covered!

Our dependable and customer-focused staff enjoys creating special-purpose lighting solutions for local businesses. We won’t rush your job to get to the next and we’ll design your project to spec, explain any options and get your approval before carrying through with the job. Best of all, we’ll install it right the first time so you can get back to doing what you do best - making money!

Thinking about a custom lighting solution for your business? Give your space a fresh, new look from a company you can count on! It’s time to give Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay a call today to schedule an appointment.

Commercial Circuit Installation & Upgrades

Take a minute to think about how much electricity you use on a daily basis. From the moment you wake up to your alarm clock’s buzzer, to your morning pot of coffee, to your cell phones and computers, you’re using lots and lots of energy.

Now think about when you get to work. Your business requires all sorts of power to perform tasks each day and if your circuits aren’t working properly, you’re going to run into some real issues. It’s time to upgrade and here’s why:

1. You rely on your business’s security system to ward off intruders and keep your business safe. Guess what, you need the right circuits for this to happen.
2. If you have a break room that has any appliances, like a refrigerator or dishwasher, you may need special circuits.
3. Using too many power strips and extension cords can cause major disasters if they are overloaded. Eliminate the risk of electrical fires with a circuit upgrade.
4. Not enough outlets to power your internet or phone modems, computers or other office equipment? How is your business supposed to flourish if you can’t even plug in the necessities?

In order to avoid overloading your circuits and prevent the risk of electrical fires, outlets should be upgraded to have the appropriate electrical capacity in each location of your business. Let the professionals at Mr. Electric update and install the right circuits in your business today. We understand that you have a business to run, so let us take care of the electrical problems!

Spruce Up Your Home For Spring With Specialty Lighting

Tired of the same dimly lit rooms in your home? Don’t have enough light to perform everyday tasks? Just want to add some flair and spice up your house a bit? All of these can be accomplished by adding specialty lighting to any area that can use a bit of sprucing. See below for some design inspiration:

Chandelier In The Kitchen

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a kitchen full of recessed lights and maybe an under-cabinet light or two if you’re lucky. It’s enough to you through your daily activities but that’s about it. Why not add additional fixtures like a modern chandelier? It will create a focal point and make a room where you spend the majority of your time a bit more inviting.

Basement Retreat

Have you transformed your basement into a man cave or a billiards room? Or is it just a cool place to get away when you need some relaxation? Old bar lights and lamps are out and LEDs are in! Choose from vibrant colors such as reds, blues and greens that will be sure to liven up this space.

Brighten Up The Bathroom

The bathroom requires adequate lighting because after all, this is where you do all of your grooming. Instead of central ceiling fixtures that cast shadows, opt for pendants on either side of the mirror. It will make your morning routine much easier and we all know how difficult getting ready in the morning can be.

For more specialty lighting ideas give Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay a call today. Our experts will help you choose the perfect solutions to brighten up any room of your home.

The Battle Is On For Solar Energy In Florida

Get ready for battle! The issue at hand isn’t because of who favors solar energy and who doesn’t - because everyone loves sunshine. The push toward solar energy has been ongoing for the last several years and now the electric power monopolies are fighting over who gets to harvest and sell solar energy in Florida.

Environmental organizations have teamed up with groups that want to bust up the monopolistic control of solar energy in Florida. The Floridians For Solar Choice, as they are calling themselves, have put together a petition to put the matter on the statewide ballot in 2016.

This initiative hasn’t gone over well with Florida Power & Light and Duke Energy - they love solar, “but only if they can levy maintenance fees on customers who generate solar power and sell the excess back to the power companies” according to the Miami Herald. This process, called “net metering” has stirred up all sorts of controversy as charges for the cost of maintaining the electrical grid may show up on the bills of those without solar panels.

We will just have to wait and see what comes of the battle, but for now Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay would like to hear your thoughts.

Consider converting to solar energy? Give us a call today and our experts will gladly explain the benefits and go over the perfect options for your home. Remember to connect with us on Twitter for more electrical news and updates!

Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay: Home Energy Savings

Tired of watching your electric bills go through the roof? You’re not alone. Even though we try to be energy efficient and teach our children to do the same, it’s difficult to keep with it because of our busy schedules. But with Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay’s Home Energy Saving devices, conserving energy has never been easier!

At Mr. Electric, we offer some great solutions to help you conserve electricity. See below to find out how you can save:

• Power Conditioners: Surge protection and noise filtration for clean power and the long-term stability of electronics and appliances.
• Lighting Controls: High quality, energy efficient, user-friendly wireless lighting solutions via remote or smart device.
• Tankless Water Heater Installation: Eliminate the standby losses of tank systems and reduce energy use, producing water when you need it, where you need it.
• Light Dimmers and Timers: Conserve energy, reduce utility costs, improve security, and enhance the ambiance of your home.

Interested in saving? Contact Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay at (813) 314-7160 to learn more. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for all of your electrical needs!

Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay: Commercial Electrical Service

Ever have an electrical problem at your business? If you’re like the rest of us, you’ve probably had more than one. An electrical outage or commercial electrical wiring problem at your commercial location, retail store, restaurant, hotel, factory, plant or office building can be a danger to your business and property—and your bottom line.

Mr. Electric is known for prompt service, because we understand not only the potential dangers of an electrical problem in the commercial space or workplace, but also the unwelcome downtime it can bring to your company. We know that your business commitments are very demanding and waiting for electrical repair technicians is not on the agenda. See below to find out why you can count on us for commercial electrical services:

• We're ready in an electrical emergency, 24/7. We are always on call with no overtime charges.
• We don’t believe in surprises. We charge for the job, not by the hour, so you get upfront pricing on every project to help you balance your company budget.
• We provide expert diagnostics. We offer the complete menu of electrical services, but our electrical system diagnostic ability sets us above all the rest. With specialized diagnostic equipment and years of field experience, you’ll get a quick, accurate diagnosis.
• We do the job right the first time. Mr. Electric is the only one you need to call for commercial electrical wiring repair.

Electrical problems are inevitable, so the next time you’re stuck in a pinch call on Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay. We’ll get your business back up and running immediately!