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!

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: 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!

Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay: Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about electrical repair, diagnosis installation? You’re not the only one. It’s normal to be unsure of a specific electrical term or procedure and as a matter of fact, we encourage questions. See below to find out what your friends and neighbors have asked us:

Can you tell me exactly how much this electrical job will cost me?

In our years of experience, we have found that our customers prefer an accurate price based on their exact electrical issue. Most phone quotes are subject to change once the technician sees the job and we don't think that is fair to you. By allowing us to diagnose the problem in person, you will know exactly what it will cost to get the job done before we begin work.

Is my aluminum wiring safe?

Aluminum wiring itself is not dangerous to have in your house. The issue with aluminum wiring is in faulty terminations either in receptacles and switches, or light fixtures and equipment. Due to expansion and contraction of the conductor itself and the fact that aluminum will oxidize over time, heat can be generated at points where the aluminum wiring is improperly terminated.

How can I save energy in my office?

The quickest and easiest way to save energy in any building is by making sure your lighting system is as efficient as possible. There are many options available to make your lighting more efficient, from retrofitting existing fluorescent fixtures, to replacing old fixtures with new energy efficient solutions.

Still having trouble finding an answer to your question? Ask the experts at Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay. Simply click here and fill out the form or give us a call today at (813) 314-7160.

Benefits of Solar Panels

Considering solar power? While you may not see all of the benefits immediately, we can guarantee it will be worth it in the long run.

There are plenty of benefits of going solar, but the most important is that we will have access to solar energy for as long as the sun is alive - another 6.5 billion years. The surface of the earth receives 120,000 terawatts or solar radiation (sunlight) which happens to be 20,000 times more power than what is necessary to supply the entire world.

Although there are some emissions associated with solar energy, it generally does not cause pollution. It’s a better option than depending on non-renewable energy sources that do in fact cause pollution.

Tired of spending a fortune in electricity costs? You’ll be glad to hear that you can save more than $100 per month on your bills and you can even “sell” excess electricity. How does that sound?

If you’re thinking of switching to solar energy, give Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay a call. We’d love to discuss your options and help you choose a plan specific to your home.

Residential Electrical Maintenance Checklist

Electrical maintenance may not be fun, but ignoring it can be a big mistake. Electrical wiring and appliances wear with age and neglecting to upgrade or replace damaged wires and electrical equipment can lead to a fire.

To make sure your equipment is safe and in proper working order, refer to the checklist below:

Lights

• Ensure each light fixture incorporates a bulb with the proper wattage. This prolongs the life of both fixtures and bulbs as well as prevents fire.

GFCIs

• Regularly test GFCI outlets by pressing the test/reset button. Replace them immediately if they are malfunctioning to reduce electrocution risk in moisture-prone areas of your home.

Smoke Detectors

• Test monthly for reliability and replace batteries annually at a minimum. Be aware of expiration dates and the need for new smoke detectors every 10 years as expired detectors are not reliable.

Surge Protection

• Regularly inspect your whole house surge protector for proper function, damage, or signs of overloading to ensure the protection of sensitive and expensive electronics.

Don’t put your home’s electrical maintenance needs on the back burner. Call Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay today to make sure your home is safe for your family. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Why Do Utility Bills Spike In The Winter?

Ever notice that your utility bills spike in the winter? You may have noticed it, but you’re probably wondering why it happens. Some of the contributors are heavy appliances, less daylight and the use of additional heating sources to stay warm.

 

Believe it or not, your heavy appliances such as your oven tend to see more use in the wintertime. Whether your baking holiday cookies or hosting gatherings for your friends and family, an increase in cooking and baking leads to higher bills. In addition to kitchen appliances, relaxing in your hot tub on a frigid day will also cause your electric bill to rise. This is because hot tubs draw more electricity in the winter to maintain their desired temperature.

Another reason for the spike in electricity usage can be attributed to less daylight. When it gets darker earlier, families tend to turn their lights on earlier and keep them on for longer periods of time.

When a traditional heating system isn’t enough, homeowners often use space heaters and electric blankets to keep warm. You guessed it - both of these heating methods increase the amount of electricity consumed, which cause your electric bills to rise.

For more information about how to save on utility bills this winter, visit us on the web at mrelectric.com/tampa-bay, and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

What Kind Of Lighting Do You Need For Your Home?

Does your home have all the lighting qualities you would like? Adding new lighting to your home can have a variety of benefits, but what kind of lighting do you actually need? Between direct and indirect lighting, safety and security lighting and decor lighting the choices are endless.

What Kind Of Lighting Do You Need?

• Direct lighting: Direct or task lighting focuses on work space and function.
• Indirect lighting: Indirect or ambient lighting enhances the feel of an area as well as the overall lighting of the space.
• Safety and security: Quality of lighting is essential in safety and security lighting placed along exterior walkways, sidewalks, and entries. Too dim and it will fail to ward off intruders, too bright and it will disturb neighbors and increase energy costs.
• Décor: Wall sconces, directional lighting, and more can create focus and highlight art, architectural, and botanical elements of your home.

Once you decide on the type of lighting you need, you can take it to the next level by incorporating landscape lighting design and outdoor soffit lighting. Impress your friends and family by controlling them wirelessly.

Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay covers complete landscape lighting design solutions for your home that can dramatically improve the beauty and security of your property. Similarly, outdoor soffit lighting provides an excellent opportunity for security and ambiance. You can make any of these options more energy efficient by controlling your lighting solutions with a small remote or smartphone.

Thinking of upgrading? Give us a call today at (813) 314-7160. Remember to connect with us on Facebook and Google+ and follow us on Twitter for electrical updates!

What Is An Electrical Home Inspection?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical problems are the largest cause of property damage in home structure fires across the U.S. Most of the time these fires can be prevented with an electrical home inspection.

What Is An Electrical Home Inspection?

An electrical home inspection provides a thorough examination of your entire electrical system, ensuring all electrical wires, systems, and components, such as appliances in your home, meet legal safety standards.

Upon completion of your electrical home inspection, a Mr. Electric inspector will provide a detailed, prioritized, checklist including areas in need of immediate attention, recommendations for improvements, and potential upgrade possibilities. This way you can be sure that your house is safe, and take action to address areas in need of attention before they become a larger problem.

When Should You Have Your Home Inspected?

The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends an inspection when you purchase a new home, if your home is more than 40 years old, when you purchase a new appliance and when your home undergoes a major renovation.

Does your home meet any of these recommendations? Give the certified electricians at Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay a call. We’ll come by to make sure your house is safe so you can carry on with your daily routine.

Benefits of Ceiling Fans

Did you know that your ceiling fan does much more than just keeping you cool on a warm day? Ceiling fans can make your home more comfortable and enhance your home’s decor. Serving a variety of purposes from saving energy, lighting up a room and complementing the design of your home ceiling fans are more beneficial than you may think.

• Save Energy and Increase Comfort: turn the thermostat up a few degrees on warm days and turn on your ceiling fan. Doing so will keep you cool and help you save money on your utility bills.
• Turn it on in the Winter Too: we all know that hot air rises, so turn your ceiling fan on in reverse during the winter months to bring the warm air that his risen up to the ceiling back down to the living areas of your house.
• Versatility: Ceiling fans come in a million different shapes and sizes are often customizable. They can be used in any room of the house as well as outside on the front porch or in the backyard. Choose your favorite blade material and finish and showcase your ceiling’s detail or make a room look larger.
• Extra Lighting:  Most ceiling fans come equipped with overhead lighting that can help portray a desired mood in the room. If you have an older fan that does not include lighting, Mr. Electric’s electricians can upgrade most ceiling fans with a lighting kit.

There’s no need to risk a DIY job when you have a professional electrician on call right around the corner. Leave the job to the skilled professionals at Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay and get on with your busy day. Don’t forget to connect with us on Twitter for electrical updates!

Whole Home Surge Protection

How do you prevent electrical surge damage? Do you buy numerous surge protector strips? Unplug everything in a lightning storm? Rely on homeowners insurance? The answer is NO! Protect your investments with Whole Home Surge Protection.

Find out about home surge protection in this short video:

Your home will be divided into 3 zones: main zone, interior zone and exterior zone. Surge protectors are applied to incoming electrical, cable, satellite and telephone utility services to keep externally generated surges from entering your home. Secondary protection is provided in key locations throughout your home to protect from any residual surges from the main service.

It’s time to safeguard your home! If you’re looking for whole home surge protection, call on the expert electricians at Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay. We’ve got your covered!

Our Code of Values

At Mr. Electric, we stress the importance of a Code of Values to ensure that you are receiving the highest quality of work. These values don’t just outline how we work in a professional environment, but also how we live our daily lives. See below for details:

Respect

• Treating others as we would like to be treated has been instilled in our lives since grade school, but it is vital in maintaining positive relationships.
• Listening with the intent to understand what is being said and responding in a timely fashion.
• Acknowledging everyone as right from their own perspective.

Integrity

• We only make agreements that we are willing, able and intend to keep. Potentially broken agreements are communicated at the first appropriate opportunity to all parties involved.
• Operating in a responsible manner: “above the line.”
• Never saying anything about anyone that we would not say to him or her directly.

Customer Focus

• Continuously striving to maximize internal and external customer loyalty.
• Making our best effort to understand and appreciate the customer’s needs in every situation.

Having Fun In The Process!

Standing by these values helps our business and our relationships to expand and succeed. Not only are our expert electricians skilled & professionally trained, but we put customer service as our top priority. Got an electrical problem, let us handle it! We make the whole thing easy for you! If you're in need of an electrician, there is no one better to call... call Mr. Electric today!

Electrical Safety & Informational Resources

According to PCMag.com, “the amount of energy Americans use doubles every 20 years.” Even though we often don’t realize that we are consuming energy, it is vital to be conscious about energy conservation and electrical safety. Electricity is used to power everyday objects such as our appliances, technology and lighting and it can be very dangerous if used incorrectly. See below for a list of helpful electrical safety and informational resources.

ESFi: The Electrical Safety Foundation International is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. Whether you’re a consumer looking for ways to ensure safety in your home, a teach in search of educational tools or a public service professional looking to raise safety awareness, ESFi offers the resources you need.

Energy Star:  ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. You’ve probably seen the ENERGY STAR logo on numerous appliances throughout your home and if you don’t, it’s important to upgrade. Cutting down on energy consumption by switching to energy efficient appliances will not only save you money, it will help benefit the environment as well.

ENERGY.GOV: This is a great source for learning about how energy is used in your home. Find out how you can improve the efficiency of your home by locating where the most amount of energy is consumed.

At Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay, we are dedicated to spreading energy conservation awareness and electrical safety. When it comes to protecting your home, you need an electrician that knows what to look for! All our licensed electricians are trained to look for safety hazards and point out each concern. Contact us today to learn more.

Home Energy Savings

Remember back in the day when Mom and Dad reminded you to close the door so they weren't heating the whole neighborhood? With energy costs on the rise it is more important to conserve energy more today than ever before. Conserving energy in your household is crucial for many reasons. See the benefits below:

Saving Money

Keeping it nice and simple, conserving energy saves money. You can cut your utility bills down dramatically by insulating your home and using energy efficient appliances.

Comfort

Insulating and sealing your home keeps the conditioned air contained and makes for a more comfortable environment. Heating and cooling your home accounts for your largest energy expense.

Environment

If you are not concerned with how your energy consumption will affect the environment, now is the time to start. Fossil fuels are running out and won’t be around forever. Help to create a more energy efficient future by teaching your family the importance of energy conservation.

From energy efficient light bulbs to ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, Mr. Electric can help you reduce your home’s carbon footprint and utility costs. Our professionals have the expertise you need to find the most energy efficient solutions for your home and family. Give us a call today!

Upgrade Your Business' Circuits Today!

From the moment employees start arriving at work until the time they clock out, electronic devices are being used. Everything from coffee makers and computer monitors to printers, lamps, and telephones are used throughout the day and require electricity to operate. Many businesses do not have the capacity to support these daily activities and therefore, require a new circuit installation or an upgrade to the one they already have.

Listed below are 4 reasons to upgrade your circuits today:

1. Security Systems: install a security system to ward off intruders.
2. Appliances: continuous use of appliances require up-to-date circuits to maintain adequate power for operation.
3. Specialty Lighting: does your business use recessed lighting, wall sconces, or specialty light fixtures? Enjoy care-free, continuous electricity with a circuit upgrade.
4. Emergency Generator Systems: in case of a hurricane , ice storm or blizzard would you like to have the peace of mind of having access to electricity even when others don’t? An upgraded circuit can provide power to a generator in times of emergency.

Mr. Electric® is ready to serve you with circuit breaker replacement services for your business  to make it safer and more energy efficient. Our professionals look forward to enhancing the safety, security and functionality of your workplace. Get the capacity to support all of your electrical needs by contacting us for an appointment today!

Electrical Safety In The Workplace

Keeping your employees safe and protecting them as well as yourself should be a top priority for business owners. Electrical safety is important in all aspects of life and this includes the workplace. All of the electrical equipment should be tested regularly to ensure that it is safe for use.

Computers

Just about every single business today uses computers on a daily basis. Computers can pose a threat if they are not operated and maintained properly. PAT tests are imperative and should be conducted regularly.

Factories

Unsafe factory equipment can also pose hazards for your employees or operators. Maintaining all factory equipment is vital in the protection of your employees and the structure as well.

Kitchen and Break Room

If your business is lucky enough to have a kitchen or a break room, the appliances should be tested often. Equipment such as microwaves, toaster ovens, and refrigerators should be inspected to ensure against damages or defects.

Keeping your workplace safe from electrical problems is crucial. To schedule an electrical maintenance appointment, give us a call today! Keep your workers and your business safe!

Circuit Breaker Replacement

What would life be like if we didn’t have electricity in our homes? Electricity is the lifeblood of our homes and it’s all managed by your circuit breaker. As we continue to rely on electricity to power our technology and advanced devices, circuit breakers have more and more to handle which can result in an overload.  Many homes still operate with old circuit breakers and should be upgraded and replaced.

Here are some benefits of Circuit Breaker Replacement:

• Protection of expensive electronics, such as appliances and computers.
• Prevent data loss from your computers when electrical supply is interrupted.
• Avoid interruptions to your internet connection.
• Minimize risk of fire when your breaker gets overloaded.
• Ability to use more than one electrical device or appliance at a time.

As a result of the dependence on electricity to fulfill our daily tasks, old circuit breaker replacement is imperative! Give us a call today at (813) 314-7160 to discuss options and keep in mind that a professional installation is the key to safe circuit breaker operation!