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!