Frequently Asked Questions

Energy vampires are devices that consume power even when turned off or in standby mode. Common culprits include electronics with standby features, chargers, and appliances with digital displays. Unplugging these devices when not in use or using smart power strips can help reduce wasted energy.

To safely use space heaters, place them on a flat, stable surface, keep them away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended. Use heaters with safety features such as tip-over and overheat protection, and plug them directly into an outlet, not an extension cord.

Power factor is the ratio of real power used by electrical devices to the apparent power flowing in the circuit. A higher power factor indicates efficient use of electrical power. Improving power factor can reduce energy losses and lower electricity costs.

Buzzing sounds from electrical outlets can indicate loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty outlets. Turn off power to the affected outlet and contact an electrician to inspect and resolve the issue to prevent potential hazards.

To save energy while heating or cooling your home, use programmable thermostats, maintain HVAC systems, seal leaks, and use energy-efficient windows and insulation. You may also want to consider using a ceiling fan and natural ventilation to reduce reliance on HVAC systems.

A whole-house generator provides backup power during outages, ensuring that essential systems and appliances continue to operate. It offers peace of mind, convenience, and can protect your home from the consequences of prolonged power loss.

Charging an electric vehicle can increase your electricity usage, depending on how often and how long you charge it. To manage costs, consider installing a dedicated EV charger and using energy-efficient charging habits.

Frequent power surges can be caused by faulty wiring, electrical devices, or issues with the power grid. Have an electrician inspect your wiring and install surge protectors to protect your devices. Report any recurring issues to your electric company.

AC, or alternating current power, changes direction periodically, while DC, or direct current, power flows in one direction. AC is commonly used in homes and businesses because it is more efficient for long-distance transmission, while DC is often used in batteries or electronic devices.

If your circuit breaker won't reset, unplug all devices on the circuit and try again. If it still won't reset, there may be a short circuit or wiring issue. Contact an electrician to inspect and resolve the problem.

To reset a GFCI outlet, press the "reset" button on the outlet. If it doesn't reset, unplug any devices and try again. If it still doesn't work, the outlet may be faulty and require replacement by an electrician.

A programmable thermostat allows you to set a specific temperature for different times of the day, which reduces energy usage when heating or cooling isn't needed. This can lead to major savings on your energy bill and improve home comfort.

An overloaded circuit may cause circuit breakers to trip frequently, lights to dim or flicker, or outlets and switches to feel warm. To prevent overloads, distribute electrical devices across circuits and avoid using a lot of high-wattage appliances simultaneously.

Time-of-use or TOU pricing is a rate plan where electricity costs vary based on the time of day and the demand for power. Electricity costs more during peak hours and cheaper during off-peak hours, encouraging users to shift their usage to times when demand is lower.

If you see a downed power line, stay far away from it and immediately call your electric company or emergency services to report it. Do not touch the line or anything in contact with it, as it may be live and extremely dangerous.