Author: Long View Lighting

Here’s Why You Should Hire an Electrician

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date October 20, 2022
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While it may be tempting to perform some electrical repairs yourself, it is much preferable to hire a qualified electrician. There are numerous benefits to hiring a contractor over attempting to complete the task yourself. Making an error while working on a project can be risky or expensive to rectify. Here are a few reasons why you should hire electrical services.

Saves You Money

Do you believe that performing electrical repairs on your own can help you save more money? Many homeowners are wrong on this one. The truth is you’ll spend more on the rework because you didn’t fix it correctly or on medical expenses after you hurt yourself. DIY doesn’t ensure success, and you can’t be sure. So what is the best way to go about it? Get professional electrical services. Save money when you hire the best electricians that will deal with the root of the problem. Let the experts do it right the first time!

Long-Term Peace of Mind

To ensure your peace of mind, you should only consider working with the best electricians. Having a professional maintain your electrical system will help it last longer and avoid more issues. A competent electrician’s electrical work is typically guaranteed, so if a problem arises, they’ll sometimes fix it at no additional cost.

Hassle-Free Service

The electrician will be at your home to address the problem with just a phone call. You only need to connect with an expert, and you don’t have to deal with the dangers of handling electrical wires if you don’t have the proper training.

Guarantees a Job Well Done

If your electrical system is acting up, you might not understand it well enough to make the necessary repairs on your own. An expert will identify the issue with the least amount of frustration possible. Although your wiring may appear straightforward, it is a part of a much more extensive, interconnected network, which is why using electricity may quickly become challenging. You could wind up making your problems considerably worse and spending a lot more money on fixes if you enter into systems and circuits that you hadn’t even realized existed.

With 1,144,114 people working in the U.S. Electricians industry in 2022, according to IBIS World, you have access to some of the best electricians. Always get in touch with a qualified specialist who is familiar with handling electrical issues whenever they occur. It’s never a bad idea to check the house occasionally to ensure everything is functioning correctly, even if you haven’t had any problems. To work with electricians you can trust, contact Long View Lighting today.

Electrical

3 Reasons to Join the Electrician Industry

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date October 13, 2022
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Are you looking for a rewarding career path? Being an electrician is a great idea. There are lots of job opportunities, and the financial rewards are quite comfortable. The job is also challenging and interesting, and you will never be bored. Here are other reasons why you should consider joining the electrical industry.

The Pay

No matter how much you love your job, if it doesn’t pay the bills, you will end up hating it. This won’t happen if you join the electrical industry. In fact, it’s one of the most paying of all trades. According to IBIS World, the number of individuals in the Electrical industry grew by 3.4% between 2017 and 2022. You can also supplement your income by going self-employed, working overtime, and investing in different specialized courses. This means the electrical field has enough opportunities to allow you to grow your income significantly.

The Work

Dealing with electricity can be tricky. You need to have the proper understanding and practical skills to do your job safely and efficiently. You should also be able to think quickly and come up with solutions in real time. Apart from that, you must also make sure that the work you do is compliant with local codes. A day in the life of an electrician can be full of surprises. One day, you may be doing inspections or carrying out standard installations, and the next, you could be wiring an entire home. This variety will challenge your mind and keep things interesting. You can expect no two days to be the same.

The Flexibility

The majority of people move wherever their occupations take them. However, electricians are pretty much needed everywhere. This means you can go wherever you want and still find some work. Most electricians work the typical nine-to-five jobs. However, you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. You can choose a job with a schedule that suits you. You can even decide to operate on a self-employment basis, determining your own working hours and choosing the jobs you want.

There are lots of reasons why it makes sense to join the electrical industry. Do you have more questions about this industry, or maybe you need some tips? Get in touch with Long View Lighting today. We would love to hear from you!

Electrical

What Is a Surge Protector and How Can It Help Me at Home?

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date May 13, 2022
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What is a surge protector? Surge protectors act as protective devices that prevent current spikes and power surges from damaging the electronics in a home. Learn more about these devices by reaching out to an electrician in Woodstock, GA.

The team at Long View Lighting can answer all your questions about surge protectors. Call us at 770-790-3511.

Defining a Surge Protector

Surge protectors are safety appliances. They protect electronic devices when you plug the devices into them. Many surge protectors look like long, thin strips of plugs for electronic devices.

However, not every power strip acts as a surge protector. Power strips only provide you with extra outlets. They do not have a joules rating and therefore cannot provide protection from electrical surges.

Check the product’s label to see if the company listed it as a surge protector.

Different Kinds of Surge Protectors

Not all surge protectors offer the same protection against lightning and power spikes. You can examine the relative protection different surge protectors provide by checking out their joules rating.

A higher joules rating means a surge protector offers more protection in a surge. You may want to purchase a protector with a higher joules rating, especially if you plan to use it with expensive electronic equipment.

Functions of a Surge Protector

Electronic devices count on a constant electrical voltage to work correctly. If they get too little electricity, they stop working. On the other hand, devices that get a sudden rush of too much electricity can end up fried and ruined.

Many people plug their devices directly into a wall outlet. These outlets provide energy, but they do not guarantee a consistent distribution of electricity. Instead, they simply deliver whatever amount of energy they carry, regardless of its potential to damage electronic devices.

How Does a Surge Protector Work?

Surge protectors offer a layer of protection. You plug the protector into the wall outlet and your devices into the surge protector. The surge protector routes unsafe amounts of energy away from electronic devices, sending it to a grounding wire.

Most surge protectors have a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) that limits possible voltage to electronic devices. These protectors may destroy themselves if exposed to large enough jolts of electricity, but they prevent damage to electronics, like computers or game systems.

Additionally, many surge protectors contact Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) batteries. These batteries may provide power in a power outage, keeping electronic devices working. Using a surge protector properly can help you avoid the need for electrical repair and troubleshooting services.

When to Use a Surge Protector

What is a surge protector? It’s a device designed to protect electronics from damage caused by electric surges. Many property owners feel unsure when they need surge protectors, however.

Generally, the experts recommend considering the nature of each electronic device before getting a surge protector. For example, you likely don’t need one of these devices for a bedside lamp. An electric surge could blow out the bulb on a light but not cause significant issues.

A surge could cause significant damage to a computer, however. A single surge could erase data or reduce the life of the computer. Therefore, the experts recommend plugging any high-end electronics, including gaming consoles, into a surge protector.

Risks of Not Using a Surge Protector

Surge protectors prevent high-voltage currents from reaching and damaging electronic equipment. Unfortunately, homeowners who do not use surge protectors can end up losing their devices in a single electrical event.

Unregulated feeds of electricity also have long-term detrimental effects on electronic devices. These devices often slowly decline in efficacy as they get exposed to fluctuations in power levels and small surges that cause steadily increasing damage.

Surge protectors typically represent a cost-effective way to protect electronics because homeowners can easily move them to outlets that need additional protection.

Speak to the Experts About Surge Protectors

What is a surge protector? These devices protect electronics from power surges. Learn more about home rewiring services to mitigate the effects of electricity variance with Woodstock electrical contractors.

Call the team at Long View Lighting at 770-790-3511 to discuss surge protectors in Woodstock, GA.

Lighting Trends

Find Out the Biggest Energy Drains in Home to Save Money

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date April 18, 2022
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With energy costs rising nationwide, saving money has never been more critical. Also, with more people working from home, many households have higher electricity bills than in previous years. In some cases, these price hikes are unavoidable.

However, in other cases, you can take steps to address your energy costs proactively. By fixing the energy drains around your home, you can cut down your monthly bills. Working with Woodstock’s trusted lighting contractors at Long View Lighting can help you make more effective decisions, save money, and feel confident about your energy usage.

Heating and Cooling Are Common Culprits

You use a power strip for all your devices, shut off lights as you exit the room, and try to be conscious of how often you fall asleep with the TV on. So, why’s your energy bill still higher than average? If you’re looking for the root cause of your spiking energy bills, you might want to check into your HVAC system.

Inefficient heating and cooling systems waste quite a bit of energy. If you have a dirty air filter, a refrigerant leak, or an outdated strategy, you’ll likely see higher energy bills as your HVAC struggles to heat or cool your air.

Appliances Use Plenty of Energy

Certain appliances are always on, making it difficult to save money. For example, if you have an energy-inefficient refrigerator, washer, dryer, or stove, you’re likely to notice when your energy bills come around.

Sometimes, you can use DIY fixes as workarounds. However, you may need professional help or an appliance upgrade.

Lighting Can Inflate Your Power Bill

Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, you’re probably responsible for your monthly electricity bill. If you notice your bill climbing, your lighting may be the cause. If you have energy-inefficient bulbs, they can be significant energy drains.

If you work from home, you’ve probably increased your energy consumption. Poorly wired lighting systems, outdated configurations, and cheaper bulbs use more energy than you think. With a few energy-saving tips and a professional lighting contractor, you can reconfigure your existing lighting and upgrade to energy-efficient light bulbs.

Work with Lighting Contractors to Save Money

There are many benefits to minimizing your energy usage, from cost savings to a reduced household footprint. A few high-quality upgrades can make a significant difference in your monthly bills. Working with trusted lighting contractors and electricians can help.

Learn more about lighting services, smart lighting, upgrading electrical panels, and cutting down your energy bills by working with the top-rated electricians in Woodstock. Long View Lighting is here to help you make the best decisions to ensure your home is more energy-efficient. Get in touch to discuss your specific needs and call us about your project at 770-318-4143.

Lighting Trends

4 Key Considerations When Choosing Outdoor Lighting

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date March 16, 2022
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We are Woodstock’s trusted lighting contractors. Call for service today.

As you think about ways to spruce up your home, think of outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting can beautify the exterior of your Woodstock home. Plus, it adds a layer of security to your property.

Long View Lighting is a full-service outdoor lighting company that installs hundreds of outdoor lighting fixtures each year. We proudly serve Woodstock, GA, and the surrounding communities with top-notch landscape lighting set-ups. We have decades of outdoor lighting experience and can install the exterior lighting fixture of your dreams.

Consider these four questions when choosing your outdoor lighting.

Consideration #1: How Big Should Your Outdoor Lighting Set-up Be?

The size of your set-up should be your first consideration when investing in outdoor lighting. You’ll especially want to strike an even balance between your exterior lights and interior lighting. If you install an outdoor lighting set-up that’s too large, it will overwhelm your interior lights.

Fortunately, our licensed and insured contractors can recommend the perfect size lighting structure for your Woodstock home.

Consideration #2: What Color Will Your Fixture Be?

When choosing outdoor lighting for your Woodstock, GA, home, you must also select an appropriate color. While it can be tempting to select fluorescent colors, your yard may not look the way you’d envisioned it.

Our outdoor lighting company offers several color options for choosing outdoor lighting. Our experts can help you choose the most flattering colors for your home.

Consideration #3: How Durable Should Your Lights Be?

You’ll want your outdoor post lights and path lighting to be durable enough to withstand inclement weather such as heavy winds.

We also recommend an LED lighting fixture as these light types are more energy-efficient than other bulbs. As a result, you’ll spend less money on your monthly energy bill. Furthermore, when your LED lights sustain damage, you can replace them more cheaply than other lighting fixtures.

Consideration #4: What Part of Your Yard Do You Want to Illuminate?

Outdoor lights can powerfully accentuate your yard. We can arrange your light fixture to highlight the most attractive area of your front yard. Doing so can improve your home’s curb appeal and add to its beauty.

If you have a fountain or another feature that you want to show off, we recommend a spotlight. A spotlight fixture will beautifully illuminate your yard fixture at night.

Contact Us

If you need an outdoor lighting installation, call Long View Lighting’s lighting installers at (770) 790-3511. We offer many outdoor and landscape lighting services for Woodstock, GA, homeowners. Our contractors will walk you through our process and provide a quote for our services.

Also, view our recent blog to learn about the latest home lighting trends.

Lighting Trends

Ten Latest Home Lighting Trends To Consider for 2022

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date February 17, 2022
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Whether you want to update the look and feel of an existing space or seek to freshly decorate a new home or business, it pays to consider lighting options. Changing the lighting offers a simple and cost-effective way to completely transform any indoor or outdoor atmosphere.

The experts at Long View Lighting understand the impact of the right lighting choices for every room in the home. This blog covers the latest home lighting trends to help new and experienced homeowners create the indoor spaces of their dreams.

For more expert interior lighting advice or to ask about lighting services in Woodstock by Long View Lighting, reach out by telephone or convenient web form today.

Top Ten Lighting Design Trends for 2022

Are you looking for the perfect lighting fixtures for your home improvement project? Let’s review the top ten indoor lighting design trends to help you find the aesthetic edge you want for years to come.

#1: Oversized Chandelier Lighting

In 2022, bigger definitely equals better. More and more homeowners choose to make a splash with oversized chandelier lighting. These front-and-center pieces make for intimate yet expressive lighting and come in various designs, from the neoclassical glass chandelier to art deco pieces.

Another great thing about oversize chandelier lighting is that you no longer have to limit them to just the dining table, a stylish entrance, or a ballroom. Done the right way, chandelier lighting adds elegance and luxury to living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more.

#2: Curated Lighting Matches

With so many creative minds and makers selling their work today, indoor lighting such as lamps and sconces come in more designs than ever before.

As a result, you can easily add artistic accents to any room and tastefully mix and match imaginative designs, creating beautiful, unique looks with layered effects.

#3: Sculpted Lighting

Nothing adds luxury to an indoor space like lighting that looks like a work of art. Sculpted lighting pieces add a dramatic, artistic flair and work well in sitting rooms, dining rooms, and more.

Smaller lamps with sculpture aesthetics also make excellent accent pieces for reading areas, coffee nooks, and bathrooms. For recommendations on the correct sizes for lighting in a given area, consult with an interior lighting professional when shopping for designs.

#4: Industrial Finishes

Faux metal finishes may never go out of style. These sleek finishes add a touch of luxury and industrial aesthetic to any space, matching well with patterns, solid colors, and virtually any wall or furniture design style.

When stressed, faux metal finishes give off a rustic appearance. In this way, industrial finishes make a great option when you want to add a touch of intentional luxury without clashing with garage aesthetics, exposed brick walls, and rustic wood interiors.

#5: Natural Textures

Lighting fixtures that feature natural textures are making a massive comeback in 2022. Pieces featuring wood bead or wood grain represent some of the latest home lighting trends and add a touch of rural charm to even the most modern spaces.

Wicker-wrapped lighting works well to add thematic touches to garden, sunroom, and patio spaces, creating soft lighting that is both inviting and practical. Try stone-based or crystalline light designs for other natural lighting textures that work well in garden spaces.

#6: Layered Lighting

Sometimes, indoor spaces serve more than one purpose. In recent years, many living rooms or bedrooms likely became impromptu offices. Layering lighting in a room creates different atmospheres for different occasions or tasks. Use bright, white lighting, such as LEDs, during the day and opt for soft lighting, like traditional lamps, at night.

To increase the practicality of layered home lighting, consider adding smart devices to your home. Smart lighting utilizes connected outlets, bulbs, and switches to give you the option of hands-free control over your interior lighting. Turning the lights on and off is as easy as saying a designated voice command or tapping an icon on a smartphone app.

#7: Statement Pieces

In many cases, interior lighting can be as much of an artistic statement as any painting or sculpture. Opt for unique designs and bold colors if you prefer a wildly creative aesthetic for your office, living room, or patio.

#8: Symmetrical Designs

Symmetry remains an old standby when it comes to interior design. Symmetrical surroundings imbue people with a sense of unity and harmony. When it comes to interior lighting, symmetrical designs provide balanced illumination for offices, dining rooms, kitchens, and so much more.

Symmetry doesn’t mean sacrificing artistic design, however. Consider using symmetrically placed accent lamps with bold, inventive styles to compliment single-color furniture or walls.

#9: Colorful Accents

For homeowners who do not feel ready to invest in all-new lighting fixtures, color accents serve as a simple, commitment-free way to change a room’s atmosphere and bring a fresh look to the space. Consider using color films to transform soft-white lighting into gentle blue or green hues. Use colored shades to change the look of older lamps and other fixtures.

#10: Rustic Bohemian

Achieving a rustic, bohemian look in your living room, bedroom, or reading nook is as easy as going antique shopping. Search for lamps and other lighting fixtures passed down from older fashion eras, remembering to match the intended aesthetic to your indoor space as you do so.

Affordable Lighting Services in Woodstock

Whether you’re looking to upgrade the look of your current spaces or are decorating a new home for the first time, choosing the right lighting sources is critical for achieving the atmosphere you want.

With years of experience as a home lighting contractor in Woodstock, GA, Long View Lighting stays ahead of the latest home lighting trends to make finding the best lighting easy. To find reliable electrical contractors in Woodstock, learn about the maintenance of outdoor lightings, and more, reach out to Long View Lighting by calling (770) 790-3511 or completing our convenient web form today.

Electrical

Guide to Outdoor Lighting Maintenance in the Winter: 5 Tips

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date January 14, 2022
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Adding outdoor lighting to your residential home creates an aesthetically pleasing facade many homeowners seek. Outdoor lighting also provides security and safety for you and your loved ones. Outdoor lighting systems vary by use, style, and more.

There are many different types of outdoor light. But all require preventative maintenance to continue properly lighting up your outdoor space for a more extended period. Whether you’re using outdoor security lights to keep your home safe or simply lighting up your covered porch to enjoy your outdoor space, follow our guide to outdoor lighting for longer-lasting outdoor lights.

At-home lighting maintenance is a great way to care for your lights, but some situations require professional assistance. Call Woodstock’s trusted lighting contractor for professional-grade service for any outdoor or indoor lighting service.

Clean Your Lights Periodically

Outdoor lighting requires periodic cleaning, just as any home item does. The difference is that outdoor lighting can quickly accumulate sediment because of the outdoor elements, especially if you live in a section of the country that regularly experiences the harsh variation of all four seasons.

Autumn leaves and summer insects can create quite a muck on outdoor lights. Additionally, winter snow and sleet generate the risk of moisture getting trapped in your lighting system. Any climate will have debris buildup or moisture risks for your outdoor lighting. Periodically cleaning your outdoor lights will help to reduce the likelihood that buildup or moisture from the elements will lead to further issues.

To remove debris from lights, use a glass cleaner on each lens. This gentle and effective method will not leave a filmy residue or scratch the lights. Use a damp cloth for the light casing and wire to gently remove any dirt or debris.

If you find that your outdoor lighting system requires a little more TLC than just a routine cleaning, hire a trusted lighting contractor to inspect your outdoor lighting system.

Use the Proper Timer Settings

Different times of the year require different outdoor lighting settings. The sun rises later and sets earlier in the winter, so your lights will be on for longer. Conversely, the extended daylight hours of summertime mean there is less need for outdoor lighting. However, the summer comes with pleasant temperatures that encourage outdoor events. If you’re entertaining under outdoor lighting frequently in the summertime, be sure to use a timer that will turn off your lights when the party is over.

By setting a timer for your outdoor lighting systems, you are saving on energy without having to remember to shut off your lights yourself. Setting a timer will also improve the lifespan of your outdoor lighting system.

Put your outdoor lighting on the proper setting in any season to keep them lasting longer. Selecting the appropriate light setting will also save you money on energy costs. Many outdoor lighting systems have both a winter and a summer setting to make it easy to switch to the proper setting for each season. Updating your timer setting will help prevent your light bulbs from burning out too soon, thus avoiding having to change your bulbs frequently.

Change the Bulbs as Necessary

Many things can affect the lifespan of your light bulbs. As mentioned above, setting a timer and not leaving your outdoor lights on when not in use will help to lengthen the lifespan of your outdoor lights. Other environmental conditions like temperature changes, extreme weather, or moisture exposure will affect the frequency of having to change out your light bulbs.

LED lights tend to last longer and are typically more energy efficient. If you’ve reached the point of bulb burnout, consider replacing your outdoor light bulbs with an LED option.

Consider hiring a professional if your outdoor lighting requires putting yourself in a dangerous position like climbing on a roof.

Bury the Wires

Exposed wires can be hazardous. Avoid accidents by burying any wiring around your home. Exposed wires can cause outages or even human injury. When you install your outdoor lighting, take care to bury any wires that are at ground level.

Make sure to regularly check that all wiring has remained buried. Sometimes heavy snow or rain can cause buried wires to become exposed. Be careful to conceal all wires to avoid any accidents.

Doing a periodic survey of your property, especially in the winter, will ensure that all electrical wiring is properly buried. It will also give you clarity on any issues that need repairing.

Take Steps to Prevent Moisture

A significant threat to outdoor lighting is moisture. The light will likely short out once water gets into a lighting fixture or bulb. Choosing outdoor lighting with a lifetime warranty won’t necessarily eliminate the risk of shorts, but it will negate the cost of replacing damaged lighting.

The outdoors are unpredictable, and moisture is present even when it doesn’t rain or snow. However, if your outdoor lighting is covered in snow or sleet, removing it as soon as possible will help prevent any noticeable moisture from seeping in and causing damage.

By performing these simple routine maintenance practices, you can prevent costly damage to your outdoor lighting. When you need an outdoor lighting contractor, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

There are many different options for outdoor lighting. Be sure to choose the best option for you and your home.

Many homeowners opt for energy-efficient lighting because of its many benefits. If you’re curious about what kind of outdoor lighting may be best for you, check out the top benefits of energy-efficient lighting.

Learn more about outdoor lighting services or schedule a call with one of our professional representatives at Long View Lighting at 770-790-3511.

Garage Doors

What You Should Do if Your Garage Door is Frozen Shut

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date December 14, 2021
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Did you wake up to find your garage door frozen shut? Unfortunately, many Woodstock, GA, property owners don’t know how to deal with frozen garage doors, but there are a few steps you can take to unfreeze your garage door and move forward with your day.

Below, you’ll find easy ways to unfreeze your garage door, thanks to the team at Long View Lighting. You can get additional answers to your questions or more information on the company’s services by contacting the Long View Lighting experts at 770-790-3511.

4 Ways to Unfreeze Your Garage Door

You may feel thrown off your usual routine if your garage door is frozen shut. Not only is your garage door inoperable, but now you can’t leave your home, get your kids to school, or make it to work on time.

If you’ve found your garage door frozen shut and won’t open, the following tips can help melt the ice and unfreeze your doors.

1. Use Hot Water to Melt the Ice

Generally, garage doors freeze into place due to ice build-up along the bottom of the door. Melting the ice allows you to open your door and free your vehicle. To use this strategy, begin by boiling some water on your stove.

Once you have the water boiling, carry it outside your house and pour hot water along the bottom of your garage door. Wait a few moments and then attempt to raise the garage door again. If it opens, you’ve solved the problem.

However, experts recommend that you take a moment to clean up as much of the water as you can before you go. Leaving the water along the bottom of the door may cause it to refreeze. You can also leave your garage door slightly raised to prevent it from freezing again.

2. Use Salt to Free the Door

Many businesses in the Woodstock area sell special “ice melt” salt. Homeowners can use this product on walkways and driveways to keep ice from forming. You can also use salt if you have a garage door frozen shut.

Salt takes longer to melt ice than hot water. Apply the salt liberally and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes to melt the ice completely. Keep in mind that salt corrodes metal, though, so salt exposure may damage your garage door. However, you don’t have to worry about the door refreezing if you use salt to melt the ice.

3. Apply Some Direct Force

In some cases, a small amount of force may break the ice enough to allow your garage door opener to raise the door. You can take action by gently kicking your foot along the bottom of the garage door. Try not to kick too hard, as you do not want to knock the garage door off the track or damage your door.

4. Get Your Hairdryer

Sometimes adding a little heat to the equation can free a frozen garage door. Do you have a hairdryer upstairs? Consider using it to blow hot air along the icy edge of the door. Depending on the amount of heat generated by the blow dryer, this method could take a while to work.

After melting the ice, ensure that you mop up any standing water to prevent your door from freezing again.

Things to Avoid With a Frozen Garage Door

If your garage door won’t open due to ice, taking the wrong actions can result in damage to your door – and an expensive repair bill.

When faced with a frozen garage door, avoid:
Using a torch to melt the ice
Trying to pry the door open with a lever
Knocking the door with your vehicle

Additionally, experts warn against trying to open your garage door repeatedly when it’s frozen shut. This action puts a lot of strain on the garage door motor, which may end up burning out. It may also strip the gears inside the lifting mechanism, leading to expensive repair costs.

Taking drastic steps to unfreeze your garage door may cause more trouble in the long run. If you can’t open your door on your own, contact garage door repair experts like the Long View Lighting team.

Ways to Prevent a Frozen Garage Door

Keeping your garage door from freezing shut allows you to avoid the hassle of melting the ice away. If you know there’s bad weather coming, consider leaving your garage door slightly open. This step keeps the door from touching melted snow or water and freezing into place.

Additionally, keeping water away from the bottom of the garage door prevents issues with freezing. If you notice that water tends to gather by your garage door, consider mopping it up on cold nights or checking for drainage issues.

Shovel away any snow before it has a chance to freeze into place as the temperatures drop overnight. Keeping the driveway around your garage door well-salted also helps prevent issues with freezing.

You may also consider cleaning your garage door seals. Broken seals absorb extra moisture, making them freeze faster than fully functioning seals. Garage door maintenance teams can assess the condition of your seals before winter and replace them if necessary.

Get Professional Help With a Frozen Garage Door

Is your garage door frozen shut? A Woodstock expert garage door repair team can quickly help you resolve this issue. If your garage door has frozen shut or sustained damage while trying to open, the crew at Long View Lighting can assess the problem and provide a quick solution.

The technicians will consider common causes of garage door damage and help you identify signs that garage door repair is required. For more information or to schedule a garage door service call with the Long View Lighting team, give them a call today at 770-790-3511.

Electrical

Should I Upgrade My Electrical Panel: 10 Top Reasons Why

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date November 16, 2021
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When it comes to home maintenance, an important question to ask is, “Should I upgrade my electrical panel?” It can seem challenging to answer this question. However, it is vital to ensure that a home’s electrical system is up-to-date to avoid expensive repairs or electrical fires.

To determine whether or not electrical panel upgrades are necessary, consider the following factors.

1. The Age of Your Home

Newer homes tend to have an updated electrical system. However, if the house or apartment is older than 20 years old, it is worth considering an electric panel upgrade.

Older homes typically have a 60 amp electrical panel. With the growing need for technology and power, the modern home requires a panel with 200 amps.

A home’s garage can also indicate electrical panels. However, older electrical panels may not support the power needs of a modern garage door.

2. The Costs of the Current Electrical Panel

Electrical panel upgrades can often save homeowners money. However, an outdated panel will require more power to function, resulting in higher energy bills.

Homeowners that are experiencing higher than normal energy bills should consider replacing their electrical panels. Not only can it save money on monthly energy bills, but it can reduce repair or replacement costs in the future.

3. Homeowner’s Insurance

The age of a home’s fuse boxes can affect homeowner insurance premiums. For most policies, replacing the old fuse box with a new one will lead to insurance discounts since a new electric panel is safer for the home and less likely to suffer from faulty wiring.

In addition to reduced monthly premiums, homeowners with new fuse boxes will often receive discounts from the electric company, saving them even more money.

4. Dimming or Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are common after a storm or power company issues. However, continuously flickering or dimming lights often indicate a problem with the fuse box.

In some cases, faulty lights are the result of issues with the utility company. This can include blown transformers or storm damage. If it is a problem with the power company, they will resolve the issue.

However, if the lights dim or flicker while using other household appliances, there is an issue with the electrical panel.

5. Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring is an easy answer to the question, “Should I upgrade my electrical panel?” Electrical wiring doesn’t last forever. The older the wiring is in the electrical panel, the less efficient a home’s power will be.

Some common indications of a faulty wiring system include a burning smell and discoloration near outlets and plugs. A burning smell results from burning wiring, which is an obvious indication of an outdated system. Discoloration around a plug is a sign of a more severe issue; in this case, it is critical to turn off the power and call a professional right away.

6. Circuit Breaker Failure

Circuit breakers work similarly to the fuse box. They protect the home from electrical fires by preventing short circuits and overloaded circuits.

A circuit breaker trip is an easy fix. However, if it trips frequently, it could be an indication of circuit breaker failure. If the circuit is malfunctioning or overloaded, it is essential to call an electrician as soon as possible.

Tripping circuit breakers can seem like no big deal. However, if they are frequently tripping, it could lead to an electrical fire if not addressed.

7. The Circuit Breaker Trips When an Appliance Plugs In

There are several appliances around the home that require power to operate. If the circuit breaker trips when plugging in a hairdryer or microwave, it could signify an outdated electrical panel.

Older electrical systems cannot support the power needs of a modern household. As previously mentioned, homes these days should have a 200-amp panel to function effectively.

When the circuit breaker is at risk of overloading, it trips to prevent an electrical fire. It may be time for an electrical panel upgrade if the circuit breaker trips when appliances plug in.

8. The Electric Panel Feels Warm

A warm electrical panel is an apparent sign of a wiring issue. Unlike other appliances in the house, an electric panel will not heat up when in use. If the electric panel feels warm to the touch, there is too much heat in the system.

Functional wires contain the heat to prevent the system from overheating. A warm electrical panel is a sign that the wires are no longer holding the heat and could lead to a potential electrical fire.

9. The Home Uses a Lot of Power Strips and Extension Cords

The more power a house uses, the better the electrical panel it needs. Although power strips and extension cords won’t directly harm an electrical system, they require more electricity. This increases the demand for the outlets.

Using too many extension cords or power strips can overload the system by using the outlets for more power than they were designed for. Updating the electrical panel may be necessary to prevent system overload and provide enough power for the appliances in the home.

10. New Appliance Installation

Should I upgrade my electrical panel? If you are installing new appliances, the answer is most likely yes.

Newer appliances often require more amps to operate. For example, a newer oven that requires more power to work will have a more significant effect on the electrical panel than the older model that requires fewer amps.

Every Woodstock professional electrician at Longview Lighting is passionate about helping families protect their homes by providing high-quality electrical panel upgrades. To learn more about electrical panels or for garage door maintenance tips, contact Woodstock’s trusted electrical repair specialists at Longview Lighting at (770) 790-3511 today.

Electrical

How to Maintain Your Garage Door and Improve Its Lifespan

Post author By Long View Lighting
Post date October 13, 2021
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In Georgia, a shiny, new garage door is a significant investment for many homeowners. The last thing you want is to have to buy a new garage door or make untimely repairs. Scheduling regular garage door maintenance is essential in ensuring your garage door lasts as long as possible. Below, you will find tips on how to maintain your garage door and improve its lifespan.

For additional tips for how to maintain garage door performance and lifespan, contact Long View Lighting in Woodstock, GA, for specific and advanced advice by calling 770-790-3511.

Understand Your Garage Door’s Operation

The first step to proper garage door maintenance is to understand how your garage door works. There are different types of doors, including:

Sectional garage doors
Fixed garage doors
Roll-up garage doors
Carriage garage doors
Retractable garage doors

Take the time to identify the type of garage door you have and learn about what each of its components does. Understanding how your garage door works with its dedicated garage door openers is practical when making repairs or performing maintenance if electrical or mechanical issues arise.

Make Regular Performance Checks

To extend longevity, you’ll need to know how to maintain garage door performance and check it to detect issues that may warrant repairs. Regular performance checks include performing the following tasks and addressing changes if they arise:

Listening for abnormal sounds coming from the motor or tracks
Checking opening and closing speed and evenness

You should contact a professional garage door repair service to resolve performance issues, as they can quickly become worse and potentially cause damage to your car or other possessions in your garage if not addressed.

Look Out for Water Damage

Whether your garage door is steel or wood, it is prone to water damage. Check for rust on steel garage doors and warping or rotting on wooden doors, as these are signs of water damage.

Luckily, you can resolve minor rusting by removing rust from affected areas and painting over the water damage. However, significant rust buildup or wood rot may warrant a complete replacement if the damaged areas vastly reduce performance.

Tighten Loose Hardware Appropriately

As you use your garage door, bolts and other hardware may loosen over time, putting you at risk and increasing the need for future repairs. You should inspect all parts and gently tighten those that need it with a socket wrench to avoid over-tightening and stripping that will require further repairs.

A professional garage door repair technician can tighten loose hardware if you are unsure how to identify and resolve potential problem areas.

Maintain Individual Parts

Garage doors contain many individual parts that require attention. You shouldn’t just look at your garage door as a whole. Instead, regularly maintain individual components, including moving parts such as hinges, rollers, and torsion springs.

Moving parts require lubrication to ensure your garage door moves smoothly. Be sure to use a silicone or lithium-based lubricant and avoid using products that will remove grease, such as WD-40.

Additionally, cleaning the garage door’s tracks is necessary for ensuring rollers can move freely. Debris from pests, dust, and built-up grease can prevent your garage door from moving smoothly. To safely remove dirt, you can sweep away free debris and use a grease cleaner and scrub brush to remove hardened dirt.

Ensure It Seals and Protects

Your garage door’s seal makes a difference in its lifespan as the seal prevents debris, water, and other environmental inconveniences from entering your garage.

The weatherstripping at the bottom of the door is prone to cracking and further damage from the environment and long-term garage door operation. You can use caulk and weatherstripping to effectively seal up cracks and block cold air, dust, and more from reaching your indoor environment from the door’s perimeter.

If you have an insulated garage door, the indoor temperature heavily depends on the insulation’s condition. Interior insulation requires replacement if you discover damaged areas so that your garage stays warm and protected in the winter.

Watch for Wear

Wear on cables and garage door springs can cause instant damage if you don’t notice and treat it promptly. If a worn garage door cable breaks, the door can fall or become unbalanced, damaging your vehicle as you exit and enter or putting you in danger when operating the door.

Watch for wear, and be sure to contact a professional repair service immediately if you notice your cables and springs getting rusty or thin.

Perform Tests for Safety and Balance

Garage doors have high safety standards. Safety functions such as the auto-reverse function are in place to protect people and objects that fall under the garage door as it closes. You should regularly test this safety function and others to prevent accidents by placing an object under the door and closing it. Be sure that the photoelectric sensors make the garage door reverse if an object falls under it.

In addition to safety features, a balance test is also helpful in ensuring your garage door lasts long. An unbalanced door can make the opener fail or break moving components. If you are not confident in performing this test and making adequate repairs, consider calling in a professional to handle it.

Get Effective Garage Door Repairs and Maintenance

Do you know how to maintain garage door longevity or make necessary repairs? Causes of damaged garage doors are a hassle to deal with, but Long View Lighting’s garage door repair service is detailed and thorough to meet all your garage door’s needs to extend longevity. Call Long View Lighting at 770-790-3511 to learn more about garage door repair costs or schedule an appointment for maintenance.