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Six Signs of a Bad Outlet in Your Woodstock Home

Homeowners use outlets to plug in their cooking appliances, charge their phones and laptops, and complete countless other daily tasks. Knowing the warning signs of a bad outlet can show you when it’s time to call Long View Lighting, Woodstock’s experienced electricians, for replacement services.

1. You Notice Burning Odors

If your outlet smells like it’s burning, it probably is. Homes can experience burning odors for a number of reasons, so don’t touch the outlet or plug anything in. Instead, call your local electrician for immediate assistance and to prevent a small fire.

2. The Electrical Outlet Feels Hot

A hot outlet is a clear indication it is starting to decline and can suggest a problem. Whether the outlet is only hot in one area or the whole unit feels scorching, you need to have an experienced electrician take a look before you or someone else gets hurt.

3. You Have a Sparking Outlet

Is your outlet sparking? This is one of the most typical signs of a bad outlet and one that requires fast action. If you wait to address this problem or continue to plug in electronics and appliances, a dangerous fire could break out, putting you, your loved ones, and your devices in harm’s way.

4. You Spot a Smoking Outlet

An outlet can smoke from extensive use and when it’s no longer able to handle your electrical demands. It may also corrode and crack, resulting in a smoky look or smell. Electrical hazards like a smoking outlet can disrupt business operations by putting employees and customers at risk, while homeowners could see themselves or their loved ones getting hurt from a faulty and hot outlet. 

5. You Discover a Melted Outlet

If you have a charred and melted outlet and plate cover, you’ve got a serious problem on your hands. At this point, DIY electrical work is extremely dangerous and definitely not worth the risk. As soon as you spot this, call your preferred Woodstock electrician for expert assistance, as these outlets can cause fires, whether you’re using them or not. 

6. Plugs Are Loose or Falling Out

Cords should have a secure and snug fit when you plug them into your outlets. Trusted electricians know about various electrical risks and safety measures, recognizing that a loose plug is a serious safety concern. These outlets may spark, cause electric shocks, damage cords and appliances, and potentially cause a fire, so don’t wait to seek professional electrical support.

Replace Bad Outlets and Receptacles in Woodstock, Georgia, With Long View Lighting

Now that you’ve learned six key signs of a bad outlet, you know when it’s time to contact Long View Lighting for services. Their lighting and electrical business provides high-quality outlet services and will safely and swiftly replace your old outlets. It’s best to hire a qualified and trained electrician to replace an outlet, so reach out to Long View Lighting in Woodstock, Georgia, today to schedule an appointment!

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3 Backyard Party Lighting Ideas for Your Woodstock Home

Woodstock’s sprawling landscape provides an abundance of attractive parks, trails, and big backyards. If you’re one of 65% of residents who happen to own their homes, why not reimagine your space for an upcoming backyard party? But all great decor ideas for a successful gathering start with the appropriate backyard party lighting.

A local team like Long View Lighting understands that lighting is about more than illuminating your property after sunset. The right lighting creates ambiance, whether you want romance or a bustling, vibrant atmosphere. So, before you start the search for “landscaping lighting companies near me,” check out these top three lighting ideas.

Three Lighting Ideas to Spark Joy and Make a Statement

#1 Party Lights Hidden Within Foliage For a Wild and Mysterious Milieu

Many people aim to subtly light up their backyard space without making the lighting fixtures a focal point or their dining area a spotlight. However, in an overgrown yard with shrubbery, trees, flowers, and plants, you won’t want the city-like theme that festoon lights exude. Why not opt for delicate fairy lights instead? 

When hidden within the foliage, these dainty lights promise a warm glow that is not overbearing and stays true to your green backyard style. You can also hire a professional to neatly hang the string lights on your fence, trees, shed, or pergola, enhancing your Woodstock dinner party experience.

#2 Firepits for Adventure and Stories in Woodstock, Georgia

If you want more of a focal point, a cozy fireplace produces a comforting golden glow and warmth during the fall and winter. It also provides those soothing crackling sounds (if you opt for a wood-burning appliance). Many fireplaces are also electric, proving safer around children and pets. 

One option is centering the firepit on a patio, but why not designate a seating area off the dining section so guests can step away from the action for some downtime? Wherever it is, a fire for backyard party lighting speaks volumes. And what compliments a roaring fire better than some tiki torches lining the pathway or candlesticks on the outdoor dining table? 

#3 Chinese Lanterns 

If subtlety is not your forte, add a splash of color to your Woodstock home’s outdoor space with Chinese lanterns for patio lighting. Complement your foliage and patio set colors or contrast them. Lanterns are versatile, from designer neon ones to pastels.

Also, the solar or battery-powered lights are perfect for any backyard party, covering the entire area with a flickering, welcoming glow.

Level-Up Your Lighting System in Woodstock, Georgia

Long View Lighting’s electricians have just the right landscape lighting to show off your Woodstock property’s best features. Call for installations, rewiring, and replacements indoors and outdoors!

For long-lasting, quality backyard party lighting in Woodstock, Georgia, contact Long View Lighting for a free estimate!

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Hiring an Outdoor Lighting Company in Woodstock? Look for These 5 Qualities

A few things elegantly highlight the outside of your home like a quality outdoor lighting setup. This usually involves seeking an outdoor lighting company to provide the products and services you need. But if you hope to find Woodstock’s outdoor landscape lighting experts, you’ll want to know what to look for as you research local lighting businesses.

Check for these five qualities to determine if an outdoor lighting company is worth your patronage.

1. They Fit Within Your Budget and Have Honest Pricing

Having a budget in mind is a vital step when shopping for an outdoor lighting company. However, some businesses may take advantage of your excitement to update your home’s outdoor lighting setup and try to upsell you on services you don’t need or charge hidden fees.

Take a moment to calculate what you can afford, find a company with affordable pricing, and ask for a complete pricing breakdown to make an informed decision.

2. They Have a Great Reputation

Customer reviews are one of the fastest ways to determine whether an outdoor lighting company is reliable. People tend to voice their opinions when they’re happy with the service they receive. This goes doubly so when they have a negative experience.

If the company you’re considering has a series of negative reviews, you should probably consider one with more positive online feedback.

3. They Offer Warranties

Although offering products that last should be the goal of any outdoor lighting company, the unfortunate truth is that a lighting system can fail and leave your yard or patio shrouded in darkness at night. Reliable businesses will recognize this inconvenience and safety concern by offering a lifetime warranty. This will give you reassurance and peace of mind if something goes wrong with your lights after the installation.

4. They Have a Wide Selection

What good is an outdoor lighting company when it lacks a solid selection to meet your needs and preferences? A company with an array of lighting options, like wall lanterns, sconces, and spotlights, can accommodate your vision. They may also have custom solutions to add a unique flair to your outdoor lighting.

5. They Have Demos or Displays

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but a photo of an outdoor lighting setup can only show you so much. A worthwhile outdoor lighting company should offer demos or displays of their products in dimmable rooms so you can get an accurate idea of what certain lighting setups will look like on your property.

Reach Out to Long View Lighting for Quality Outdoor Lighting in Woodstock

Adding color and ambiance to indoor lighting is a common desire for Woodstock residents, but you shouldn’t overlook outdoor lighting. On top of the aesthetic appeal, outdoor lanterns, LEDs, and security lights can add safety to your home when the sun goes down.

Long View Lighting is Woodstock’s trusted, award-winning outdoor lighting team. With convenient electrical solutions, no-nonsense pricing, and a commitment to the highest quality of service, you can rely on Long View Lighting for your outdoor lighting needs. Contact the company today to learn about their lighting options.

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6 Signs You’re Working With a Bad Electrician in Woodstock

When the lights in your Woodstock home start flickering or your circuit breaker trips repeatedly, you don’t want to end up on the wrong end of a bad electrician working on your home. But how do you tell a good electrician from a bad one?

As a trusted provider of electrical services in Woodstock, GA, Long View Lighting explains what o watch out for when hiring an electrician to help you determine whether they’re a good fit for the job. If an electrician servicing your home shows any of the following six signs, you’ll want to consider looking elsewhere.

1. No Credentials

When an electrician doesn’t have the necessary licenses or certifications to perform electrical work in Woodstock, that’s an immediate red flag. This means they either lack the necessary knowledge or training to do the job well, or their skills come from outdated guidelines. In addition to making them less capable than electricians with verifiable credentials, they can also pose safety risks to you and your home.

2. Poor Customer Service

Another sign that you’re dealing with a bad electrician is when their customer service is lacking. Trustworthy electrical contractors maintain courtesy and professionalism while servicing your home. When your electrician won’t answer questions, is unwelcoming, or comes across in a standoffish manner, you should seek service from a more professional team.

3. Not Answering Questions

Good electricians don’t just know what they’re doing; they’re enthusiastic about their field and enjoy answering their customers’ questions. An electrician who is reluctant or refuses to explain things either lacks the necessary knowledge, is a poor communicator, or simply doesn’t want to inform the homeowner.

4. Avoiding Safety Measures

Although electricity is a modern convenience many take for granted, it can also be dangerous. Any worthwhile electrician will follow an electrical safety checklist while performing their job. If an electrician doesn’t take the necessary steps to ensure the well-being of your home, then it could lead to hazardous results, such as short-circuiting or even electrical fires.

5. Not Finishing the Job

A bad electrician is content with what they consider “good enough” instead of what’s best for you and your house. Leaving a messy environment and failing to cover up exposed wires are just two examples of an electrician who doesn’t take pride in their work, leaving you with potentially dangerous situations.

6. Lack of Responsibility

Sometimes mistakes or accidents happen while performing a job, and how a contractor handles the situation is often telling. A good electrician will have liability insurance to protect you in case of an accident, will assume responsibility, and will do everything possible to resolve it.

Trustworthy Electrical Service in Woodstock From Long View Lighting

No homeowner should suffer the frustrations of a bad electrician, which is why Long View Lighting is Woodstock’s reliable electrical contractor. Long View Lighting upholds excellent customer service to match a competitive and wide range of electrical services.

From new home wiring to lighting installations and thorough inspections, Woodstock residents can depend on Long View Lighting’s award-winning team to get the job done right. Contact the team today for your electrical needs.

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How to Handle the Dangers of Exposed Electrical Wiring

Your electrical system can pose a health and safety hazard when you have exposed wiring. Wiring in your home can become exposed due to:

  • The age of the electrical system
  • Damage from animal infestation
  • Storm damage
  • Vandalism

Exposed wiring and faulty ground wires rank among the top electrical safety concerns for OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Whether your property is a family home, rental property, business, or office, you can keep occupants safe by promptly addressing exposed electrical wiring.

If you need electrical work done, including repairs to electrical wiring, turn to a contractor with years of experience in safe electrical repair. For professional electrical installation services in Woodstock, GA, by Long View Lighting, set up an appointment with our staff today.

If you observe exposed wiring, avoid exposure to electric shock and potential electrocution by calling an electrician immediately. If you can safely access the circuit breaker, flip the switch to cut power to the damaged wiring. Additionally, avoid contact with water in the vicinity of the exposed electrical wiring.

Exposed Wiring

Different wires perform different functions within your house. Unless you know your home circuitry and have training in electrical repair, you will likely not be able to distinguish between hot electrical wires and safe wires and work with them safely. A technician will use proper safety equipment and treat any exposed wiring as potentially hazardous until they verify the circuit is not live.

Exposed Ground Wires

Ground wires allow any positive electrical charges (electrons) to flow into the earth as the result of a short circuit when an exposed wire touches something metal. If the ground wire is not functioning, electric current from the hot wire of a faulty electrical circuit could cause a fire or an electrical shock.

Cutting Power to Exposed Wiring

If you know which appliances, lights, or other devices the wiring goes to, you can reduce the risk of electrocution or fire by flipping the circuit breaker switch in the electrical panel. If you are uncertain whether the circuit is receiving power, you can safely check the status of the exposed wire by using a non-contact voltmeter.

Using a Non-Contact Voltmeter

A no-contact voltmeter uses capacitance or the electric field generated by the circuit to measure the electrical potential in a circuit. Be cautious when approaching exposed electrical wiring, even if you are using a non-contact device. If the wire is hot, you could suffer an injury if you lose your footing or if the damaged wiring is in contact with conductors, such as metal objects, in the vicinity.

Using a Standard Voltage Meter

A voltage meter provides a more accurate reading than a no-contact voltmeter. They use an electrode that comes into direct contact with the wiring. The voltmeter calculates the voltage difference across the electrical circuit.  

Identify the Extent of the Damage

Once you verify that the wire is not receiving power, carefully inspect the damage to see how widespread it is. Ask yourself the following questions to determine the severity of the problem:

  • Is a single wire loose or frayed? 
  • Are multiple wires damaged?
  • Is a switch, outlet, or other fixture damaged?
  • Are there scorch marks, melted insulation, or other signs of electricity arcing between wires?

Fixing the Exposed Electrical Wiring with Electrical Tape

If a single wire is damaged and the damage is not severe, you could correct the problem by covering the exposed area with electrical tape. The electrical tape should insulate the wire and prevent it from causing damage if it comes near another exposed wire or a metal surface.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional for Electrical Repairs

Professional contractors should also be aware of interior design principles. They will carry out repairs neatly without leaving visible wiring, holes in drywall, or other eyesores. Having an insured professional carry out the work means you can get insurance to cover the damage if there is an accident or injury due to the repair job.

Keep Your Home Safe with Professional Electrical Repair from Long View Lighting

Long View Lighting is a licensed, experienced electrical repair company. You can rely on their team of experts to do electrical work right the first time while using reliable safety equipment and practices.If you notice any exposed electrical wiring in your home or business in Woodstock, GA, call Long View Lighting. Learn more on why you need the pros for electrical outlet installation and other information about their electrical services by contacting the team.

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Why You Need the Pros for Electrical Outlet Installation

For safe, effective electrical outlet installation, it is essential to hire professional, licensed electrical contractors in Woodstock, GA.

With video tutorials on nearly every aspect of home renovations, many homeowners attempt electrical outlet installation on their own. The problem is that homeowners rarely have professional training for working around electricity, putting themselves, their homes, and their electrical systems at risk. Before attempting outlet installation, consult with your local expert electrical installation contractors in Woodstock, GA.

How to Know It’s Time to Install New Electrical Outlets

When moving into a new home or considering upgrades for your current one, knowing when you need new electrical outlets installed helps you safely plan for electrical updates. Modern technology requires more energy to power the various appliances we depend on for comfort and convenience. Some homeowners believe that a new, shiny cover plate means they have an up-to-date electrical outlet, but professionals know that looks can deceive untrained eyes.

Easy ways to tell whether you need to upgrade your electrical outlets or install new ones include:

  • A circuit breaker that trips more often than other ones
  • The need to use power strips, surge protectors, or extension cords
  • Outlets with two prongs as opposed to three
  • Damage to plugs, including discoloration, cracks, or a loose fit

How to Know if Your Outlets Are Up-to-Date

Before beginning an upgrade or installation, professional electricians in Woodstock, GA, ensure that your wiring stands up to scrutiny. Older wiring consists of black and white wires, each performing a different function.

Black Wire

Called hot wires, black wires bring electricity from the breaker panel into the outlets. 

White Wire

Called neutral wires, white wires take any unused electricity delivered to your outlet and return it to the breaker panel.

New electrical set-ups require hot and neutral wires but include an additional ground wire. Encased in green, the ground wire typically won’t actively move electricity. However, if your outlet suffers from unstable electrical conditions, the ground wire absorbs the unstable energy and wires it into the ground and away from your home.

Once your electrician establishes that your electrical set-up meets modern-day safety standards, they’ll move forward with your outlet installation.

Is It Safe for Homeowners to Install Electrical Outlets?

Long View Lighting’s first priority involves the safety of homeowners and their houses. Trained electricians don’t recommend that homeowners attempt electrical outlet installation. Without professional training, homeowners often don’t have awareness regarding these considerations:

  • The age and condition of existing hardware and circuits
  • The tools and testing equipment required for safe electrical outlet installation
  • The safety conditions that guarantee problem-free electrical work
  • The recommended or legally required upgrades when replacing an existing outlet

What Are Some Examples of Electrical Outlet Installation Code?

Since different rooms have specific electrical needs, the National Fire Protection Association has established safety codes to protect homes from electrical malfunctions. Some examples of these safety codes include:

General Outlet Installation

  • Walls wider than 24 inches can have an outlet.
  • Hallways longer than ten feet require at least one outlet.
  • General room electricity requires 15 amp circuits.
  • There should be an outlet placed every 12 feet.

Kitchens

  • GFCI outlets only
  • No face-up electrical outlets
  • Kitchen islands require at least one outlet
  • Countertop outlets need at least two branch circuits

Bathrooms

  • GFCI outlets only
  • No face-up electrical outlets
  • At least one outlet installed within three feet of the sink basin

What Can Happen with DIY Electrical Outlet Installation?

Each year in the U.S., over 20,000 electrical fires affect homes. Improperly installed electrical outlets contribute to that number, making outlet installation a dangerous undertaking for DIY projects. With approximately 1,400 injuries and 500 deaths reported each year, the risk of self-installation far exceeds the cost of hiring a professional electrician.

Besides causing a fire, you could also suffer electric shocks while attempting an electrical outlet installation. Whether at the outlet itself or the circuit breaker, amateur hands quickly turn into lightning rods. The amount of electricity coursing through your home can cause burns, internal injuries, or even death if you mishandle it.

When You Need Electrical Outlet Installation, Stay Safe by Hiring Woodstock, GA, Electrical Professionals

Safe electrical outlet installation requires a working knowledge of electricity, experience with electrical tools and equipment, and a thorough understanding of electrical code. Attempting to install or exchange your electrical outlets independently can create dangerous conditions for your health, home, and electrical system. Call to learn more about electrical outlet installation with Long View Lighting in Woodstock, GA, or to explore the guide to puppy-proofing wires.

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How to Puppy-Proof Wires: Protecting Pets from Electrical Hazards

Pets can be at a much higher risk of electrical accidents in your home than you realize. Cats and dogs may consider wires a fun toy to play with or might engage in chewing wires and other objects for stress relief. The experts for electrical installation services in Woodstock, GA, by Long View Lighting describe how to puppy-proof wires in the paragraphs below.

How Often Do Pets Suffer Electrical Accidents in the Home?

Dogs and puppies are more likely to receive electrical shocks than cats, which are less likely to chew cables. However, individual cats may have anxiety problems that lead to nervous chewing on electric cables. Watch for chewing behavior in all of your pets to determine what steps you need to take to keep pets safe.

Young puppies and kittens are curious about the world around them and may chew on anything they can reach while teething. Learn how to puppy-proof wires before bringing a young pet home.

Performing an Electrical Risk Assessment in Your Home

Vet costs to treat your pet after an electrical shock can range anywhere from $500 to over $3,000. To prevent injury to your pets, you should perform a home risk assessment to look for the potential for electrical accidents due to:

  • Dangling wires
  • Tangled or nested wires
  • Appliances too close to water sources
  • Electrical fire hazards
  • Exposed electrical sources
  • Damaged wires

To perform a risk assessment, walk through your home. Look for potentially dangerous situations, such as phone chargers left plugged in on a kitchen counter even when your phone is in your pocket or tangled TV and entertainment wires in the living room.

If your cat regularly jumps onto your kitchen counter, consider unplugging your phone charger after use, so it doesn’t hold a current. Detangle cables and use clips or Velcro cable straps to loop long wires and prevent them from getting tangled again.

Deterring Chewing Behaviors Around Electric Cables with Your Pets

Your pets may chew on cables for several reasons, whether because they look like a fun toy or because your pet has an anxiety condition that presents with chewing for self-soothing. You can take several steps to improve electrical safety around your home.

  1. Pet training. Trained dogs are much less likely to chew than untrained dogs. With enough patience and knowing what motivation to use, you can even clicker-train a cat. If you have both, you can train them together once your dog passes basic obedience training class.
  2. Cable management. The easiest way to prevent chewing is to block access to cables. Mount power strips on a wall or the back of your desk or entertainment center to keep cables from reaching the floor. Tie up long cables, and use clips to keep cables separated.
  3. Block access to rooms with several power sources. If you have a home office or workshop with several electronics or power tools, use a pet gate or close the door to the space when you need to work or when you leave your workspace for the day to keep pets out of the room.
  4. Offer an alternative. According to pet behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, whenever you tell a pet “no” to something, you need to give them an alternative “yes.” Offer your pet a new favorite chew toy instead of your electric cables.
  5. Deter chewing with a repellant. You may need to coat cables in a pet-safe bitterant spray to deter chewing with a bad smell or taste or get some plastic bite-proof sheaths for your cables.

Call an Electrical Engineer to Work Safely with Electric Sources in Your Home

If you notice exposed electrical panels, outlets missing their covers, or loose outlet receptacles, learn why DIY electrical repairs isn’t advisable. Call a professional electrician to perform an electrical safety inspection and make any necessary repairs.

A certified electrician has the training and experience to work safely around electrical sources using the appropriate personal protective equipment. Trying to do electrical work on your home yourself could result in serious injuries from an electrical arc or damage to your home, including disrupting your electrical circuits or causing an electrical fire.

Contact Long View Lighting in Woodstock, GA

Now that you know how to puppy-proof wires for your furry family members, make sure your home is safe from electrical accidents for all inhabitants. Call Long View Lighting in Woodstock, GA, to schedule an inspection of your home’s electrical systems.

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Four Reasons Why You Should Not Try DIY Electrical Repairs

One of the most dangerous things for homeowners to try is Do-It-Yourself (DIY) electrical repairs. DIY electrical repairs might seem like a good idea initially, but you should spend the extra money on an experienced electrician and ensure the job goes right. Don’t try to be a hero when it comes to fixing your electrical system.

There are many reasons not to attempt electrical repairs on your own. In this article, we discuss four of the most common reasons.

When you need assistance with electrical repairs, consult the experts at Long View Lighting.

Reason #1: Electrical Shocks

When you try DIY electrical repairs, you risk electrocuting yourself or someone else. Working with electrical wires can be incredibly dangerous if you don’t have the proper training and know-how. You don’t have to touch a high-voltage wire to experience a significant or perhaps even fatal electric shock.

With light fixtures, power outlets, and large appliances, your home electrical current runs from about 110 to 240 volts. At 110 volts, an electric shock can pack a mean punch. However, 240 volts could be fatal.

There’s no reason to turn a simple electrical repair into a dangerous DIY project. Instead, get professional help from a well-trained, highly qualified Woodstock, GA, electric contractor.

Reason #2: Electrical Fires

The second reason you should never try DIY electrical repairs is fire hazards. Even at home, electrical systems have complex layouts with intricate wiring configurations. Without the proper knowledge and specialized training, you could quickly solve one problem and create several more serious, long-term ones.

It doesn’t take much to mess up the wiring, resulting in critical safety hazards. While an electrical shock has instant consequences, the effects of faulty wiring could remain unnoticed for weeks or even months. Just when you think you did  an excellent job and don’t need to call an electrician, you might have to put out an electrical fire.

Don’t take on any electrical project yourself and put yourself and your family at risk. Hire a professional and rest easy knowing you’re safe from electrical hazards at home.

Reason #3: Failing Inspection

Electrical shocks and fire hazards should be reason enough not to tamper with your home’s wiring system. However, a DIY electrical repair project can also lead to local inspection issues.

A certified inspector must approve your home’s electrical functions before you use them. When you fail inspection or fail to receive the proper inspection, you put your home in danger and risk paying steep fines. If you try to complete repairs yourself and don’t get everything back up to code, you will likely not pass inspection.

Hiring a local electrician can easily prevent inspection problems, safety hazards, and heavy fines. An experienced professional ensures your home is safe and will pass its next inspection.

Reason #4: Unforeseen Issues

When untrained amateurs mess with a complex electrical system, several things can go wrong. The wiring in your home might appear safe, but you can’t work based on appearances alone. Your exciting DIY project could quickly turn into a nightmare.

Professionals have the training and expertise to work carefully. They don’t take risks or shortcuts because they understand necessary precautions, following every safety measure in the book. To complete the job correctly and safely, you must know what to do and what not to do.

Key Takeaways

Don’t attempt electrical repairs on your own. You could put yourself, your home, and your loved ones in danger from:

  • Electrical shock from live wires and shorts
  • Electrical fires from improper rewiring after completing repairs
  • Failing inspection by not getting your system up to code or avoiding inspection altogether
  • Unforeseen issues that only an experienced electrician could identify before attempting repairs

These are just four reasons why you should never try DIY repairs. Learn more about electrical repair and troubleshooting to stay safe while assessing electrical issues in your home.

Get Professional Electrical Repairs and Maintenance

No homeowner should attempt DIY electrical repairs, regardless of knowledge and expertise. It’s too dangerous to risk messing up, and you should leave it to our highly trained Woodstock electrical contractors.

At Long View Lighting, we offer top-quality, safety-first solutions to all your electrical needs. Call us today!

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8 Dangerous Electrical Hazards at Home and Ways to Prevent Them

Many people do not know that electrical hazards cause more than 1,000 injuries and deaths per year. Understanding what defines an electrical risk is the surest way to avoid one. For example, an injury from faulty electrical wiring, a DIY electrical repair, or improper grounding could be life-threatening and completely avoidable. A home inspection by a local electrician will help you locate these potential risks and remedy them before they have a chance to damage your home and family.    

Here are common electrical hazards and some ways you can prevent them:

  • Dated wiring: When your home is old, the wiring is also aging. You might not think about the age of the wiring, but building codes and materials have changed since a construction company built the house. Unless you have bought or sold your home within the past year, there is a good chance that the wiring needs to be updated. 
  • Wrong wiring: Poor or wrong wiring for the item plugged into the outlet is a fire waiting to happen. The wire will overheat and catch on fire, spreading quickly to other parts of the house. 
  • Extension cords: Everyone uses extension cords to plug more than one item into an electrical outlet. Too many extension cords or too many plugs in a power strip will overload the circuit. Once a circuit is overloaded, a fire can result. . 
  • Cords near water: Electricity and water never mix. Never use an electric tool or appliance near water, and make sure electrical outlets are away from water sources like sinks or bathtubs. 

Other electrical hazards might surprise you: 

  • Overhead power lines: A damaged power line can catch fire, especially when it is frayed. Sometimes the electricity will flow through the air and cause an arc flash. The arc flash concentrates energy that causes severe burns and possibly even death. 
  • Exposed wiring: If your home has electrical outlets with no covers, those are hazards. Any electrical feature such as the breaker box, the fuse box, or an outlet should have a tight covering to prevent accidents. 
  • Frayed insulation: Frayed, worn, or otherwise damaged insulation can cause a fire when it surrounds an exposed wire. Contact with the wire can cause a shock or a fire.
  • Children: Unsupervised children are prone to sticking things into outlets, and sticking anything into an outlet is dangerous. Keep children away from outlets, electrical features with no covers, and appliances like hairdryers when near water. 

Potential electrical hazards are preventable with proper care and prevention. When you see an electrical hazard, the best course of action is to contact a licensed, trained electrical repair service. The service will inspect your home for wiring issues and make reliable repairs to keep you and your family safe. Contact us today to get a free home electrical inspection.

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2021 Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Replace or Install a Garage Door?

Having a home that accurately represents you and your family is important to most modern homeowners. Although there are many ways to enhance your residence’s curbside appeal, installing a beautiful garage door is a simple change that can instantly take your home from drab to fab. 

Many people don’t know where or how to start shopping for the garage door of their dreams and wonder, “How much does it cost to replace a garage door?” Long View Lighting is here to help. Here are a few tips that will make shopping for a new garage door in Woodstock, Georgia, a breeze.

What to Consider Before the Installation Process

It’s no secret that installing or replacing a garage door can be rather costly. The installation process commonly costs upwards of $1,000 on average. However, there are many factors you need to consider before diving into the installation process. 

What Size Is Your Garage Door?

Knowing the size of your garage helps narrow your search and gives you a rough estimate of the cost before the project even begins. It’s important to know the dimensions of your garage before shopping around because garage doors vary in size depending on the size of your home and garage. A typical single-car garage door can range from $600 to $1,500, while a double can cost $800 to $1,500

What Style of Door Do You Want?

In addition to your garage door’s appearance, you need to consider the functioning style of the door. Many different forms appeal to a wide range of homeowners. The most common are:

  • Swing-up or tilt-up doors
  • Swing-out doors
  • Roll-up or sectional doors
  • Sliding doors

Finding a style that works for your home gives you an idea of the project’s expenses while enhancing your home’s curb appeal.

How Much Will Labor and Materials Cost?

There’s more to a garage door installation than choosing your desired form and style. Figuring out the cost of labor and materials needed for installation is important before starting the project. You typically want to add 20% to your overall budget to cover the labor costs, overages, and necessary materials. 

It’s also wise to shop around before commenting to a single installer. Most companies’ rates vary depending on your location and the price of your chosen installation materials. Other things to consider include:

  • Material removal ($25-$100)
  • Hardware replacement ($50-$350)
  • Resizing ($500-$5,000)

Homeowners associations often require specific garage designs and materials. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, check with them before gathering supplies and committing to a design.

Where Can I Find a Loyal Garage Door Installer?

Finding an experienced and trustworthy garage door installer can be difficult. Different companies may give you different quotes for how much it costs to replace a garage door. However, if you’re looking for garage door repair in Woodstock, GA, Long View Lighting has you covered. Their trusted team of professionals fulfills all your installation needs without draining your wallet. For proficient installation with outstanding customer service, look no further than Long View Lighting. 

Call (770) 790-3511 today and make your garage dreams a reality with Long View Lighting’s expert garage door installation in Woodstock, GA.