Residential Electrician Articles & Resources

Man with beard wearing an orange t-shirt adjusts his smart thermostat to 74 degrees.

Programmable vs. Smart Thermostats: Which Is Better?

August 5, 2025/in Residential

Rising electricity costs are outpacing inflation, making energy efficiency more important than ever for homeowners looking to cut bills. One surprising factor? The thermostat controlling your heating and cooling. But with so many options, how do you choose the most cost-effective one?

Get the details on the key differences between programmable and smart thermostats and learn how each can impact your energy savings. Plus, find out why thermostat installation isn’t a DIY task and how professionals help can make a real difference. Stay informed to discover which thermostat could save you money and boost your home’s efficiency.

Can You Trust a Craigslist Electrician? Read This First

July 2, 2025/in Residential

Thinking about tackling electrical work on your own or hiring someone from sites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, or TaskRabbit to save a few bucks? While those platforms are great for many tasks, electrical jobs are a different story. Electrical work requires expertise and proper licensing to keep your home safe and running smoothly. Learn why choosing a licensed electrician is the smartest move for any homeowner needing electrical repairs or upgrades.

Electrician wears safety gloves while fixing a home electrical socket.

Find the Best Residential Electricians in Oregon & Washington

July 2, 2025/in Residential

Wondering if it’s time to call a residential electrician? Even small issues like flickering lights or tripped breakers can be signs that your home’s electrical system needs attention. A licensed electrician brings the expertise to keep everything running safely and smoothly.

If you’re in Oregon or Washington, Powering Pacific Northwest makes it easy to find trusted professionals in your area. Keep reading to discover the benefits of working with a residential electrician and how to choose the right one for your home.

Thermometer showing a temperature of 100 degrees.

Beat the Heat: 6 AC Electrical Problems Every Homeowner Should Know

June 3, 2025/in Residential

As summer heatwaves intensify across the U.S., particularly in the Pacific Northwest, homeowners are relying more than ever on their air conditioning to stay cool. In 2024, Oregon recorded its sixth-warmest year on record, with some cities sweltering through five consecutive days over 100°F. But with the rise in AC use comes an increase in electrical problems—issues that can quickly escalate if not addressed. Here’s what you need to know to keep your AC running smoothly during the hottest months.

Discover six common AC electrical problems to watch for this summer and know when it’s time to call in a professional. Learn how to identify these issues and avoid discomfort during the heat.

Solar panels on the roof of a home with tan siding.

Solar Myths Busted: 6 Things Homeowners Should Know

May 7, 2025/in Residential

Imagine slashing your electricity bill while contributing to a cleaner, greener planet—all from the comfort of your own home. Sounds too good to be true? Think again. As residential solar power surges in popularity, many homeowners still find themselves tangled in myths and misconceptions. Let’s clear the air by debunking the most common solar myths, so you can make an informed decision about harnessing the power of the sun for your home.
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HVAC technician on the roof of a home performing a maintenance check.

Can HVAC Technicians Do Electrical Work?

May 7, 2025/in Residential

A residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a crucial role in maintaining comfort at home. These systems are often overlooked, so when an issue arises unexpectedly, it can be frustrating. If you’re calling an HVAC technician for installation, repairs, or maintenance, you may find yourself wondering, “Can HVAC technicians perform electrical work?”
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Woman charges her electric vehicle outside of her home.

Can Your EV Power Your House?

April 3, 2025/in Residential

In 2025, more and more homeowners are looking at their electric vehicles (EVs) as a potential backup power source. Some EVs already have the ability to act as a power source for your home through a feature called Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) charging. This lets your EV temporarily supply power during an outage or when you need extra energy.

While only a few EV models offer V2H right now, many upcoming models are expected to include this cool feature. The best part? Electrical contractors can install this system as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing an expensive battery or generator.
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Spring Into Savings: 5 Easy Energy-Saving Tips for Homeowners

March 11, 2025/in Residential

The U.S. Department of Energy reports smart appliances can save up to 15% of energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9%. Adjusting your thermostat by 10% to 15% for eight hours a day can also save you 10% a year on your heating and cooling costs.

As a homeowner, you’re no stranger to trying to save on your energy bills. You may have started adjusting your thermostat or investing in smart home technology to support energy conservation and reduce costs. But what are some other simple ways to cut energy costs and boost efficiency in your home? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share five energy-saving tips to reduce your bill and make your home more eco-friendly—all without a major overhaul!
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Interior of a home under construction with electrical boxes and wiring.

Rewiring Your Home: 7 Red Flags That It’s Time for an Upgrade

March 11, 2025/in Residential

Wondering if your home needs rewiring? Home wiring systems provide power to critical appliances, devices, and heating and cooling systems. Faulty or outdated wiring can pose safety risks and impact a system’s efficiency, so it’s essential to know when it’s time to rewire your home.

Rewiring a home increases its safety, efficiency, and value, giving homeowners peace of mind. This article highlights red flags that indicate it’s time to update or completely rewire your home’s electrical system.
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