Just after I sent out last month’s newsletter, I found out about a press release from the State of Massachusetts about a Sting on Craigslist.  Apparently 20 unlicensed electricians were caught advertising their services on the popular classifieds website.  They now face some hefty fines for unlicensed practice.  (Click here for the official press release from the State of MA.)

After I finished reading the article, I thought of the customers that have been potentially burned in the past by electricians with, well, discreditable behavior.  It's things like this that tend to bring people's opinions down of tradespeople.  There are only 20 cases currently being reviewed by the Board of Electricians and Alarm System Installers from this "Sting" - but we all know that there are more out there than just those who were caught.

My point is this - it is crucial to know who you're hiring; and be weary of low prices or what might seem to be a "good deal".  Make sure that the company meets the following standards:

1)  They are licensed to perform the work that’s going to be done.  If an electrical contractor isn't willing to share with you his license number, then there's something very wrong.  In short: no permit, no deal!

2)  They are prepared to pull a permit with your city or town.  This is usually a small and perhaps overlooked task, but it is so vitally important especially for a homeowner.  When an electrician pulls a permit, an inspection is needed by the local "Authority Having Jurisdiction" or Electrical Inspector.  It is his job to make sure that all work that was performed meets local and National Electrical Codes.  You'll smell something fishy very quickly if the electrician doesn't want to pull a permit.

VERY IMPORTANT:  If work is performed without pulling a permit, and an issue arises, you won't have much recourse with your insurance company.  For instance: if there is a fire in your home because electrical work was performed illegally, your insurance company will not cover your claim.  The insurance company will research for past permits at the building department, and if none are found, there will be trouble.

3)  They carry the proper amount of liability insurance and worker's comp.  This is perhaps something else that is overlooked, but vital.  You need to ensure that you're not going to be held responsible for any shoddy work performed, or even sued for injuries that can occur on the job site.  In fact, when a permit is pulled, the contractor must provide proof of insurance and worker's compensation to the city or town - or they don't get the permit.

4)  Quality references and testimonials are readily available.  One of the best ways to tell how good a company is, is to ask what other people say about them.  Be sure to research the company you plan to hire and read reviews about them.

5)  They have no (or very few) complaints with the Better Business Bureau and other similar organizations.  This is basically in the same vein as number 4 - if there are a lot of complaints about a given company, just stay away.

The bottom line:  To do the job right the first time will always save you money in the long run, and that's a fact.  If it's not done right (and on the cheap) you'll be forced to repair the issue sooner or later, and probably at a much higher cost because of the creation of additional problems.  When it comes to electrical work, you need to have the peace of mind of a job well done.

If you are ever in need of a quality electrician, you know where to look.  But we also have a database of excellent tradespeople, so please consider us a valuable resource for a trusted referral for your next project - whatever size it may be!

Have you ever left your home or office and forgot to shut off a light and lower the thermostat?  What about making a trip or two around to make sure that everything's off before you leave?  Now imagine just pressing one button near the door and having all the lights and unwanted loads shut off, and lowering the thermostat - how convenient!

Everyone these days is thinking about ways to save money.  Now, with an affordable system from Lutron, you can control the majority of energy usage in your home or office and not use any more than you absolutely need.  The system will assuredly pay for itself, and you'll love the added convenience and control too.

Custom design at entry-level prices.  The Lutron RadioRA 2 system is very scalable (click here for a great system diagram).  This means that you can have a basic or "starter" system installed for a low cost.  When you are ready to add devices, this can be done very easily.  The system will work great to control only a few lights, or it provides complete control for larger installations.

How does it work?  The RadioRA 2 switch devices and keypads replace your existing light switches.  (They are also available in many different colors to match any decor.)  They communicate wirelessly with each other through the main "brain" of the system, which is a small box with an antenna that is mounted in an inconspicuous location.  There are also wireless keypads that do not have to be mounted on a wall - these are either powered by standard AAA batteries or with an included plug-in power adapter.  These tabletop keypads provide convenient, portable control of your system with backlit buttons and personalized engraving.  (Engraving and backlights are available on all keypads.)  You can even have a car visor transmitter, so you'll never have to come home to a dark house ever again.

Automatically turn lights on and off.  Completely wireless occupancy and vacancy sensors can be added to this system.  In the past, wiring would have to be installed from either the light fixture or the switch to the desired location of a motion sensor.  With this revolutionary technology, all you need is a couple of screws to secure the sensor to the wall or ceiling - no wires needed!  Plus the battery lasts for years, so there is minimal maintenance required.  You can even program the built-in timeclock to automatically turn off lights when they're not needed, such as exterior lights at sunrise.

Thermostat control now available.  At the time of writing this (May 2011), just in the past month Lutron has added thermostat controllability to this great system.  You can place a wireless temperature sensor in a practical location to sense temperature, and control you HVAC system wirelessly with an attractive control interface (available in all the same colors).  Please click here for the thermostat brochure.

If you have any questions whatsoever, or would like a free system design and estimate, please contact us.

If you're like me, you may be getting a little sick of hearing the term "go green" or "green living" -- but there is an advantage to it.

Automation Systems are not solely about comfort and convenience anymore.  Sure, you can do some pretty amazing and impressive tasks when your systems and components work harmoniously, but the true advantage lies in the realized savings.  Plus, you can start with a basic system and add onto it as you like.

The facts about lighting.  Lighting can account for anywhere between 20 - 50% (or more) of total energy used in homes and offices.  For some buildings over 90% of lighting energy consumed can be an unnecessary expense through over-illumination!

Enter the solution.  There are many ways to save energy throughout a home or office space; from dimmers, occupancy sensors and entire light control systems, to window solutions that manage daylight and help control heating and cooling costs.  Replace a single light switch with any dimmer and potentially save $30 a year (per dimmer).  For guaranteed savings, Lutron's line of eco-dim® solutions automatically reduces your energy by 15% or more.  Combine dimmers, timers, sensors, and window shades to maximize your energy efficiency.

Available for any location, new or existing.  The great thing about today's technology is that everything can be wireless.  In the past reliability was an issue, but technology has come a long way.  Lutron's RadioRA 2 is a wireless light control system that provides convenient and intuitive control of lights, shades, appliances, and temperature in a single room or throughout a whole home.  It installs easily, programs quickly, and operates reliably thanks to its highly reliable RF technology.  Plus, there is a design to match every decor.  For a brochure on Lutron's RadioRA 2 system, click here.

If it can't be measured, it can't be improved.  Keeping tabs on your energy consumption is key; the ability to monitor the energy you use is an extremely helpful tool in reducing your costs.  Even Google has entered the Green marketplace with Google PowerMeter.  There are so many awesome new products being developed that will offer complete connectivity at very reasonable prices.

Kermit was wrong when he said "It's not that easy being green" - it's easy now and it's only going to get easier!  Systems are completely scalable, and you can pay for your system in a relatively short period of time from the savings alone.  Plus, you'll love the controllability you'll experience.  Stay tuned for further info -- there's some exciting things on the horizon.

If you have any questions about the above topics, or for just some simple ideas on how to save money, please feel free to contact us.

At McCurdy Electric, our number one goal is customer satisfaction.  You might even call this article a “mission statement.”  The following four points outline what we’re about and what you get for being a McCurdy Electric customer.

Relationships are everything.  We don’t just appreciate your business, we value it.  It is vitally important that you hire a company who you know will always be there, as well as one you can trust to come into your home or business.  We will do our best to always send the same service technician to you, so you’ll always know who to expect.  That way, your technician will know the ins and outs of your system.  In a nutshell, we strive for excellent customer service, and aim to provide nothing but the best from people you trust.

It can save serious money.  Time is money.  The less time spent on your job, the more money you save.  If a different company is used each time a problem arises, they will charge you for the time it takes to learn your systems and equipment and to find out where everything is.  When you stick with the same company, they already know your equipment and systems, and where everything is located.

Added value.  At McCurdy Electric, we offer a free site condition and equipment report, and we store that information in our database.  It will include data such as equipment manufacturers, model numbers, and even safety concerns that we might find.  That way, when something goes wrong in the future, we can have a head-start on the issue and even have parts ready in-hand before we send a technician your way.  Instead of you paying a technician for his time running to get a particular part, we can already have that part on the truck!  We also keep track of warranty information, so if something goes wrong with a product you just had installed, you won’t be spending money needlessly for a new part.

You’ll always know where to find us.  We answer all phone calls personally during normal business hours.  That means that if you call us, you’ll talk to a live person directly in our office – no “answering service” or an impersonal voicemail!  Not to speak poorly about the one-man show contractor, but you might have a hard time tracking them down sometimes.  You’ll always know where to find us -- and it’s our pleasure to serve you.

As with many new products today, wireless is where it’s at. A wireless security system translates to savings for you, because there is less installation time, less drilling required, less wiring installed, and less overall intrusion to your home’s structure.

Home is Where the Heart is. With the hectic pace that modern life brings you, now, more than ever, your home is a haven, a refuge from it all. Home. There’s no place like it. And at the heart of a home is family. You want to do everything you can do to keep your family safe and secure – everything you can do to protect what you value most. A security system from McCurdy Electric keeps a watchful eye on your family and other valuables when you are home and when you aren’t. It is one of the most important investments you will ever make.

Superior Protection. Complete Security. With a new Wireless Security System installed by McCurdy Electric, you can be assured that you are receiving the finest home security system on the market today. With a wide range of complementary security devices, the system offers fully secure, “always on” communication and complete protection.

This Keypad is completely wireless.

What Wireless Means for You. Because the system is wireless, it installs quickly with minimal compromise to your home structure. Faster, easier installation means less installer time in your home as well – so you can get on with the business of your day.

Contemporary Design Blends Into Décor. With a sleek and contemporary look, the security devices project a modern feel and at the same time, inconspicuously blend into your home décor.

Control your System with Confidence. Through the compact and sleek keypad, you control your security system. With easy to use one-touch keys, all family members can use the system with complete confidence. Handy wall or free-standing desk stand options give you more choice in where keypads may be located throughout the home.

The Highest Level of Protection Available. Some security devices (called wireless contacts) are installed on your windows and doors to monitor those entry points. Other types of devices are installed in different areas of your home as well. These motion detectors will detect movement within the home (without detecting pets), breaking glass on windows, carbon monoxide presence, smoke or fire, and flooding. When used with a monitoring service, all devices are monitored to ensure your family and your home is protected at all times. It is truly the highest level of protection available.

Instant Connection, With Back-Up, to Emergency Response. When an alarm occurs, a monitored Security System instantly connects to a monitoring station and emergency services are dispatched as required. The system sends the alarm transmission over the phone line, or as installed by your security professional, also by either Internet or GSM/GPRS channels (the same communication method as your mobile phone). These back-up methods ensure that you are never out of contact. The solution is perfect for homes which may have opted out of the traditional phone line, for a mobile phone or Voice Over IP phone.

Sounding the Alarm. In the event of an alarm trigger, the Security System will let you, your family and surrounding neighbors know through the indoor and/or outdoor siren (the outdoor siren is completely optional). The indoor siren announces signs of trouble from within the home. The (optional) outdoor siren makes known any unwanted entrance to property and indicates it with the accompanying strobe light. The outdoor siren’s temperature sensor can also communicate the outdoor temperature to the keypad inside your home!

Arm and disarm your home like you do with your car!

Simple Operation at the Touch of a Button. No more fumbling at the door with armfuls of packages or worries about remembering security codes. The wireless key provides you with easy management of your security system, information regarding the status of your system and the added confidence of portable personal protection – at your fingertips. You can arm or disarm your system easily as you approach your house or call for help from anywhere inside or in close proximity to it.

The system can also be managed with a proximity sensor, or “prox” tag. With the prox tag, simply swipe the tag across the front of the keypad and the system is either armed or disarmed. It’s that easy.

Enhance your security with accessories like this flood sensor.

Someone to Watch Over You. Your new security system installed by McCurdy Electric keeps watch, providing you and your family with complete protection and peace of mind. You can rest easy, knowing that your system will protect what you value the most – your family, your home and your possessions.

A number of other great accessories can be added to enhance your protection, such as flood sensors and smoke detectors. Please contact us for complete details, or for a completely free estimate.

McCurdy Electric offers complete alarm monitoring services, starting at just $18.95 per month!

We also have alarm solutions for commercial applications as well, not just for your home. Contact us for a custom-designed system.

More often than not, video security systems “pay for themselves” in a very short period of time. Be it for your home to watch the kids, for a retail store, or at the office, a video surveillance system often proves to be a good investment.

You can even access your live video feed from anywhere in the world through the internet, on your computer, or even your cell phone!

Technology is such today that you can place cameras anywhere, even wirelessly, and they can even be disguised as everyday items. For instance, you can have cameras disguised as a smoke detector, wall clock, speakers, pictures, even a water bottle!

Yup, there's a camera in this plant! (Don't worry, I can't see it either.)

We have actually installed more than a few camera systems that have paid for themselves in just a few months, when an employee was caught stealing.

We’ll be glad to provide you with a free estimate and site visit for a surveillance camera system custom-tailored to your needs. Or if you know of a retailer, business owner, or property manager that might benefit from a system, feel free to refer them to us to take full advantage of our Referral Program.

If you have any questions whatsoever, please call us for a free consultation.

Until 10/31/2010, take $100 off a new video surveillance system installation. Contact our office for complete details.

As the saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a minute.” Or, as Mark Twain put it, “…one of the brightest gems in the New England weather is the dazzling uncertainty of it.”

I think you get my point.

We New Englanders should always be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may throw at us. I hope that you weren’t one of over a half-million people who were without power back in that ice storm in 2008. This “unprecedented” event left more than half of New Hampshire residents without power for well over a week!

At the time of writing this we’re in the “dog days of summer” – but there’s no better time to prepare yourself. We don’t need a massive ice storm to lose power!

McCurdy Electric is excited to announce our official dealer status with GE Generator Systems. We are now certified to install and service your backup generator so it will always be ready when you need it.

Finally, there is a new generation of smart, automatic home backup power systems. More compact, more energy efficient and more intelligent. The new Standby Generators by GE are also more affordable because they feature patented controls that efficiently manage the energy demands of your entire home.

A Smarter Backup Power Solution!

Power More For Less

Advanced Symphony power controls allow for a more compact, energy efficient and affordable whole house solution (10-45kW).

Maximum Fuel Economy

Intelligent management of your home’s appliances results in up to 33% less fuel consumption than the leading competitor.

Space-Saving Design

The most compact design in the industry (10kW) allows for a low profile that blends in with your home and landscape.

Whole House Power Management

Finally there is an affordable whole house backup power solution from a brand you know and trust.

Don’t Let Its Size Fool You!

The compact 10kW offers an affordable whole house solution for 73% of all homes in the US!

Please let us know if you have any questions whatsoever about these great new generators! We’ll be glad to come on by and give you a completely free estimate for a custom installation that’s right for you and your home.

OK, so everybody’s trying to “go green” these days. You’ve done pretty well yourself haven’t you? You have re-usable fabric bags for your groceries, you refill your refillable water bottle from your faucet water filter, you have a programmable thermostat installed, and you’ve even screwed in a few of those spiral-twist compact fluorescent bulbs.

Or maybe you haven’t.

Even if going “green” is not high on your priority list, I bet you that saving money is. It’s a proven fact that no matter what type of light bulb is used, one that is off always uses less power!

I don’t know about you, but I get very upset with myself when I forget to turn off the lights when I leave a room, wasting electricity and adding to that month’s electric bill. This problem is easily solved with the simple installation of an occupancy sensor (some brands even call it a vacancy sensor).

When I tell you that there is a solution for every situation, there really is. To make things simpler, the world of occupancy sensors can be boiled down to two types: wall-mount sensors, and ceiling-mount sensors.

An existing wall switch can be replaced with a unit that fits right into the existing switch box. There are many different technologies that exist now to avoid nuisance shut-offs when you still might be in that room. The older sensors of years past, with the technology of their day, might have certainly caused these types of annoying shut-offs. We actually have a sensor installed in our home office that will sense slight hand movement from more than 20 feet away, and it always “knows” when someone is or isn’t in that room. Plus, you can change the timer on the unit to shut off in a few seconds or a few hours. That’s pretty impressive.

The other type of occupancy sensor that is available is mounted in or on the ceiling. This version is decidedly more of a “commercial” application, but of course this technology can be used anywhere. The benefits of a ceiling-mounted sensor is that you can really focus on an area where motion will be detected. For instance, where a wall-mounted unit might not recognize movement because of the location of the existing switch box, the ceiling unit can be put directly in a spot where it will guarantee to pick up motion.

A really cool new product that just came out is the best of both worlds:

No Wires, No Batteries, No Limits

The product shown above is truly an innovation. Basically, it’s a solar-powered ceiling sensor unit which never needs batteries. The ceiling sensor unit “talks” to the corresponding wall switch unit that replaces your existing switch. This allows for ultimate flexibility and control, and saves the possibility of having to cut holes in walls and ceilings to run wires. There are no wires!

In our opinion, an occupancy sensor is one of the smartest purchases you can make. Lighting energy is a major portion of an electric bill – it’s sometimes even the largest portion.

Like I said before – no matter what type of light bulb is used, a light bulb that is off always uses less power!

Many electrical hazards exist, both at home and in the workplace. There are a few easy steps that you can take to significantly decrease your risk of an electrical fire or other hazardous occurrence. Check for these common electrical hazards, and correct them as soon as possible:

1) Check for electrical cords that are pinched behind furniture, such as couches, bureaus, or chairs.

2) Check for overloaded outlets (for example, if there is more than one appliance plugged into an outlet). Be especially careful when plugging in larger-sized appliances, such as hair dryers, space heaters, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and other similar items. You can’t always just plug it in and expect there to be enough power available on that circuit.

3) Check for overloaded power strips. These are only designed to be used for a few low-power items. Also, never plug one power strip into another power strip.

4) Check for lamps and light fixtures that may have bulbs with a higher wattage than recommended. Most lamps and fixtures are designed to use a 60 Watt bulb at most. Bulbs of a higher wattage than what the fixture is designed for using is a leading cause of electrical fires.

5) Check for electrical cords underneath rugs, carpets, and furniture. Relocate the cords if necessary so they are not continually stepped on and worn down, compromising their insulation. Electrical cords should always be protected from physical damage.

6) Check for electrical cords that have frayed wires or cracked insulation. Dispose of them and replace them with a quality cord that bears a certification label of an independent testing laboratory (such as UL).

7) Check the size of your extension cords. Make sure that they are designed to handle the amount power that they are being used for. A tell-tale sign of an under-sized and over-used cord is if the cord is warm to the touch. Never use an extension cord for larger appliances such as your hair dryer, air conditioner, or space heater.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the items listed above, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you 24/7 and electrical hazards should not wait to be addressed fixed. We will be glad to answer any questions you have.

What are some common electrical hazards that you have seen? We welcome your comments!

The MA State Fire Marshal recommends that you have your electrical system inspected every 10 years. The following is taken directly from a press release from earlier this year:

“Electrical wiring, like all other systems, needs maintenance and inspection. Homeowners should have a qualified electrician examine their electrical system every ten years. A licensed electrician who obtains a permit when required should do all electrical work. The permit process protects the homeowner by requiring that an inspector check that work is done correctly.”

The last part of the statement above is very important too. When getting work done of any kind at your home or business, always be sure that the contractor pulls a permit. This is to make sure that the contractor you’re hiring is licensed and has the proper types of insurance. It is really for your protection.

It is proven that when a preventative maintenance program (referred to as a PM program) is in place, it will save you money in the long run. This is true for both homeowners and business owners alike. Basically, when a piece of equipment breaks down because of neglect, it is more costly to fix the problem at that point than it would have been to prevent the problem in the first place. One way of checking for problems is by utilizing a technology known as Thermal Imaging.

A Thermal Image of a Receptacle Outlet

Using Thermal Imaging tools, we can check for problems on a piece of equipment just by “looking” at it. When looking at an electrical panel, If a spot is unusually hot, there’s an excellent chance of either a loose connection or an overloaded circuit. Connections become loose over time, and that is just one of the reasons preventative maintenance is needed (especially on electrical panels).

The thermal image camera is also a useful tool for energy conservationists to check out cold spots in a home and see where you might need some more insulation. Check out this video from Fluke, a leading manufacturer in the Thermal Imaging industry to learn more.

As added value to you our customer, McCurdy Electric offers a free visual safety inspection with a written report with every service call. We are dedicated to safety!

I welcome any comments or questions you have.