'Tis the Season for Savings

7016309225 • December 18, 2024

Energy-Efficient Tips for a Merry Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, our homes are filled with the warmth and joy of Christmas lights, decorations, and festive gatherings. While these traditions bring comfort and cheer, they can also lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Fortunately, with a few simple strategies, you can celebrate Christmas in style while saving energy and money. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips for keeping your energy usage in check during the holiday season without sacrificing the magic of Christmas.

Deck the Halls with LED Lights:

- LED lights are a game-changer when it comes to holiday decorating. Not only do they use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent lights, but they also last much longer. Make the switch to LED Christmas lights to brighten your home while reducing energy consumption.

Embrace the Warm Glow of Candlelight:

- Create a cozy and intimate atmosphere by incorporating candles into your holiday decor. Opt for soy or beeswax candles, which burn cleaner and longer than paraffin candles, and remember to extinguish them when leaving the room or going to bed.

Time Your Lights Wisely:

- Use timers or smart plugs to control when your Christmas lights and decorations are illuminated. Set them to turn on at dusk and automatically switch off late at night to avoid wasting energy during sleeping hours.

Decorate with Natural Elements:

- Incorporate natural elements such as evergreen branches, pinecones, and berries into your Christmas decor. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also add a touch of rustic charm to your home without consuming electricity.

Opt for Eco-Friendly Ornaments:

- Choose environmentally friendly ornaments made from sustainable materials such as wood, glass, or recycled materials. Not only are these ornaments better for the planet, but they also add a unique and personal touch to your Christmas tree.

Reduce Heating Costs:

- Keep heating costs in check by lowering your thermostat when hosting gatherings or cozying up with loved ones. Encourage guests to dress warmly and use throw blankets to stay comfortable without cranking up the heat.

Cook Efficiently:

- When preparing Christmas feasts and holiday treats, use energy-efficient appliances such as slow cookers, microwaves, and toaster ovens. These appliances consume less energy than conventional ovens and can help reduce cooking times and energy costs.

Minimize Food Waste:

- Plan your holiday meals carefully to minimize food waste and save energy. Cook only what you need, store leftovers properly, and get creative with leftover ingredients to avoid unnecessary trips to the grocery store and additional energy usage.

Practice Mindful Gift Giving:

- Consider giving gifts that promote energy conservation and sustainability, such as reusable water bottles, LED light bulbs, programmable thermostats, or solar-powered gadgets. Not only are these gifts practical, but they also encourage eco-friendly habits.

Spread Joy, Not Waste:

- Reduce waste by using eco-friendly wrapping paper, reusable gift bags, or fabric wraps for your Christmas gifts. Encourage family and friends to recycle wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, and packaging materials to minimize landfill waste.

By incorporating these energy-saving tips into your holiday celebrations, you can enjoy a merry and sustainable Christmas season while reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on energy bills. From decking the halls with LED lights to embracing the warmth of candlelight and practicing mindful gift giving, every small step toward energy efficiency brings us closer to a brighter, greener future. Wishing you a joyous and energy-efficient Christmas!

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Essential Insights for Safe and Effective Electrical Repairs

October 20, 2025

Ensure safety and reliability with professional electrical repairs. Hire a licensed electrician to handle hazards, comply with codes, and protect your property.

Spooky Season Safety

By 7016309225 • October 17, 2025

Halloween is a time for glowing jack-o’-lanterns, spooky decorations, and front yards lit up like haunted houses. But with all the extra lights, extension cords, and power-hungry props, it’s also a time when electrical safety is more important than ever. At KrisLee Electric, we want to make sure your Halloween is all treats—no shocks or fire hazards. Here are a few Halloween electrical safety tips to keep your home safe while staying festive: 🎃 Use Outdoor-Rated Decorations and Cords Not all Halloween decorations are built the same! If you're plugging in lights or inflatables outside, make sure: They’re labeled for outdoor use Cords and plugs are weather-resistant Outlets are GFCI-protected to prevent shock 💡 *Tip: Don’t run cords through doors or windows—they can pinch and damage the wires.* 👻 Avoid Overloading Circuits It’s tempting to go all out with lights, sound effects, and fog machines—but too much on one circuit can trip breakers or start a fire. Use multiple circuits if possible Don’t daisy-chain extension cords Use smart plugs or timers to manage loads ⚠️ If you notice flickering lights or warm outlets, it’s time to unplug something! 🕯️ Switch from Candles to LEDs Open flames in jack-o’-lanterns and along walkways look cool but come with serious fire risk—especially around costumes and dry leaves, opt for: Battery-powered LED candles Solar pathway lights LED string lights for a spooky but safe glow 🔥 Bonus: LEDs use less energy and last longer, too! 🧛 Keep Walkways Clear and Cords Taped Down Trick-or-treaters may not see cords in the dark. Prevent trips and falls by: Using cord covers or heavy-duty tape Running cords along the edges of walkways, not across them Keeping decorations out of the main walking path 🎃 Test Your Smoke Detectors and Outlets With extra electricity running through your home, make sure: Smoke and CO detectors have fresh batteries Outdoor outlets are properly sealed Extension cords are free of frays or damage 🛠️ Need an outlet upgrade or GFCI repair before the big night? We’re just a call away. Stay Safe and Spooky! 👷‍♂️⚡ We love Halloween as much as you do—but we take electrical safety seriously. If you need help getting your home Halloween-ready or want an inspection before the holiday season, we’re here to help. You can check out these other spooktacular safety tips to help you have a Boo-itful Halloween, Schedule a fall electrical checkup today and enjoy a worry-free Halloween!

Truth About Knob and Tube Wiring

By 7016309225 • September 17, 2025

If you've ever bought or lived in an older home, chances are you’ve heard of knob-and-tube wiring. This vintage electrical system was standard in homes built from the 1880s through the 1940s—and while it was innovative in its day, it raises some serious concerns today. So, what exactly is knob-and-tube wiring, and is it something you should be worried about? Let’s break it down. ⚙️ What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Knob-and-tube (often abbreviated as K&T) is a method of electrical wiring that uses ceramic knobs to hold wires in place and ceramic tubes to guide them through wooden beams. Unlike modern wiring, it has: No grounding wire Separate hot and neutral wires, run individually Cloth or rubber insulation (which can deteriorate over time) While it worked well for the lower electrical demands of early 20th-century homes, it wasn’t designed for today’s energy-hungry appliances or safety standards. 🚩 Why Knob-and-Tube Wiring Is a Concern Many homeowners ask us: “Is knob-and-tube wiring dangerous?” The answer? It can be. Here’s why: No Ground Wire Modern wiring includes a ground wire for safety. K&T lacks this, which increases the risk of shocks and fire—especially when used with today’s electronics. Insulation Breakdown The cloth insulation used in knob-and-tube systems becomes brittle over time, exposing live wires that can arc or overheat. Modified or Improperly Repaired Wiring Many homes with K&T have had "DIY fixes" over the years—mixing old wiring with modern components. These mismatched setups often violate code and pose safety hazards. Overloading the System Homes built with K&T were never designed to handle the load of modern HVAC systems, microwaves, EV chargers, or multiple electronics. 🏡 Can You Sell or Insure a Home with Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Many insurance companies are reluctant—or outright refuse—to insure homes with active knob-and-tube wiring. Even if you find coverage, expect higher premiums. Some mortgage lenders may also deny loans until the wiring is updated. If you’re selling a home, outdated wiring could be a deal-breaker for buyers. 🔧 What Should You Do if You Have Knob-and-Tube Wiring? If your home has knob-and-tube wiring, here are your options: ✅ Schedule a professional inspection – to assess condition, safety, and potential upgrades ✅ Consider a full or partial rewire – especially in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms ✅ Avoid insulating over it – it needs space to release heat, and insulation can become a fire hazard ✅ Don’t plug modern high-wattage devices into older outlets – they may not be safe or up to code ⚡ Ready to Upgrade? We Can Help. At KrisLee Electric, we specialize in evaluating and replacing knob-and-tube wiring with modern, safe, and code-compliant electrical systems. Whether you’re renovating, buying, or selling an older home, we’ll guide you every step of the way. 📞 Contact us today for a professional inspection or estimate—because when it comes to electrical safety, what you don’t see can hurt you.