Electrical
Let the experts at H.C Blake Co. provide you with the lights that best suit your needs. We install, repair, upgrade and replace lights and ballasts in both residential and commercial settings. To energize and illuminate your space give us a call today!
Why should I get new lights?
According to Energy Star®, Americans could save enough energy to light up more than 3 million homes for an entire year – totaling over $600 million in annual energy costs – if every American would just replace one light bulb with an energy efficient light bulb. This would be the greenhouse gas equivalent to taking over 800,00o cars off the road.
In addition to helping save the environment, you can have money by reducing your energy consumption. Energy efficient light bulbs use 75% less energy than regular incandescent bulbs and they can last up to 10 times longer. For each light bulb that you replace you can save around $30 in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb. Energy efficient bulbs only put out 25% the amount of heat a regular light bulb does, so this makes them safer to use and allows you to cut cooling costs as well.
How do I know if I need new lights?
- Do you want to save energy and money?
- Do your lights seem dim?
- Do your lights burn out too quickly?
- Do you need/want long life bulbs?
- Does the color of your lighting seem off?
- Do you have the desired brightness?
- Do your lights turn on and off when they should?
- Do you want softer, brighter, or cooler light?
- Has a light cracked and burned out?
- Has a bulb exploded?
What kind of lights does H.C Blake Co. work on?
- Incandescent
- Halogen
- Flood Lights
- Fluorescent
- Compact Fluorescent
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Mercury
- Metal Halide
- Sodium Lamps
- Ambient & Task Lighting
- Motion Sensors
- Dimmers and Timers
- Landscape & Security Lighting
- Bathroom & Kitchen Lighting
- Custom Lighting
- Track and Accent Lighting
- Recessed Lighting
At H.C Blake Co. we provide expert ceiling fan installation services for your home. Installing a ceiling fan is definitely a lot harder than it looks. Instructions can be long and complicated, and some fans can weigh as much as 50 pounds! Leave the complicated and hazardous work to our professional electricians.
For superior ceiling fan installation, call H.C Blake Co. and set up an appointment today! Whatever the reason you want to install a fan, H.C Blake Co. is ready to help with prompt and professional world class service.
Benefits of Ceiling Fans
Energy Savings
Ceiling fans are an effective way to reduce energy costs in both summer and winter. In the winter heated air tends to rise and collect around the ceiling. Ceiling fans circulate the warm air and push it back downward. In the summer, ceiling fans create a cool breeze to keep air circulating so that it does not become too damp or stagnant.
Light Up a Room
In addition to increasing energy efficiency, ceiling fans can be a great source of overhead lighting. You may have some ceiling fans in your home that do not have a light kit, but you wish they did. H.C Blake Co. electricians can install a light kit to almost any fan in your home.
Indoor or Outdoor Enjoyment
Ceiling fans can be added indoors or outdoors. However, if you decide to put a fan outside make sure you choose a fan that is specifically made for the outdoors. Having a fan outdoors is a great way to make backyard entertaining and barbecuing more comfortable. Everyone can benefit from a fan. Not only do your friends and family enjoy the outdoors more, but so do your pets.
Decoration
Ceiling fans are a great way to enhance the décor of a room. In addition to improving your room’s style, ceiling fans draw your eye upward to make the room look larger. Fans come in a variety of styles and colors. Ceiling fan styles range from traditional to modern, while colors come in an array of wood tones and metals. With so many choices, you are sure to find one that suits your room perfectly.
Whether for increased energy savings, additional lighting or as a style statement, if you’re considering having a ceiling fan installed in your home, H.C Blake Co. is ready to help with prompt and professional world class service.
What is a Dedicated Circuit?
All electricity that enters your home goes through your circuit breaker box or fuse box. Within your circuit breaker box/fuse box you have individual circuits that feed electricity into different sections of your home or business. Each circuit is protected by a breaker or fuse. Outlets for small electrical appliances require 15-amp circuits. Outlets for mid-range items, like hair dryers and toasters, require 20-amp circuits. Heavy duty appliances like dryers can require anywhere from 30 to 50 amp dedicated circuits and are protected by “double pole” breakers. For safety reasons, certain medium and heavy duty appliances require their own circuit or a “dedicated circuit”.
At H.C Blake Co. we have the safety of you and your family in mind. Give us a call and we will make sure that you have all the dedicated circuits you need to safely operate your home or business.
Common Appliances that Need Dedicated Circuits
- Electric Range
- Wall Oven
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Freezer
- Dishwasher
- Garbage Disposal
- Kitchen Countertop
- Electric Dryer
- Clothes Washer
- Space Heater
- Heating & Air Conditioning
- Units Furnace
- Water Heater
- Garage Door Opener
- Garage (2)
- Sump Pump
- Water Pump
- Whirlpool/Jacuzzi/Hot Tub/Sauna
- Bathroom (2)
Anytime you install a heavy duty electrical appliance it needs to have its own dedicated circuit with the appropriate size wire and circuit breaker. The size of the wire and circuit breaker will depend upon whether the electrical appliance is 120-volts or 240-volts.
What Happens if I Don’t Have the Right Dedicated Circuits?
If you don’t have the appropriate dedicated circuit, an appliance may draw more current than the circuit can handle. This can cause the wiring to overheat and the insulation around the wire to breakdown or melt. Once the insulating barrier around the wire has melted, the current is no longer confined, and can ignite flammable materials within the wall leading to an electrical fire. Fortunately, circuit breakers sense the flow of excess current and stop the surge of current before damage takes place. If your circuit breaker is continuously tripping, as a safety precaution you should call H.C Blake Co. to have a dedicated circuit installed.
If you are remodeling your home or business, adding a new heavy duty electrical appliance or you simply need additional outlets, you will need new dedicated circuits.
Don’t risk the shutdown of critical appliances or worse – an electrical fire. Call H.C Blake Co. today for the dedicated circuits you need.
An electrical upgrade will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your home’s electrical system and help avoid electrical hazards. The average life-span of a home is now more than 35 years. That means that many homes were built before most of today’s electrical appliances and gadgets were even invented. The steady increase of consumer electronic use and home energy consumption means that the electrical systems in many older homes can easily become overloaded.
- Do your lights flicker?
- Are your breakers constantly tripping?
- Do your fuses blow regularly?
- Does your panel box make a crackling sound?
- Are your electrical service conductors overheating?
- Are you renovating your home or making an addition to your home?
- Did you add a sauna or a hot tub?
- Do you use a 60 amp electrical service? [How do I find out?]
- Do you use a 100 amp electrical service? [How do I find out?]
- Do you need more outlets?
- Did your Homeowners Insurance require that you make an Upgrade?
- Do you use multiple extension cords?
- Do your appliances run on less than full power?
- Do you require a 240v circuit?
- Do you need to add a sub panel?
- Are your outlets two pronged (non-grounded)?
- Is a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) required?
An electrical upgrade helps to ensure that your electrical system is equipped to meet your energy needs and protect your family and property. If you live in an aging home, H.C Blake Co. can perform an electrical inspection on your home’s electrical wiring and distribution system to determine what your exact electrical needs are. Upgrading or replacing important components can help prevent electrical emergencies before they occur. Call H.C Blake Co. today to learn whether your home is in need of an electrical upgrade!
On top of being an integral component of your home’s ventilation system, bathroom exhaust fans have many benefits. Not only can they help divert unpleasant odors, they can divert humid air to un-fog mirrors and create a more pleasant temperature. Some bathroom exhaust fans serve multiple purposes. They can exhaust air, provide a source for overhead lighting and provide a source of heat on cold winter days. Exhaust fans conveniently come in multiple sizes to fit any space. Bathroom exhaust fans are especially good for enclosed bathrooms with no windows because they get very little natural ventilation. Call H.C Blake Co. for superior technical knowledge and expert installation. We will make sure you have the exhaust fan that fits your space perfectly.
Why Do I Need an Exhaust Fan?
Bathroom exhaust fans draw moisture out of the room. It is undesirable for moisture to build up in the bathroom for several reasons. If damp air is not drawn out of the room it can cause the wallpaper or paint to peel, the wood floors to bow, and doors to warp, and mold and mildew to grow.
Why Get Professional Installation?
Improper installation can go unseen because exhaust fans are partially hidden by the ceiling. If the moisture from the air dissipates into the attic, it can condensate on wood surfaces in the attic. Condensation over time can lead to mold or serious wood rot. In addition, fans that are vented through the roof need to be sealed properly to make sure there are no leaks. Electrical wiring requires special skill and can be dangerous and complicated. Call H.C Blake Co. for prompt and professional installation today!
Landscape lighting is the perfect way to add beauty and security and H.C Blake Co. offers complete landscape lighting solutions for your home. Landscape lighting is one of the most dramatic improvements that you can make to a home or garden. H.C Blake Co. has a team of experts that are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and superior craftsmanship. H.C Blake Co. will provide you with the quality and professionalism you have been looking for when it comes to your custom landscape lighting needs.
Why install landscape lighting?
- Ambiance and Entertainment– Create the perfect atmosphere for outdoor entertaining with landscape lighting. Illuminate pools, decks, patios, recreational spaces, and sitting areas long after the sun sets. Create mood lighting that gives your guests an experience they will not soon forget.
- Beauty – Accentuate the architecture of your home while showcasing its artistry and charm. Allow your guests to experience the beauty of your fountains, flowers, trees and shrubs. Create dramatic scenes that reveal the subtle contours, shapes and textures of your property.
- Security – Lighting your home is an effective way to deter residential crime. Although lighting cannot prevent crime, statistics show that a well lit home is much more likely to deter potential criminals.
- Motion tripped flood lights are a great way to protect your home and save energy at the same time because the lights only come on when you need them.
- Safety – Landscape lighting accents pathways, stairs, or any other potential hazards within your yard. Lighting helps you to navigate safely around your property while enjoying its beauty at the same time.
- Added Value – Landscape lighting makes your home stand out from the rest. Well-placed lighting can add value to your property by improving the appearance of your home and landscaping. Lighting is a worthwhile investment that adds security, beauty and serenity to your property.
No home is complete without landscape lighting by H.C Blake Co. Take advantage of this opportunity to illuminate the beauty of your home and your landscape today. This is your chance to simultaneously increase the security, safety, ambiance, beauty and value of your home. Our professionals are ready to help you light the way to more beautiful surroundings.
Do you want to update your business in an inexpensive way that will create a fresh and elegant ambiance? Then call H.C Blake Co. to have recessed lighting installed today!
Recessed lighting adds an element of sophisticated style and function by highlighting working areas, artwork, cabinets, drapery, architecture and décor. In addition, recessed lighting creates clean ceiling lines that open up a room and make it feel more spacious. Get the refined ambiance you have been waiting for with new recessed lighting in your business. Whether you want recessed lighting on flat or sloped ceilings or in boardrooms, offices or entry ways, H.C Blake Co. has you covered. Give us a call today for an appointment in your area! There are many different kinds of recessed lights with various different kinds of housing units, functions and rims. In addition, there are a variety of sizes varying from 4 to 6 inches in diameter to suit the size and depth of your space.
What type of recessed lighting is right for you?
- Incandescent – These lights are great for general lighting. They are commonly known as “A” bulbs and are relatively inexpensive.
- Energy Star® – These lights help to save you money because they reduce energy consumption. Energy Star® lights not only help protect the environment, they use 75% less energy and last ten times as long as regular lights.
- Fluorescent - These lights are ideal for office and commercial settings. Fluorescent lights provide reduced glare and increased operating efficiency.
- Line Voltage - Line voltage lights are less expensive to purchase, but they do not run as efficiently as low voltage lights. In addition you can use regular dimmers instead of special dimmers with line voltage lights.
- Standard Halogen - These lights offer a bright white light that is available in two separate styles: flood and spotlight.
- Multiple Recessed Spots - Provide a contemporary and aesthetically pleasing alternative to track lighting. These lights are available two to four spot arrangements.
- Swivel Lighting - These lights can be repositioned to highlight different areas. Use swivel lights for task lighting or accentuating artwork and architecture.
- Down Lighting - These lights focus straight down and are often used to light up rooms. For the best effect the area illuminated by each down light should overlap.
Note: When choosing fixtures make sure that they are rated for use near insulation if they are being installed near installation. Look for the IC house rating.
For high quality material and superior technology and style call H.C Blake Co!
Electrical receptacles, sometimes referred to as outlets, are the connection between the electrical system and your electrical devices. No matter what kind of receptacle you need, whether it’s a conventional duplex receptacle, a 240-volt receptacle, or a GFCI receptacle, H.C Blake Co. has you covered. Give us a call to update your home or business with the outlets you need today!
Why Do I Need New Outlets?
Outlets are a great way to conveniently plug in appliances you need in the bathroom, kitchen, garage or basement. Having enough outlets allows you to easily access electricity when you need it. In addition, it can be very inconvenient and hazardous to run extension cords across the room to plug things in. Having the right kind of outlets can protect you and your family from electrocution or electrical fires or even protect your children from sticking their fingers or foreign objects in sockets. When you have outlets where you need them you can plug your power tools in and have outlets to spare for your sprinkler system and lawn mower. Having the right outlets can even make hanging your Christmas lights easier. Give H.C Blake Co. a call to find out how you can use outlets to your advantage in your home.
Are My Outlets Dangerous?
Over time receptacles can become damaged or be broken. If they are not taken care of appropriately, they can put you and your family at risk of an electrical fire or electrical shock.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission electrical outlets are involved in 5,300 fires annually and they claim around 40 lives and injure around 110 consumers.
Receptacles can even deteriorate from frequent use. As a result, plugs can begin to fit loosely into electrical outlets. Outlets like this can overheat and become potential fire hazards if they are not replaced. In addition, outlets may have poor internal connections or faulty wiring. This can also cause the outlet to overheat and potentially even emit sparks. Give us a call to replace your damaged, deteriorated or malfunctioning outlets to guard against electrical fires and electrocution.
Kinds of Specialty Outlets
Duplex Wall Outlets or 120-Volt Receptacles
Duplex wall outlets are the most common kind of receptacle. These are used for your standard conventional plugs. You can do several different things with a duplex wall outlet. You can have a receptacle that the upper and lower sockets are connected together, the upper and lower sockets are powered by separate breakers or where one socket is controlled by a wall switch.
Outdoor Receptacles & Soffit Receptacles
You may want to add outlets outside the home for holiday lighting, power tools, fountains, or lawn equipment. These specialty outlets have to have the proper housing to be protected from the elements.
GFCI Outlets
Ground fault circuit interrupters are used in areas like the kitchen, bathroom or garage where the risk of electrical shock is greater. These outlets can help protect you from electrical hazards.
240-Volt Receptacles or 3 or 4 Prong Receptacles
This type of plug is designed specifically for equipment that requires 240-volts of power. Laundry dryers and Electric ranges are a few examples that may require this type of specialty receptacle.
Floor Outlets
You may need an outlet in the middle of your floor to plug in a lamp, a computer or other electrical device. A floor outlet can prevent you from running cords across the floor that may be a tripping hazard.
Rotating Outlets
These outlets rotate to fit bulky power cords, plugs and adaptors.
Recessed Outlets
This type of outlet allows you to hide plugs behind TV’s, monitors, artwork or other items mounted flush against a wall.
2 Duplex Receptacles
Having more than one duplex receptacle allows you to plug more things in at one time. You won’t need multi-plug extensions with this type of specialty receptacle.
Combination Switch & Receptacle
For spaces that need switches and outlets, but have limited space this is a very practical and functional solution.
H.C Blake Co. recommends that you never put a plug into an outlet that it’s not made for. In addition, we recommend having your outlets checked out regularly to ensure they are safe and functional. Give us a call today to update and install your home or business with the outlets you need!
Warm Up Your Home with a Touch of Light
When updating a space, track and accent lighting are important details that are often forgotten. Highlighting the architecture and artistic style of your home is what gives each space personality and individuality. Track and accent lighting can be used in nearly all rooms and is one of the most inexpensive ways to transform a space. Enhance your home with the small details that make a BIG difference. Call H.C Blake Co. to turn your home from ordinary to extraordinary today!
Create visually dramatic scenes by playing up angles and alcoves. Play with shadows and light to create the perfect mood. Illuminate cabinets, artwork, architecture, landscaping, swimming pools and more with the simple touch of accent or track lighting.
Below are some great tips for accent and track lighting:
- Accent lighting
- Highlight artwork
- Display objects
- Light up cabinets, nooks and alcoves
- Illuminate a specific area for focused lighting
- Light up gardens, shrubs, trees, and flowers
- Make your swimming pool glow
- Use different colored light bulbs to create a distinctive ambiance
- Track Lighting
- Strategically place in a work area
- Create softer moods
- Define separate areas
- Illuminate a reading areas
- Set track heads upward to create ambient lighting
- Aim track heads downward to create task lighting
- Tracks can support general and task lighting at the same time
- Change the color of the lights for a different mood
- Re-aim, relocate, remove, or replace lights as needed
- Lighting Walls with Accent and Track Lighting
- Create effective wall washing
- Display key points of interest in architecture and art
- Emphasize textured surfaces
