3 Reasons to Install a Home Security System

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Installing a home security system is something that many homeowners consider but remain hesitant of. Home security systems don’t come cheap and you’re probably questioning rather or not it’s really worth it. If so, you aren’t alone! Check out these 3 reasons why a home security system is worth every penny. 

Keeping Your Family Safe

The safety of your loved ones truly is priceless. A home security system is the best way to ensure your family is safe at any time of the day or night. In many cases, just the presence of a security system is enough to deter intruders from entering the home. If they enter the home anyways, the security system is able to warn your family inside that someone has entered the home. Then, your family can hide in a safe location while the system alerts the police of the situation. 

Peace of Mind 

Feeling secure in your own home should come easily, but in today’s world, that isn’t always the case. Home security systems help provide that peace of mind that no matter what the situation is, you’ll be aware and able to stay as safe as possible. From intruders to carbon monoxide and fires, a home security system is able to keep you in the know about anything potentially dangerous happening in your home. This is especially helpful when a family member is disabled, left home alone for extended periods, or suffers from anxiety about potential disasters within the home. 

Protecting Your Possessions 

Getting your valuable possessions stolen or broken during a burglary is a devastating experience. You’ve worked hard to get all of the nice things that you have and a stranger shouldn’t be able to come into your home to take that away. In addition to the deterrence of intruders, home security system cameras serve an important role in the event of possessions being lost or damaged. The cameras in the security system will be able to capture proof of everything that was taken or damaged, making it much easier to get those items replaced through insurance.

Call Philip M. Brunelli Jr. – your local full-service electrician to set up a time for a home security system installation. It’s very important to make sure that all aspects of the home security system are properly installed so that you’re able to see all of these benefits in action if the time ever comes. Don’t spend any more time feeling vulnerable in your own home, contact online or call us today! 

Steps to Take During an Electrical Emergency

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Although no homeowner wants to deal with an electrical emergency, these situations are sometimes inevitable. When you find yourself dealing with a major residential electrical problem, the last thing you want is to be unprepared. As you read this helpful guide, you will learn more about the steps you should take during several common sorts of electrical emergencies.

 

Dealing with an electrical fire:

 

Electrical fires typically happen because faulty wiring short circuits or frayed cords are left too close to soft furnishings, such as draperies. If you experience an electrical fire, the first thing you should do after notifying your local fire department is flip the appropriate switch on the breaker box to cut the power to the appliance that is causing the blaze. 

 

If you are unable to safely get to your breaker box, use a fire extinguisher or attempt to smother the flames with a fire blanket or buckets of water until the authorities arrive. The most important thing to keep in mind during a fire is that your family’s safety must come first! If at any point the fire begins to grow or you feel unsafe, evacuate your residence immediately. 

 

Dealing with electrical shock: 

 

Experiencing electrical shock is generally extremely scary for not only the victim but for any bystanders. If someone in your home gets shocked by an electrical cord or appliance, there are several things you need to know about handling the situation effectively. First, you should not touch the affected individual directly; you too are likely to get electrocuted if power is still surging through the victim’s body. 

 

In the case of electrocution, the best course of action is for you to cut the power at the breaker box if possible. If you are unable to get to the box for any reason, attempt to cut the victim’s connection to the power source instead. This can be done by placing an insulated item, such as a piece of PVC piping, between the electrocuted person and the current. Remember, though, the most crucial thing is to get your local emergency responders to the site of the electrical shock as quickly as possible. They will be able to help the victim. 

 

Dealing with downed power lines:

 

On occasion, storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes cause power lines to fall while they are still live. Coming into contact with one of these lines can be extremely dangerous. If you notice downed power lines on your property, the first thing you should do is contact the authorities in your city or town. They will be able to notify the proper municipal department to remove the lines. It is also wise to keep you and your family members at least 40 feet away from the fallen lines at all times, even if you don’t think they are still live. 

 

Depending upon the type of electrical emergency you find yourself experiencing, you may want to contact an emergency electrician instead of, or even in addition to, traditional first responders. Our professionals at Brunelli offer 24/7 services and are available to assist clients like you whenever you happen to have an urgent electrical problem that requires immediate attention.

4 Common Electrical Problems

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If you’re a homeowner, there are certain issues you expect to face from time to time. For instance, plumbing problems, roofing issues, and electrical repairs are to be anticipated. It can, however, be difficult to know how to deal with residential repairs, particularly if you don’t have any prior experience with homeownership. In this guide, Massachusetts homeowners will discover some of the most common electrical problems they are likely to face and how to handle them. 

Regular electrical surges 

Occasional power surges are normal and are often caused by lightning strikes and other natural occurrences. If, however, you and your family frequently experience power surges in your home, you should definitely have a professional check out the issue. Because many Massachusetts houses are historic, old, faulty wiring is a common cause of electrical surges. You could also have a problematic appliance connected to your home’s grid. 

Faulty light switches 

If you have light switches that aren’t working correctly in your house, there are a couple of probable causes. If your home was recently built, the issue may simply be a product of poor construction and low-end materials; a reputable electrician should be able to easily perform the necessary upgrades. If, on the other hand, your house is older and certain switches have never worked properly, they likely went with fixtures that were removed before you moved in. 

Costly electrical bills

If you’ve noticed that your family’s monthly electric bill has been higher than usual recently, you should take some time to consider why this is. Power surges are one cause of overly costly electrical bills; as stated previously, this issue should be dealt with by a professional. Furthermore, evaluate whether or not the members of your household are unplugging appliances when not in use and, if you have an electric furnace, consider the temperature you are keeping it at during cold Massachusetts winters. 

Recessed lights flicker frequently 

Recessed lighting has become extremely common in today’s houses. If your recessed lights often flicker, you should have a professional electrician assess the situation. In all likelihood, the light fixtures are equipped with a safety mechanism that causes them to shut off when they overheat. You probably need to use lower wattage bulbs or have the insulation in your ceiling moved away from the lights. 

 

Remember, it is important for all homeowners to have periodic residential electrical inspections. Many experts recommend having an electrician check your home for any electrical issues on an annual basis. If an emergency arises, contact Philip M Brunelli Jr. Electrician and his team! 

 

5 Things to Know About Home Rewiring

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Rewiring a home, particularly if it is an older structure, can be quite a challenge. If you’ve never dealt with electrical wiring before, you probably have a lot of questions about whether or not you can handle a rewiring project on your own or not. After all, wiring can be dangerous and you certainly want to make sure you and your family are safe; safety concerns might have even been the catalyst for your upcoming project in the first place! As you read this guide, you’ll find five key things you need to know regarding home rewiring. 

Local Regulations

Many homeowners don’t realize that municipal building codes often extend to wiring. Your city or town probably has regulations regarding the number of outlets any given room should have based on its size, what sorts of wiring materials are acceptable, and even whether or not rooms are required to have a certain number of lighting fixtures. Professional electricians should know this information for the areas in which they operate, but it can be significantly more challenging for homeowners to make sure they are meeting all necessary codes on their own. 

A Solid Plan 

There’s a lot of mapping and preparation that goes into successfully rewiring any home. For starters, you will need to “chalk” the positions of any new outlets onto your walls. Then, you will have to determine how the current wiring system needs to be altered to account for these new plug-ins. This entire process typically requires expertise and can be difficult if you’ve never dealt with residential electrical planning in the past. 

Being Aware of Existing Systems

Remember, your home’s walls already have electrical and plumbing infrastructure inside of them. If you don’t know where these various lines are located, there is a risk of damaging them when you start making changes to your wiring. Being careful is absolutely key for both do-it-yourselfers and professionals when it comes to rewiring a house of any age!

A Single Appliance on Each Breaker 

It is wise to only have one appliance per breaker when you rewire your home. Otherwise, the risk of blown breakers is greatly increased. Furthermore, you will need to account for situations in which multiple outlets can control the same light fixtures or appliances; this can complicate rewiring. 

Considering Your New Hardware 

When a home is rewired, new outlets, outlet covers, and switch plate covers are typically also installed. Selecting this hardware can be tougher than homeowners are expecting due to all of the options on the market today! In addition to choosing styles that work with your home’s decor, you will have to, for instance, decide if you want your new outlets to be equipped with standard plugs only or USB ports as well. 

 

When all is said and done, the best choice is to work with Brunelli Electrician & the team to rewire your house. You will be able to rest assured that your project is in good hands and that your family’s safety is not at risk of being compromised. We offer exceptional customer service and take great pride in our work. Contact Brunelli online to discuss your residential wiring job!

How Often Do I Need an Electrical Inspection?

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As a homeowner, there are a lot of intangibles that often get overlooked. More so than not, utility maintenance tasks are a number of the issues that pop up with the day to day upkeep of a home. No more than electrical issues, seeing as so many do not understand the workings and layout of electrical systems. For that reason, it is one major aspect of home maintenance you’ll want to do regularly. How often? That requires a bit of knowledge about electrical inspection and repair. For starters, there are a few things to note about electrical safety.

Electrical Safety

There’s a reason specific schools and programs solely focus on electrical work. For one, it is incredibly intricate, with numerous scientific and engineering elements to it. To lay an electrical network in a home, it takes quite a bit of time because each every small part is connected to one another. When one thing goes wrong, everything could come grinding to a halt. Likewise, if one thing is outdated or worn, its danger is spread to all of its connected parts. For that reason, electrical safety is of the utmost importance. Many home fires that occur are electrical related. This makes staying on top of electrical maintenance incredibly important.

On this note, there are a number of homeowners that will argue that you can check things out yourself. Sure, switching a pilot’s light is relatively easy and quick, but major electrical problems are best left up to the professionals. There are a ton of issues that come from mismanagement of the electrical circuit of your home, and even if you follow along with a YouTube video or online tutorial, there are too many intangibles that amateurs do not know about. For that reason, regular maintenance is crucial.

How Often Should I Inspect My Electrical System?

As listed above, doing any sort of your electrical inspection is going to be flawed from the get-go. In order to properly, safely inspect your electrical system, it should be done often and by a professional. On average, homeowners are nearly always behind on regular electrical inspection. For that reason, professionals recommend a checkup at the beginning of the summer and winter. These seasons are both times of extreme weather and conditions, as well as different electrical needs. Checking with Phillip M Brunelli Jr. Mater Electrician and his team twice a year on the condition of your electrical system ensure your home’s safety, as well as everyone living in it.

3 Things You Should Know About Fire Alarm Systems

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Nowadays it’s pretty commonplace to have fire alarm systems in most homes. Even pre-war homes and apartments have been retrofitted over time due to fire codes and various building safety ordinance and regulations. Most of the time our fire alarm systems are simply an afterthought – how often do you think about it without those annoying ‘beeps’ to let you know the batteries need changing? It is exactly because of that very reason that we have listed out some good reasons to install or have your system regularly checked on.

 

Safety Is Important, Especially When You Least Expect It

 

It’s easy to sit around and be comfortable with the fact that you have a fire alarm system. After all, what can go wrong as long as you have a fire alarm? A lot, in fact. When a fire will start is anyone’s guess. What’s not entirely left to chance is whether or not you decide to put your fire alarm system through a variety of checks and tests. At least once a month, you should be checking your fire alarm system to make sure the batteries and sound systems operate properly. You never know when a circuit will short and a small house fire might develop.

 

Hard-Wire Systems Are Still Vulnerable And Need Back-Up

 

Making sure your hard-wired systems are not faulty or susceptible to shorting out is an important task. Unless you have a lot of experience working with electrical wiring (and even if you do) it is often best to leave these tasks to an electrician. For the same reason that you trust an IT expert even if you know a thing or two about a computer, it is best to leave the most important (and dangerous) check-ups to the professionals.

 

Fire Alarms Can Reduce Your Insurance

 

A good, reliable fire alarm system can reduce your insurance costs as well as ensuring payout of your policy in case there is a fire. Insurance companies are often relieved to see a pro-active homeowner. Talk to the electrician performing your installation for more information about other insurance cost-cutting safety options such as regular maintenance scheduling, etc.

 

All in all we can understand that fire alarm systems are helpful, however, too many of us write them off as unnecessary – after all, when was the last time you had a fire?  Just like in a casino, however, you shouldn’t gamble based on what has already happened – especially not with your life. Your best bet is to speak with a professional and to have your household electrician regularly perform check-ups on all your systems after installation. This way, you’ll sleep more safely at night knowing your house – and all your memories inside – are covered with protection and insurance. 

Why wait? Contact Phillip Brunelli and his team of electricians operating all over Eastern Massachusetts! Call (508)-400-5571 or request a free quote online!

Everything You Need to Know About LED Lighting

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In today’s home design industry, trends come and go just as they always have, but certain features seem to have staying power. LED lighting certainly falls into this category. Once LED bulbs hit the scene, their popularity skyrocketed and has not dropped-off since. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading the lighting in your house, now is a great time. As you read on, you’ll learn more about the perks of LED lighting and why you should choose it for your upcoming project.

 

The LED lighting is extremely energy efficient.

 

More homeowners than ever before are trying to go green when they remodel their houses. LED light bulbs are more energy efficient than any other bulb option. As a matter of fact, in regard to municipal usage, certain cities have found that they can save about 75% of their typical electric expenses simply by switching their street lights to LED bulbs. Imagine what will happen to your own residential electric bill by making this simple change!

 

LED’s last for many years.

 

Changing light bulbs is a pain, especially if you have high ceilings or a significant number of recessed fixtures in your home. LED bulbs virtually eliminate this chore, as they are generally rated to last for approximately 50,000 hours of use. To put this in perspective, CFL bulbs last about 8,000 hours, while traditional incandescent have to be replaced after around 1,200 hours. This alone is reason enough for many homeowners to considering making the switch to LED lighting throughout their residences.

 

LED lights are more customizable than other options.

 

One of the biggest perks of LED lights is that they allow for customized lighting schemes that are designed specifically to suit homeowners’ unique needs. They are easy to dim and brighten as needed, making them ideal to create different ambiances in versatile spaces, such as master bedrooms. They are also available in a variety of colors; some bulbs can even change from one hue to another. This is fun for kids’ playrooms and can add a unique touch in other types of spaces, like walk-in showers.

 

Here at Brunelli Electrician, we enjoy working with new residential clients who are interested in using LED lighting to change the overall look and feel of their homes. When you choose to work with our team, you will have guidance every step of the way as your home’s lighting scheme is put together. We can’t wait to hear from you and look forward to meeting you soon!

Top Lighting Trends for 2019

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If you’re in the mood for something new in your home but aren’t ready to make big modifications yet, then consider making changes to your lighting. It’s a quick transformation that doesn’t have to break the bank and can make a huge difference. Here are the top lighting trends for 2019, to use as suggestions for any lighting improvements happening in your home.

 

Brass

Brass as a fixture material is very in for 2019. If gold is too much for you but you love the warm tone, consider brass. Unlacquered brass is the way to go – it will take on a lovely patina as it ages. If you do a little searching, you could find some really amazing vintage pieces in brass to brighten up your space.

 

Natural fibers

Lighting with natural fiber shades is very desirable this year. Woven wicker or rattan can either feel vintage or beachy, depending on the fixture and the vibe of the rest of the room. Another plus: natural fibers filter light in a soft, lovely way for a diffused feel for your space.

 

Sculptural

If form and function both appeal to you, consider going a more sculptural route in your lighting. These fixtures can be so much more than just a light source – they can be statement pieces that tell you what space is all about.

 

Indirect

In an opposite realm, lighting can also be subtle and hidden. Indirect lighting is a hot trend in 2019 if integrating your lighting with your space is something that is important to you. By tucking lighting under counters, behind mirrors, or along molding, you can light spaces without calling attention to just how you’re lighting it. Indirect lighting can feel soothing and bring calm to otherwise chaotic spaces.

 

Pendant

Especially in open-concept spaces, the pendant light can serve as an anchor. If you live in a loft or otherwise open space, consider using pendant lights to help create a sense of place. Pendant lights can either be bold, or more sensible, depending on your tastes.

 

Island chandelier

Island chandeliers are very current for 2019, and take the concept of the pendant light and turn it up a bit. If your kitchen features a stand-alone island, consider putting a large island chandelier above it to make space feel more complete. Don’t let the word “chandelier” fool you – these don’t have to be the formal crystal affairs of traditional chandeliers. Island chandeliers can take many forms but are often modern or industrial in feel.

 

Changing your lighting is an easy step toward making your space feel new again. Consider these six trends in indoor lighting in 2019 when shopping for your next lighting statement! Contact Brunelli Electrician for a free estimate!

The Benefits of Exterior and Landscape Lighting

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If you’re considering installing exterior landscape lighting, you may be wondering if it’s worth the cost. Let’s review some of the amazing benefits that come with exterior lighting.

Transform the Appearance of Your Home

The most obvious benefit of these outdoor lighting options are the visual benefits. If you’re trying to sell your home, adding exterior lights helps add a lot of curb appeal. If you’re enjoying the lights yourself, you’ll find that they highlight the architecture on your home in ways you’ve never seen before. Adding this architectural appeal will bring new life into your home and remind you of why you fell in love with it in the first place.

Make your Space More Functional

Outdoor lighting allows you to better utilize the outdoor space of your home. It can create a new space for entertaining guests, or simply relaxing outside after a long day of work. Create an oasis for yourself and guests using the right lighting to transform the space.

Improve the Safety of Your Home

Adding exterior lighting is a proven way to deter intruders. Lighting offers nowhere for them to hide, and it will make you feel safer as you venture outside during the late night or early mornings. Investing in outdoor lighting not only improves your house in a fun way but in a practical safe way as well.

Built-in Décor

You have the ability to create built-in décor with your outdoor lighting. Create an artistic array of lights which will further transform your outdoor space, and save money on décor pieces. Rather you’re a homeowner or a commercial property owner, there is no better investment than something that serves a dual purpose.

If you’re considering adding outdoor lighting to your space, remember that it is a long-time investment worth making. Exterior lighting lasts for a long time and provides so many additional benefits, a one-time cost, when they’re installed, seems more than reasonable. There are many different lighting options so you can find one that fits into your budget and space perfectly. If you’re unsure of where to start, contact a local electrician who specializes in exterior lighting. They can come to view the space you have to work with and help you choose a lighting option that best fits your needs while highlighting the best architectural aspects of your space. Adding exterior lighting will increase the overall value of your space and add functionality at the same time.

What You Need to Know About Knob & Tube Wiring

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If you’ve ever lived or worked in a house that was built between 1900’s and 1950’s, it’s very likely you’ve come across knob & tube wiring. Back in the day, this technology was considered a breakthrough for the electrical industry, but the norms and standards have evolved since then. Today, knob & tube wiring that has never been replaced or upgraded is considered unsafe. Old wiring can violate legal electrical codes and may decrease the value of your property.

 

So, what are the dangers associated with the outdated knob & tube wiring? First and foremost, knob and tube wiring consists of two separately stranded wires, that run through your walls and attic, but not through the ground. Knob and tube wiring runs through the open-air splices inside your walls under your insulation, yet there is no electrical box. This offers virtually no protection from electric shocks, overheating, or even igniting a fire. Additionally, the buildings with knob & tube wiring usually have an outdated insulation layer, and the circuitry may be impacted by plumbing or external water leaks, risking to shock the building’s occupants. Furthermore, older electrical systems didn’t carry high ampacity loads, and these extra loads that a modern home consumes might become a source of a full spectrum of electrical hazards. Over the years, if occupants wish to add more outlets to the house, electrical overvoltage is at a high risk of happening.

 

If you consider selling your property, make sure the original knob & tube wiring is replaced with a more modern solution, as it might cost you a potential sale. The reason is, home insurance companies will refuse to cover the homes with the outdated circuitry. If you are purchasing real estate with an outdated knob and tube wiring, make sure to negotiate an agreement where a seller would provide a licensed electrician to rewire a house as soon as possible.

 

Do not think of replacing knob and tube wiring on your own, an expert should inspect the condition of the wires, connections, devices like receptacles, switches, and overcurrent protection by fuses or circuit breakers. Because of the dangers involved, we urge you to contact Philip M. Brunelli Jr. master electrician to detect and correct all knob and tube wiring in your home or commercial business. Contact us today to get a quote for full knob and tube rewire. Having the peace of mind, knowing your electrical system meets the modern electrical code for safety, goes a long way.

 

Take a look at a recent knob & tube rewire we did: