I love to share my knowledge of the industry and all of the frequent changes...

Sign up for my monthly email tips.

Tingley’s Tips

If your are home an expect lighting in your area unplug electronic eqiupment like televisions, and DVD players. Lightening does not have to strike your house directly to cause damage. Consider a whole house surge protector that is installed on the main electrical panel.

If your are going away unplug everything not needed including appliances like the dryer and washing machine. If you can, shut off breakers to the electric oven, dishwasher and other unneeded hard wired appliances.

Install a quality surge suppressor for your televisions and computers. Additonally for less than $100.00 you can purchase a UPS ( uninteruptable power supply) system which is simliar to a surge suppressor but it has a battery back up feature that will keep the power going for a short period during failures and for a little more money, ones with AVR (automatic voltage regulation) will keep the incoming power steady at all times, a must for computers and the cable modem. These items will help protect your electronics during storms as well. They are availble at Staples and Best Buy and Amazon.com easy to install.

If you can, unplug the CATV line or internet line going to your computer it will help prevent damage coming in from those lines.

To properly reset a tripped breaker. First move the handle all the way to the off positon and then back to the on position

Installing timers for the exterior lights will provide a lived in look , safety and save energy by turning on at dusk and then off at a time of your choosing

Installing a motion sensor to replace the switch for the lights in the basement playroom will help save energy by having the lights off when no one is around

When replacing halogen light bulbs, they should not be touched by bare fingers, it decreases the life of the bulb

When replacing light bulbs with compact flourescents, if you have a dimmer be sure to purchase bulbs marked for use with a dimmer

Look into rebates that are available from home centers and the power company when replacing existing fixtures and appliances with those that are Energy-Star rated

Installing inexpensive plug strips for your computers, cell phone charges and televisions will make turning them all off when you are not home easier and will reduce your energy bill

Installing an attic ventilator will help save energy and the life of the roof. There are significant rebates availble for adding insulation in attics, call your local power company for details

Check thermostats and replace batteries if it has been more than 1 year.

Check that the furnace or boiler turns on now before it gets cold. Have a maintenence check done if it has been more than 1 year. Replace filter if it has been more than 30 days.

Check that your smoke detectors are working and replace the batteries if it has been more than 1 year.

Check that your carbon monoxide sensors are working and replace batteries if needed. You should have one one each level of the home including the basement. If your furnace vents into the chimney, have it cleaned if it has been more than a couple years.

Check the gutters and down spouts and make sure they are clear. This will help to reduce ice damming in the winter.

Did you know there is a rebate from N-Star if you replace your furnace and hot water tank. 1000.00 for a qualifying heat system and 300.00 for a qualifying water heater. There are other rebates available. Go to www.myenergystar.com or call 877-378-2748

Did you know that a tripped breaker can look like it is on. So if a circuit trips, look carefully at the breaker. The handle will be close to the middle, almost looking as if its on. It has fooled me before. If you just can't seem to see which one is tripped, turn off then back on all of the breakers, one at a time.