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Your home’s electrical wiring is the network powering almost everything in your life, from the lights you use to the appliances you depend on. Without it, life would be much more difficult. Unfortunately, electrical wiring problems can occur over time due to a number of factors. In order to keep your home safe, it’s important […]

When the hot summer months arrive, many people look to ceiling fans to keep their homes cool and comfortable. Ceiling fans provide a refreshing breeze that helps keep rooms comfortable without having to raise/lower the temperature of the air. And, when installed correctly, they can save you money on your energy bill. Let’s explore all […]

Electrical fires are often thought of as unpredictable and uncontrollable disasters. However, with a few safety tips and precautions, most electrical fires can be prevented. Let’s discuss some of the best ways to prevent electrical fires in your home with the help of electrical contractors. Keep Electrical Outlets and Cords Clear of Flammable Objects If […]

If you’re only using your basement for storage, or appliances like your hot water heater, you’re potentially letting a lot of space go to waste. Your basement is probably the biggest room in the house and can easily be repurposed in a lot of ways – you can even throw up some walls and turn […]

Electric Vehicles are great for the environment, and for your wallet since they keep fuel costs low. However, one expense you can’t avoid is installing a charging station at home. You need a way to plug in your new EV so it’s always ready when you need it. And the first thing you should know […]

Why Widespread EV Adoption Is Finally Picking Up Many people don’t realize it, but auto manufacturers have been working on electric vehicles (EVs) for a very long time. In fact, electricity was considered as an alternative to fossil fuel at the dawn of the automotive age, with prototypes dating to the 1880s. Some were even […]

How To Choose an Outdoor Ceiling Fan and Installation Service A ceiling fan can be a great way to make your patio deck more inviting on hot days, or for cafes to attract more patrons for their outdoor seating. However, outdoor ceiling fans are not the same as indoor fans. They’re built for the purpose […]

Do You Need Electrical Panel Upgrades? Here Are the Warning Signs! One of the most important pieces of equipment in a house is also frequently one of the most overlooked: the circuit breaker electrical panel. It’s something most people forget about for months or even years since it’s simply doing its job without needing any […]

What To Know When Buying Your First Home EV Charging Station More and more people are buying fully Electric Vehicles (EVs), which can be a great choice for both the environment and your fuel bills. However, owning an EV does mean you also need at least one EV charging system at home, which is properly […]

Do You Need New Electrical Wiring Installation in Northern Virginia? Wiring in homes can typically last for decades – but it won’t last forever. Numerous problems may contribute to wiring problems in a home, such as animals gnawing on wires. Or, in some cases, older wiring just isn’t suitable for the demands of modern electrical […]

A Guide to Understanding Residential Electrical Wiring Unless you’re a DIY or professional, understanding your home’s needs when it comes to electrical wiring is often easier said than done. As one of the leading residential electrical contractors in Northern Virginia, the team from RD Matthews Electrical Contracting has collected some important things for you to […]

Is Your Electrical Contractor in Northern Virginia Properly Licensed, Trained, Certified, and Insured? When hiring a contractor, it is important to ensure they are properly licensed, trained, and certified. Electrical contractors are no different and must meet specific requirements in order to do their job safely. Contractors who are licensed, trained, and certified can ensure […]

Why It’s Important to Prioritize Wiring a Basement During a Renovation One of the most important tasks you can do for your home is to properly wire your basement. This is especially important if your basement is used for storage or recreation. Basements can be very dangerous if they are not properly wired. Not only […]

Everything You Need to Know About Smart Light Switches in Northern Virginia More and more people are installing smart light switches in Northern Virginia, and we’ve been getting a lot of calls about them. What are smart light switches, what do they do, and what are the advantages of installing them? In this quick guide, […]

Seven Tips for Hiring Residential Electrical Contractors in Northern Virginia The key to hiring the right residential electrical contractors in Northern Virginia is research. RD Matthews Electrical suggests looking for companies with the experience, credentials, and reputation to handle the task at hand. Start by asking your friends and family for recommendations; then, conduct an […]

Three Things to Know Before Installing Smart Light Switches in Northern Virginia Asking an electrical service contractor to install smart light switches in Northern Virginia will make life inside your home more convenient and comfortable. Before equipping your house with smart light switches, our team atRD Matthews Electrical recommends deciding whether you have the equipment […]

Electrical Service Work in Northern Virginia: 4 Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor Finding the right contractor for electrical service work in Northern Virginia will ensure that the job will be done correctly the first time around. That’s why RD Matthews Electrical recommends researching companies and choosing a residential electrical contractor that has the […]

When Do You Need a Professional Electrical Inspection? We rely on the electrical systems in our homes to enjoy our day-to-day life, but all that electricity can also be potentially dangerous. Electrical fires are the third leading cause of home structure fires according to Electrical Safety Foundation International – and they’re usually started by poor […]

What Do You Want from Residential Electrical Contractors in Northern Virginia? When it comes to repairing or upgrading the wiring in your Northern Virginia home, you want a residential electrical contractor who knows what they’re doing. Poorly done wiring can be extremely dangerous, or potentially even cause your home to fail a county inspection. You […]

Questions to Ask Your Electrician in Northern Virginia Before You Hire Them If you need an electrician, it is important to ask the right questions before hiring them. Not all electricians are created equal, and you want to make sure that you are hiring a qualified professional who will do the job right.  Let’s go […]

Do It Yourself Electrical Home Repairs You Should Never Attempt Yourself It’s always a good idea to know a little bit about electrical work before you start attempting any repairs on your home. Many people think that they can handle electrical repairs themselves, but this is often not the case. In fact, there are a […]

Why You Need to Hire Residential Electrical Contractors in Northern Virginia When Building a New Home If you are in the process of building a new home, it’s important to hire a qualified residential electrical contractor. Many people try to do the electrical work themselves, but this can be dangerous and lead to faulty wiring. […]

Survival Tips for When the Power is Out in Northern Virginia If you are one of the many people in Northern Virginia that might find themselves without power from time to time, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the situation a bit easier. First and foremost, is safety. You […]

The Many Benefits of Recessed Lighting in Northern Virginia Residential Projects If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable way to improve the look of your home, recessed lighting may be the answer. Recessed lighting is a type of ceiling light that is installed in a recessed housing. It can provide both general and task […]

Eight Questions to Ask an Electrical Contractor Dealing with any type of electrical issue in your home can be stressful. Trying to figure out these problems on your own is often a challenging task. Choosing to hire electrical contractors to inspect your house is always a wise decision. These professionals can pinpoint the exact problem […]

Five Reasons for Using Professional Ceiling Fan Installation Services Choosing to hire a professional to install a ceiling fan is a great option for homeowners. These professionals can easily install all types of ceiling fans while making sure you are happy with the results. You can always sit back and relax after deciding to use […]

Common Electrical Issues in Old Homes and How to Fix Them If you’re like most people, you probably think of electricians as people who come to your house when there’s a power outage. While this is certainly one of the things electricians do, there are actually a lot of other services they offer. If you […]

Five Easy Tips for Finding the Best Electrical Contractor Electrical problems can eventually occur in your home and reaching out to a residential electrical contractor in your area is important in taking care of these matters. These professionals can easily handle all types of electrical issues while making sure you are happy with the results. […]

How to Find an Electrician in Northern Virginia Near You If you need an electrician in Northern Virginia, you’ll want to make sure that you find the best one for the job. There are a lot of electricians out there, so it can be tough to figure out who to choose. But don’t worry – […]

Reasons to Hire an Electrical Contractor for Your Kitchen Lighting Needs If you’re renovating your kitchen, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who to hire for electrical work. Many people try to do it themselves, but that’s a risky move – electrical work can be extremely dangerous if not done properly. The […]

Recessed ceiling lights are a popular choice for many homeowners. They are sleek, modern, and can be used in a variety of ways. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of recessed ceiling lights, trim for recessed lighting, how to choose the right trim, the pros and cons of recessed lighting, and […]

For Part 2 of our Installation Methods and Wiring Series, we’ll be giving you the basics of wiring preparation and techniques. For those of you who are searching for a Northern Virginia electrician, knowing the basics can help you to ask the right questions of your potential electrical service and make sure you have a […]

Electrical wiring installation is a complex endeavor requiring many different considerations. Before even beginning a new installation, there are several highly important factors that must be considered. If you’re looking for a Northern Virginia electrician, doing your first consultation should involve discussion of not just installation methods and techniques, but also ceiling types, wall and […]

The term “electrical repair services” is actually an umbrella phrase that encompasses a wide variety of different things, from major installations to simple rewiring or fixing a broken socket. Home electrical repair services can often be a challenge to diagnose and even more difficult to fix as most of the crucial wiring is hidden from view. This […]

If you’re looking for an incredible lighting upgrade that will help bring your home into the 21st century, then it might be time for you to install some smart switches. With the help of an expert electrician, you can learn how to install smart light switches in your Northern Virginia home and find out why […]

Older homes often make incredible investments. Not only are they packed with charm and beautiful features, but adding on some renovations can help achieve a sophisticated and cozy blend of classic and modern. When it comes to renovating an older home, however, it’s important to make sure you’re seeking out professional home electrical repair services in […]

Wiring is one of the most important parts of your household, and it’s crucial to make sure you’re not ignoring it. Bad or old wiring can be a potential fire hazard and if not taken care of, you risk endangering everyone in the home. In order to make sure you’re staying up to date, the […]

Electrical fires have devastated countless families over the years, causing people to lose their homes. When it comes to running a household, knowledge is power, which is why it is important to know an electrical fire hazard when you see one. By using a few simple prevention tactics, you will be at a much lower […]

Unless you’re a DIY expert or electrical professional yourself, the idea of installing your own electric car charging station likely seems like a daunting task. Thankfully, there are many professional electricians out there, RD Matthews Electrical Contracting included, that offer affordable EV charging installation services. However, if you’ve never shopped around for an installation team […]

Like every other part of a house, your electrical system won’t last forever; your wiring and other electrical systems will degrade over time. Also, you may end up having needs beyond what the house was originally designed for. In either case, when you need electrical work done, you want to call in highly qualified northern Virginia electrical […]

If you have ever owned or rented a property, you have probably called an electrician for help at some point in your life. Now more than ever, electricity is crucial to nearly everything we do. From kitchen appliances to wi-fi routers, we need trained professionals in the field to ensure our lives run smoothly. Furthermore, […]

There are many types of home improvement that a typical person can do for themselves with a little time and effort – but electrical work is not one of them.  If your house needs rewiring or other electrical upgrades, you definitely want to hire residential electrical contractors in northern Virginia rather than trying to DIY it. So […]

These days, with so many different types of technology and tools out there, there are a variety of different types of electricians that work in specialized areas. Of course, generally speaking, an electrician in Northern Virginia is someone that specializes in the maintenance, repair, design, and installation of power systems. However, such areas of expertise […]

These days, people are living longer than ever before thanks to advances in medicine and greater access to quality healthcare. This has caused many people to reassess their retirement plans and choose to age comfortably at home, rather than joining a retirement community or aging in a nursing home. With new technology, seniors can now […]

These days, with so many electrical contractors in the Northern Virginia area, finding one that meets your needs and offers great customer care is often easier said than done. That’s why it helps being armed with some tips for your search. RD Matthews Electrical Contracting is here to make things easier on you. Below you’ll […]

Our Northern Virginia electrical repairteam at RD Matthews Electrical Contracting has prepared some winter electrical safety tips and advice to help you get through the cold months. Here are four things to remember during the winter season that can keep your home and family safe. Power Outages Depending on the region you are located in, […]

Are you looking for a residential electrician in Northern Virginia? Here are some tips from our team at RD Matthews Electrical Contracting that will help you find the right electrician for your needs. Talk to Neighbors & Friends Many homeowners, at one point or another, may have had to call upon a residential electrician in […]

Flickering lights is one of the most common reasons why homeowners call an electrical service work provider—they’re not only highly annoying but disruptive to your home environment. Luckily, the electrical construction contractors at RD Matthews Electrical in Northern Virginia have put together some commonly asked questions regarding flickering lights, allowing you to figure out the […]

Residential electrical systems pose a serious threat to children if not maintained properly, because electrical outlets, power strips, extension cords, and appliances are all potentially hazardous to your kids. To help protect your little ones from electrical shock or fire hazards, the residential electrical contractors at RD Matthews Electrical in Northern Virginia have compiled their […]

Whether you are looking for an electrical construction contractor to assist in building a new luxury home, or you have an existing electrical system that needs repair, there are several electrical contracting services to choose from in Northern Virginia. Unfortunately, not all electricians provide the same level of service or have the right qualifications for […]

Smart light switches give homeowners better control and remote access to their lighting system, help save on energy bills, allow for home automation, and provide many other great benefits. However, homeowners often make the mistake of installing smart light switches on their own without the proper knowledge to successfully set up a network of electrical […]

Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or looking for a simple way to upgrade it, lighting can play a big role in how it looks and feels. So, before you reach out to our residential electricians in Northern Virginia, here are a few tips that can give you a better idea of what you may […]

With technology bringing more and more advancement to electronics, it should be no surprise that this also applies to residential lighting. CFL (compact fluorescent light) was once the go-to in home lighting, but with the introduction of LED bulbs, many homeowners are making the switch. What is important to remember is that CFL bulbs have […]

If you are planning on building a new custom home in Northern Virginia, choosing the right electrical construction contractor will be critical.  Electrical systems aren’t easy to get right, and if anything is faulty at the time of installation, you could have electrical problems for years to come.  Most importantly, you might not able to pass […]

Getting creative with the electrical components of your home is a great way to transform your space. At RD Matthews Electrical, our residential electricians offer a number of exciting services for Northern Virginia homeowners to choose from. Continue reading to learn five great ways to upgrade your home with our electrical services! 5 Ways That […]

When an electrical issue arises, it is important to have a reliable electrical repair service at your disposal at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, many homeowners in Northern Virginia do not know what to expect from their electrical repair service and therefore may not select the appropriate contractor. With over 25 years of experience, our team […]

Are you planning to remodel your kitchen? Chances are you’ve thought about your color scheme, backsplash options, and countertops, but many homeowners forget to consider the latest electrical upgrades that can transform a kitchen entirely. Continue reading to learn about the latest electrical upgrades that you can incorporate into your kitchen from some of the […]

Electrical contractors play a highly important role at construction sites as they collaborate with construction teams to complete all of the desired electrical work. At RD Matthews Electrical Contracting, we are proud to offer services from some of the most skilled and experienced electrician teams in Northern Virginia. If you are wondering what exactly an […]

Are you wondering what the difference is between a licensed electrical contractor in Northern, VA, and your everyday, run-of-the-mill handyman? There are quite a few differences , mainly that an electrical contractor is an expert at electrical installation techniques, which makes them ideal for a range of different electrical jobs and applications. If you have […]

When modernizing your Northern Virginia home, installing smart switches can be a great way to bring it up to date and capitalize on your energy savings. However, it isn’t always the simplest process, which is why the team from RD Matthews Electrical has collected a list of helpful things for you to consider. Before installing […]

As a homeowner, maintaining your property is probably one of the biggest expenditures you incur during the year. Thanks to social media and YouTube, there are many practical and useful videos that show you how you can improve your home’s appearance. While this can help with gardening, painting, home décor, and other things, your home’s […]

Are you thinking about upgrading your room’s lighting to a ceiling fan fixture? Ceiling fan installation isn’t as straight forward as many think, as there are many potential dangers and issues that can arise when you attempt to do this on your own. To help, our team at RD Matthews Electrical Contracting has outlined some […]

At RD Matthews Electrical Contracting, we’ve had more and more clients inquire about installing a smart switch in their Northern Virginia home. Some of the most common questions are what do these switches do and how they can benefit a home? To help, we’ve compiled a quick guide to smart switches and why you should […]

Not all homes are built equally. As technology and construction continues to advance and improve, older homes may not have the same level of technology as newer homes. This is especially true when it comes to electrical wiring, as outdated, lower-quality, or faulty electrical outlets and components are a cause of residential home fires every […]

Are you looking to upgrade the look of your home’s interior or thinking about your next remodel project? Our electrical contractors and team at RD Matthews Electrical Contracting in Northern VA can help! An often-overlooked aspect of many houses is lighting. Not only is lighting essential, but it can also drastically change the appearance of […]

Is it time to install smart switches in your northern Virginia home?  More and more people are saying yes! What was once seen as a luxury product is quickly becoming an affordable option.  Today, just about any homeowner can afford to upgrade some or all of their light switches and install a few smart bulbs […]

A ceiling fan can be an excellent addition to almost any room in your house.  Inexpensive and utilizing very little power, these fans can significantly reduce your reliance on HVAC systems while adding a stylish touch to any room.  However, if you’re thinking about having a ceiling fan installation done in northern Virginia, it’s best […]

Electrical wiring problems are one of the most common sources of home fires in the US, these are estimated to account for more than 50,000 home fires each year – and over 500 deaths. This is particularly regrettable because the vast majority of electrical fires are avoidable, or at least would be with some proper precautions […]

If your home needs improvements, it’s certainly understandable why you’d want to go the DIY route. Doing your own work can often save a lot of money, plus it’s fun and satisfying for many people.  However, it’s important to know what jobs are good candidates for a DIY project – and which are not. Just about […]

If you’re looking for a way to improve your home, upgrades to your electrical system or appliances can be an excellent choice.  Better electrical services will improve your day-to-day quality of life and they will provide added benefits if you ever want to sell your home in the future. When looking to upgrade, it’s always […]

If you’re looking to renovate or upgrade your Northern VA home, there’s a good chance you’ll be calling in licensed electrical contractors.  New fixtures and other upgrades can easily create demand for upgrades to your electrical system as well, and that is not something you want to try to do yourself.  To be fully up […]