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What to Look for In Northern Virginia Electrical Contractors

by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner

There’s no shortage of electrical contractors in northern Virginia vying for your attention – so which can you trust to work on your home?

With the intricate complexity of home wiring and the associated risks, it’s crucial to find trustworthy electrical services that are committed to job quality and safety. Choosing the right contractor can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to simplify your search. This guide will help you navigate your options and identify the best contractor for your needs.

Five Key Attributes of Top-Notch Electrical Contractors in Northern Virginia

1. Proper Licensing, Certification, and Insurance

Prioritize contractors who can present proper credentials, proof of licensing, and certification. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous entities scam unsuspecting customers with subpar work, taking payments and leaving town. Verify a contractor’s license and certification before they start work on your project.

Insurance is equally important to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. The contractor should have insurance covering potential damage to your property or worker injuries that may occur on your premises. Without proper coverage, you, as the homeowner, could potentially be held liable.

2. Extensive Experience

While starting an electrical contracting business may not be challenging, trusting your home’s wiring to a novice can be risky. Choose a contractor with at least five years of business experience, which typically suggests a higher level of competence. If your project has unique requirements, ensure the contractor has the necessary specialized experience.

3. Local Expertise

Whenever possible, choose local contractors. Not only can this reduce travel-related costs, but it also ensures familiarity with local city regulations. Since electrical work often demands an official inspection, a local contractor will likely understand the specific codes in your area better than an out-of-town counterpart, ensuring your home remains compliant.

4. Comprehensive Estimates

Obtain several bids or estimates before finalizing a contractor. Not only can these provide a negotiation tool, but they can also indicate the contractor’s trustworthiness. A detailed estimate, itemizing costs for labor, equipment, materials, etc., signifies a professional, fair-dealing company. Conversely, a simplistic estimate without a cost breakdown might lead to unexpected expenses down the line.

5. Emphasis on Safety

Given the inherent risks in electrical work, safety should be a top priority. Inquire about the contractor’s safety record, their worker training protocols, and any required personal certifications. Reliable contractors should also background-check and drug-test their employees. A company that visibly prioritizes safety makes an excellent choice!

With over 25 years of experience, RD Matthews Electrical Contracting delivers superior residential electrical services throughout Northern Virginia. Our knowledge extends to local homes, communities, and regulations, and we take safety seriously, always. Contact us for a free estimate today!

Don’t Believe These Myths About Home Electrical Wiring!

24Jul

by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner

As the leading experts in home wiring installation in Northern Virginia, we often find ourselves addressing misconceptions about electricity. There are numerous myths and misinformation about home wiring, which can be problematic and even dangerous for homeowners. In this article, we aim to debunk some of the most pervasive myths and explain why they’re incorrect or risky.

1. Low-voltage shocks are harmless

One dangerous myth we encounter is the belief that low-voltage shocks aren’t harmful, so occasional shocks from outlets or wires are inconsequential. While minor shocks may not always cause harm, the risk remains.

When your body comes in contact with live electricity, the shock travels through your entire body, potentially causing muscle seizures or brain disruptions. If an individual has pre-existing neurological vulnerabilities, even a minor shock can be detrimental. Moreover, secondary injuries may result from a person’s reaction to the shock.

Always treat live wires and outlets with caution.

2. New wiring is immune to problems

A common falsehood is the notion that new wiring cannot fail; only old wiring can. However, wiring of any age can have issues. Poor wiring installations, rodents chewing on cables, or damage from water leaks are just a few examples. While thicker, well-insulated cables offer better protection, electrical problems in your home could still arise from wiring infrastructure, regardless of its age.

3. Flickering lights are always due to power shortages

Although power shortages can cause flickering lights or brownouts, they’re not the sole culprit. Other causes include wiring issues, faulty light sockets, or problematic light bulbs. Recently, we’ve even seen poorly configured “smart lights” causing problems.

If a lightbulb flickers, try replacing it and ensuring it’s screwed in securely. If the issue persists, consult Northern Virginia electrical specialists to investigate the problem.

4. Thicker wires carry more electricity

Another misconception is that thicker power cords contain more electricity than thinner cords.

In reality, the amount of power in your wiring depends on your power supply and how electricity is distributed throughout your home. The difference between thin and thick wires lies is resistance; thinner wires have greater resistance, making electricity flow less efficiently and potentially causing heat buildup or reduced power to connected devices. However, the current remains the same regardless of wire size.

5. Ordinary safety gear is adequate for handling electricity

It’s crucial to emphasize that working with electricity at home is extremely hazardous, and professional assistance is strongly recommended. However, in case of emergencies, only use rated safety gear.

For instance, not all rubber gloves can prevent electrical conduction; many contain conductive materials, especially low-quality ones. Similarly, wood is not guaranteed to be safe, as even small amounts of moisture can make it conductive. Rely on professionals like RD Matthews Electrical Contracting for handling live power.

With over 25 years of experience, RD Matthews Electrical Contracting offers expert home wiring installation, electrical repair, and other electrical services across Northern Virginia.

Don’t let myths and misinformation put your safety at risk—trust the professionals to ensure your electrical needs are met safely and effectively. Call RD Matthews Electrical Contracting to solve your electrical issues.

The Benefits of Home Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles

20Jul

by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming the future of transportation. With governments across the globe advocating their adoption, the shift from gasoline to electricity is inevitable. If you’re in the process of considering or already own an EV, you might wonder what’s the best way to power it. The answer? Install a charging station at home. Here are the top reasons why it’s a wise move.

1. Opt for Level 2 Chargers

The ideal choice for home EV charging stations is typically a Level 2 charger. It utilizes the full 240V from your home power supply, allowing a complete charge for most EVs within 2-3 hours. Some even offer rapid-charging modes that provide a drivable charge in under an hour. While Level 1 chargers are an option, they only support around 110V and require much more time to deliver a similar charge.

2. Professional Installation is a Must

Installing an EV charging station at home isn’t a weekend DIY project. Level 2 chargers utilize high power levels that can be hazardous if mishandled. Moreover, the installation often involves rewiring, which must adhere to local code. So, even if you buy your own EV charger, always hire experienced EV charger installation professionals like RD Matthews Electrical to ensure a safe and compliant setup.

3. Home EV Chargers are Convenient

Having a charging station in your home offers unmatched convenience. Public EV charging stations are becoming more prevalent, but ‘deserts’ still exist where chargers are few and far between. With a home charger, you have a reliable power source at your fingertips. Plug your EV in when you get home and let the smart technology in your battery handle the rest.

4. Preserve Your Battery Health

While the technology is evolving, there is some concern that Level 3 chargers, known for super-fast charging, might harm car batteries due to high power delivery. Some manufacturers have even programmed safeguards against frequent fast charging to prevent potential battery damage. A Level 2 home charger, though, is a safe choice and is recommended for most vehicles currently on the market.

5. Economical Charging

Public charging stations have overhead costs to cover, which can result in additional charges on top of the electricity cost. However, when you charge at home, you’re only paying your standard electricity rate, leading to potential savings.

6. Boost Your Property Value

As EVs grow in popularity, homes equipped with EV chargers are becoming more desirable, especially among younger buyers. Installing a charger could enhance the marketability of your property. The same holds true for rental properties – renters with EVs will appreciate a home that accommodates their vehicle.

At RD Matthews Electrical Contracting, we bring over 25 years of experience to the table, including proficiency in installing EV chargers. We pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of home electrical services in Northern Virginia, and our early adoption of EV charger installation sets us apart from our competitors.

If you’re considering an EV, contact us to discuss your charger installation Together, we can make your transition to electric driving smooth, safe, and sustainable.

Overloaded Electrical Outlet With No Room For More Plugs

Common Electrical Wiring Problems and Solutions

08Mar

by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner

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 to be aware of common electrical wiring problems and solutions.

Let’s go over the most common electrical wiring problems, their consequences, and how professional wiring installation can help solve them.

The Potential Risks of Electrical Wiring Problems

There are several serious risks that most people never think about until it’s too late. Personal safety is the biggest concern when it comes to electrical wiring problems. Poorly maintained wiring is a fire hazard that can cause extensive property damage, injury, and even death if not taken care of.

For example, if your outlets are loose, there is a risk of an electrical short or spark. This can cause a fire or shock, both of which can lead to serious injury or death.

In addition to the safety concerns, electrical wiring problems can also lead to reduced efficiency. If your wiring is old or damaged, it won’t be able to deliver the power required to run your appliances. This can cause them to overheat and break down, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Finally, faulty wiring can also lead to increased energy costs. Wiring problems can cause your electrical system to be less efficient, leading to higher energy bills.

Lights Flickering When It is Windy

One of the signs you have a serious problem with your electrical wiring is if your lights flicker when it’s windy. This is a sign of loose wiring and could be a potential fire hazard.

Lack of GFCI’s (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters)

GFCI’s are designed to sense ground faults and shut off the power to the outlet when a problem arises. Without them, you’re leaving yourself open to the possibility of shock or electrocution.

Your Panel is Overheated

This is a sign of an overloaded electrical system. When too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit, it can cause wiring to overheat, creating sparks or a fire hazard.

Junction Boxes Aren’t Covered

Exposed junction boxes can be dangerous because they can easily be damaged or tampered with. It could be something as simple as inclement weather that causes the next major electrical issue in your home, knocking out the power or even starting an electrical fire.

Overlamping (Bulb Has Higher Wattage Than the Fixture)

Using a higher-wattage bulb than the fixture is rated for can cause excessive heat to build up, which can lead to a potential fire hazard.

Not Enough Outlets

If you don’t have enough outlets, it’s likely that you have too many appliances plugged into the same circuit. This can cause wiring to overheat and create a potential fire hazard. If you are using many extensive cords or outlet extenders, this is probably a sign that you need more outlets to distribute the electricity more evenly among your appliances and electronics.

Receptacles Are No Longer Holding Plugs

If your receptacles are not holding plugs, this is a sign that your wiring has become loose and needs to be re-tightened or replaced.

Receptacles are Ungrounded (Only Two Prongs)

Two-pronged receptacles do not provide the necessary protection from ground faults and can create a potential shock hazard.

Backstabbed Connections

Backstabbed connections are created when the wires are connected to the wrong terminals on the receptacle such as being pushed into small holes in the back of an outlet instead of being anchored down by screws. This can create hazards for sparks, shocks, or even fires.

Your Wiring is Aluminum

Aluminum wiring can become loose due to oxidation, which can create a potential fire hazard. This cheaper option for wiring was used in the 60s and 70s as a cost-saving measure, but is no longer considered a safe option.

How to Protect Your Circuit Panel

To protect your circuit panel from overloading, you should use a circuit breaker to limit the amount of electricity that can enter your home. You should also review how many outlets you have in each room and make sure that appliances are plugged into individual circuits. Additionally, you should check to make sure all of your outlets are grounded and that you have GFCI’s installed in areas where there is a potential for shock or electrocution.

Only Hire Professionals for Electrical Wiring Installation in Northern Virginia

It’s important to hire a professional electrician for any electrical wiring installation services in Northern Virginia. Professional electricians are trained and certified to safely install and repair electrical wiring to ensure your home is safe and up to code.

Get Service for Wiring Installation from RD Matthews Electrical Contracting

For wiring installation and electrical services in Northern Virginia, look no further than RD Matthews Electrical Contracting. Our experienced electricians can help you with all your residential and commercial electrical needs, from wiring installation to repair.

Our professional home wiring installation services will have your home’s electrical system running safely in no time. Contact us today to get started with a quote or request a service.

A Male Electrician Fixing And Installing Ceiling Fan

A Short Guide to Ceiling Fans and Ceiling Fan Installation

06Mar

by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner

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 the basics of ceiling fan installation, from the types of fans available to the best practices for installation.

How Much Electricity Ceiling Fans Use

As the cost of cooling a home with air conditioning continues to rise, many people are turning to ceiling fans to save money. But how much electricity do ceiling fans really use? The answer depends on the size of the fan and how often it is used. Generally, ceiling fans use between 40 and 100 watts of electricity, depending on the size of the fan and its speed. That is just a fraction of the electricity used by air conditioning units, which can range from 500 to 1500 watts.

Why Ceiling Fans are the Best Cooling Option

Ceiling fans are one of the most efficient ways to cool your home. Not only do they use less electricity than air conditioners, but they also cool a room much faster. This is because ceiling fans create a wind chill effect, providing a refreshing and cooling breeze. Ceiling fans can also help circulate air and reduce humidity levels, making a room feel cooler.

Getting a Ceiling Fan if You Live in a Cold Climate

Ceiling fans are not just for cooling a room; they can also be used to reduce heating costs during the winter months. By reversing the direction of the blades, ceiling fans can help push hot air down from the ceiling, allowing the warm air to circulate throughout the room. This can help reduce energy costs by up to 15%.

The Best Design and Color Options for Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans come in a variety of designs and colors to match any style. From traditional to modern and rustic to industrial, there’s sure to be a fan to match your décor. And, with a variety of colors to choose from, you can find a fan to match or accent any color scheme.

Factors Affecting Ceiling Fan Efficacy

When selecting a ceiling fan, you should also consider the size of your room. While larger rooms require larger fans, fans that are too large can actually be less efficient. Additionally, the blade pitch, or the angle of the blades, can also affect the efficiency of a fan. A fan with a higher blade pitch will create more airflow than a fan with a lower blade pitch.

What to Know When Buying a Ceiling Fan

When choosing a ceiling fan, it’s important to consider the size of the room, the type of motor, and the blade finish. The size of the room will determine the size of the fan, while the type of motor will affect the amount of air the fan can move. The blade finish will affect the overall look of the fan, so it’s important to choose one that matches your décor.

Calculate Blade Size from Room Size

The size of the ceiling fan’s blades is an important factor to consider when shopping for a fan. In general, the blade size of a ceiling fan should be proportional to the size of the room. A room that is 8 feet by 10 feet requires a fan with a blade diameter of at least 48 inches.

Check Ceiling Height

Before installing a ceiling fan, you should check the ceiling height. Most ceiling fans require a minimum ceiling height of 8 feet, but some may require a higher minimum height. It’s important to check the fan’s specifications before purchasing to ensure it can be installed in your room.

Choose a Downrod Length

When selecting a ceiling fan, the downrod length should also be considered. Downrods are typically sold in 12-inch increments and come in lengths ranging from 3 inches to 48 inches. The downrod length should be chosen based on the ceiling height and the desired blade height.

Get Ceiling Fan Installation from RD Matthews Electrical Contracting

Installing a ceiling fan can be a difficult task, and mistakes can be costly. To ensure the job is done right, it’s best to hire a professional. RD Matthews Electrical Contracting provides professional ceiling fan installation. Get in touch with us and schedule your ceiling fan installation today.

Posts

Five Key Attributes of Top-Notch Electrical Contractors in Northern Virginia

1. Proper Licensing, Certification, and Insurance

2. Extensive Experience

3. Local Expertise

4. Comprehensive Estimates

5. Emphasis on Safety

1. Low-voltage shocks are harmless

2. New wiring is immune to problems

3. Flickering lights are always due to power shortages

4. Thicker wires carry more electricity

5. Ordinary safety gear is adequate for handling electricity

1. Opt for Level 2 Chargers

2. Professional Installation is a Must

3. Home EV Chargers are Convenient

4. Preserve Your Battery Health

5. Economical Charging

6. Boost Your Property Value

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