Understanding Circuit Breakers
Understanding Circuit Breakers NextDay Inspect | Understanding Circuit Breakers Circuit breakers are a crucial component of any home’s electrical system, serving as the first line of defense against potential electrical hazards. Understanding how circuit breakers work and knowing when to upgrade or replace them is essential for maintaining a safe and reliable electrical infrastructure. This […]
Electrical Safety
Essential Electrical Safety Guide: Protecting Your Home and Family A lone power strip and a plug, disconnected yet ready to connect. Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely, if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused. Electrical fires […]
Residential Air-Conditioning System Inspection
Central Air Conditioning Maintenance Guide An HVAC technician servicing an air conditioning unit with precision tools. A building’s central air-conditioning system requires regular inspection and maintenance. While professional annual inspections are recommended, homeowners can perform many maintenance tasks themselves. Clean the Exterior Condenser Unit Before Starting: Turn off power to the unit Steps: Remove debris […]
Building Orientation for Optimum Energy
Building Orientation: Maximizing Energy Efficiency A cozy modern home with a spacious deck, surrounded by lush greenery and a serene backyard. Building orientation involves positioning a building to maximize aspects like street appeal, scenic views, and drainage. With rising energy costs, orienting buildings to capitalize on solar energy is increasingly important for both builders and […]
Polarity? What’s That?
Understanding Reversed Polarity in Electrical Outlets Outdoor GFCI electrical outlet mounted on a red-painted wooden wall During a home inspection, a finding of “reversed polarity” in electrical outlets can seem confusing. Essentially, it’s a wiring error that could pose a safety hazard. Here’s a breakdown of what it is and why it’s important to correct. […]
What’s Your Outlet IQ?
How to Test Your Electrical Outlets Plugging in for power, one connection at a time. Before purchasing a home, you likely had a home inspection that included testing the electrical outlets. However, if you haven’t addressed those issues or want to do regular checks, here’s how you can perform some basic testing using a simple […]
Can Lights? Make Them Green
How to Make Can Lights Green and Energy Efficient Sleek, modern recessed ceiling lights casting a soft, ambient glow. Can lights, also known as recessed ceiling lights, offer a sleek, glare-free lighting option popular in modern homes. However, they can also be energy wasters if not properly fitted with the correct bulbs (lamps). Here’s how […]
Power Out? How To Free Your Car from the Garage
How to Open a Garage Door During a Power Outage Charming small-town garage with classic black doors An automatic garage door opener is convenient until the power goes out, leaving your car trapped inside. Fortunately, all garage doors come with a manual release system you can use to open the door by hand. Steps to […]
Tricks for Replacing a Broken Light Bulb
Preventing and Removing Stuck Light Bulbs A hand delicately installs an LED bulb into a sleek black pendant lamp against a minimalist gray background. When light bulbs in damp or exterior fixtures stick in their sockets, replacing them can quickly turn into a messy and frustrating task. The good news is that you can prevent […]
What’s Your Home’s Largest Energy-Waster?
Sealing Your Attic Hatch to Save Energy Retractable attic ladder partially extended from a ceiling hatch in a modern hallway. An unsealed attic hatch is one of the biggest energy-wasters in a home. Without proper weatherstripping or insulation, warm air escapes through the gaps, increasing heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, there’s an easy two-step solution […]