If you take a quick look around your home, or perhaps even just one room, you might find that a lot of your outlets are in use. From phone chargers to televisions, blenders, hairdryers, and more, we use lots of devices to keep our lives going these days. What you may not have known is that many of these devices can increase your power bill when plugged in, whether or not they're actually in use – this is something called phantom power. 

Did you know your ceiling fan can actually change directions?

That's right, not only can you change the spinning direction of your fan, but doing so can actually impact how hot or cold air moves in each room in your home. Finding ways to reduce the strain on your heating and air conditioning system can not only let it work less hard to do the job, but it can elongate the lifespan of your system too, and one of the best ways to let your ceiling fan do some of the work.

Whether you're a new homeowner or have been in your home for decades, performing routine safety checks on your home's electrical system is key to keeping your property and family safe. Electrical problems cause nearly thousands of injuries and deaths each year, on top of up to $1.3 billion in property damage. Following this brief home checklist is one of the first steps in creating a safe electrical system in your home.

In the past few years, people have become more aware and worried about crime in their neighborhoods. According to a Gallup poll, the percentage of people who are worried about crime and violence has increased 11% since 2020, and 51% of people said that there was more crime in their area in 2021 than there was in 2020. With tensions and fears growing among everyday Americans, it's important to keep in mind that there are ways to keep yourself, your family, and your home safe. A security system can make a substantial difference to your neighborhood's crime rate and your own sense of security.

Security systems are an essential tool for any homeowner. Not only are entry sensors, glass break detectors, and motion detectors important for deterring break-ins, but sensors attached to a security system can also detect fires, floods, and carbon monoxide. These sensors not only detect problems within or around a home, but can also contact the appropriate agency to get help as quickly as possible.

Last month, H&H Electric & Security LLC's Fred Hawkins and his wife Cindy visited the annual Generac conference. Each year, Generac hosts a conference for electrical specialists to keep up to date on standby generators for the home. This month, we'd like to share some of what we learned from the 2022 Generac conference, as well as share a few of the other fun details of the trip! 

Nowadays, it is easier than ever to call up a company or go online and receive a box containing the various bits and pieces that make up a security system within a few days. These do-it-yourself systems put the power of installation into the hands of the consumer, but those systems do not necessarily share the benefits of one installed by a professional who is licensed in Georgia.

During the Winter months, it can become a challenge to keep electric bills low. Between holiday decorations, keeping a home cozy in otherwise freezing conditions, and spending more time with lights on as we see less of the sun, it's no wonder that electricity bills can bulge during the holiday season. 

That said, there are measures you can take to maximize your savings during the winter months. By controlling and optimizing the load your electronic devices impose, you can stay warm without worrying about your wallet!

When it comes to electricity in the home, many homeowners may be unaware about many of the design choices and features that make our electrical infrastructure so useful. We've taken some questions we've heard over the years and compiled them to provide you with a handy resource!

 As we get closer to Halloween, you may be thinking about setting up this year's display. Whether it be animatronic ghouls, spooky lights, or awesome effects, it's important to set everything up with safety in mind. By auditing your Halloween decoration safety now, you can help to ensure your decorations, your property, and your guests have a fun and safe holiday. With that in mind, here are few tips for setting up that award-winning spooky display!

Slowly but surely, you'll notice that the days are getting shorter, leaves are turning vibrant, beautiful colors, and the air is getting crisper. It's a season that many look forward to after a hot Georgia summer- and we can't blame you! Something is exciting about seasons changing, adding a new hum of excitement for all that's coming and all that we're leaving behind. Due to the excitement, many start to decorate for the fall season, and with that comes some other to-dos to add to your list to make sure you're ready for fall as it relates to your electric safety and heat bill. While you're breaking out the fall-scented candles and seasonal décor, don't forget to make time for these tasks! 

If you look around at your house, many appliances are "unsung heroes" as they keep your home and family safe, perhaps without you even realizing it. Just a few of these things include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, security systems, deadbolt locks, updated wiring, and surge protectors. You likely don't spend a great deal of time mulling over these safety features, but that's ultimately the point. You don't have to think about the presence of carbon monoxide, the danger of an unlocked door, or power surges because you have systems in place that make sure you're covered. Thanks to surge protectors, you have one less concern when it comes to electricity. 

You bring home your baby, and you're quickly absorbed in caring for this little life. You're likely consumed with joy and exhaustion all at the same time. They're dependent on you for everything, requiring you to be attentive to their every need. Luckily, during this time, your baby can only move so much. However, in the blink of an eye, your baby is mobile, and suddenly your home may seem to be a much scarier place than it was before. It's a big, big world out there and it's important to protect your little one while you can. Now that you have a baby on the move, you're likely looking for ways to babyproof your home, and it's important that you take special notice of babyproofing areas with access to electricity. Here are some products you can look into purchasing to help keep your baby safe. 

Everyone wants to feel safe in their own home. Much to our surprise, Parks Associates predicted that only 27% of U.S. households would have a home security system this year. This seems shocking considering there are more home security options on the market now more than ever. None-the-less, there are still families and individuals who are looking for that extra layer of safety who need to decide which system is best for them. Take note, many variables should be taken into consideration to choose the best system for you and/or your family. 

You hear the whistle of wind rushing past your home, pelting rain on your roof and windows, and perhaps a flash of lightning followed by the rumble of thunder. The lights flicker a little bit and then go out. The TV clicks off, the fan stops blowing, and you wait a minute to see if everything is going to come back on. You wait five minutes – then 10 – and after a little bit you start to realize that it looks like your power won't be restored as soon as you would like. What now?

Electricity is a force to be reckoned with and its limits shouldn't be tested. For that very reason, it's important to have a trained professional fix your home's electrical issues to avoid any unnecessary accidents. While it's partially up to your electrician to keep your family safe, some rules should be put in place so your family can avoid any run-ins with electricity. Check out these 6 frequent hazards you should look out for and discuss with your family! 

In the busyness of everyday life, it's crucial to have a landing pad that promotes a positive mood, restful sleep, and productivity when needed. Lighting actually has quite the effect on all of these things! The hue, brightness, and placement of your interior lighting contribute to your mood and should be considered when choosing what kind of lighting you need for your home. As you think about the rooms in your home, take a moment to consider what the room is most frequently used for and how you can make it a better place for that activity. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! There's the buzz of excitement, searching for the perfect gifts, coordinating with family members, decorating your home, putting up your Christmas tree, and…hanging your Christmas lights. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution and lighting equipment were involved in 44% of Christmas tree fires. While making your home feel as festive as possible, it's also important to make your home as safe as possible too. As you're breaking out your box of Christmas lights, whether for indoor or outdoor use, be sure to follow these Christmas light safety tips to keep joy to the maximum and fires to the minimum.