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.

Positioning your own sound system requires a great deal of knowledge, patience, and a willingness to try something new. Though you may think you can throw your new sound system in any location in the room, there is more to think about than you may realize. If you're going to invest in a sound system, make sure you can invest your time into the proper positioning as well. If you don't follow speaker positioning best practices, you may find that even the best speakers don't sound as good as they could. However, all you need is a little professional help. Here's what you need to know about the art of positing speakers in your home.

News channels will frequently report on recalls for car seats, food products and items from vehicle manufacturers to protect consumers from dangers. However, there are many more products that could pose an equal or greater danger to you and your family. The electrical components of your home are definitely not immune to these recalls, and you need to keep a regular check on these items to avoid personal injury, fire, or explosions within your home. 

In the words of Forrest Gump, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get." As we've all seen, 2020 has been a year that none of us expected and it's proven that you never know what's going to come your way. It's also showed us that we have to deal with what life throws at us. We get to decide how we handle struggle. Do we take the challenge? Do we learn from the past? Do we prepare? Though none of us could have prepared for this year, we can prepare by investing in a generator that can keep your little world running, even if it seems to stop for everyone else. So, expect the unexpected and find out 6 reasons you need a business generator and a home generator! 

A home security system can mean a lot of different things, from carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to security cameras. While detectors keep you safe from fires, carbon monoxide, and other similar dangers, your alarm system can keep you safe from intruders. As Ring and Nest have become popular, we have found that more and more people are interested in security systems whether it be a camera serving as a video doorbell, or a full-capacity system with 24/7 monitoring. This allows for people to monitor their homes from miles or even countries away. However, did you know that security cameras don't just help you, but could also be a tool for crime control in your community?