Tips from Wilcox Electric

With the year coming to a close, you may be working on your holiday shopping list. If you are looking for a practical gift for that hard-to-shop-for person, consider giving the gift of electrical service this year. Many homeowners, including those who may be aging in place, need to have repairs done around their homes. You can help someone you love with future maintenance and service. Here are a few ideas for giving electrical service as a Christmas gift.

The holidays are fast approaching, and for many people, holiday lighting is an integral part of the celebrations. Here are some tips to enhance your home with festive lighting that won’t jeopardize your safety or your wallet.

Dimmers are handy tools that make lighting more personal. The advancements in dimmer switches have come a long way since they were first introduced in 1959. They are now frequently used to create the desired mood and can be controlled in many different ways. But can they save you money? Let’s look deeper into the cost savings of dimmer switches.

With the return of School Time comes “Bath time,” “Bed time,” “Time to get up!” and other time-structured household routines. And with school taking place at home for many families this year, it may also be an excellent time to school your devices -  Alexa, Google Home, and Leviton - in some Smart Routines, Schedules, and Activities to get everyone back on track.

Many senior adults prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. The “Aging in Place” movement reflects aging adults’ desire to avoid moving in with family or other assisted living options. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering how you can help your aging parents remain in their home safely.  Let's look at two things you can do to get started. 

Everyone is now enjoying more stay-at-home time with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing more schoolwork and career work to be performed at home. Many families are capitalizing on this increased time at home to find new ways to enjoy family and their home. These enforced staycations do not have to become confining and discouraging. The addition of a few smart home features can help ease your increased indoor time.

Working remotely is becoming a reality for more employees and companies. And while working from home has several benefits, it’s essential to have a space that supports your business needs.  Once you have determined the location, the next step is to create efficiency and privacy, and that may mean enlisting the help of an electrician.

Smart homes are no longer a thing of the future. They're today's reality. We have gone far beyond smart thermostats, lights, and door locks you can control from the other side of the house or the other side of the world. Smart appliances can revolutionize your kitchen and laundry room, but are they worth the hype? 

How startled would you be if a male voice started talking to you through your baby monitor? It would freak you out, just like it did an Illinois couple in 2018. Their smart home had been hacked. The hacker not only spoke to them, but he was also watching them through their in-house cameras. He also turned their thermostat up to 90 degrees.

Many homeowners have questions about digital privacy in a smart home. After all, it’s not uncommon to see a story about your apps spying on you or Alexa listening in on your conversations. According to a survey done by PC Magazine, privacy topped consumer’s concerns about having a smart home. But before you decide to forgo the convenience, take some simple steps to safeguard your security and privacy in a connected home.