Category: Holiday

3 Homey Mother’s Day Ideas

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homey mother's day ideas

Mother’s Day is going to be a little unique this year because many Americans are practicing social distancing. So, if you usually take your mother out for dinner or lunch on this special day, you might want to get a little more creative with how you treat your mom this Mother’s Day. Luckily, the pros at Roman Electric have a few homey/ stay-at-home Mother’s Day ideas that will undoubtedly make your mom feel special!

1. Do Any Housework or Repairs for Her!

If it’s safe and possible, show up at mom’s home and offer to do any housework for her. One of the best ways to make mom happy is to perform acts of service for her. If she has something in her house that needs repair, maintenance or cleaning, help her out or simply do it for her while she relaxes. Here are some common tasks that you can do! To ensure you and your mother are protected, try to wear masks or face coverings and maintain a safe distance.

  • Change Her HVAC Unit’s Air Filter

Changing an HVAC unit’s air filter is one of the easiest ways to maintain it. It improves indoor air quality, prevents costly problems and reduces energy consumption by 5 to 15%!

  • Thoroughly Vacuum and Dust her Home

Help her out with spring cleaning by thoroughly vacuuming and dusting her home. This will not only make her feel appreciated, but it will also ensure her home is free of dust mites, dander and other allergens.

  • Fix Leaks

If your mom has been complaining about any leaks around her house, surprise her by showing up with some tools and offer to fix them for her! Leaks can be incredibly frustrating and wasteful—according to the Environmental Protection Agency, common household leaks can account for 10,000 gallons of water lost a year. By helping your mom fix home leaks, you can make her feel appreciated and help her save on her water bill.

2. Cook for Her/ Send Her Favorite Meal Her Way

Our moms spend so much of their lives cooking our favorite foods for us; it’s only fair that we return the favor. Cook your mom’s favorite meal and drop it off at her place! If you have kids, get them involved too so your mom can get some extra love this Mother’s Day. If your mother lives too far for you to do that, have a meal or even a simple box of chocolates or cookies delivered to her from a shop near her.

3. Give Her a Call!

If your mother lives away from you, the best way you can make her feel special on Mother’s Day is by simply giving her a call. Your mom will feel appreciated just by you and your family trying to stay connected during a time when everyone is so isolated.

The pros at Roman Electric understand the importance of taking care of our families during this uncertain time. The main goal of our business and our services is the comfort and safety of our customers and their loved ones. Call us today at 414-369-3798 to learn more about our HVAC, electrical and plumbing services or schedule a service online. You can also read our message about COVID-19 prevention here.

Why You Should Choose Christmas LED Lights

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choose christmas led lights

We have talked about LED lights a lot before, but that’s because homeowners should know how important they are. These lights have great features that distinguish them from their incandescent counterparts, making them good for various uses including as Christmas lights. If you’re not sure why you should choose Christmas LED lights, let the pros at Roman Electric convince you!

1. They Are Energy-Efficient

One of the best qualities about LED lights is that they are energy-efficient. According to the Department of Energy, residential LED lights can use at least 75% less energy while lasting 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. If you replace five of the most frequently used lightbulbs in your home with ENERGY-STAR LED bulbs, you can save $75 per year. So, if you’re looking for Christmas lights this year, consider using LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs to save up on your utility bill!

2. They Can Be Safer

Christmas LED bulbs do not have to be made of glass. These bulbs can come in epoxy lenses, making them shatter resistant. In addition, LED bulbs do not radiate heat, so you won’t have to worry about burning your fingers when fixing up the lights. This specific feature makes them a better option than incandescent bulbs and even CFLS – which are considered a better alternative to incandescent lights.

3. They Are Versatile

LED lights seem to get better with each year—the same can be said for Christmas LED lights. There are various Christmas lighting options on the market, with lights being sold in different colors, shapes and sizes. In addition, they have a lot of features such as timers and dimmers, allowing you to control your Christmas lighting.

4. They Can Work in Cool Temperatures

If you live in a particularly cold climate and you’re worried about your lights faltering, you should consider LED lights. These lights have no problem working in various weather conditions, making them more durable. LEDs can get more efficient as the temperature outside gets lower.

5. They Are Non-Toxic

LED lights are the most environmentally friendly option on the market. CFLS contain toxic mercury which can be harmful to you as well as the environment. LEDs don’t have any mercury, making them a greener alternative. LED lights are also 100 % recyclable—so not only are they energy efficient, long-lasting and shatter-resistant, they are far better for the environment than other lighting options.

One Thing to Keep in Mind…

While LED lights have excellent features, they also have a high up-front cost. Incandescent bulbs are relatively cheaper, which is the one quality that gives the standard bulbs a bit of an edge over LEDs. However, it is also important to note that while incandescent lights might be cheaper, they might be eating a large chunk of your electricity bill over time. LEDs are expensive at first but will save you some money in the long run.

Light Up Your Home with Roman Electric

If you want to learn more about why you should choose LED lights, get in touch with the pros at Roman Electric! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service on our website!

 

 

 

 

 

Child-Proofing Your Home for The Holidays

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child-proof your home

If you have any guests staying over for the holidays, chances are you’re going to have double the amount of kids running around your home (think Home Alone!). And while the decorations around your home are probably very fun and festive, they can pose serious harm to curious children. That is why you should take some time to properly child-proof your home, so you don’t have any during the holidays! To help you get started, the pros at Roman Electric have created a quick guide.

1. Add a Toilet Lock

This is especially helpful if you’re going to have some curious toddlers exploring your home. A toilet lid lock can prevent a child from getting in some scary situations such as falling into the toilet or getting stuck. There are several toilet lid locks on the market, ranging from $7-$15.

2. Babyproof Electrical Cords

If you have a lot of decorations up, it’s likely that you have a lot of electrical cords being used. That is why it’s important you find a way to clear them up as they can create tripping hazards for kids. To prevent this from happening, make sure your cords run through a duct cord cover. These covers look like speed bumps made of rubber, can fit many cords and cost $10-$20 depending on their size.

If you want to prevent access to the cord, consider getting a cord shortener. This product prevents cord entanglement, shortens the excess of a long cord and can even come with outlet covers. You can purchase these from your nearest home improvement store—they are usually priced within the $4-$10 range.

3. Get Outlet Covers

It’s common knowledge that by poking metal utensils in outlets, toddlers can experience electric shock. It’s never a good idea for a child to be poking anything into an outlet, which is why it’s important to get outlet covers. These covers are usually plastic pieces that can be directly inserted into the outlet’s sockets. If you have any power strips, consider getting covers for them too. You can purchase in-use covers which allow cords to be plugged in, while encasing the entire power strip.

4. Be Careful in The Kitchen

Don’t leave anything unattended on the stove and don’t leave the stove on. Children can easily reach over and burn themselves or topple a heavy pot or pan over. You can also prevent this from happening by placing pots or pans near the backend of the stove.

5. Use Battery Operated Candles

If you absolutely must use candles, try using battery operated candles. They are cheap and safe to be around children as well as upholstery and curtains. If you use scented candles, switch to air fresheners, diffuser sticks or essential oil diffusers just for the holidays.

Keep Your Home Safe for The Holidays with Roman Electric!

If you want more tips on how you can childproof your home for the holidays, contact the pros at Roman Electric! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website!

 

 

Electrical Safety: Indoor Holiday Decorations

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electrical safety during the holidays

While indoor holiday decorations are fun and festive, they can also pose a danger to your home if they are not handled properly. One little mishap with a worn-out wire or an outlet and you might be dealing with electrical fires or shocks. Luckily, the pros at Roman Electric are here to help you out. Here is a quick guide to electrical safety during the holidays so you can have a safe and restful break!

1. Indoor Lights Should Not Be Near Curtains

Indoor lights are creative and fun and add to the holiday ambiance you want in your home. However, it is important to keep these lights away from drapes, curtains and any kind of flammable items—especially if these lights have incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs can heat up easily, increasing the chance of something in your home catching fire. If you’re tired of this risk with incandescent bulbs, try making the switch to LED bulbs! LED’s last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use 75% less energy! They also don’t radiate heat and if you purchase LEDs with epoxy lenses, they aren’t prone to shattering either.

2. Discard Frayed Cords

Keep any eye out for any lights or decorations with frayed or worn-out cords. While it might not seem like a big deal, frayed cords can lead to the live wire being exposed. This poses a serious danger to users as it increases risk of electrocution and electrical fires. It’s not worth it to use frayed cords—if you find several parts of the indoor light cords are frayed and exposed, it is best to discard them. In addition to looking out for frayed cords, making sure none of the bulbs are cracked or broken.

3. Choose Battery Operated Candles

Unless you’re using the Christmas or holiday themed scented candles, it is best to use battery operated candles for decoration purposes. Actual candles look nice, but they are risky, especially if they are placed near flammable items. Battery operated candles are safe, affordable and achieve the same effect!

4. Check for Underwriters Laboratory Sign

Before you purchase indoor lights and decorations, make sure to check for the “UL” sign on the packaging—this sign indicates that the lights have been approved by the Underwriters Laboratory and are safe to use whether it is indoors or outdoors. The Red UL sign indicates that the lights are safe to be used indoors and outdoors and the green UL sign marks that the lights are only safe for outdoor use.

5. Use Clips Instead of Nails

Instead of hammering the cords in with nails or thumb tacks, use clips or adhesive hooks. This way you can ensure your lights are hung properly and are in place without damaging the cords.

Practice Electrical Safety During the Holidays with Roman Electric!

We hope this guide to electrical safety during the holidays is helpful! If you want more electrical safety tips, get in touch with the pros at Roman Electric! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website!

Christmas Lighting Safety Tips

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christmas lighting safety tips

With Christmas almost here, it’s no secret that homeowners have started decorating their homes in various decorative lights. While you share this fun and festive tradition with your loved ones, remember to stay safe. Any little mistake or oversight and you might be dealing with electrical problems that could potentially harm you or your family and friends. To help you stay safe, the pros at Roman Electric have some helpful and effective Christmas lighting safety tips.

1. Use LEDs!

If you are thinking of purchasing new Christmas lights, skip the incandescent bulbs and get LED lights instead. According to the Department of Energy, LED lights last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting and use at least 75 % less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. These lights also don’t radiate heating and can come with epoxy lenses, making them less likely to shatter. Incandescent bulbs are far more vulnerable to breaking and burning fingers—switch to LEDs today!

2. Don’t Use Old Lights

Before you hang up your Christmas lights, make sure your lights are not broken and the wires are not worn out. If you notice your lights are old or deteriorated, it is best to get newer lights. Older and broken lights can be dangerous in addition to being inefficient.

3. Outdoor Lights and Indoor Lights are NOT Interchangeable

Make sure the lights you use are meant for outdoor or indoor use. You can’t use lights made for indoor use outside and vice versa. Be especially careful with extension cords—if you are using them outside, ensure they are rated for outdoor use (check the packaging for signs such as “Safe for Outdoor Use”). Make sure you plug these cords into GFCI outlets, which protect you from shock if the cord is exposed to water.

4. Avoid Candles

Although candles might create the soft ambiance you want, it’s usually not a great idea to use them in great quantity. If you decide to use candles, make sure you keep them far away from the tree. A lot of Christmas tree fires (yes, there is such a thing as a Christmas tree fire) are caused by candles that have been placed a little too close to trees.

Pro tip: Try battery operated candles! They are safe, affordable and they achieve the soft glow you desire!

5. Don’t Leave Lights On

Don’t make the mistake of leaving your Christmas lights (outside or inside) when you go to bed. Leaving lights on throughout the night can cost you a lot on your electric bill. To prevent this issue, you can get lights with timers that allow the lights to shut off automatically!

Stay Safe This Holiday Season with Roman Electric!

We hope these Christmas lighting safety tips have been helpful for you. If you want to learn more about how you can practice electrical safety while having a fun and festive Christmas, get in touch with the pros at Roman Electric! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule an appointment with us on our website!

 

 

 

 

Mother’s Day DIY: Electrical Inspection for Mom’s Home

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Finding the right gift for Mother’s Day can be tricky. You want to give mom a present that shows love and appreciation for all she’s done. Hence why Roman Electric recommends gifting your mom with a DIY electrical inspection for her home!

This Mother’s Day, Roman Electric wants to honor Milwaukee moms by helping to maintain their electrical systems. Below are some DIY electrical inspection tips you can perform for mom!

Test Mom’s Electrical Outlets/Switches

Go through and identify every outlet and light switch in mom’s home. Furthermore, give the outlets a quick test using a small device, such as a nightlight, to see if they are functioning. Flip every light switch on and off as well. However, do NOT test an outlet or switch if it exhibits these signs:

  • Burning Smell from Outlet/Switch
  • Burnt Marks/Other Damages on Outlet/Switch
  • Rumbling or Sizzling Sound Coming from Outlet/Switch
  • Outlet/Switch Feels Warm to the Touch

If any of these signs are present in an outlet or switch, contact Roman Electric immediately for further assessment.

Test Mom’s Smoke and CO Detectors

Smoke and CO detectors are an invaluable safety measure in any home. Therefore, by testing mom’s smoke and CO detectors, you’re helping to prepare her in the case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak. Test each detector as follows.

Note: Before proceeding, alert everyone in the home that you will be testing the smoke and CO detectors. Testing them emits a loud beep which should be heard around the entire house.

  • Testing A Smoke Detector – Have someone stand in a room of the home farthest away from the smoke detector being tested. Then, press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. After a few seconds, the alarm will sound off. If the person can hear the alarm where they stand, the detector is working properly. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace the batteries.
  • Testing a CO Detector – Have someone stand in a room of the home farthest away from the CO detector being tested. Hold down the button on the CO detector until you hear two beeps being emitted. If the person can hear the alarm where they stand, the detector is working properly. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace the batteries.

For more information on maintaining smoke detectors, click here.

Identify Mom’s Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are how power is distributed to a home. Therefore, think of them as the nervous system of an electrical system. Each circuit breaker provides power to a specific circuit. By knowing the connection of each circuit breaker in mom’s home, you’ll be able to help assess a situation such as a troubleshooting a faulty outlet or shutting off an unstable electrical current.

There are a few ways you can help identify where each circuit breaker distributes power. The first idea that comes to mind would be to simply shut off a circuit breaker and see which circuits were closed. However, this is not recommended, as this wears down the breaker each time. Additionally, you don’t know which appliances you are shutting off power too. For example, if you shut off power to a water heater, it may consume excessive energy to power it back on.

One solution we do recommend is using a circuit breaker finder. This tool can be found at almost any department store and utilizes a transmitter and receiver to find the circuit breaker’s associated circuit.

For detailed instructions on how to use a circuit breaker finder, click here.

Give back to mom this Mother’s Day with our DIY electrical inspection tips! And when mom is ready to have her electrical system inspected by Milwaukee’s leading experts, contact Roman Electric today! Give us a call at 414-369-3798 for our electrical system maintenance inspection services!

2018 Earth Day Events in Milwaukee

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Earth Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than participating in environmentally-friendly activities?  We recommend every Milwaukee resident get involved with the community and help clean up and protect our ecosystem. After all, Wisconsin is where Earth Day originated.

Your friendly technicians at Roman Electric have found local Earth Day events in and around Milwaukee. Join us as we better the environment!

Earth Day Birthday: An Eco Pop-Up Celebration

Thursday, April 19th, 2018

Ticket Price: $75

This new event takes place at The Box Milwaukee. For the first time ever, join your community and partake in local delicacies and drive support for a cleaner Wisconsin. Tickets include fresh crafted drinks and cocktails made from local distilleries. You’ll be able to spend time with local chefs and culinary experts as we spend time enjoying food and protecting the environment.

Earth Day 5K Walk, Stroll, Run

Saturday, May 5th, 2018

Ticket Price: $20

Introducing the 4th annual Earth Day 5K! Hosted at Alpine Lanes and Avalanche Grill in Muskego, you’ll be participating in a 5K for protecting mother nature. Proceeds from this event will be donated to The Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin. This event shows that any actions, big or small, have an impact on the environment. By participating in this run, you’ll be helping to conserve over 200,000 acres of land that is protected by The Nature Conservancy. Additionally, you’ll be able to experience the beautiful sights and fresh air of Wisconsin’s mother nature throughout the county trail. Also, at the end there’s pizza and drinks available to purchase!

23rd Annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup

Saturday, April 21st, 2018

Ticket Price: FREE

With an average 4,000 volunteers every year, you can help make a major impact during the Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup! Join the local community as we pick up over 100,000 pounds of trash along the Milwaukee River Basin. Help us clean up the environment and bring back a natural habitat for land and aquatic creatures. Milwaukee Riverkeeper provides all the tools and materials you’ll need to clean the environment. There are several different locations where you can register, but be aware that some are adults-only. You’ll even get a FREE t-shirt for participating!

Earth Day Cleanup

April 21st, 2018

Ticket Price: Disclosed at Sign-in

Created by the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail with collaboration from Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Earth Day Cleanup makes another positive impact on the environment! Grab your friends as we traverse the Hank Aaron State Trail, picking up any trash we find along the way. Not only will this improve Wisconsin’s ecosystem, you’ll be able to gaze at the natural sights along the way!

7th Annual Earth Day Celebration

April 21st, 2018

Ticket Price: Free

Created by Rock the Green and in collaboration with 23rd Annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup, volunteers are welcome to join the 7th annual Earth Day Celebration. This celebration features a live concert by Evan Christian, but the stage isn’t powered by traditional energy. Instead, the concert will be pedal-powered by the cyclists from The Velo Femmes, Black Girls Do Bike, and Cadence Cycling Milwaukee. Try organically-grown food from local vendors, which is served on biodegradable plates. This event will also teach you about the effects of landfills, education of the ecosystem, and the impact you can make on the environment.

This Earth Day, celebrate by participating in these local events! The experts at Roman Electric recommend every Milwaukee homeowner helps to make a positive impact on the environment, and you can start by checking your HVAC system. Having a professional check your HVAC system for any leaks or excessive energy usage can help conserve fossil fuels and furthers helping to protect the environment. Call Roman Electric at 414-369-3798 for our HVAC services.

12 Energy Saving Tips to Go Green (St. Patrick’s Day)

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Want to avoid getting pinched while also saving money on the utility bill this St. Patrick’s Day? Go green with your electrical system! With Milwaukee weather still experiencing freezing temperatures, enough of our energy usage already goes into heating, so why not use some methods to cut down on energy and go green? From the electrical experts at Roman Electric, here are 12 energy saving tips for your home!

Manage Your Lighting Usage – Turn off lights in empty rooms, and before you go to bed. Additionally, opt for using lamps or candles to light rooms when possible. Clean your lights regularly to avoid dirt obstruction, as well as dusting off fixtures when possible.

Utilize Dishwasher Instead of Handwashing –  Believe it or not, handwashing dishes wastes more water than running the dishwasher, often as much as six times more gallons used. Maximize energy efficiency by washing your dishes in large loads in the dishwasher, but be careful not to overfill it, as this can prevent dishes from becoming clean.

Wash Clothes in Cold Water – According to Energy Star, 90% of energy from washing machines comes from warming water. Use cold water to wash your clothes instead, and wash in full amounts to get the most out of each cycle. Cold water can also clean more fragile clothing, meaning you can better combine loads without the worry of damage or loss of color.

Plan Your Cooking Accordingly – Defrost meat by placing it in the fridge instead of using the microwave and lay out all your ingredients when cooking to avoid constantly opening the fridge. Utilize pressure cookers, electric cookers, and microwaves instead of the oven for suitable foods to avoid wasting energy.

Line-Dry Clothes When Possible –  Instead of using the dryer for every load, hang dry suitable clothing to conserve energy and possibly avoid wrinkles or shrinkage.

Choose Showers Over a Bath – Showers use about 2 gallons of water per minute, while filling a bathtub could require higher than 100 gallons depending on the tub. Always choose a shower over a bath as much as possible and limit your showers to below 10 minutes to further save water.

Set Your Ceiling Fans to Reverse – Instead of relying on your heating for warmth, switch your ceiling fans to reverse rotation to keep the comfort in your home. Reversing ceiling fans causes them to draw out cold air instead of distributing it and can be turned on without any preparation.

Replace Your HVAC Filters Regularly – Every 2-3 months, replace your HVAC filters to avoid build-ups or clogs of dust preventing proper air circulation. The need for replacement may come sooner for homes with larger families or pets.

Seal Doors and Windows – Avoid conditioned air leaving your home by placing weather stripping around your doors and windows. Insulated window curtains and door stoppers are also available to further prevent air leakage.

Unplug Unused Appliances – Leaving appliances left in a socket will cause what’s known as “phantom power”, which is when turned-off appliances still draw power. Unplug all appliances after use or utilize a power strip to hold appliances and easily turn off power.

Invest in Energy Star Appliances – Energy Star certified appliances are guaranteed to cut down on energy usage compared to traditional variants. They are available for almost any electrical item in your home and can easily maximize energy efficiency.

Install a Programmable Thermostat – Your HVAC system accounts for almost half of your home’s energy usage, meaning maximizing its energy efficiency is a must. Programmable thermostats provide the means to save energy by scheduling temperatures for each day of the week. This will stop your heater from wasting energy throughout the night, as well as during the work day.

This St. Patrick’s Day, go green with Roman Electric’s 12 energy saving tips! If you would like to cut down on energy usage with a programmable thermostat, let Roman Electric be your trusted electrician! Our extensive electrical services guarantee we can handle any thermostat installation for your Milwaukee home, as well as any other electrical service you require. Give us a call at 414-369-3798 to schedule an appointment and avoid getting pinched this St. Patrick’s Day!