LES ENTREPRISES ÉLECTRIQUES GPE BLOG - TIPS AND TRICKS FROM LES ENTREPRISES ÉLECTRIQUES GPE

Posted by the Les Entreprises Électriques GPE administrator on 16.06.2015.

Today, more than ever, owners are undertaking projects themselves. But sometimes, their enthusiasm is accompanied by a lack of understanding of the risks inherent in electricity. Working with electricity requires careful planning and extreme care. Safety must always be the main concern of all those who work on or around electricity.

Whether you are starting your first DIY projects or are an expert in weekend renovations, always assess your skills and hire a professional if there is a gap between the projects you can safely complete and those that only an electrician must manage.

Many electrocutions and electrical fires in the home can be prevented with a better understanding of the fundamentals and adherence to safe practices. Before undertaking any electrical project, consider the following essential safety tips:

• Never attempt a project that is beyond your skill level: knowing when to use a professional electrician can help prevent electrical fires, injuries and deaths.
• Make an effort to learn to understand the electrical wiring in your home.
• Always disconnect the power supply to the circuit on which you plan to work by disconnecting the circuit breaker in the main service panel.
• Test the wires before touching them to make sure that the power has been turned off.
• Never touch plumbing or gas lines when carrying out an electrical project.
• Be sure to disconnect any lamps or appliances before working on them.
• Never stand in a puddle or on damp ground when working directly on or near electricity.
• Always inspect your work at the end to make sure it has been done correctly.
• Use a differential circuit breaker with each tool to protect against the risk of electric shock.

Posted by the Les Entreprises Électriques GPE administrator on 16.06.2015.

The first mission: to save you a lot of money by reducing power and by increasing safety in your home. Les Entreprises Électriques GPE supports you in this process with 4 key tips to find your professional.

Define your needs clearly

Defining your need is, first and foremost, a question of whether you require a new construction or a renovation. Your home requires a complete installation of the electrical system: electrical panel, socket locations, electrical wiring, computer, telephone, low voltage, lighting, heating... Or your need is based on the conformity of the electrical installation: electrical safety diagnosis, installation of a radiator or simply a breakdown service. Here are some ways to determine your next steps.

Make sure that the professional you have chosen is the right person for the job

If it is a new house or an apartment with the need for a new electrical installation, you will have to get several free estimates before meeting an electrician – your budget is already established since it is a priority but it may not be extensible! During the first meeting, have your spouse or friend accompany you to ask the right questions that might escape you if you are alone, let the electrician talk about the subject he or she masters and share your feelings with each other.

Consult books, sites and forums

Not all electricians necessarily have a website, but you will nevertheless find information on the web where they are talked about, their achievements, a Facebook page with recent news of their work or a forum. However, you will find books for professionals who do not hesitate to communicate their skills and abilities on the web. Make sure that the electrician you have chosen is the right one for the job at hand, even if it is an electrical safety diagnosis or electrical outlets to be installed.

Check the delay and insurance guarantee

Make sure that your electrician guarantees you the deadlines contractually in order to avoid delicate situations. All building professionals are required to take out insurance to guarantee the work during the construction site. The electrician is subject to this law as a building craftsman; the prime contractor is thus protected in the event of defects or non-compliance with standards in the installation of materials.

Posted by the Les Entreprises Électriques GPE administrator on 16.06.2015.

With the coming winter, temperatures are dropping, but electricity costs are skyrocketing. And since Hydro-Québec's rates are constantly increasing, here are some tips to help you offset your bill. Are you already worried about opening your winter electricity bills? Your Hydro-Québec bill will cost 4.3% more this year than in 2013. If you do not moderate your electricity consumption, you can, therefore, expect a much higher bill than last winter. So, since you have no control over the increase in the kilowatt-hour rate, here are some tips to reduce your consumption.

Modulate your heating system

If you have not already done so, install programmable electronic thermostats. This will allow you to heat your home according to your needs: moderately at night and during your absence, comfortably when you are at home. A programmable electronic thermostat costs $30 or more. Hydro-Québec estimates that it saves up to 4.5% on heating costs or $45 for a medium-sized home. Profitability: profitable from the third winter for a home equipped with four thermostats, an investment of $120. The cumulative savings will then reach $135. And you'll benefit from a $45 savings every winter thereafter.

Insulate your home

Are the walls of your home cold? The floors too? The temperature is different from one room to another? And you notice mould on the walls? Your home requires insulation that can make it airtight while being well ventilated. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) publishes practical tips on its website at https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en The Rénoclimat program gives you access to a personalized energy diagnosis of your home at a lower cost. And you could get financial assistance for your insulation, waterproofing and furnace installation work. Search "renoclimat" in Google. In the meantime, it is always beneficial to cut off the cold from the windows by installing a cellophane film. You can also block the air outlet of the dryer when not in use! Profitability: everything depends on the scope of the work to be done. However, the cost-effectiveness of the insulation must be assessed by taking into account the costs of building deterioration, particularly due to humidity and mould growth.