Spring is in the air, and with it comes spring cleaning and spring projects! Many of which require electricity. Perhaps you want to setup a woodshop in your shed, or put a power post in your yard to plug in that whipper snipper. Today we’ll discuss properly running electrical power to your shed, or to a power post in your yard using rigid conduit lines. So throw away that extension cord (that you’ve mowed over several times) – and let’s…
Well, it seems spring has finally sprung here in beautiful Nova Scotia! The snow is shifting to rain – and I even saw a handful of motorcycles out and about over the weekend. Now that the wet season is upon us, here’s a few tips to stay safe as you start digging out the weed wacker and other electrical gizmos. Keep electrical equipment and cords away from water – Avoid shock or electrocution by always keeping electricity and water as…
Continuing our exploration into innovative, green energy sources, today we’re going to take a look at the ever-changing landscape of wind power. Though the iconic and hypnotic giant towers with three spinning blades represent wind power to most of us – that’s about to change. Several companies are working on new paradigm-shifting ideas for harnessing the power of the wind. In Spain, a little company called Vortex is looking to design wind generators that produce renewable energy without blades. Their…
Here are some great Winter tips for everyone, regardless of their heating source! Get a heating system tune-up Keeping your heating system in top-shape will ensure you get efficient performance out of every dollar you spend on heating this winter. Open and close your drapes Open curtains and shades when the sun is out to warm your home. Close them when the sun goes down to reduce heat loss through drafty windows. Turn down the thermostat Bundle up at night…
Continuing our series of tips and tricks for various heating systems, this week we’ll be focusing on HEAT PUMPS. These little gems have gained massively in popularity over the past few years here in Nova Scotia and all across the Maritimes in general. This is due in part to better technology that allows them to operate in a wider temperature range, as well as the low cost to run. They use differences in outdoor and indoor temperatures to work their…
Wow. What a Winter it’s been so far here in Nova Scotia – and we haven’t even seen any snow yet!! My power is out right now due to high winds and rain, just as it was on Christmas Day just a couple of short weeks ago. With our changing climate and oddball weather here lately, it may be time to invest in a GENERATOR. These great devices allow you to power your home when the local utility lets you…
Continuing our series on getting ready for winter, today we’ll be delivering 8 tips for oil furnace owners. Oil furnaces use electricity and oil to heat your home. Essentially a pump and a blower provide forced warm air to zones throughout the house, as dictated by your venting. Oil is popular in Nova Scotia, alongside electric, and a growing number of heat pumps. If you have oil heat, here are a few tips and tricks for you now that the…
With the first dusting of snow landing in Halifax this morning, it appears that fall has finally caught up with us. Winter won’t be far behind. Now is the season to start thinking about winter heat. Here in Nova Scotia, most of us rely on oil, gas, wood or electricity to keep our homes cozy during the winter months. Heat pumps are becoming more prevalent in our province as well, but with our extreme temperature range, they can fail when…
Here at Flinn Electric, we are often asked how much it costs to run certain appliances, lighting and other electrical devices. Which is why we went ahead and developed a handy electrical cost calculator! Wondering how much your old fridge costs to run? Want to compare your LED bulbs vs. the old incandescent ones? Now you can! Just pick an appliance or enter the electrical details, and let us calculate the cost for you! Have a job, big or small…
Sometimes you need power and there are no outlets nearby. This is where the mighty EXTENSION CORD shines! However, beware that all extension cords are not created equally. Do not assume it is a heavy-duty cord just because it is orange or yellow! Each cord has an amperage rating, which should be checked before using it on a high-amperage appliance. And some things aren’t meant for extension cords at all. For instance, an air-compressor should be plugged directly into an…
