Maintaining your home's electrical system is crucial not only for your safety but also for the efficiency and longevity of your appliances. As your go-to electricians serving the Syracuse area, the John Betlem team understands the common issues local homeowners face and we have compiled a list of essential maintenance tips. These tips can help prevent common electrical problems such as flickering lights, dead outlets, and tripping breakers in your Syracuse home.

1. Regularly Inspect Electrical Outlets and Switches:

Electrical outlets and switches are the front line of your home's electrical system. Here’s how to keep them in top shape:

• Check for signs of damage or wear: Look for cracks, discoloration, or scorch marks around outlets and switches. These can be indicators of overheating or loose connections.
• Test for functionality: Plug in a device to ensure outlets are working properly. If an outlet feels hot to the touch or emits a burning smell, it’s crucial to turn off the power at the breaker and call a professional such as the team at John Betlem.
• Inspect switch operations: Flickering lights or switches that don’t function properly might be a sign of internal wiring issues that need attention.

2. Monitor Your Circuit Breaker

Your circuit breaker is the heart of your electrical system, protecting your home from overloads and short circuits. Regular monitoring can help identify potential issues early on.

• Test circuit breakers regularly: Every few months, test your circuit breakers by flipping them on and off. This ensures they are functioning correctly.
• Identify frequent tripping: If a particular circuit breaker trips frequently, it’s a sign of an overload or a potential short circuit. The electrical services team at John Betlem specialize in frequently tripped breakers.
• Label your breakers: Clearly labeling which breakers control specific areas or appliances in your home can save time and confusion during an outage or emergency.

3. Maintain Safe Use of Extension Cords

While extension cords offer convenience, improper use can lead to serious electrical hazards.

• Avoid overloading: Do not plug multiple high-wattage appliances into a single extension cord, as it can overheat and cause a fire.
• Inspect cords for damage: Regularly check extension cords for fraying, cracking, or exposed wires and replace those damaged cords immediately.
• Use for temporary solutions: Extension cords should be used as temporary solutions, not permanent fixes. If you find yourself relying on them frequently, consider having additional outlets installed by our professional electricians.

4. Update Older Wiring

Older homes in Syracuse, especially those built before the 1980s, might have outdated electrical wiring systems that can pose a risk. You may want to consult one of our professional electricians for these inspections:

• Check for aluminum wiring: Homes built during the 1960s and 1970s often used aluminum wiring, which can oxidize and lead to poor connections.
• Replace knob-and-tube wiring: This older wiring method lacks the safety features of modern wiring and should be replaced to meet current safety standards.
• Upgrade circuit breakers and panels: Outdated breaker panels can be insufficient for modern electrical loads. Upgrading to a new panel can prevent overloads and improve safety.

5. Perform Seasonal Maintenance on Your Syracuse Home

Certain times of the year call for specific maintenance tasks to ensure your electrical system remains safe and efficient.

• Spring and fall checks: Before heavy use of heating or cooling systems, inspect your HVAC wiring and connections. Ensure that all components are clean and free from debris.
• Holiday lighting: When installing holiday lights, use lights and extension cords rated for outdoor use, and avoid overloading circuits. After the holidays, promptly remove and store lights to prevent weather-related damage.

6. Implement Proper Lighting Maintenance

Lighting plays a critical role in your home’s ambiance and functionality. Proper maintenance can prevent common issues like flickering lights.

• Use the right bulbs: Ensure that you are using bulbs with the appropriate wattage for each fixture to avoid overheating and potential fire hazards.
• Clean fixtures and replace bulbs: Dust and debris can accumulate on light fixtures and reduce efficiency. Clean your fixtures regularly and replace any burnt-out bulbs promptly.
• Check connections: Flickering lights can be caused by loose connections. Tightening the connections in the fixture or replacing the bulb often resolves the issue.

7. Understand When to Call a Professional Electrician

While regular maintenance can prevent many issues, certain situations require the expertise of a licensed electrician. When you need help from a professional electrician in Syracuse, call John Betlem first.

• Persistent problems: If you experience ongoing issues such as frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or dead outlets, a professional assessment is essential.
• Major renovations: Any significant changes to your home, such as adding new rooms or installing major appliances, should be accompanied by a professional electrical inspection and potential upgrades.
• Safety concerns: Any signs of electrical burning smells, sparking outlets, or buzzing sounds should prompt an immediate call to an electrician to prevent fire hazards.

Taking a proactive approach to maintaining your home’s electrical system can prevent common issues and ensure a safe and efficient environment. By regularly inspecting outlets, monitoring your circuit breaker, using extension cords safely, updating old wiring, performing seasonal maintenance, and maintaining your lighting, you can address minor problems before they escalate.

Remember, when in doubt, it's always best to consult a professional electrician who knows the Syracuse area well. John Betlem can provide expert guidance and ensure your home's electrical system remains safe and reliable. Contact us today for a consultation or to schedule service.

From October through January, homes light up in festive displays for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more. While these decorations bring joy and warmth, ensuring your outdoor electrical setup is ready is crucial. Here's a handy guide to help you prepare your home for a dazzling, yet safe and energy-efficient holiday season.

Ensure Your Outdoor Electrical Setup Is Ready

Before you start hanging lights, take a moment to inspect your outdoor electrical outlets and circuits. Ensure they’re in good condition and can handle the additional load of holiday lighting. Here are some key steps:

• Check for Damage: Inspect all outdoor outlets and cords for any signs of wear and tear. Damaged outlets or frayed cords can pose serious safety risks.
• Use Weatherproof Outlets: Make sure your outdoor outlets are weatherproof and have covers to protect them from rain.
• Professional Inspection: If you're unsure about your outdoor electrical system's condition, consider calling [Your Company] to conduct an inspection.

Energy-Saving Tips for Your Holiday Lighting

The holiday season can significantly increase your energy bills. However, with a few smart choices, you can keep those costs under control:

• Choose LED Lights: LED lights consume up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer. They come in various colors and styles, making it easy to find options that fit your holiday theme.
• Use Timers: Set your lights on a timer to ensure they only run during the hours you intend. This simple step prevents lights from staying on all night and wasting electricity.
• Solar-Powered Lights: Consider using solar-powered lights for your outdoor decorations. These lights harness energy from the sun during the day and illuminate your home at night without adding to your electricity bill.
• Limit Light Usage: Be strategic about your lighting placement. Focus on key areas to create a stunning display without overloading your system or significantly increasing your energy use.

Stay Safe!

Ensuring the safety of your holiday lighting setup is paramount. Follow these tips to keep your home and loved ones safe:

• Avoid Overloading Circuits: Overloading circuits can lead to electrical fires. Use a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker and distribute the load across multiple outlets.
• Secure Lights Properly: Ensure all lights are securely attached to prevent them from falling or being damaged by wind or weather.
• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and usage. This helps to avoid potential hazards and ensures optimal performance.

Make Sure Your Outdoor Electrical System Is in Top Shape with John Betlem

Holiday lighting transforms your home into a festive wonderland, but it’s important to prepare your electrical system and adopt energy-saving practices. With these tips, you can enjoy a safe, beautiful, and cost-effective display that brings joy to your neighborhood. And, if you need help ensuring that your outdoor electrical system is in good shape, John Betlem can help. We provide complete electrical services, including inspection, installation, and more. Call us today for friendly, professional assistance at (585) 357-0415.

When the summer season arrives, many people look forward to fun times outside, but that doesn’t mean we stop relying on our home’s electrical system. It’s important to make sure your electrical system is in good working condition, no matter what time of year it is, but there are some special concerns that you might have during the warmer months.

In this article, we’ll discuss five common summer electrical issues, what you can do to prevent them, and how John Betlem can help keep your home’s electrical system in top condition. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Common Summer Electrical Problems

1. Increased Electrical Load: In the summer, your air conditioning system runs more frequently and it’s likely that there will be more people home during the day using electronics, and that can add up to an increased electrical load on your system. Signs that your electrical system may be overloaded include sparks from plugs, flickering lights, overheated receptacles, and tripped circuit breakers. An upgraded electrical panel can help if you commonly experience this during the summer months.
2. Power Outages: Along with warm, sunny days, the summer months can also bring thunder and lightning storms, which may result in full power outages (blackouts) and sudden power surges. Power surges can damage computers, televisions, HVAC equipment and appliances. A whole-home surge protector can help prevent these types of damage to your home.
3. Brownouts: Brownouts often occur during power outages. They happen for a variety of reasons, such as a summer storm or overdemand on your area’s power grid. Brownouts are not full power outages, but during them power is reduced to your electronics, appliances, and HVAC system, and that can cause overheating and short-circuiting. You should unplug appliances and electronics during a brownout and turn off your HVAC system until power is fully restored.
4. Frequent Power Surges: During a power outage, you may experience a surge of power when the electricity to your home is restored. However, power-demanding appliances, like AC units, stoves, and refrigerators, can draw excessive power, especially when used simultaneously. Again, a whole-home surge protector can help minimize the effects of power-sapping appliances.
5. Overuse of Ceiling Fans: Unlike air conditioning systems, ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air, but they help keep the air moving around, which can help you feel cooler. During the summer, change the direction of your ceiling fan’s blades so they rotate counterclockwise, which will help maximize the cooled air in your home. And, to conserve energy and lighten the load on your electrical system, turn off ceiling fans when you’re not in the room. And, if you have older ceiling fans in your home, there are likely more efficient models available that can help you save energy and stay more comfortable.

If you’re worried about your home’s electrical system, and the demands the summer months can place on it, you should contact an experienced electrical contractor like John Betlem. We can help ensure that your electrical system is operating effectively and safely.

John Betlem offers whole-home surge protection and more.

Here at John Betlem Heating & Cooling, we install surge protectors for your entire home to better support your residence. We only hire first-rate electricians to ensure your home or business is safe and up to date with electrical codes. A top-notch warranty covers every job, which is backed by more than 80 years in the business. Give us a call for all your electrical needs for your home and office at (585) 639-3692.

As the old song says, “there’s no place like home for the holidays.” It’s that time of year when we begin to think about celebrations with family and friends, and making sure our homes are comfortable havens for our guests. From the scent of delicious foods and baked goods filling the air to the soft twinkling of holiday lights, this time of year is warm and inviting.

If you’re wondering how you can make your home holiday-ready, this month we’ll provide you with a few tips and suggestions. From home safety to energy savings, John Betlem can help you get your home prepared for the season, so you can enjoy the very happiest holidays possible with those you love.

5 Tips for Getting Your Home Holiday-Ready

1. Don’t forget to set your clocks back. Daylight saving time comes to an end on Sunday, November 6, 2022. You’ll set your clocks back an hour at 2 a.m., meaning you get an extra hour of sleep that night! However, it also means that it will get dark earlier. That means you’ll need outdoor lighting to greet friends and family who come to call in the late afternoon and evening. John Betlem offers outdoor lighting installation to help keep your home illuminated!
2. Make sure smoke alarms and CO detectors are in good working order. Nobody wants to think about a house fire or a carbon monoxide leak, especially around the holidays. It’s always best to be safe, though, and having properly installed smoke alarms and CO detectors is your first line of defense. If your detectors are 10 years old or more, it’s time to replace them. John Betlem can help you get the fire and CO safety devices you need.
3. Choose energy-efficient holiday lights. Just like home lighting, you can now easily find holiday lighting that’s energy efficient. LED holiday lights generally consume 80-90 percent less energy than traditional holiday lights and last much longer. When shopping for holiday lights, look for ENERGY STAR-approved lighting to save the most energy this season!
4. Make sure your home’s electrical system is in good condition. If you’ve noticed anything out of the ordinary with your electrical system, such as flickering lights, frequently tripping circuits, or sparks when you plug in appliances, it’s time for an electrical inspection. Electrical problems in the home can turn into fires if left unrepaired. Call John Betlem right away if you suspect a problem.
5. Avoid overloading outlets. Most people use more energy during the holiday season. Holiday lights and other decorations that require electricity, as well as guests using outlets in the spare bedroom and bath, can quickly overload outlets and cause issues. Using a UL-certified power strip can help, but you may need to consider installing additional outlets in your home.

How can John Betlem help me get my home ready for the holiday season?

At John Betlem, we proudly offer a full range of HVAC and electrical services to our customers. We’re pleased to meet your electrical needs, at the holiday season and all year long. Like all of our services, customer satisfaction and safety is always our priority. Here’s what one of our customers had to say about us:

“I have to give three cheers to my service technician, Miles! His good hearing and quick thinking might have saved my house from burning down!! During his service call, while he was finishing checking out my furnace, he noticed a sizzling sound coming from the corner of the basement ceiling and alerted me. He investigated and saw some smoking near a faulty wire. I was able to call 911 and the fire department came immediately. Miles spoke to them and stayed. He was able to help them check out the faulty wire by lending his equipment, and they were able to shut down the specific fuse to the faulty wire, rather than shut down all the electricity to my house. I was lucky he was there on that day because I otherwise hardly ever go down to my basement. That sizzle and smoke could have turned into a total house fire! Thank you, Miles!!” -R.C., Rochester, NY

No matter what your need this holiday season, John Betlem is ready to help you.

From heating maintenance and smoke and CO detectors, to complete electrical services, John Betlem is ready to help you make your home a safe, comfortable retreat for your holiday guests. Simply give us a call at (585) 357-0415 and we will be more than happy to help you with any home heating, safety, or electrical need you may have throughout the year.

In the later summer to early fall months, the weather often becomes less predictable. Thunderstorms can pop up without warning, which can often leave homeowners without electricity. While a power outage that only occurs for a few minutes is usually nothing more than a minor inconvenience for most homeowners, a prolonged outage can spell trouble for your home.

In this article, we’ll share some ways a power outage can negatively impact your home, and we’ll tell you how John Betlem Heating & Cooling, Inc. can help you weather any storm!

Power outages can cause problems all throughout your home.

As we mentioned above, in many instances power outages only last a few minutes and cause small inconveniences, like the internet being out for a brief period. But during a prolonged outage, there are certain instances where expensive damages can occur, some of which may even pose a safety hazard for you and your family. Here are five things you should be on the lookout for when the power goes out for an extended period of time:

1. Appliances: Many of today’s appliances use microcomputers to operate, and are much more sensitive to fluctuations in voltage. As such, you’ll likely want to unplug any major appliances (i.e. washer, dryer, microwave) until the power comes back on.
2. Fridge & Freezer: When the power is out for more than an hour or two, it can cause the food in your refrigerator or freezer to go bad. Generally speaking, perishables are safe in the fridge for 24 hours, and in the freezer for 36 hours, if you keep the door closed. If you’re not sure of your food’s safety, you should throw it out.
3. Sump Pumps: Some homes use a sump pump to keep water out of the basement. During an outage, your sump pump can’t operate. If your sump pump is inoperable and your basement floods, it can cause a dangerous situation. Don’t use any appliances, outlets, or fuse boxes until they’ve been evaluated by an electrician.
4. Medical Equipment: If someone in your household uses medical equipment that relies on electricity to operate, you need a backup power supply, such as a generator. That way, your loved one will not be without vital treatment if a prolonged outage occurs,
5. Furnaces & Air Conditioners: Most modern air conditioning systems and furnaces use mini computers, and they have components that can be damaged by the power surges that often occur at the end of an outage. As such, it’s usually a good idea to turn off any HVAC equipment when the power goes out, or purchase a surge protector for this equipment.

Is a brown-out different than a black-out?

During a brown-out, the power in your home does not go completely out. Instead, you’ll notice that the lights seem dim. Appliances may operate, but you may notice an unusual sound or low humming instead of the sound they normally make during operation. Electricity is still flowing into your home, but at a lower volume than usual. Brown-outs can cause a lot of problems with sensitive items like computers and laptops, so to be on the safe side, you should unplug them.

Can John Betlem help me during a power outage in my home?

At John Betlem, we take the comfort of our customers very seriously, no matter what the weather. That’s why we work hard to provide you with the best quality equipment for your home, including generators by Honeywell and surge protectors built to protect your big-ticket equipment. To learn more about how we can help keep your home comfortable and safe during an outage, simply give us a call at (585) 357-0415 and we will be happy to help you.

While the summer months bring warmer weather and sunshine, they can also bring thunderstorms – and that can mean a power outage. Nobody wants to think about the effects of a prolonged power outage at their home, but there are many unfortunate situations that can arise. Of course, you won’t have lights or access to internet, and charging computers and phones will be practically impossible. But, there are other circumstances that can be costly.

For instance, your refrigerator and freezer won’t stay cool, and that can lead to expensive food spoilage. And, your air conditioning system won’t be able to operate – leaving you uncomfortable. For people with certain medical conditions that require electricity to operate devices, a prolonged power outage can be a dire situation. Fortunately, there is a way you can avoid going without power – a home generator.

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John Betlem is pleased to offer our customers automatic standby generators.

John Betlem Heating and Cooling, Inc. – a family-operated heating, cooling and electrical company in Rochester – recently announced that they were chosen as a 2020 Carrier President’s Award recipient for the third year in a row.

The Carrier President's Award recognizes Carrier dealers who exemplify leadership and management, customer satisfaction, expertise, business growth and operational excellence. The annual award is the company’s highest dealer honor. It is designed to encourage self-analysis and commend individuals who have exceeded high expectations, not only as a Carrier dealer, but also as a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer.

As a complete heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company, John Betlem offers a number of services from repairing and installing furnaces, generators and AC units, to performing home energy assessments and offering preventive maintenance programs. They provide their customers with Carrier heating and cooling products, and are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer. The company also expanded last year to include an electrical division that offers a variety of complete electrical services.

John Betlem founded John Betlem Heating and Cooling, Inc. in 1941. Today, the company remains fourth generation family-operated and operated, serving all of Rochester and Monroe county, as well as parts of Wayne, Ontario, Genesee, Livingston and Orleans counties.

One thing we know as we navigate the “new normal”, people are spending most of their time at home. As a result, many of us have been looking at ways we can make our homes more comfortable – both inside and out. If you don’t have adequate lighting outdoors, it can be hard to enjoy your deck, pool or patio once the evening hours set in. Since your family will likely be spending more time than ever gathered at home, it might be an ideal time to look at your existing outdoor lighting and consider what you can do to improve it.

You can make your outdoor spaces much more amenable with the addition of some well-placed lighting solutions, whether you just want to relax on your porch or patio as the dusk rolls in, or enjoy an evening cool-off in your pool. Having the proper lighting not only makes for more enjoyable evenings outdoors, it’s also important for your safety. We’re sharing a few ideas to help you decide what type of outdoor lighting best suits your needs.

You can brighten up your backyard and outdoor areas with these lighting solutions.

• Patio Lighting: Lighting up your patio can be easily achieved with solutions like uplighting, where the fixtures are placed lower and directed upward, so the lighting illuminates the area around your patio and surrounding landscaping. An illuminated firepit can also add to the ambiance of your patio area.
• Deck Lighting: If you enjoy a more industrial, modern look, you might want to consider a large-scale fixture for your deck. Not only will a larger fixture add beauty and interest to your deck area, it will also cast a sufficient amount of light on an area like an outdoor bar or cooking space, bringing form and function together.
• Backyard Lighting: If you have a large backyard, you might wish to consider a floodlight to best illuminate the entire area. You can also opt for some decorative solutions, such as sconce lighting placed on a permanent fence, uplighting placed in strategic areas throughout your backyard landscape, and lights for gazebos and pergolas.
• Garage Lighting: Although not so much for aesthetics but more for function, having proper lighting on your garage is important. Many people choose to install a motion-detecting light for their garage area, so the light isn’t on constantly, but is available when you need it. It can also be helpful in keeping you aware of any intruders that might be outside your home – both of the human and furry variety!
• Pool Lighting: If you have an outdoor pool area, having the proper lighting is imperative – both for the enjoyment of your pool, as well as safety. Consider installing inset lighting around your pool area, as well as sconces or torchlights around the perimeter of your pool.

Choose John Betlem Electrical to help with your outdoor lighting needs.

Having a qualified electrician help properly install your outdoor lighting is important. You can count on John Betlem to assist you will all of your electrical needs. We are an essential business, and are ready to help you make your home as comfortable as possible. We’re taking all proper measures to ensure your utmost safety.

To learn more about how we can help you and your family, simply call us at (585) 357-0415, and we will be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Right now, we’re spending more time inside our homes than usual. That can mean we’re using more energy than we normally do – and that can translate into higher utility bills. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to ensure your energy usage is under control, and some are relatively inexpensive, or cost nothing.

You can save money on your electric bills right away by making a few small changes in your routine. For instance, choose the cold cycle when you do your laundry. Unplug small appliances like toasters and coffee pots when not in use. And, along with that, unplug laptop and phone charges once your device is fully charged. Those small measures come with no price tag, but can help you save energy and money. Some steps do involve some cost, but the savings they provide down the road often helps them pay for themselves.

Finding solutions to your energy use concerns is fortunately quite easy. There are many measures you can take to help make your utility bills more manageable, including:

1. Change out your lightbulbs. Changing out your incandescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs can help you save up to $100 per year in energy costs. Not to mention, LED bulbs last much longer than their predecessors, so you won’t have to replace them as often.
2. Invest in energy-saving power strips. Also known as advanced power strips, these can help reduce the amount of energy used when an appliance or electronic device that’s plugged into them is idle. Many people don’t realize that televisions, video games, and other devices continue to use energy, even when they’re off. Choosing an energy-saving power strip helps keep that use to a minimum.
3. Make sure your home is properly insulated. Many times, people think insulation just helps to keep their home warm in the winter. However, it also acts as a barrier to the outdoor heat in the summer months, and helps to keep conditioned air inside. Your AC system won’t have to work so hard to keep your home cool, and that can help you save on those summer energy bills.
4. Maintain your home comfort system. Getting your home comfort system maintained regularly is an easy way to keep it running effectively and efficiently. Your HVAC company will make sure your system is operating at maximum efficiency, so you can save money on operation costs.
5. Consider updating your outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting can be costly to install, but like everything else, it needs to be updated on occasion to make sure it’s offering the best efficiency possible. If your outdoor lighting is older, you may want to contact a qualified electrician to help you a high-efficiency outdoor lighting solution that’s right for your home and needs.

No matter what your electrical need, John Betlem Electrical can help.

At John Betlem, we are here for you. As an essential business, we’re able to offer all the services you need to make sure the electrical needs of your home are met, efficiently and effectively. We’re taking all proper measures to ensure your utmost safety, and we are pleased to help you with any electrical concern you may have.

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To learn more about how we can help you and your family, simply call us at (585) 357-0415, and we will be happy to schedule an appointment with you.