Space Heater Safety

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Cold weather is here! Don’t take chances by using space heaters in an unsafe manner. Supplemental heat may be necessary this winter, so here are some tips to make sure you and your family stay warm (and safe).

Things to consider when choosing a space heater.

  • Purchase newer model heaters that have all of the current safety features.
  • Use a thermostatically controlled heater to avoid wasting energy and overheating a room.
  • Choose the proper size for the room you wish to heat. Oversized heaters don’t mean better.
  • Put the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic. Preferably in the center of the room away from combustible items like curtains and furniture.
  • Try to avoid using an extension cord. If you have to, choose a short one at least 14 gauge.
  • Always unplug heaters when not in use.

A lot of space heaters draw a large amount of electrical current. It is preferable to plug the heater into a dedicated circuit to avoid electrical overload. Dowdy Electric can help with this. If you need an electrician to run a dedicated circuit contact Dowdy today.

Home Lighting Upgrade

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Have you ever consider lighting upgrades in your home? Dowdy Electric can install new recessed LED lights in your living room, bedrooms, closets, and even under cabinet lighting, couple this with new state of the art dimming capabilities and you will have breathtaking results.

Even with vaulted ceilings and/or open structures we are able to design a lighting system sure to impress. We are a phone call away from providing an onsite visit to discuss all of your lighting, electrical and generator needs. We will complete a walk thru and provide answers and solutions for lighting up that entry or living room, with modern lighting that meets all of the new standards for environmental issues.

Not only will you love the new lighting, you will love the energy savings. Call today for a $ 100.00 savings on any lighting project over $2,500.00.

Electrical Services

What electrical regulations should a homeowner know about?

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Whether you are hiring an Electrician to do work in your home or property, they by law must be licensed, bonded, insured and abide by electrical regulations. Indianapolis, Greenwood, Fishers, Carmel, Beech Grove, Lawrence, Avon, Plainfield, Danville, Broad Ripple and a long list of Indiana cities all require a license.

Always ask to see the actual License before hiring.  These laws are in place to protect you and your family. Electricity is the cause of most fires in the USA, due to improper installation, Code and safety violations. Don’t be a statistic, hire Dowdy Electric, Co. for your next project.

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Call 317.24POWER NOW for service NOW!

Don’t Let Your Smoke Detector Fail You

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Did you know smoke detectors expire? Most people probably don’t even think about it. It’s just there, doing it’s job. But the fact is, batteries can die, or the smoke detector can reach it’s shelf life limit. All smoke detectors expire 10 years from the manufactured date, which is on each unit. Dowdy Electric can replace one smoke detector or all of them in one fair swoop. The minimal cost of replacing a smoke detector is much cheaper than the cost of your families safety. Contact us to see if it’s time to replace yours.

Electrical Services

The Dangers of Hiring a Discount Electrician

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Having electrical problems is never going to a good experience. We all rely on electricity for everything, and so it is understandable that you’re looking for service in a hurry. But before you go and make a huge mistake, the experts at Dowdy Electric have something to say. Hiring a cost-effective Electrician is great, but there is a definite line between cost-effective and CHEAP!

THE DANGERS OF AN UNLICENSED OR “BUDGET” ELECTRICIAN

Discount pricing is all the rage these days. Well, all right, they have always been the rage. But particularly for Major contracting services like Electrical Work and HVAC, we’re seeing a huge surge of “budget” offerings. Big box stores do it, as do normal unlicensed folks with a bit of know-how.

On the surface it all sounds fine: the stuff gets fixed and you get to pay less. That is a win-win, right ?  Well no, unfortunately. There are risks that could threaten your biggest investment, your HOME. Today we would like to clue you in on those risks.

  • Making the problem worse.
    • The biggest danger, of course, is a botched job. Even the smallest electrical problems require years of training and know how to correct. A discount electrician usually is not licensed, bonded and insured, check for credentials. That means a simple breaker replacement becomes a panel replacement, or an appliance wiring becomes replacing your wiring. By saving a buck you end up spending more.
  • Getting a quick fix.
    • To all budget electricians time is money. And unfortunately this typically means that they care a lot more about getting paid than how the work turns out. As a result you often get a MacGyver-style fix. And once the paperclips and tape come off, the problem is back. Then you have to pay again to repair the same issue.
  • Unlicensed work.
    • Many budget electricians are actually not even licensed. This, of course, means that they are not insured either. So when the jobs results in damage, they get away scot-free and you’re stuck with all of the nightmare, added costs. Not a fun  place to be!

Why is Budget so risky?

What makes this choice sub-par?  Well it isn’t (usually) a malicious situation, really. More often it is  a failure to maintain or lack of training and the proper credentials. Electrical equipment, methods and Codes change very rapidly, meaning that a Professional Electrician has considerable routine training. Budget electricians won’t or cannot do this, so simply they are not Qualified.

So to re-cap, there is in a small way some ill intent in here too. Words like “discount” are very powerful in today’s market, and you do not have to be scrupulous to be savvy to the fact. Therefor words like discount should approached with real serious caution and lots of questions. Better words are UP Front or Flat Rate pricing. Knowing what you are getting with a Professional Service tends to work out a hundred times better than trusting just anyone to mess with your Indiana home’s electrical.

WHY CHOOSE DOWDY ELECTRIC FOR YOUR CENTRAL INDIANA ELECTRICAL SERVICE ?

Dowdy is a family, Veteran owned and operated business serving the Central Indiana community since 1980. Our fast, friendly, knowledgeable staff of electricians install, repair, and perform regular maintenance check-ups. When you need an electrician in your home, let our family help yours! We provide a variety of in-home electrical services, including installations, repair, and routine maintenance. Not only do we offer high quality installs, we’ll also make sure your electrical system(s) continues to work efficiently and safely.

Heating & Cooling

Electrician and Air Conditioning Summer at last !

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Summer is here, call Dowdy for  Air Conditioner start up, or for our spring/summer special on FRESH-AIR UV light , keeps your central air system clean and reduces airborne contaminants ON SALE for $ 595.00 installed. Call NOW !  317.862.5370   Spring/summer is also  time for new security outdoor lighting, landscape lighting, perhaps a new KOHLER Fully Automatic generator installed starting at $ 3,995.00. Dowdy Electric is on board with all of your electrical, HVAC, Generator needs. Whether you need a couple of light fixtures replaced, a new Hot Tub wired up, finishing that new basement or doing a complete rewire of your

historic home Dowdy is on your side. Our business model is predicated on Honest, On Time service, a proven track record with an A +    Better Business Rating and Angie’s List Super Service Award 22 years in a row.

 

FREE tip:  always check that your breakers are in the on position when experiencing a power outage, check those pesky GFCI outlets first too !

 

Thank you,   Bruce N. “Bud” Dowdy  Master Electrician  42 years.

Electrician with the best service !

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Dowdy Electric, Co. will arrive at your job on time and provide a beautiful job, Done Right the First time, with our Up Front Flat Rate pricing you will know the full cost of the job before we began.  We will install your product (fans-lights-range tops-dryer circuits) or we will provide all the materials,  no job too small or too large. Call NOW for service today  !

North:   317.255.1150

South:   317.784.9986

East:   317.862.5370

West:   317.271.4450

 

Ask about our KOHLER automatic standby Natural or LP gas generator, Never be without power  again !!!

Pools and Electrical Safety

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According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, electrical hazards in and around swimming pools were to blame for 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious shocks over the past 13 years. The CPSC, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, has compiled the following electrical safety tips for preventing backyard fires, or any other potentially dangerous or life-threatening electrical situations that may occur.
Inspections

Before the warm weather arrives, have an electrician inspect the pool, spa or hot tub. Make sure all the equipment is in accordance with both the local codes and the National Electrical Code. Follow up with any necessary upgrades or repairs.

Locations

According to the NEC, all electrical wires and junction boxes need to be at least five feet away from the water. It is also important to know where all electrical switches and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.

Battery-operated devices

Having electronics around the pool can be dangerous. The CPSC recommends you use battery-operated devices around water instead of cord-connected devices.

Emergency plan

Have a detailed emergency plan posted around the pool, spa or hot tub area. This plan should outline the necessary course of action you should take if someone is suffering from an electric shock.

Weather ready

Do not swim or hang out near the water before, during or after a thunderstorm. Water and lightning are a dangerous combination.

Summer Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

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summerSchool’s almost out for summer, and that means that kids are out having fun in the backyard, the local pool and parks. Parents can share a few electrical safety basics with their children to ensure a happy, healthy summer.

That safety basics checklist includes:

  • Be aware of power lines around you and always assume that wires are “live and dangerous.” Never touch an outdoor wire with any part of your body, toys or other objects.
  • Do not throw items such as gym shoes onto electric lines and equipment or try to retrieve items from around aerial power lines.
  • Fly kites and model airplanes and other toys in large open areas such as a field or a park – safely away from trees and overhead power lines. Also, do not attempt to retrieve balloons, kites or other objects that may get stuck on power lines or other electrical equipment.
  • Do not climb trees near power lines. Even if power lines are not touching the tree, they could touch during climbing when more weight is added to a branch.
  • Never climb a utility pole, or play on or around electrical equipment.
  • Never post or tie signs, hang banners or tie ribbons or balloons onto utility poles or other electrical equipment. This can be dangerous to you and endanger utility workers.
  • Do not go into an electric substation for any reason – even on a dare. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment, which can kill you. Also, never attempt to rescue a pet that goes inside. Instead, call your local utility company.
  • Never try to rescue a family member, friend or pet that has come into contact with any electrical equipment — Call 911 immediately.
  • Keep electrical toys, appliances and tools at least 10 feet away from pools and wet surfaces.
  • Never touch any electrical toys, appliance and tools while you are wet or standing in water. Energy flows easily through water, like a puddle or a pool.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS

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Electical SafetyU.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 44,800 reported home structure fires involving electrical failure or malfunction in 2009.

  • Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
  • Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.
  • If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.
  • Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas.