Active Electric Regina Electricians get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions. Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS

Active Electric Tip About How To Reduce Your Electrical Bill

Few people enjoy spending money unnecessarily but many of us spend money on our electrical bill that could have been saved by making a few simple changes.  Many of us are using more power than ever, with kids back and forth from an online school or you working possibly from home.

That is why Active Electric, has provided these easy-to-follow licensed electrician tips for lowering your electric bill.  Active Electric is passionate about keeping our clients safe and saving them money on electrical services, which is why they offer a variety of residential and commercial electrical services. Reducing electricity usage has the added bonus of being good for the environment, so you can save money and feel good about doing it!

Tips to Conserve Electricity

While there are some big changes that you can make to your home that will save on electricity, like upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels, there are also many smaller changes and tricks that can be employed to conserve energy. Some tips to reduce energy usage include:

Switch to LED Lighting

LED bulbs use much less power and last longer than conventional light bulbs and they are available in a variety of colours and styles.

Optimize Operation of Dishwashers and Laundry Machines

Most electrical providers decrease the cost of electricity during off-peak hours, like early morning or nighttime. Running heavy power-using appliances during this time, rather than at peak hours, can save you a lot of money. Also, only run these appliances when you have a full load to reduce the time that they are operating.

Keep Your Thermostat Steady

Drastic increases or decreases in temperature create an unnecessary electrical strain. Keep your thermostat steady within two or three degrees.

Use a Thermal Wrap on Your Water Heater

Water heaters are one of the biggest consumers of electricity, so insulating your water heater to prevent heat loss will reduce electricity expenditure.

Clean and Replace Filters

Air filters on appliances and ventilation gather dust and debris and the more clogged they get, the more power it takes to get air moving. Clean the filters on your dryer, furnace, fridge, and air conditioner to help them use less electricity.

Turn Off the Lights

Just turn off the lights every time you leave a room. Leaving any electrical device or light on when you are not in the room is wasteful.

Insulate Doors and Windows

A lot of heat can move through doors and windows, even when they are closed. Be aware of open doors or windows and install the proper weather stripping and insulation to minimize heat loss.

Read a book or get outside

What we do for entertainment can have a massive effect on our electricity bills. A television consumes more electricity than a reading lamp. Pursuing hobbies that do not use as much electricity will also typically help you to stay healthier!

Dust N Shine Cleaning Services is a TRUSTED REGINA MAID AND CLEANING SERVICE.

 6 Things You Should Clean More Frequently

Staying Covid, cold and flu-free this season comes down to a few simple tactics: 

1. First, get a flu shot. 
2. Second, steer clear of co-workers who hit the office sniffling and coughing. 
3. And third, know the places where viruses and bacteria tend to hang out and how to properly clean these things—so you can drastically reduce your odds of accidentally buying yourself a week in bed with body aches and a fever. 

1. A Shared Computer

Anything that gets a lot of direct contact with hands and fingers tends to have a scarily high concentration of germs, and all it takes for you to contract something is touching the mouse or keyboard and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Even if it’s only used occasionally by one or two people in your household, wipe it down before each use with an alcohol-based towelette designed for cleaning electronics, says Gerba.

2. The Refrigerator Door

Whether it’s in your home or the one in the office break room, this handle gets a lot of play all day, says Gerba. And if there are even microscopic bits of food on it, bacteria and viruses can feed and multiply. Once a week (or daily if someone in your household is sick), rub a disinfectant wipe up and down the entire length of it, especially in any tiny grooves. “A disinfectant spray works too, but studies show that the disinfectant from the wipe stays on the surface longer, so it’s more effective,” says Gerba. “With a spray, we tend to wipe it away quickly with a paper towel rather than let it sit and kill bugs.”

3. The Inside of Your Car

Run a disinfectant wipe over your vehicle dashboard weekly, which accumulates germs thanks to the heater or AC blowing them there, says Gerba. Cup holders are also germ hangouts, thanks in part to the food residue you can’t even see. “If you have a child car seat, wipe that down, too, because kids are always sick and touching various parts of it,” says Gerba.

4. Your Remote Control

You’ve heard reports that these are crawling with germs in hotels. But even in your own house, it’s one of the germiest surfaces, says Gerba. Everyone touches it all the time, especially when they’re eating, and that leads to bacteria and virus growth. Give it a wipedown weekly with an alcohol-based electronics cleanser.

5. Your Purse

Not only are you constantly touching the handle or strap, but you end up leaving it on a dirty restroom floor or store counter more than you think, and these areas have huge germ traffic. When you bring your bag into your house, you risk spreading anything you’ve picked up to yourself or family members. Spray or wipe it daily (or whenever you use it) with a fabric-safe sanitizing spray and paper towel, and hang it on a hook when you’re home so microbes can’t be tracked through the rest of the house.

6. Your Cell Phone

Considering all the handling it gets via germy, food-laden hands and fingers, and the fact that food helps bugs thrive, it’s a miracle this device doesn’t actually grow mould. It’s begging for a weekly cleansing with an alcohol-based cleaner meant for digital devices, suggests Gerba

Contact Dust N Shine for your free estimate today!

Dust N Shine Cleaning Services is a TRUSTED REGINA MAID AND CLEANING SERVICE.

Active Electric are Trusted Regina Electricians and they get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions.

Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS

Active Electric Shares a Tip About Home Electrical Safety for Winter

We all know in Saskatchewan the winter season comes with difficulties and hazards. Winter brings weather that can create further dangers in the form of electrical hazards. Active Electric wants to ensure that everyone is equipped with the right licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter to keep them safe and warm.

Electrical Winter Safety Tips

When winter comes around, it is important to be prepared for the difficulties that can come with the cold, wet weather. Some tips to keep in mind to make sure that you and your home stay safe this winter include:

Heater Safety

If you are using a space heater in your home, make sure you place it at a safe distance from furniture, walls, rugs, curtains, and other belongings. Space heaters are a great way to keep specific rooms warm without ramping up monthly heating bills but, because of the high heat output of electrical heaters, it is important to keep them away from flammable material. If you feel objects around the heater becoming hot, move the heater. Fires can easily be started by an unattended heater. Always turn off the heater when it’s not in use.

Prepare for Power Outages

The increase in snow and icy weather can cause downed tree branches and car accidents, which can damage power lines and cause electrical outages. In the event that there is a power outage, you should be as prepared as possible. Sometimes power can be out for hours; other times, it can be out for days. If an outage occurs at night, you cannot rely on space heaters to keep you warm. Be prepared for extended power outages with an emergency kit. 

The emergency kit should be readily accessible and contain batteries, flashlights, blankets/sleeping bags/warm clothes, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and sufficient water for your family. This will help to keep your family warm, fed, and safe during an emergency.

If you have a backup generator, ensure that it is ready to go. The start of winter is a good time to have regular maintenance and check-ups done on your generator. Have a professional inspect it to ensure that oil and gas levels are correct and that the connection to the home or business is safe and secure. If a power outage occurs, you want to be confident that you can rely on your backup power supply.

Avoid using candles during power outages. Many people use candles to light their rooms during power outages and, while this can deliver a nice ambience, it is very dangerous. If the candles are unattended or wax drips and causes build up around the candle, it can result in a fire. Instead, use flashlights or LED candles.

Preparing Your Home’s Electrical Setup

Power outages can do damage to your home, and harsh weather can be a hazard to many of your home’s electrical components. There are a few ways you can defend your home’s electrical setup against winter:

Be aware of water and exposed wires. With freezing and thawing occurring repeatedly, it is possible for water to find its way into some of the nooks and crannies of your home. Walk around your home’s interior and exterior walls and look for any exposed wires that could come into contact with water. Make sure any problems are addressed quickly.

Having a home surge protector will help suppress surges to prevent electrocutions and damage to appliances and electronics.

You can also protect your appliances and electronic devices in your home with surge protectors. Review your home setup to check if surge protectors are active and still functional.

During an extended power outage, unplug your major appliances (oven, fridge, freezer, television) and turn off light fixtures (although you can leave on some lights so that you know when the power returns). This can prevent power surges from occurring and damage the appliances when power returns.

Keep Away from Downed Power Lines

If an icy tree branch knocks down a power line or if a car hits a power pole and the electrical wiring falls down, keep at least three metres or 10 feet away at all times. Power lines are very powerful and can cause serious electrocution if you are not careful. Keep your family and children educated, as they could come across a downed power line during their daily commute. 

Always call 911 when you see a power line down.

If you are interested in finding out more licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter, or If you are ever uncertain about a potential electrical issue in your home please Contact Active Electric.  and one of their qualified professionals would be happy to help.  They also provide Free quotes! 

ACTIVE ELECTRIC is a TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICIAN -  Check out his listing here in REGINA ELECTRICIANS on the Regina Directory of excellence!

What is an Employment Letter and Why Lenders Require One?

Obtaining a mortgage takes a lot of planning and patience to ensure things go smoothly throughout the entire transaction.  Preparing documents early on in the process will reduce your stress in purchasing a new home, or renewing or refinancing your current mortgage.  Obtaining an employment letter early on is particularly important for individuals with a job tenure of less than two years, if you have had a temporary promotion, or work on an hourly basis.  This will ensure there are no surprises later on.

What is an employment letter?

Your employment letter (aka job letter) is written by your employer to verify your position within the company, tenure, and income.  This is a very important component of qualifying for a mortgage.

What should your letter include?

Your employment letter should be written on company letterhead and should include: your position within the company, tenure, salary/wage (along with bonus info if applicable), hours guaranteed per week (if applicable), and be signed by the individual issuing it, along with their job title and daytime contact phone number.

Why do lenders require an employment letter?

Lenders require your job letter to verify employment as well as to have a contact number on file for any questions regarding your employment.

How do I get my employment letter?

Employment letters can be obtained through a simple request made to your employer, they generally will have a template on hand so it will take very little time to complete.

Bergens Auto Body is a local family collision repair business and from the moment you walk in the door you will be treated like family! 

They are proud to have an amazing 80 Years Auto Body Experience, and they have been serving Regina Auto Body needs for over 30 Years....they have a loyal customer base that simply wouldn't think of going anywhere else. Bergen's Auto Body are a  Trusted Regina Auto Body Shop, they offer courtesy cars to their clients and they specialize in foreign vehicles. In their latest Trusted Regina Auto Body Tip they share information on paint matching. 

BERGEN'S AUTO BODY SHARE A HANDY BACK TO SCHOOL VEHICLE CHECKLIST

Back to school checklists aren't just for school supplies of books and papers.  Bergen's Auto Body also wants to remind you that your vehicle needs to be back to school ready as well. 

Are you sending a son or daughter off to University with a car? Or will they be driving to and from high school?  Is your carpool schedule starting up, with your kids in the car, plus a few extras? Make sure you have our Back-to-School checklist for your vehicle completed as part of your school preparation this year, you’ll be glad you did!

Just a reminder to make sure all maintenance and safety items are checked and ready to go.  Look over this checklist and make sure your (or your child’s) car is ready to go!

• Check your oil level and condition. You have heard it before, but we all need a little reminder to keep up the maintenance on our cars (myself included!)  This is the most basic maintenance item to check off.  If you let go too long, having little to no oil can cause extreme engine damage (often requiring total engine replacement!).  All cars need adequate oil to keep moving parts lubricated and to keep engine friction to a minimum, so keep up on your oil changes!
• Headlights and brake lights. Be sure your lights are operational – brake lights that are burned out are a ticketable offence.  For safety, you need to be able to see and be seen.
• Brakes. Do they stop your car quickly and immediately?  Are you hearing any grinding during braking?  Brake pads or shoes (and the rotors or drums that they press against) are a “wear” item and are intended to be replaced when they become thin.  Extremely hard brake pads may last a long time, but they can be squeaky and noisy and could wear drums and warp rotors prematurely.  Brake pads should be replaced, and rotors machined, periodically to keep them wearing evenly and braking smoothly. Make sure you have them checked by an expert auto technician.
• Tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. Will they provide the traction you need to corner and stop in rain or slick road conditions and are they appropriate for the road conditions where you or your student will be driving?  Check the tread. If your tread is less than 2/32” the tire should be replaced. Check for correct tire pressure
• Not sure where to find your tire pressure? Look on the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual.

•  Check your windshield wiper fluid. Visibility is vital to driving safety – be sure you are able to clean your windshield quickly if you are hit by a big bug or run into dust or (oh no!) snow.
• Fluid levels and condition. Coolant and transmission fluid keeps your engine and transmission cool and lubricated.  Levels should be checked periodically to make sure there is adequate fluid with no leaks in the system.  Coolant should be changed every 50-100,000 miles (or every 4-5 years).  Transmission fluid should be flushed and filled every 40-60,000 miles (please check your Owner’s Manual for recommendations specific to your vehicle).  Brake and power steering fluids should also be monitored and topped off or changed as needed.
• Test and clean the battery. Is the battery adequate to start your vehicle consistently, and run all of the electrical systems in your car?  Batteries may need to be replaced every 3-5 years and offer little to no warning that they are failing.  Check the date of the battery (located on top). Corrosion should periodically be cleaned off battery posts and cables to maintain an amperage level and a good electrical ground.
• Proof of insurance.  Make sure your student has the current auto insurance card inside the vehicle or in their wallet or purse.  You may want to add Roadside Assistance to the policy if they will be going to University out of town.
• Emergency kit for the car.  Get one inside the vehicle if you don’t already have one.  Find one with a set of jumper cables included in case a battery fails.  Many kits also include instructions printed on the bag for the cables.  Or if you have a kit already, be sure that it is updated with any medication, and other first-aid items that may have been used previously.  Be sure it is well stocked and with items needed for the part of the country you or your student will be taking the vehicle.

• Jack and spare tire.  Be sure they are in the vehicle and the spare is in good shape.  You don’t want to need either and find them missing if you have a flat tire. Also, make sure everyone driving  knows HOW to change a tire ( and where to find the spare)

Bergen’s Auto Body & Collision Centre, treat you like family and that means w work hard to give your vehicles back to you properly and most importantly safely!