Energy Audits – Not Just for Big Business

 

Pittsburgh, PA – Winter will be here before we know it. As lifelong Pittsburgh residents, it seems that our winters are longer than our summers. South Hills Electric, LLC conducts energy audits for residential customers as well as commercial interests. An energy audit is designed to find the weaknesses in your electrical, heating, and cooling systems and is designed to point out those inefficient systems which are costing extra money while not providing optimal comfort. We all have utility bills; why not get the maximum out of our dollars.

Energy Star is the authority on greener living and saving money through investment in electrical, heating, and cooling products for the home or business.

Energy Star says,

“A home energy audit is often the first step in making your home more efficient. An audit can help you assess how much energy your home uses and evaluate what measures you can take to improve efficiency. But remember, audits alone don't save energy. You need to implement the recommended improvements. ENERGY STAR provides extensive information about home improvement projects to enhance energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and increase comfort.” The full link to the Energy Star page on Energy Audits is here.

Hire a Professional Home Energy Auditor

Although a self done energy audit can be very beneficial, if you are interested in getting specific recommendations for improving the efficiency of your home, consider contacting a professional Home Energy Auditor like South Hills Electric, LLC. A professional auditor can use a variety of techniques and equipment to determine the energy efficiency of your home.

 

Visit our Pittsburgh Electricians Website for Call South Hills at (412)537-0687 or (412)341-HEAT or contact us at patcray@southhillselectric.com.

 

 

Hire a Licensed Pittsburgh Electrician

 

Pittsburgh, PA - Everybody is looking for a bargain these days. When it comes to your electrical system, what may seem like a bargain might end up costing you money.

 

Make Sure:

Your electrician is registered with the Pennsylvania State Attorney General.

You hire a reputable, licensed electrician to perform any work in your home or business.

Your electrician is listed with the Better Business Bureau and carries a high rating.

Your contractor carries Worker’s Compensation for all employees.

Your electrical contractor can provide proof of insurance upon request.

 

That guy in the pickup that advertises electrical work in Pittsburgh might not be registered, insured, or licensed to perform work in your area. This could lead to costly permit and electrical code violation issues which could get your power shut off, or worse put your family and your community at risk.

 

How do I go about checking to see if my electrician is licensed and registered with the Pennsylvania State Attorney General?

 

The Attorney General has a website and a section dedicated to showing which contractors have registered. Visit this link and enter our HICPA number – PA012126 or our name, South Hills Electric.

 

How do I check to see if my Pittsburgh electrical contractor is listed with the Better Business Bureau?

 

The Better Business Bureau has a website and a section dedicated to showing which contractors have signed up with them. The BBB has its own set of standards required to get listed and a ranking of the contractor in question. Here is the link to the South Hills Electric BBB listing.

How do I check to see if my electrician is licensed to perform work in the City of Pittsburgh?

 

The list of requirements to obtain the City of Pittsburgh Electrical License is at http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/bbi/html/electrical_contractors_license.html as well as the phone number (412)255-2160 to call to see if your electrical contractor is licensed in the City of Pittsburgh. South Hills Electric, LLC is licensed in the City of Pittsburgh to perform electrical work. City of Pittsburgh License #EL04676

 

All three of the above standards require a rigorous set of requirements, and that costs money. However, can you risk having Joe electrician do the job on the cheap? How much do you save by having Joe do your electrical work? Nothing. Hire an electrical contractor who is licensed, certified, registered and insured – South Hills Electric, LLC.

 

Did you know?

 

1 – The state of Pennsylvania passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act of 2009 on July 1, 2009. See our post on the HICPA ACT of 2009 and learn more about your rights as a consumer. While we had hoped this law would be more highly publicized, it was not. That may come in time and we would welcome it. We believe educating our customers is good business.

 

2 – South Hills Electric, LLC, is a licensed Pittsburgh electrical company. This means we have taken the time to educate our employees as to the proper design and installation of all electrical service requirements of the City of Pittsburgh, PA

 

3 - All electrical work is required to be inspected by a local authority. Because of the differing requirements of all these entities, we cannot list them all here. Check with your local city or municipality for licensing and permit requirements.

 

4 – In all of our years of experience we have only been asked to provide proof of insurance a few times. Please make sure your electrical contractor has insurance and Workman’s Compensation for their employees before you sign anything.

 

5 – We would be happy to provide you with a list of references for any of our work. Just ask us.

 

6. – South Hills Electric, LLC also conducts Energy Audits.

 

Contact us at the South Hills Electric Pittsburgh Electricians website or just call (412)537-0687 with any questions you may have. We would be happy to serve you.