Catalyst Electric

The last week of June is Lightning Safety Awareness Week! Even though lightning is common, it's important to keep in mind that it can be dangerous! In this week's blog, our electrical contractor company at the Lake of the Ozarks would like to spread awareness for lightning safety. Outdoor Activity Planned? ALWAYS Check The Weather! Like we mentioned earlier, the most common time for someone to be injured is during the Summer months because often people plan outdoor activities they are not willing to cancel due to a storm. On the day of your outdoor activity, make sure to check the weather forecast, and plan accordingly. If there are thunderstorms in the forecast be sure you have a backup plan for people to take shelter if lightning strikes. You are probably looking forward to your party, camping trip, boat ride, etc. but it's just not worth the risk of someone getting injured. When You Hear Thunder, Take Shelter!  As soon as you hear thunder, even if you have not ...

Summer is almost officially here but the temps have been warm for weeks. If you're worried about your upcoming electric bill, our electrical contracting company at the Lake of the Ozarks is here for you with some tips to reduce your energy consumption this summer! Many of these changes aren't drastic and can really save you big in the long run! Check them out and start saving today: Run Appliances During Cooler Parts of the Day Large appliances, like your dishwasher, stove, and washer and dryer all consume a big portion of your electricity throughout the day. These appliances also create heat inside your home. Keep your home cooler and your energy consumption lower by running these appliances in the cooler parts of the day. First thing in the morning and later in the evening after the sun has set is the optimal time for appliance use, when possible. Use a Programmable Thermostat If you are gone during the day, there is usually not a need to keep your home nice and c...

We often take our electricity for granted becasue we us it everyday. Accidents around electricity happen every day, but many of these accidents can be avoided with a little education. Safety is our top priority at Catalyst Electric and we want to share with you a few general safety tips for electricity in your home. Safe Handling with Plugs, Extention Cords, and Other Cords   Always pull the plug NOT the cord when you disconnecting an electrical device. The third prong on an electrical device serves as a ground, never cut it off or use it if it is missing.  When using extension cords outdoors, always make sure they are rated to be used outside.  Never place an extension where it will frequently get stepped on such as under rugs or in doorways.  Extension cords should only be used for temporary use and never a permanent solution   Don't overload your outlets. If multiple devices need to be plugged in, use a certified power strip  S...

Thinking about purchasing a fixer-upper and renovating? One thing you'll have to think about aside from the aesthetic appeal is electrical in the home. Homes built in the 70s and before typically have electrical components that will need to be updated. Read on to find a few common electrical issues in older homes.  Your Light Bulbs Burn Our Frequently  If your light bulbs are burning out quicker than usual you may be purchasing bulbs that have too many watts. However, if you have an older home it is more than likely a faulty wire. If this is happening to you, be sure to call your  local electrician at the Lake of the Ozarks  to diagnose and fix your issues.  Damaged or Outdated Wiring  In the 1970s aluminum was a popular choice for wiring homes due to the high price of copper. Aluminum can pose a fire risk and should be replaced. Unlike copper, aluminum wiring will shrink and expand as the weather changes. It will also get corroded fr...