Catalyst Electric

As electricians at Lake of the Ozarks , we are extremely focused on safety. We worked with electricity every day, so we particularly aware of the hazards, but we also want our clients to be safe. That’s why we are always sharing helpful tips and information about electrical safety in our blogs. This week we want to focus on outlet safety. We have three tips for you to look for in your home to make sure your outlets are safe and up-to-date. Just keep reading to see what they are! 1) Non-Childproof Outlets As we all know, with little ones it can only take a fraction of a second for something to go wrong. We know they’re curious, and constantly exploring, and they depend on us to look out for them. Technology has improved when it comes to childproof outlets. You no longer have to rely on the little plastic covers that can be pulled out. Today, you can get outlets that have small doors behind the holes in the outlet to prevent little fingers from making contact with electricity. You can se...

With the moderate temperatures we’ve enjoyed so far this fall, most of us have appreciated some pretty low energy bills the last month or two. But as temperatures start to lower, we all start thinking about those winter energy costs. As your trusted electricians at Lake of the Ozarks , we have a few tips to share with you that can help you save energy and money this fall and winter when it comes to heating your home. If you are down for saving money, keep reading this blog to get the scoop. 1) Get in Sync with the Sun Now is the time you want to use the suns energy to work for you. Open your drapes during the day to let as much light and heat in as possible. Then before temperatures drop, close those curtains to hold in the heat. Make this a daily routine, and you’ll enjoy some great energy savings. 3) Lower the Thermostat In the same way that we raise the thermostat in the summer so the AC doesn’t work as hard, we can lower the thermostat in the winter and wear an extra layer of cloth...

When people are getting ready to sell their homes, it’s not uncommon for them to start making repairs. Sometimes they will start fixing things they never thought about fixing the whole time they lived there. Of course, you want to make your house attractive and presentable. But sometimes upgrades for style or aesthetics aren’t going to make a bigger difference in the sale of your home as necessary maintenance or upgrades for safety. There are some things that if left ignored, can cause a delay in your real estate closing. Some are required by lenders, and others may show up on your inspection report.  If you would like to learn some common upgrades and repairs that you should consider making before putting your home on the market, we have the details for you in today’s blog. 1) Upgrading Old Breaker Box Electrical needs have changed significantly in the past decade or two and older homes were not built to accommodate the amount of electricity we use today. It is essential for the s...

Most people have heard of GFCI outlets, but may not know how they work, or why they are sometimes required. As electricians at Lake of the Ozarks , we know they really do play an important safety function in your home's electrical system. Any outlets that are located within a few feet of a water source, or locations that are prone to high moisture, should be GFCI outlets. It’s a very simple upgrade that creates and added safety features and peace of mind that your family deserves. If you’d like to learn how they work, why you need them and where you should have them for your home and family’s safety, just read on. What are GFCI Outlets? The purpose of GFCI outlets is to prevent electrical shock if anything causes water to come in contact with your outlet and create an electrical short. They should be located in your kitchen near the sink, in your bathrooms near water sources, your laundry room, and your outdoor outlets as well. If you’re not sure how to tell the difference between ...