Archetype Electrical Services

1. Replace the light bulbs in your home with energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps. Make sure the lamps are rate for dimming if you are using dimmers. You could also consider using LED lamps.

2. Unplug all appliances and electronics when they are not being used. Phone chargers, computers and televisions generally use power when they are turned off or in standby mode. Many kitchen appliances do so as well. Consider putting your appliances on power strips that can be turned off when your equipment is not in use.

3. Lower your hot water temperature settings to 60° C. This will reduce your energy consumption while providing enough hot water for most families. You could also consider replacing your conventional water heater with an “on-demand” water heater. Read more »

The new electric vehicles are here! The 2011 Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf are just hitting showroom floors across the country.  Electric vehicles by Ford, Mitsubishi and others will be following soon.  There’s a lot of buzz and excitement about these cars in the world of green technologies.  There also seems to be a great deal of confusion about the various options for charging the new vehicles.

There are 3 types of charging stations for electric vehicles. The Chevy Volt is an extended range electric vehicle (EREV), and the Nissan Leaf is an fully electric vehicle (EV). Both types of cars can be charged in a variety of ways. Article 625 of the National Electrical Code has specific requirements for EREV and EV charging stations. From these requirements 3 levels of charging have emerged. Read more »