I’ve heard that electronically commutated motors (or ECMs) can help home appliances save energy. What are they are, and are they worth the extra expense? There are many ways manufacturers are increasing the energy efficiency of their products. You’ve probably seen the...
The monthly cost of a floodlight, and other appliances How much does it cost to watch a TV show? To bake bread in an electric oven? To charge a laptop or dry your clothes? More broadly speaking, how do all these activities add up to the usage you see on your...
What is a GFI outlet? A ground fault interrupter outlet, or GFI outlet, is designed to protect people from electric shock. GFI outlets have three holes in a triangle pattern: two vertical slots and a round hole between them. The shorter slot is called the “hot,” the...
What is an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter? An arc fault circuit interrupter, or AFCI, detects dangerous electrical arcs and disconnects power to the circuit before a fire starts. They contain current and temperature sensors as well as a microprocessor that can...
What is heat tape? Despite the name, heat tape isn’t sticky tape in the traditional sense. Rather, it is electrical heating cable that is widely used to keep at-risk plumbing piping from freezing in the winter. You can think of it like an electric blanket for a...
