So what does it take to disappear from the real world for a bit?
You need some land.
You need a roof over your head.
But you also need coffee in the morning.
You need the ability to be reached or reach out in case of an emergency.
     On rainy days, a tv would come in handy right? As a distractor for the kids at the very least.
    Ok, let's face it, as long as the option is there, we are all going to be much more relaxed while on vacation at the cabin during those precious couple of weeks we get off every year.
      If it is only a couple weeks, a small off-grid system will be plenty to get you through. RV systems range from $500 to $3500; from portable suitcase types to two panel installations. With enough battery, you can even keep a small fridge running through a couple cloudy days. 
     Systems starting around $7K will give you enough power for a full size fridge, most small appliances, computers, some led lighting and tvs/electronics. Great for longer trips to the cabin.
       For the more full-time cabin dwellers that like staying energized, $14K will give you a system that can even run a washing machine. Lots of battery to get you through the cloudy days and keep the lights on. Add a propane generator for around $5K and there will be no reason to be in the dark.
      I recommend a propane generator because, chances are, your going to have some on hand anyways. For the BBQ or stove/cooktop or hot water heater maybe.
   Speaking of hot water, propane tankless water heaters are great for showers and dishes and such, but Solar Water Heaters can be used to heat your cabin during the cooler months. Even pools or hot tubs where electricity is scarce. 
     It is exciting to watch as the technology improves giving us more options to get away, without losing all of the things we have come to rely on.

After a hard days work, jumping in a hot (but very cool) shower is just the thing!

Next to the kitchen, bathroom renovations can be a fairly expensive endeavor. Then again, they add a good amount to the overall value of the property. 

Ask us about our bathroom renovation deals!

     One of the best things about being a tradesman is going shopping for tools. It's like being a kid in a candy store and having Christmas all over again every time we enter the store. The only difference is that as a kid, someone else paid for it. Well, buying tools is a necessary part of the job. We can either spend a little amount of money and get sub-standard tools that will most likely break at the exact wrong time, or we can spend the appropriate amount and get the job done.  Below are some of the tools that I've found to work out the best for me in my 20+ year career so far.

       This isn't a complete list of course. You can never have enough tools. But this covers the essential set that makes its way around from project to project.

        When I bought my first house I noticed that the switch in the master bedroom made a buzzing sound whenever I turned it on. I had planned to replace all the plugs and switches anyways because the house was built in the '60s and I figured that they were probably the original fixtures, but the buzzing confirmed the necessity to me.
       Ever been to a hotel and tried plugging in your phone charger but the block just falls right out of the receptacle? Maybe you need to bend the prongs out a bit to ensure a good connection. This is the result of regular wear and tear for a hotel. Receptacles, like anything else, has a limited life span.
       A bit of preventative maintenance is usually a good thing. Why wait for something to go completely wrong before you feel the need to fix it? When your dealing with electricity, maintenance becomes an even bigger priority. Circuit breakers are there for when there is a catastrophic failure of some sort, but there is usually a few things that can be done before it gets to that point.
    When one switch in the house starts acting funny or making a funny noise, it's probably about time to think about replacing the lot. Receptacles that are loose from wear and tear can contribute to arcing and sparking conditions that can lead to fires and other scary experiences.
        Calling in an electrician to replace these devices doesn't cost an arm and a leg. They can check out the panel box and make sure all the connections are tight while they are there. Who knows, they might just save you from a bigger expense down the road.

​Trev

Photo courtesy of chevrolet.ca

    Planning on buying an EV in the near future?

    Maybe selling a house and looking for something that will make it stand out?

   Installing an EV Charging Station is probably going to be necessary in the near future for many Canadians. In some provinces, there are rebates available for the purchase and installation of eligible charging stations. In BC, you can get a maximum of $750 back when you have an eligible charging station installed in homes more than 6 months old by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
     Sounds expensive right? It's actually not that bad when you consider that the average gas savings for an EV is $1500-$2000 per year. The average cost to install a 30A, 240V EV Charging Station is $1800 depending on material costs and difficulty (some homes may require a service upgrade).
    There are other options for multi-family homes and workplaces. The rebates go as high as $4000 under certain conditions when EV Charging Stations are installed. 
   
​    More information can be found at www.pluginbc.ca 

    Contact Us for a site visit and we can discuss your options.

Trev

      Have a new project on the go or coming soon, send us your plans and let us give you a quote for all your electrical needs.
       We are new to doing business, but not new to working hard, safe and professional.


Email trev@thielenelectric.com

 Spring has sprung in some parts of the country and it's time to start thinking about your yard. Nothing spruces up an empty space like a she-shed, man-shed or playhouse for the kids. See some of the inspirational pics from Google below. Bring your ideas from Google or Pinterest and let's get building!