Electrical Upgrades
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Natasha Guernsey • April 22, 2025
Why Whole-Home Surge Protection Matters

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that power strips provide sufficient surge protection. In reality, they only shield individual devices. For full protection, especially from high-voltage events, whole-home surge protectors are the gold standard.
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What Causes Power Surges?
Power surges are brief but intense spikes in voltage that can destroy electrical devices. Common causes include:
• Downed or damaged power lines
• Heavy equipment in nearby factories
• Cycling of high-power appliances
• Lightning strikes
Some surges cause instant damage; others degrade devices over time—leading to unexpected failure.
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How Surge Protectors Work
Surge protectors use a metal oxide varistor (MOV) to divert excess voltage safely into the ground. This prevents spikes from reaching your appliances and electrical system.
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Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protectors
✅ Comprehensive Protection
They guard every device and the entire electrical system—including HVACs, refrigerators, and outlets—from surges..
✅ Customized for Your Home
Homes have different voltage needs. Modern protectors are tailored for old vs. new construction and often come with warranties.
✅ Protects Smart Tech
New homes filled with smart devices require broader protection. Whole-home units handle all circuits, offering peace of mind during storms or outages.
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Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
• Full-System Coverage: Protects wiring, switches, and all connected appliances.
• Prevents Fires: Stops surges that could cause sparks or shorts.
• Financial Protection: Avoid replacing high-cost electronics; insurance rarely covers surge damage.
❌ Cons
• Higher Upfront Cost: $300–$600 for the unit + $100–$300 for installation.
• Needs Professional Install: Must be wired into the main panel by an electrician.
• Requires Proper Grounding: Your home’s grounding system must be up to code for optimal performance.
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Do You Need More Than One?
In high-risk areas (frequent storms or poor utility infrastructure), multiple protectors across your system can add an extra layer of defense.
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Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
Yes. While power strips help protect individual devices, whole-home surge protectors offer unmatched coverage. For homes with modern appliances and sensitive electronics, the investment brings long-term protection, reduced risk, and peace of mind.

Incandescent bulbs may provide a warm, familiar glow, but they are far from the most efficient choice for your home. A significant portion of the energy they consume is wasted as heat—something you’ve likely noticed if you’ve ever touched one while it was still on. In addition, the tungsten filament inside deteriorates quickly, giving incandescent bulbs a much shorter lifespan compared to modern alternatives. At Light It Up Electric – North Dallas Electrician , we help homeowners transition from outdated incandescent bulbs to LEDs and other energy-efficient lighting solutions. By upgrading, you’ll enjoy: Lower energy bills thanks to efficient light output. Longer-lasting bulbs that reduce replacement costs. Improved safety and comfort with cooler operation and consistent lighting. Switching to modern lighting not only saves money but also helps create a brighter, greener, and more reliable home in North Dallas.

Incandescent bulbs have been a household standard since the days of Thomas Edison. These bulbs create light by sending an electrical current through a tungsten filament, which heats up until it glows. While they provide a warm and familiar light, incandescent bulbs are far less energy-efficient compared to modern alternatives like LEDs or CFLs. At Light It Up Electric – Electrician McKinney, TX , our licensed electricians help homeowners understand the pros and cons of different lighting options. If your home still relies heavily on incandescent bulbs, upgrading to more efficient lighting can reduce energy bills, extend bulb lifespan, and improve overall comfort and safety. By switching to energy-efficient solutions, McKinney homeowners can enjoy brighter lighting, lower costs, and a greener home environment.

When shopping for replacement light bulbs in Plano, TX, you’ll notice far more options than in the past. Beyond traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs, today’s homeowners can choose from compact fluorescent (CFL) and LED bulbs as well. At Light It Up Electric – Electrician Plano, TX , our licensed electricians help homeowners understand the differences between bulb types and make the best choice for energy savings, lighting quality, and long-term value. Incandescent & Halogen Bulbs – Affordable upfront but less energy-efficient and shorter lifespan. CFL Bulbs – Use less energy than incandescent and last longer, but contain small amounts of mercury. LED Bulbs – Highly energy-efficient, long-lasting, eco-friendly, and available in multiple color temperatures. By upgrading to modern lighting options, Plano homeowners can improve energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and enjoy better illumination tailored to each room of their home.

Have you ever left home and wondered whether you turned the lights off? With today’s smart lighting technology, Frisco homeowners can enjoy total peace of mind by controlling their lights remotely. At Light It Up Electric , our licensed electricians install smart lighting systems that connect to mobile apps, allowing you to turn lights on or off from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just out for the evening, you can manage your lighting directly from your smartphone. Benefits of smart lighting include: Convenience – Control your home’s lights anytime, anywhere. Energy savings – Eliminate wasted electricity from lights left on accidentally. Enhanced security – Turn lights on remotely to make your home look occupied. By upgrading to smart lighting, Frisco homeowners can enjoy a safer, more efficient, and modern home with total lighting control at their fingertips.

Today’s homeowners want convenience, efficiency, and security—and lighting timers make it all possible. Whether you’re using plug-in lamps or lights integrated into your electrical system, timers can give you complete control. At Light It Up Electric – North Dallas Electrician , we install custom timer and smart lighting solutions that fit your lifestyle. Beyond standard switches, modern timers can be controlled directly from your mobile device or smart home system. This means you can adjust your home’s lighting anytime, anywhere—perfect for saving energy, enhancing security, and creating the right ambiance. By upgrading to timers and smart controls, North Dallas homeowners can enjoy a smarter, safer, and more efficient home.

Lighting timers are a simple yet powerful way to make your McKinney home safer and more energy-efficient. Instead of worrying about whether you left the lights on, timers automatically turn them off—or on—based on your schedule. At Light It Up Electric – Electrician McKinney, TX , our licensed electricians install custom lighting timer solutions designed for convenience, savings, and security. Benefits of installing lighting timers include: Energy savings – No wasted electricity when you forget to turn lights off. Home security – Lights can turn on automatically, giving the appearance that someone is home even when you’re away. Daytime efficiency – Prevents unnecessary energy use by keeping lights off during daylight hours. Whether for interior fixtures, exterior lights, or a whole-home system, our timer installations help McKinney homeowners enjoy a smarter, more efficient home.

Lighting should do more than just brighten a room—it should work for your lifestyle. With dimmer switches, Plano homeowners can easily adjust brightness to fit any situation. Whether you’re changing the mood of a room, lowering light levels during a migraine, or brightening the space for cleaning, dimmers offer flexibility and comfort at your fingertips. At Light It Up Electric – Electrician Plano, TX , we go beyond traditional dimmers by offering advanced lighting control solutions. With smart dimmers, timers, and digital technology, you can automate your lighting, save energy, and create the perfect ambiance—all with a simple touch or voice command. Our licensed electricians specialize in custom lighting design and installation, ensuring your Plano home is both functional and energy-efficient while reflecting your unique needs.

Lighting doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. With dimmer switches, Frisco homeowners can easily adjust the brightness of their lights to match their needs and create the perfect atmosphere. Instead of just turning lights on and off, dimmers give you flexible control—whether you’re watching TV, entertaining guests, or winding down at night. Traditional dimmers use a knob to increase or decrease light levels, but today’s options go beyond that. Modern dimmers come with preset light settings, touch controls, and even smart home integration, allowing you to cycle through brightness levels with a simple tap or app control. At Light It Up Electric , our licensed electricians in Frisco, TX specialize in custom lighting solutions, including professional dimmer switch installation. With the right setup, you’ll save energy, extend bulb life, and enjoy a more comfortable home environment.