Holiday Savings: How an LED Lighting Retrofit Can Reduce December Energy Costs

| | Lighting

The holiday season is a time for festive decorations, family gatherings and, for many businesses and homeowners, higher energy bills. With all the extra lighting, whether it’s string lights, office décor or seasonal displays, energy costs can quickly add up. One of the smartest ways to reduce those December bills and prepare for long-term savings is by investing in an LED lighting retrofit in Peoria and the surrounding areas.

An LED lighting retrofit involves replacing older, less efficient lighting fixtures—such as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs—with modern LED technology. LED lights use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs, last significantly longer and produce brighter, more consistent illumination. For homes and businesses that ramp up lighting during the holidays, this can translate into noticeable savings on electric bills.

Beyond the immediate cost benefits, an LED lighting retrofit also provides enhanced control over your lighting system. Many retrofitted LEDs are compatible with dimmers, timers and smart lighting systems. This means holiday lights can be scheduled to turn on only when needed, further reducing wasted energy. For businesses, this flexibility allows employees and management to maintain a festive environment without incurring unnecessary operational costs.

Durability is another advantage, especially during the colder winter months. LED bulbs are more resistant to temperature fluctuations, which can be an issue for traditional bulbs exposed to the chill of winter mornings or chilly office spaces. This means fewer replacements and less maintenance during a season when downtime and repairs can be particularly inconvenient.

Making the switch to LED lighting also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. Holiday lights can create significant energy consumption, but retrofitting with LEDs minimizes your carbon footprint while still maintaining a bright and cheerful atmosphere. Customers, employees and family members alike will appreciate the enhanced ambiance that doesn’t come at the expense of the environment.

At A.C. Desert Electric, we help homeowners and businesses identify the right LED lighting retrofit solutions for their specific needs. Whether it’s upgrading indoor office lighting, enhancing holiday displays or improving outdoor lighting for safety and curb appeal, we can provide a seamless transition to energy-efficient, cost-saving LED technology.

This holiday season, don’t let high energy bills dim your celebrations. An LED lighting retrofit is an investment that pays for itself through reduced electricity costs, longer-lasting fixtures and a brighter, safer environment. Contact A.C. Desert Electric today to schedule a consultation and start saving on your December energy bills while enjoying the festive season to its fullest. Call us at 623-487-0687 to talk to an electrician about your LED lighting retrofit project in Peoria and the surrounding areas, or reach out online to request service or a free quote.

Hosting for the Holidays? Make Sure Your Electrical Panel Can Handle the Load

| | Electrical Upgrades

The holiday season is a time for warmth, togetherness and plenty of lights, food and festivities. But as your home fills with guests and decorations, your electrical system can easily become overloaded. At A.C. Desert Electric, we want to help homeowners avoid holiday headaches by making sure your electrical panel is up to the task of powering all the cheer. If you’re worried about whether your home is ready for the holiday, give us a call to schedule an electrical panel upgrade in Phoenix!

person installing christmas lights after an electrical panel upgrade

Why the Holidays Test Your Electrical System

Between the dazzling holiday lights, space heaters, kitchen appliances and entertainment systems running non-stop, your electrical panel is working harder than usual. Many homes—especially older ones—still rely on panels that weren’t designed to handle today’s energy demands. Add in the extra load from holiday gatherings, and you could be looking at tripped breakers, flickering lights or even safety hazards like overheating circuits.

An outdated or undersized panel can quickly turn your holiday celebrations into frustration. If your lights dim when you plug in decorations, or if you’re constantly resetting breakers while cooking dinner, those are clear signs your electrical panel may need an upgrade.

What an Electrical Panel Upgrade Can Do for You

Upgrading your electrical panel ensures that your home has the capacity to safely and efficiently power all your devices, both now and in the future. A modern panel can support additional circuits, higher amperage and newer technologies—perfect for homes that have expanded, added modern appliances or rely heavily on electricity.

For example, upgrading from a 100-amp panel to a 200-amp one allows you to safely use more high-demand equipment at once. This means you can run your oven, dishwasher, decorative lights and electric fireplace without worrying about overloading your system. Plus, a new panel improves safety by reducing the risk of electrical fires caused by outdated or faulty components.

Peace of Mind for the Season and Beyond

When you invest in an electrical panel upgrade from A.C. Desert Electric, you’re not just preparing your home for the holidays—you’re making a long-term improvement to your home’s safety and efficiency. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing that your electrical system can handle today’s needs and tomorrow’s upgrades, whether that means a new hot tub, electric vehicle charger or additional living space.

Don’t let electrical issues dim your holiday spirit. Before you deck the halls or welcome your guests, schedule an inspection with A.C. Desert Electric. We’ll evaluate your current system, recommend the best solution and ensure your home is powered safely and efficiently all season long.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of reliable power—and let A.C. Desert Electric keep your celebrations bright. Call us at 623-487-0687 to talk to an electrician in Phoenix and the surrounding areas about an electrical panel upgrade, or reach out online to request service or a free quote.

Upgrading Your Electrical System for EV Charger Installation

| | EV Chargers

As electric vehicles become more common, many homeowners are deciding to add EV chargers to their garages or driveways. Installing an EV charger at home provides unmatched convenience—allowing you to charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. However, before the installation begins, one important consideration often gets overlooked: your home’s electrical system. Making sure your system is ready to handle the increased demand is a crucial step in ensuring safe and efficient EV charger installation in Maricopa County.

ev charger installation at home electric vehicle charging while parked at home

Understanding Electrical Capacity

Every home has a limited amount of electrical capacity, measured in amps. Most modern homes are equipped with 200-amp service, while older homes may only have 100 amps. EV chargers, especially Level 2 models, draw a significant amount of power—typically between 30 and 50 amps. If your existing panel is already near capacity, adding an EV charger could overload your system.

Before installation, a qualified electrician from A.C. Desert Electric will assess your home’s current electrical load and determine whether your service panel can handle the additional demand. This assessment ensures that your new charger operates safely and efficiently without compromising the performance of other household appliances.

When an Upgrade Is Needed

If your home’s electrical service is outdated or undersized, an upgrade may be necessary. This might include replacing your main electrical panel or increasing your service capacity from 100 to 200 amps. While this adds to the upfront cost, it’s an investment in long-term reliability and safety. An upgraded panel not only supports your EV charger but also prepares your home for future electrical needs—like solar panels, a new HVAC system or other high-demand appliances.

Safety and Code Compliance

Upgrading your electrical system is not just about capacity—it’s also about compliance. Electrical codes evolve over time, and older panels may not meet today’s safety standards. A.C. Desert Electric ensures that every upgrade and installation complies with local codes and national safety regulations. Our licensed electricians handle all necessary permits, wiring, grounding and circuit protection to give you peace of mind that your home charging setup is both safe and dependable.

The Value of Professional Installation

Attempting to install or modify an electrical system on your own can be dangerous. Professional electricians have the tools, experience and training to perform detailed load calculations, manage wiring correctly and ensure proper grounding. When you choose A.C. Desert Electric, you’re choosing a team committed to high-quality workmanship and safety at every step of the process.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re considering installing an EV charger, start with an electrical inspection from A.C. Desert Electric. We’ll evaluate your system, explain your options and ensure your home is ready for the next generation of transportation. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and take the first step toward convenient, reliable EV charging at home. Call us at 623-487-0687 to talk to an electrician in Peoria and the surrounding areas, or reach out online to request service or a free quote.

10 Signs You Need to Call an Electrician Immediately

| | Electrical Services

Electricity is something we often take for granted until something goes wrong. While a flickering light or a tripped breaker might seem like minor inconveniences, they can sometimes be early warning signs of bigger issues. At A.C. Desert Electric, we believe safety should always come first. Knowing when to call a licensed electrician in Peoria and the surrounding areas can help prevent costly repairs, protect your property and most importantly, keep your family safe.

electrician working on wiring at a house

Here are 10 signs you should pick up the phone and call an electrician right away:

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

If your breaker keeps tripping, it means your electrical system is overloaded or there’s a serious wiring issue. A professional electrician can identify the cause and provide a long-term fix.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights that flicker when you use an appliance aren’t just annoying—they could signal loose wiring, overloaded circuits or faulty fixtures.

3. Burning Smell or Scorched Outlets

A burning odor near outlets or panels is a major red flag. Turn off power immediately and call an electrician, as this can indicate wiring overheating or a fire risk.

4. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds

Electricity should never make noise. If you hear buzzing from outlets or switches, it’s time to bring in a professional.

5. Warm or Discolored Outlets and Switches

Heat or discoloration on electrical fixtures means something is wrong beneath the surface, often related to loose or faulty wiring.

6. Frequent Power Outages in One Area

If one room or outlet keeps losing power, it could point to a wiring failure that needs professional repair.

7. Shocks When Plugging Things In

Even a small tingle when plugging in a device indicates improper grounding or other hazardous wiring issues.

8. Old or Outdated Wiring

If your home is decades old and hasn’t had an electrical upgrade, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection before problems occur.

9. Overloaded Extension Cords

Using multiple extension cords or power strips often means your home doesn’t have enough outlets. An electrician can safely add more.

10. Sparking Outlets or Panels

Sparks are never normal. If you notice them, shut off the circuit and call an electrician immediately.

At A.C. Desert Electric, we know how important a safe and reliable electrical system is to your daily life. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them. Contact our team for professional service and peace of mind, knowing your home or business is in safe hands. Call us at 623-487-0687 to talk to an electrician in Peoria and the surrounding areas, or reach out online to request service or a free quote.

How to Keep Your Energy Bill Low During Arizona Summers

| | Electrical Upgrades

In Arizona, summer electricity bills can feel like a second mortgage. With triple-digit heat stretching for months, your air conditioner runs almost nonstop, making it the biggest energy consumer in your home. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save money, a few smart changes can keep your home cool and your bill in check.

hand using calculator to determine energy bills

1. Upgrade Your Lighting to LED

LED bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and produce far less heat, a bonus when you’re trying to keep rooms cool. Swapping out every bulb in your home can noticeably reduce both lighting and cooling costs.

2. Install Ceiling Fans in Key Rooms

A properly installed ceiling fan can make a room feel 4–6 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat without losing comfort. For best results in Arizona homes:

  • Choose Energy Star® rated ceiling fans.
  • Have them professionally installed by a licensed Phoenix electrician to ensure they’re mounted securely and wired correctly.

3. Program Your Thermostat (or Go Smart)

Setting your thermostat to cool only when you’re home can shave hundreds off your summer bill. Smart thermostats, like the Nest or Ecobee, learn your habits and make automatic adjustments for maximum efficiency.

4. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation

If cool air is escaping through gaps around doors, windows, or ductwork, your A/C will run longer than necessary. While sealing leaks is often a DIY job, a professional energy audit can identify hidden problem spots.

5. Maintain Your A/C Unit

Dirty coils, clogged filters, and low refrigerant all force your A/C to work harder, using more electricity. Schedule annual maintenance before the summer rush to keep it running efficiently.

6. Consider an Electrical Panel Upgrade

If your home’s electrical panel is outdated, it may be distributing power inefficiently, especially with modern high-demand appliances. A panel upgrade from a licensed Arizona electrician can improve efficiency and handle your household’s needs without overloading circuits.

Bonus Tip: Shift High-Energy Tasks to Off-Peak Hours

APS and SRP offer lower rates during off-peak times (usually evenings and early mornings). Running dishwashers, laundry machines, or pool pumps during these hours can lower your bill without changing your daily comfort.

Final Thought:

Lowering your summer energy bill in Arizona isn’t just about one big change, it’s about combining small, smart habits with efficient home upgrades. If you want a personalized plan for your home, schedule an energy efficiency inspection with a licensed Phoenix electrician before the heat hits. Give us a call at 623-487-0687 or reach out here.