The Electrical Blog

The sun is powerful; in just one hour, the sun provides more energy to the earth than the energy produced by all nations in one year. With a rising need for energy sources that are both cost-effective and environment-friendly, harnessing the sun’s massive energy output is at the forefront of renewable energy. And, for energy pioneers in the Colorado Springs community, solar energy has an important place in increasing efficiency while reducing cost.  Keep reading to learn more.

Local Solar Energy Gardens Ease Energy Loads

Solar panels at Venetucci Farm.

When a region reaches its peak power demand, solar power helps by contributing power back to the grid for that specific area. To help ease power loads in densely-populated areas of Colorado Springs, Berwick Electric Co. (BEC) had the opportunity to partner with other contractors on local solar garden projects.

“We’ve (BEC) contributed to two solar garden projects, one at Venetucci Farm and the other located at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church,” BEC Project Manager James Rockhill said. “These solar gardens are self-power-generating systems that funnel energy back into the power grid to reduce the demand in those areas.”

Strategically set in rural areas outside of the city, each solar garden is comprised of solar panels made of photovoltaic cells. Each cell generates a certain amount of watts, and each panel is wired together into a series that harvests a specific amount of power. Next, an inverter collects the power and converts the direct current to usable, alternating current. The result is a reduction in consumer energy loads.

“Before implementing the solar gardens, we conducted a geographic survey to determine the best location,” James explained. “We worked with engineers to select locations near the power grid, where the cells receive sun exposure 90 percent of the time. The engineers were also an integral part of garden design process,” he added. “Each garden produces approximately 500 kilowatts.”

Solar Energy is Clean Energy

In addition to easing the load on heavily-burdened energy grids, solar power is also a clean, environmentally-kind energy source. “Solar energy systems help lower pollution. One major way they do this is by reducing the amount of coal consumption,” James said.

Solar panels at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

According to Travis Hoium’s article for finance.com, one kilowatt of power generated from solar panels is so energy efficient that it prevents 150 pounds of coal from being mined, 300 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted, and 105 gallons of water from being consumed. If this is the benefit from just one kilowatt of solar-generated energy, imagine the cumulative impact on the environment with increased reliance on solar energy! And, we may continue to see solar power become a viable source of energy, as studies show that the cost to install a utility-scale solar system has dropped 45.8 percent since 2010.

Even though solar energy still has a long way to grow, more people are choosing to take advantage of its benefits. “In the last five years, we’ve seen an increase in the use of solar energy,” James explained. “In addition to the two solar gardens that BEC has helped create, the Air Force Academy also utilizes a solar garden. There are also a few businesses downtown that have solar panels on their rooftops.”

As we look for more efficient, cost-effective energy sources, solar power may emerge as a strong contender in the years to come. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of solar energy, check out this article. What are your thoughts about using energy efficiently? We encourage you to share them in the comments box below.

Not all electrical contractors are created equal; it can be difficult to find an electrical contractor that delivers excellent service while treating customers with care. To help make your search easier, here are ten, consistent reasons to choose Berwick Electric Co. for your electrical needs.

1. Locally owned and operated with a history of excellence. Established in 1921, Berwick Electric Co. has a team of dedicated, local ownership that includes a third generation Berwick. We are pleased to celebrate 92 years of excellent service and quality workmanship.

2. Our staff is professional and experienced. A large number of our staff members have been with BEC for over 20, 30, and even 40 years. In addition to offering a wealth of electrical knowledge and expertise, BEC staff members are appropriately trained and certified.

3. BEC maintains a commitment to ethics and giving back to the community. Berwick Electric Co. consistently volunteers its time and resources to support organizations like Special Kids Special Families, Crime Stoppers, Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center, and many others. We were honored to receive the 2011 GE Johnson Ethics Award, as well as the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropic Program Award.

4. We have an excellent safety rating. With numerous safety awards under our belt, safety is our number one priority. We have exceeded six years without a lost-time injury!

5. We provide free estimates. Call or email us to request your complimentary, no-obligation estimate.

6. We have superior customer service. We aim to exceed every customer’s expectations. Our “Ten Commandments of Customer Service” include a commitment to integrity, good communication, cleanliness, professionalism, and value for your dollar.

7. Our customer feedback is consistently positive. If you visit the reviews section of our website, as well as additional sources such as Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau, you’ll find many satisfied customers speaking on our behalf.

8. BEC uses cutting-edge technology. To equip our staff so that they can best serve you, we invest in the latest technological advances. From new tools and machines, to iPads and data communications technology, we have the means to complete reliable, accurate, and efficient work.

9. BEC enjoys financial stability for large projects. Berwick Electric Co. enjoys a substantial surety line of credit, and our bonding has a “Best” rating of A (excellent). Access to ample credit and bonding ensures our ability to support each project with all of the required resources.

10. We offer a variety of services. From small, residential wiring jobs, to large, contract bids, we can handle any electrical project. Depending on the size of the job, we perform work throughout Colorado and nationally.

The first taste of cooler temperatures during last week’s rains served as a great reminder that winter is just around the corner. Although fall is an excellent time for things like pumpkin spice lattes, football games, and gorgeous scenery, it’s also a great time to think about preparing your home for winter. This fall, we encourage you to think about how to maximize your home’s energy efficiency for winter savings. Here are some tips for staying warm and toasty this winter without destroying your budget.

Sealing up leaks can help save on winter energy costs. Image Source.

1. Seal up any leaks. One of the most obvious and easy ways to begin winterizing your home is to check windows and doors and for any leaks in the seals around them. You can easily fix leaks with weather strip material or caulk. This article from moneytalksnews.com also recommends sealing outside vents to dryers, baseboards, and the spaces around window air conditioning units.

2. Eliminate drafts. Even if you seal up leaks around doors and windows, drafts can still seep in underneath outside-facing doors. This article from The Daily Green reports that as much as five to 30 percent of energy use can be reduced by eliminating drafts. A simple way to block cold air is by using a door stopper. If you have a creative side, you can even make your own to look like a snake or another animal. Click here for a guide to make your own door stopper.

3. Install a programmable thermostat. Another simple way to help cut winter energy costs is by installing a programmable thermostat. Set the thermostat to a lower temperature at night and when your home is empty. According to this article, lowering the temperature by just one degree in your home can save three percent on your energy usage.

4. Prepare your hot water heater. When winterizing your home, your hot water heater might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s important to include it in your winterization checklist. To save money on energy, lower the temperature on your water heater. This helpful resource also recommends draining off a bucket of hot water from the heater once every year. Doing so helps to remove sediment that can impair the heater’s long-term use.

5. Add more insulation. One of the best places to install additional insulation is your attic. The recommended amount of installation is 12 to 15 inches. For a great “how-to” tutorial on installing attic insulation, watch this helpful video from This Old House. In addition to adding insulation your attic, you can even insulate pipes. Simply secure pipe foam around pipes using duct tape.

6. Switch out your air filter. When optimizing your home for winter energy savings, switching out your air filter is a must. Dirty, clogged air filters result in higher utility bills. A good schedule for swapping out your air filter is every three months, according to this article. Luckily, you can pick up a new air filter at nearly any hardware store.

We hope that you enjoy the fall season, and that you find these home winterization tips helpful! Do you have any other helpful, energy-saving tips? If so, we encourage you to share them in the comments box below.

There’s never a dull moment around the Berwick Electric Co. office. Between consistently delivering outstanding service to customers and managing large-scale projects, Berwick’s project managers (PM) enjoy tackling new challenges. Today we invite you to take a peek inside an “average” day for a Berwick Electric PM, as Terry Schneider shares what he enjoys about his work.

Project Manager Terry Schneider

The PMs at Berwick Electric wear a lot of hats throughout the day. From creating estimates and proposals to managing jobs, manpower, and material, no two days are exactly alike. “Working as a project manager is a lot like putting together about 10 to 15 puzzles per day,” Terry explained. “I never totally finish one before I move on to another,” Terry joked. “The goal, though, is to have them all completed by the end of the day.”

Consistently putting the pieces together is what keeps Berwick’s standard of service at the top. “Last night I stayed a little bit later than normal to finish some drawings and estimates,” Terry said. “Whenever possible, I try to walk away from the day with a clean slate. This enables me to meet the challenges of the new day head-on.”

After 44 years in the electrical industry, Terry still looks forward to learning new things every day. “The electrical industry is continually changing,” Terry said. “I enjoy challenge, and I’m definitely never bored. I like to keep my mind active,” he added. “For example, the technology and equipment that we use is always changing. Innovations in LED technology, programmable timers, and other equipment present an opportunity to learn new aspects of my job.”

For all the changes that come with the territory, some things stay the same. “For most of the PMs at Berwick Electric, coffee is a staple,” Terry laughed. “Although I don’t drink it every day, I’ll have some when I really need it. Today was one of those days for me!”
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If you’re looking for excellent electrical service, we encourage you to give us a call at 719-632-7683 or request service online by clicking here.

Electrical problems can be quite disruptive. Although the majority of electrical problems require professional attention, there are a few, simple problems that you can identify and fix yourself. To help save you time and money, here are some quick fixes to simple electrical problems.

Outlet covers are easy to replace.

1. A loose outlet cover. It you have trouble plugging your appliances into a loose outlet, you can most likely take care of the problem yourself. According to this article, outlet covers are relatively inexpensive at any department store. Save yourself the expense of calling an electrician, and simply use a screwdriver to swap out the old outlet cover for the new one.

2. An outlet with no power. If an outlet does not provide any power, don’t call an electrician just yet. First, try resetting the corresponding breaker in your breaker box. Resetting the breaker is accomplished by pushing the handle all the way to the "off" position, and then pushing the handle to the "on" position. In most cases, this will fix the problem right away. If the power still doesn’t work after resetting the breaker, then call an electrician.

Light bulb wattage should fit the fixture.

3. Incorrect bulb wattage. In Josh Garskof’s article for This Old House Magazine, he describes a problem that many people have without realizing it – overlamping. Installing a lamp with a higher wattage than what is recommended by the manufacturer  causes the fixture to produce too much heat (the maximum recommended wattage is normally stated on a sticker inside of the fixture). This causes the thermal protective device in the fixture to open or "cycle" with the heat of the lamp. In other words, this causes damage to the fixture and the surrounding metal. Because this situation is a potential fire hazard, it should be avoided at all costs.  So, be sure to check the wattage limit on a light fixture before installing a light bulb.

We hope that you find these simple tips relevant and helpful. If you run into an electrical problem that requires professional attention, we encourage you to call Berwick Electric Co. at (719) 632-7683 or click here to request service online.

The office atmosphere at Berwick is a little different than most – the family environment lends itself even to having an office pet. Owned by Berwick Director Jim Peterson, Daisy is a regular fixture around the office. Daisy’s laid-back and faithful personality bring joy to all she encounters. Keep reading below to learn more about Daisy!

Daisy is part of the Berwick Electric family.

Birthday: Daisy was born around September 2002, and she was adopted by the Petersons in 2004.

Daisy plays in the snow.

Breed: Although Daisy is not one primary breed, she is a mixture of French Bulldog, Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Belgian Tervuren.

Personality traits: Daisy is very protective, loyal, smart, and she is very good with the Petersons’ grandchildren. She has also been known to be a bit delusional, thinking that she can take on bears, bobcats, and coyotes. She enjoys taking smaller dogs under her wing to “mother” them.

A creature of habit, Daisy loves routine and enjoys going to work. Her favorite part about the “workday” is lunch time, when she gets her daily bone at noon.  Daisy also loves treats, especially the ones from the local UPS driver.

Daisy is very loved, and if you stop by the office, you just might have the pleasure of meeting her!

In the electrical world, power quality is important. And, we’d be willing to bet that power quality is important to you as well. If you’ve ever had a computer power-down in the middle of an important task, or if you’ve ever sustained equipment damage due to power loss, you know the importance of power quality. In a nutshell, power quality is the strength and efficiency of the power that keeps your home or business running. Below are some common signs that your power quality may be slipping.

Have poor power quality? Enlist the help of a specialist.

1. Your electric bill seems too high. If your electric bill seems a bit outlandish for your power needs, consider a power quality analysis, which will determine whether or not you’re using energy efficiently. “When there are many personal computers, adjustable speed drives, or other equipment that draws in current in short pulses, the power distribution can be negatively affected,” Tim Prime, Berwick Electric’s vice president of industrial projects explained. “Each customer’s needs are different. My job is to find a creative, effective solution to fit any budget.”

2. Computer crashes. If your computers frequently crash, or your computers freeze often, you may have some power quality troubles. Take note of how often this happens, and how many pieces of equipment you had running at that time; then, communicate the info to a power quality specialist.

3. Power supply failures, dropped telephone calls, and flickering lights. All of these items may be symptoms of poor power quality. If they happen frequently, the energy in your home or office is most likely not being distributed efficiently.

If any of these issues are common-place in your home or business, enlist a power quality specialist to install dedicated circuits and ensure proper grounding and power conditioning. Here at Berwick Electric Co., our in-depth understanding of electrical technical factors helps us to design creative power quality solutions for you. To request service, call (719) 632-7683 or click here.

It’s the start of the week and chances are you can use a nice giggle! Here are some chuckle-worthy electrical jokes to lighten your spirits. Enjoy!

Start your weekend off right with a good laugh.

Q: What is an electrician's favorite ice cream flavor?
A: Shock-o-lot!

Two atoms were walking down the street one day, when one of them exclaimed, "Oh no - I've lost an electron!" "Are you sure?" the other one asked. "Yes," replied the first one, "I'm positive."

Q. When an electrician joins the military, who does he report to?
A. GENERAL ELECTRIC!

Q: Why are electricians always up to date?
A: Because they are "current specialists."

Q: Why was the light switch mad?
A: Someone flipped him off.

Q: What did the baby light bulb say to the mommy light bulb?
A: I love you watts and watts!

Have a great week!

When it comes to completing projects with efficiency and excellence, Berwick Electric Co. is always looking for ways to improve. One cutting-edge industry trend, prefabrication (prefab), aims to improve efficiency and quality on the jobsite by constructing selected building components offsite, ahead of time. We recently spoke with Project Manager Mark Norman about Berwick Electric’s take on prefab, as well as the company’s experience with the trend. Keep reading to learn more.

Prefabrication helps increase efficiency on projects with multiple, repetitive parts.

Berwick Electric (BE): What is prefab?
Mark Norman (MN): In our line of work, prefab is anything that can be pre-planned and preassembled in a controlled warehouse environment in order to increase efficiency. Prefab usually involves repetitive tasks that can be a small component of an installation, or in some cases, multi-trade, (various subcontractors working together) full room efforts.

BE: Why is prefab so beneficial?
MN: In many cases, the construction schedule is very tight. Anything we can prefabricate and preplan to be installed in a more efficient manner helps us as electrical contractors to get our job done and then get out of the way for other trades to perform their work. This helps us maintain the project schedule flow.

BE: Can you describe some of Berwick’s experience with prefab?
MN: We kicked off our prefab operations on the Rolling Pin Barracks project several years ago at Fort Carson; we completed 14 barracks building renovations in 15 months. It was very successful. We are currently looking to integrate prefab into upcoming projects in order to support our projects more efficiently.

BE: Can you tell me a little more about the Rolling Pin Barracks project?
MN: Sure. The Rolling Pin Barracks project had several, identical cookie cutter rooms that were very similar in each building. Because of the “cookie cutter” nature of these rooms, this was a perfect project for the prefabrication concept.

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Berwick Electric Co. enjoys sinking its teeth into a variety of projects, including industrial, military, medical, data communications, and more. To learn more about the company’s areas of expertise, click here.

With August in full swing, thunder and lightning storms are common-place here in Colorado Springs. Although lightning storms can be a sight to behold, they can also cause electrical damage to your home or business. In fact, the insurance industry estimates that around 6.5% of all property and casualty claims are related to lightning strikes. If lightning strikes near your home or business, here are a couple of common scenarios to look out for.

If lighting strikes your home or business, look out for the scenarious mentioned below.

Prevent Power Surges

When lightning strikes near a power line, it can increase the amount of electrical current flowing to a wall outlet. This extra burst of electricity is often too much for a surge protector to handle, which can lead to computer and appliance damage. In his article “How Surge Protectors Work,” Tom Harris explains that the best way to protect your computer and other appliances during a lightning storm is to simply turn them off. Businesses may need to take extra measures of precaution to protect data communications systems from a power surge. Depending on the needs of your business, you may want to look into surge protection devices or grounding systems. You can learn more about these options by clicking here.

“About 50 percent of the damage that I see in homes hit by lightning is from an electrical surge that comes in on the communication lines,” Berwick Project Manager Terry Schnieder explained. “I would recommend that people install surge protection devices on phone lines, satellite antennae, and phone lines. Our data communications department regularly installs all of these items.”

Beware of Fire

In his article “Encore: When Lightning Strikes,” Marty Kelly describes how lightning can cause fire because it generates large amounts of heat. Because lightning may start a fire that is not always visible in your home (such as inside of a wall) it is wise to leave your home and call the fire department in the event that lightning strikes your home. It’s always safest to have the fire department assess the situation to make sure there is not fire.

Inspect Breakers

If lightning does strike your home or business, it’s important to inspect the breakers to make sure that they are functioning properly. This article from Energy Experts recommends checking the building’s wiring with a resistance tester, called a megger, to determine the extent of the damage. You can also call Berwick Electric Co. to assess any possible lightning damage.     

Lightning strikes can cause a wide range of damage, from serious to minimal. Should lightning strike near your home or business, we hope that these simple tips will help you approach the situation with common sense.