FAQ

Celebrating 52 years of exceptional service to Vermont residents

Frequently Asked Questions

I just got home and have no power. What should I do?

Call or check your power company's website and ask/see whether there is an outage in your area. If there is no power outage, check the breaker panel to see if the main breaker is tripped. If so, reset it by turning it completely off, then back on. If it holds and the power comes on, you should be all set. If it does not reset or hold power, leave it alone and call us.

Can a ceiling fan be installed where there is a light now?

No, in most. cases a special fan box must be installed first. Call us for assistance.

Can I dim a fluorescent lamp?

Only if the lamp is designed to be dimmed. Check with the manufacturer for this information.

Do you charge for estimates?

No. Our estimates are always free!

Does your work come with a warranty?

Yes, we provide a one year warranty on all materials and workmanship.

What is a GFI or GFCI?

Ground fault interrupters or ground fault circuit interrupters are found in breakers and receptacles installed in areas in the home where water is present, or could be, such as a bathroom, kitchens, garage, basement and exterior. (See the following question on how to reset).

I have no power in my bathroom and/or kitchen. What should I do?

First, look for buttons on the receptacles. If your rooms are up to code, the outlets will have a interrupter (GFI) and you can push the buttons to reset.

If the power does not come back on, check the breaker in the main panel. Reset the breaker by turning it completely off and then back on. If you still have no power, call us. Note: Manufacturers recommend testing GFI receptacles once per month.

Does surge protection work?

Yes, it is a great tool to protect your electronic equipment. A device can be installed in the individual circuit with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source). Contact us for suggestions on how to set up your equipment at home or in the office.

How often should I replace the batteries in my smoke detectors?

Batteries should be replaced once a year. Also, smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years depending on manufacturer's specifications. Combination smoke and CO photoelectric units are only good for five years and the batteries need to be replaced once a year. Check the manufacturers site for more suggestions.

Do all fluorescent lamps have to be recycled?

Yes. Contact the Chittenden Solid Wast District for more information.

My screw-in fluorescent lights are flickering when I turn them on. Why?

First, check to see if they are on a dimmer or fan control. These lights are not dimmable and may be used on a fan control, so they will need to be changed. Check the manufacturer's specifications.

Would you recommend LED lamps in the home? If so, where?

We recommend these for areas where the lights are on for a long period of time, such as hallway, outside flood lights if left on all night, and to light up artwork.

How expensive are LED lamps?

LED lamp prices are slowly coming down, but lamp pricing depends on lamp style and quality. A high quality LED lamp will offer 50,000 to 100,000 hours. Check with Efficiency Vermont appropriate manufacturers.