Tips, Trends & Expert Advice

Your HVAC system works quietly in the background every day, keeping your home comfortable through changing seasons. But just like a car needs routine oil changes, your heating and cooling system needs seasonal maintenance  to run safely, efficiently, and reliably. Skipping maintenance might not cause immediate problems, but over time it can lead to higher energy bills, unexpected breakdowns, and shortened system life. 🔧 What Is Seasonal HVAC Maintenance? Seasonal HVAC mainte

The essential homeowner guide to modern electrical safety and power needs. As our homes fill with more technology, lighting, appliances, and high-demand devices, the electrical panel — your home’s “power command center” — works harder than ever. Many homes in Oregon and Washington still rely on panels installed 20, 30, or even 50 years ago. And while they may still function, they weren’t designed for the electrical demands of today. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time t

An Inside Look at How We Bring Power, Safety, and Convenience Into a New Home When most people imagine building their dream home, they think about paint colors, flooring, cabinets, or the perfect kitchen layout. But behind every beautiful space is something far more important: a safe, reliable, and thoughtfully designed electrical system. During a recent new construction project, our team wired an entire home from the ground up — and we documented the process to help homeowne

A Kind, Honest Look at Pricing, Expertise, and the Heart Behind What We Do When people see a quote for electrical work, it’s natural for the first thought to be, “Why does it cost so much?” We get it. Electricity is something most of us use every minute of every day, yet rarely think about until a breaker trips, a light flickers, or a project finally gets the green light. But here’s the truth: electrical work isn’t just about wires, tools, or time on-site.It ’s about expertis

Solar energy is becoming more popular every year — and for good reason. It can lower utility bills, increase home value, and reduce your carbon footprint. But while the benefits are clear, most homeowners don’t realize just how important the electrical side  of solar installation truly is. Before you commit to adding solar panels to your home, here’s what you should understand from an electrician’s point of view. ⚡ 1. Your Electrical Panel Must Be Ready for Solar One of the b

When it comes to your home’s electrical system, the panel is the heart of it all. It controls how power is distributed throughout your house — and determines how safely and efficiently everything runs. If you’re remodeling, adding new appliances, or upgrading an older system, it’s worth knowing the different types of panels available and which one fits your needs best. 🔌 1. Main Breaker Panel — The Standard for Most Homes This is the most common type of panel and serves as t

It’s easy to brush off a flickering light as just an annoyance — but it can actually be a sign of a deeper electrical issue. Understanding what’s behind those flickers can help you keep your home safe and your electrical system running smoothly. ⚙️ Common Causes of Flickering Lights Loose Bulbs or Connections Sometimes it’s as simple as a bulb that’s not screwed in tightly. If tightening doesn’t help, the issue might be with the light fixture or wiring connection. Circuit Ove

Your home’s electrical system is something you rarely think about — until something goes wrong. But waiting until sparks fly (literally) can lead to costly repairs or safety risks. Here are five signs  it might be time to call a licensed electrician. 💡 1. Flickering or Dimming Lights If your lights flicker when you turn on an appliance, it may not just be a bad bulb. This can indicate overloaded circuits  or outdated wiring struggling to keep up with modern electrical demand

Here in Longview , the rainy season doesn’t mess around — and neither should your outdoor electrical setup. We recently completed a job for a local homeowner who was concerned about exposed outlets getting wet during the fall and winter months. It was the perfect opportunity to install weather-rated GFCI outlets  paired with heavy-duty “in-use” bubble covers  — a small upgrade that makes a big  difference. ⚡ Why Outdoor GFCI Protection Matters Outdoor outlets are exposed to a

When most people think about commercial electrical work, they imagine lighting or outlets — but there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes, especially in kitchens. We recently had the opportunity to support a growing local pizza shop  by upgrading their electrical system to meet the demands of new, high-powered equipment. Here's what we did — and why it's a great example of how the right electrical work helps businesses grow safely and efficiently. ⚙️ The Problem: Not Eno

Hot tubs usually require: A dedicated 240V circuit GFCI protection  (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) A disconnect panel  installed at a safe distance Proper grounding and bonding Even small mistakes in wiring can lead to serious electrical hazards — including shocks, breaker trips, or even fires. That’s why most manufacturers require professional installation to maintain the warranty. 🔧 What We Handle During Installation As licensed electricians, we: Inspect your panel to

When the power goes out — whether from a storm, a downed line, or a blown transformer — you're left in the dark. And while flashlights and candles might feel cozy for a moment, they don’t keep your fridge running or your home warm. That’s where a backup generator  steps in. 🔌 What Is a Standby Generator? A standby generator  (also called a whole-home generator) is permanently installed outside your home, similar to an A/C unit. It automatically turns on when the power goes o

When the temperatures drop, your home’s electrical system works overtime — powering space heaters, electric blankets, heat lamps, holiday lights, and more. But if your wiring is outdated, worn, or overloaded, winter isn’t just cold... it can be dangerous. Here’s how to tell if your wiring is ready for the season — or if it’s time for a safety check. ⚠️ 1. Your Breakers Trip When Using Heating Devices Do your breakers trip when you plug in a space heater, toaster oven, or hair

As the weather turns colder and wetter, keeping your home’s electrical system safe becomes even more important — especially in areas...

Tips for Safely Running Outdoor Halloween Lights & Inflatables Halloween is all about thrills and chills — but your electrical system...

Please watch this video where I describe how North By Northwest Services and Scappoose Oregon have a little bit of history together. In...

Protect Your Family, Prevent Hazards, and Save on Energy This Fall As the crisp autumn air settles in and daylight hours shorten, it’s...

Battling the Elements – Electrical Panel Work in Rainier, OR & Longview, WA 1. Understanding Codes & Regulations Oregon (Rainier area):...

North By Northwest Services LLC Partners with Columbia County Habitat for Humanity to Support a Worthy Family in St. Helens, Oregon At...

Metal Shop vs. Pole Building Wiring: What You Need to Know Before You Build By North By Northwest Services | Serving Rainier, Oregon and...