Most people hear the term “short circuit” all their lives, but never really understand what it means for electricity’s path to be interrupted in that way. The truth is, it’s a dangerous situation that can be created pretty easily by accident, so it’s worth knowing what it is so you know how to avoid it. Short circuits can occur in any electrical circuit, and are a common cause of house fires, electrocutions and property damage. Read on →

While our area may not regularly get the massive snowstorms that can cripple some parts of the country, we do get smaller snowfalls and significant ice storms that can wreak havoc. Included in the troubles they can cause are power outages, which can be especially problematic if they become protracted in the middle of deeply cold weather. They can leave us cold, put us in the dark during the longest nights of the year, and generally cause a lot of issues that aren’t just inconvenient, they can actually be life-threatening. Read on →

Our Teems Lighting division has helped hundreds of companies big and small reduce their utility bills and environmental footprints by improving lighting efficiency. If you’re looking to do the same at home, we have some great advice that may help. While not all the knowledge we’ve picked up along the way transfers from expansive warehouses and factories to townhouses and family homes, some can. Plus, our residential team knows more than a thing or two about improving efficiency for families all across southeast Tennessee and northeast Georgia. Read on →

Teems makes it easy to work with a professional, expert partner for every type of electrical issue around the home. We even offer free quotes for any job. Still, we know plenty of people opt to do some electrical work around their homes themselves. While most of those projects come out fine, trust us when we say there are a lot more risks to taking matters into your own hands than most people realize. Read on →

With so much focus on airborne nasties and how we can reduce them, many of us have found ourselves trying to sort through the many options in the HVAC filter aisle at the local home improvement store. We do well to remember what size the return vent is, but they also want us to sort through a dozen other options. Some filters have numbers, some don’t—and all of them have more initials than a doctor’s office sign. Read on →

When you’re considering a project that involves electrical work, it may be tempting to consider anyone who claims to be able to do the work for the cheapest price. But before you hire an electrician, it’s worth it to make sure the individual or firm is licensed. Here are a few reasons why. Benefits of Working With a Licensed Electrician We have experience and expertise. Becoming a licensed electrician requires rigorous training and extensive knowledge, including terms as an apprentice and a journeyman. Read on →

Teems has worked with commercial operators in Southeast Tennessee and Northeast Georgia for six decades to create their ideal facilities, build expansions and complete renovations that make their facilities more efficiently. That means we have the experience to help any type of business create buildings and electrical systems that are the perfect homes for their success. It also means we can walk with them from concept to ribbon cutting, taking many of the responsibilities along the way off the business owners and executives. Read on →

Fall, sandwiched between the heat of summer and the chill of winter, may not be meteorologically notable, but you could make it a time of big happenings for your utility bills. Between those more-comfortable temperatures and the fact big-spending events such as family vacations and holidays fall outside the season, autumn provides some great opportunities to save. Here are some of our favorites: Stop watering your lawn when the rain returns. Read on →

With the dog days upon us, plenty of people in the Tennessee Valley are relying on their air conditioners to help them keep their cool day and night. The late summer months provide the second-highest electrical usage by TVA customers, though the winter months still outpace this season. If your air conditioner goes out at the worst possible time, you just moved into a home without an HVAC system or you’re just trying to make sure you’re getting optimal cooling, you may be comparing your options. Read on →

Let’s start this off with an introduction: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), also called a ground fault interrupter (GFI), is the type of receptacle with two buttons on it, one labeled “TEST” and the other “RESET.” Those buttons are sometimes red and black and sometimes the same color as the outlet, but they’re always located between the two outlets. Essentially, GFCI outlets are designed to protect users from shocks created by faults in electrical devices such as hair dryers and electric razors. Read on →