Electrical contractors are always looking for ways to differentiate themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. In addition to its “Highest in Quality” status, Chasov Electrical, Voice & Data sets itself apart by offering its clients a unique package of services that most companies aren’t qualified to provide. “When customers hire us, they don’t have to hire separate network people or contractors to install things like sound systems,” explains owner Michael Chasov. “We provide everything in one package, including a full spectrum of low-voltage wiring services.”

Chasov Electrical, Voice & Data has been providing complete electrical services for residential and commercial clients throughout San Francisco since 2000. The company’s work extends to service upgrades; electrical systems; lighting controls and LED lighting solutions; pre-wiring for solar panels and electric cars; telephone and cable networks; home theater, sound, CCTV and intercom systems; and more. It also handles small jobs, performs service calls, and rewires Victorian-era houses by using cutting-edge technological and eco-conscious systems that can be seamlessly integrated in any style.

Unlike electrical contractors that strive to complete jobs as quickly as possible and sacrifice quality control in the process, Chasov Electrical, Voice & Data takes the time to educate each client by walking them through the entire project and showing them what’s involved. “We want to give our customers a complete picture of what’s going on so they understand all their options,” says Mr. Chasov. “For example, we tell them when they can reuse knobs and wiring instead of automatically charging them for replacements.”

Another unique feature of Chasov Electrical, Voice & Data is its ability to perform high-end residential work that most electrical contractors can’t handle. “We’re highly trained and proficient with new technologies, including some just-developed wiring control systems,” explains Mr. Chasov. “We constantly work with new systems, so we’re able to help our customers make better decisions about what to put in their homes.”

Reduce your energy bill and help the environment with LED lighting. As environmental awareness and responsibility have increased in recent years, so too has the desire to reduce energy consumption in new ways. A leading fixture in this movement is LED (light emitting diode) lighting, which is an alternative to traditional lighting that provides long-term economical savings and environmental benefits. To determine if LED lighting is right for you, consider the following information:

Energy-efficient. Most LED bulbs use 1/3 to 1/30 the energy used by traditional bulbs, which means most homeowners recoup the initial costs and save more over the life of the bulbs. It’s estimated that the average home saves $14,000 in energy costs by switching 25 incandescent lights with 25 LED lights (based on more than 50,000 hours of use).

Less heat. More than 90 percent of the energy burned by incandescent bulbs is wasted on unwanted heat. In comparison, LED bulbs burn cool and only use 10 percent of their energy as heat.

Long-lasting. Most LED lights are rated for 50,000 hours of use, so even if they were left on 24 hours a day, they would still last an average of 10 years. In normal usage situations, most LED bulbs last 17 years or more. “They’re so efficient that they can literally work for 25 to 30 years without needing to be replaced,” adds Michael Chasov, owner of Chasov Electrical, Voice & Data in San Francisco.

Environmentally-friendly. LED light bulbs don’t contain mercury or lead like traditional bulbs, and they don’t use mercury in the manufacturing process, which makes them safer for home use and better for the environment. Instead of treating them as hazardous waste, you can dispose of them easily.

No radiation or UV light. Compact fluorescent bulbs have been criticized because they release radiation, which some say can be harmful to humans when used in close proximity. Also, lights that emit UV rays can fade and damage furniture and materials over time. Because LED lighting doesn’t produce ultraviolet light, this isn’t a concern.

Stable during power fluctuations. Traditional bulbs can burn out during power surges or when the power source fluctuates, including when the bulb is turned on and off. LED lights offer instant light, so they aren’t sensitive to small or large power fluctuations and don’t unexpectedly burn out.

No filaments. Filaments in incandescent bulbs can be easily damaged by bumping and jarring. LED lights don’t have filaments, so they’re generally sturdier.

Durable. Most light bulbs are made of breakable glass and metal, which can be hazardous during temperature fluctuations and when they’re dropped or hit. LED lights are made of shatterproof plastics and durable aluminum, which makes them much less likely to break when introduced to extreme temperatures or dropped/struck.

Q: How expensive is electrical work?

A: It can be expensive, but it’s definitely beneficial to invest in a good electrical system. We’ll lay out the pros and cons of upgrading your electrical system in terms of safety, feasibility and cost. An electrical remodel can add as much value to your home as a kitchen remodel—you just have to make sure you’re spending money on the right items.

Q: Will you help me choose the right lighting for my home?

A: We can guide you through this process or refer you to a professional lighting designer. We’ll start by asking what kind of lighting you’re looking for—many customers are surprised that so many lights exist! Then we’ll help you make a decision based on your answers.

Q: Is it possible to switch my two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets?

A: Very few appliances require three-prong outlets, so you only need to upgrade the ones that require grounding, such as computers and anything with a motor. In most cases, we need to rewire the outlet in order to ground it, so we usually advise only doing the minimum number of outlets required.

Q: Do I need electrical plans for my project?

A: Electrical plans are only required for large installations. You can consult a district electrical inspector or supervisor to determine if your project is large enough to require plans.

Q: What exactly does a service call entail?

A: A service call is when a qualified specialist comes to your house to perform a small electrical job. Some examples are restoring lost power, installing a light fixture, running telephone line and repairing a doorbell.

Q: Do you need advance notice to perform an electrical inspection?

A: Yes, we ask our clients to provide sufficient advance notice for critical inspections. Our goal is to provide inspection services within 48 hours, but that isn’t always possible.