As a property owner, the beauty and security of your buildings matter. New York City is full of architecturally significant structures. During the day, it is easy to appreciate the buildings and feel safe, but without adequate lighting, they lose their beauty and sense of security at night. Exterior lighting design is a crucial aspect
Property owners sometimes have hopes of saving money with do-it-yourself solutions. Unfortunately, not all DIY strategies actually are cost-effective — in fact, many can cost a building owner more than hiring a professional to begin with. Electrical work is particularly risky. A DIY light switch installation is a seemingly minimalist project that appears easy on
In January 2022, an electrical fire at Twin Parks North West in Fordham Heights claimed 17 lives. It was a significant loss and highlighted the risks of outdated electrical systems and inadequate safety knowledge. Many New York City buildings are pre-war structures with electrical infrastructure that predate current codes. Property owners must prioritize electrical upgrades
From the Dakota to the San Remo, New York City has an extensive supply of properties built before 1939, some dating back to the 1880s. Pre-war properties are desirable; current demands mean hefty rental fees for updated residences. Too many pre-war buildings use outdated single-phase electricity. This system offers an inadequate and inconsistent power supply,
With New York aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, property owners are in need of tools that help them meet new climate regulations. While significant investments, such as solar panels and upgraded HVAC systems, can help, many owners are looking for less expensive ways to make a difference. Enter the smart thermostat. With numerous features
Most designers agree that lighting is among the most vital design elements in common areas and personal spaces. If you want your property to feel warm and inviting, lighting and electricity play a significant role. Besides light’s ability to change the vibe of an area, the convenience of outlets contributes to a space’s functionality. As
Success as a property owner in NYC is about keeping tenants happy and obeying building codes and regulations. While this prospect may sound easy in theory, the execution is challenging, especially considering the age of many buildings. Many buildings are pre-war and require significant upgrades to most systems, including the electrical. Some of the most
As one of the oldest observed natural phenomena, lighting is intense, beautiful, and terrifying. The basic mechanics of the sky-born discharge are easy enough to comprehend — air is an insulator for areas of positive and negative charges, which build until they reach a level that breaks down the insulator, causing a rapid discharge of
In March 2023, the cost of electricity in New York City was an average of $0.21, less than the national average of $0.23. Despite the difference, New Yorkers spent more on average year-over-year on annual energy costs, 14% higher than the national average. NYC’s demand on the grid is part of the reason for new
Appliances and other electronics contribute to rising utility costs, but property owners can cut and control these expenses with proper management and investment. The key to managing expenses is learning about energy consumption. How much electricity do appliances use on your property? Breaking down consumption patterns lets property owners assess kilowatt-hours and annual expenses of