Category — Contractor

It’s amazing how well-placed, and well-chosen, lighting fixtures can change your life. Reducing power usage is well and good but beyond that, lighting can help create a mood. It can change a space drastically by opening it up, making it lighter, warmer, cooler; whatever floats your boat. Our kitchen is a great example. The Stafford Home Service folks installed lighting that seemed like a good idea when they installed it, but now that the kitchen is done, it was freakin’ fantastic! [Read more →]

I’ve noticed that I get headaches and stuffed up these past few years, except in summer, when the windows are open. I thought my previous house was clean but recently I have found otherwise. First, Dan at Stafford Home Service advised me to get a larger (wider?) whole-house air filter, then he installed a UV bulb. This has made a pretty significant difference. Although I had previously had an electrostatic filter, he did not see the benefit, especially considering the price (always nice to know a contractor who is trying to get you better service and a better budget!) One of the other things we did was to install the returns in the attic. This has had to significant benefits, one, it created more space in the basement, two, the returns are not sucking up the dirt along the floor. This is something I observed myself, and I’m pretty happy Stafford recommend it. [Read more →]

After reading about the Ecobee Smart Thermostat, and it’s cool green technology and remote control abilities (iPhone and iPad control!) I ordered one online. Dan at Stafford Home Service installed it in less then an hour. The guys at Stafford were already pretty knowledgable about the ecobee and were more then willing to help. Dan was excited that I was looking at green, cutting-edge technology. If you ever have any questions about anything in this area, give him a call. [Read more →]

When we think of a green electrician, we may think of dimmers, low-voltage lighting, energy-efficient appliances and the like, but there are other factors to consider. Recently, Kris, from Stafford Home Service, dropped in at the last minute. My kitchen cabinet installers were coming in and, upon hearing this, Kris wanted to make sure the installation guys were conscious of the electrical decisions and needs. [Read more →]

When renovating or remodeling your home you might want to consider a whole house control and automation system for your audio and video needs. Setting up a whole house control and automation system can be a complicated and overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be.  Prodigy by Crestron is an affordable and simple control system that can control your audio and video systems as well as HVAC, lighting and security system. These systems can be accessed from anywhere in your home, or in the world for that matter. [Read more →]

Need a new furnace? We at Stafford Home Service have been installing furnaces in the Minneapolis, St. Paul and greater Twin Cities area for over 50 years. [Read more →]

LAI has designed an affordable solution for collection and reuse of rainwater in cold climates to essentially eliminate the need for potable water to be used in the irrigation of the landscape. This can be done with both new construction and renovation projects. As shown in the image below we are demonstrating one of many ways to effectively disconnect your irrigation system from either a well source or city water source as a means to conserve the valuable resource and save money!  [Read more →]

I was asked recently what one of the easiest ways to go green. Dimmer light switches are right there at the top.

Three quick advantages with using dimmer switches:

• Reduced Energy Consumption, Dim your lights by quarter & save up to 20 percent Dim by half and save up to 40 percent.
• Increased Bulb Life, If you are dimming the light by just 10 percent it more than doubles the life of the bulb.
• Mood, A softer light is more comforting and sets a relaxing atmosphere.

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This is a question that comes up quite often with our clients at Stafford Home Service electrical. Many people are concerned about safety or are interested in upgrading the mechanicals in their home. Here’s a quick list to help you make your decision. As always, we at Stafford Home Service are available to answer your questions and support your needs. Give us a call today and allow us to help you. [Read more →]

I think the Stafford Home Service guys are the best HVAC installer in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They have been so helpful and patient with this crazy process. They have found very creative ways to work around the old framing and our need to pack things in tightly to maximize usable space. Many contractors would just go the direct, and easy, route and take up a lot of space. –It maximizes their profits but minimizes your usable space. [Read more →]