Opinion

At a time when electricity and other costs are on the rise, the last thing homeowners need is faulty wiring contributing to their monthly bills — or creating a potential safety hazard. Options abound in Fairfax for making sure your electrical systems are efficient and safe.

Here are the nominees for “Best Electrician Servicing Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite electrician below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28.

Voting for the Best Plumber serving Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Nov. 21 at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best HVAC Company in Fairfax County. The results are now official:

1. M.E. Flow
2. Richards Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
3. Air Treatment Heating & Cooling

With cold weather setting in, a quality plumber could come in handy. Fortunately, there are plenty of local experts who can help fix broken, leaky or clogged pipes in Fairfax County.

Here are the nominees for “Best Plumber that Serves Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite plumber below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21.

Voting for the Best HVAC Company in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday (Nov. 14) at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Exterior Painter in Fairfax. The results are now official:

1. Charles Graves Painting Company
2. Home Works Painting
3. CertaPro Painting

Hoping to schedule some HVAC maintenance before winter settles in? There are some great, reliable providers in and around Fairfax to consider.

Here are the nominees for “Best HVAC Company in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite provider below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14.

Hoping to paint your house a new hue? Exterior painters in and around Fairfax County are ready to help with all the right shades and expertise.

Here are the nominees for “Best Exterior Painter in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite painter below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7.

Voting for the Best Interior Painter in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Local Shop in Fairfax. The results are now official:

1. River-Sea Chocolates
2. Elden Street Tea Shop
3. The Nest Egg

Interested in refreshing your living room or hallways with a fresh coat of paint? Skilled interior painters in and around Fairfax County can lend a helping hand.

Here are the nominees for “Best Interior Painter in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite painter below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31.

Voting for the Best Local Shop in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Hardware Store in Fairfax. The results are now official:

1. McLean Hardware
2. Fairfax Ace Hardware
3. The Home Depot

In and around Fairfax County, a variety of small business boutiques, vintage stores and gift shops can make for a fun afternoon of browsing.

Here are the nominees for “Best Local Shop in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite store below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24.

Voting for the Best Hardware Store in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Happy Hour in Fairfax. The results are now official:

1. P.J. Skidoos 
2. Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
3. Caboose Brewing

Fairfax County has some trusty hardware shops, perfect for stocking up on all the right supplies to complete your next home improvement project.

Here are the nominees for “Best Hardware Store in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite store below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17.

Voting for the Best Happy Hour in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Wing Spot in Fairfax. The results are now official:

1. Open Road Grill
2. Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
3. Buffalo Wing Factory

There are dozens of happy hours to try around Fairfax County, perfect for an after-work drink or leisurely afternoon with friends.

Here are the nominees for “Best Happy Hour in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite place below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10.

Voting for the Best Wing Spot in Fairfax is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Tailor in Fairfax. The results are now official:

1. Merrifield Tailor & Organic Dry Clean
2. The Tailor Shop
3. Best Tailoring Inc

In need of pants hemming, alterations for evening wear or a quick fix on a ripped garment? Tailors across Fairfax are ready to help.

Here are the nominees for “Best Tailor in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite place below? If not, write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26.