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David Heintz
President
A & H Electric Co.
3505 N. Loop 336 West
Conroe, Texas 77304
Office: (936) 756-0442

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Open post Preparing Your Home for Summer: Essential Electrical Safety Tips

Preparing Your Home for Summer: Essential Electrical Safety Tips

As temperatures rise, the demand on your home’s electrical system increases. Ensuring electrical safety during summer is crucial to prevent hazards and maintain a comfortable living environment. Here are some essential electrical safety tips to help you prepare your home for the summer.

Check for Overloaded Circuits

Overloaded circuits can lead to electrical fires, especially when air conditioners and other cooling devices run simultaneously. Ensure your circuits are not overloaded:

  • Distribute Load: Spread out the use of high-energy appliances across different circuits.
  • Use Surge Protectors: Protect your devices from power surges caused by summer storms.
  • Consult an Electrician: Have a professional evaluate your electrical panel to ensure it can handle the increased load.

Inspect Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor gatherings are expected during the summer, making outdoor lighting crucial. Ensure your outdoor lighting is safe and efficient:

  • Check for Damage: Inspect wires and bulbs for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Upgrade to LED: Consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption.
  • Weatherproof Fixtures: Ensure all outdoor lighting fixtures are weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use.

Ensure Air Conditioning System Efficiency

Your air conditioning system works hard during the summer. To ensure it runs efficiently and safely:

  • Regular Maintenance: Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance of your air conditioning unit.
  • Clean Filters: Replace or clean air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and reduce strain on the system.
  • Check Wiring: Inspect the wiring and connections of your air conditioning unit for any signs of wear or damage.

Additional Electrical Safety Tips

  • Test Smoke Detectors: Ensure all smoke detectors function correctly and have fresh batteries.
  • Use GFCI Outlets: Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in areas exposed to water, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Avoid Extension Cords: Minimize the use of extension cords, especially for high-power devices.

Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe

Follow these essential electrical safety tips to ensure your home is ready for the summer heat. For professional assistance, contact A&H Electric today. Our certified electricians are ready to help you with home maintenance and electrical needs—call (936) 756-0442 to schedule an inspection or consultation. Stay safe, and enjoy a worry-free summer!

Open post November Electrical Safety: Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

November Electrical Safety: Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

The holiday season is just around the corner, and as the temperatures drop, we all start thinking about cozy gatherings, festive decorations, and the warm glow of lights. While it’s a time for celebration, it’s also crucial to ensure that your home is safe from electrical hazards. At A&H Electric Co., we’re here to help you navigate the path to a safer and brighter holiday season. Here are some essential tips to prepare your home for the holidays:

Ensuring Electrical Safety

The safety of your home and loved ones should be a top priority. Follow these guidelines to prevent electrical mishaps:

  • Inspect Your Wiring: Before you start decorating, have a certified electrician inspect your electrical system to identify any potential issues or needed repairs.
  • Use Outdoor Rated Extension Cords: For outdoor decorations, make sure to use extension cords designed for outdoor use to prevent weather-related damage.
  • Avoid Overloading Circuits: Be cautious not to overload your electrical circuits with too many decorations and devices. This can lead to overheating and electrical fires.

Efficient Lighting Upgrades

Make your holiday lighting both beautiful and energy-efficient:

  • Switch to LED Lights: LED lights use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing your energy bills.
  • Install Timers: Consider installing timers for your indoor and outdoor lighting to save energy and automate your holiday displays.
  • Consider Solar-Powered Lights: Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option for outdoor decorations, utilizing the power of the sun.

Electrical Maintenance

Now is an excellent time for electrical maintenance:

  • Replace Outdated Outlets: Outlets that are loose or show signs of wear should be replaced to avoid electrical problems.
  • Check Smoke Detectors: Ensure your smoke detectors are working correctly, as they are vital for early fire detection.
  • Emergency Services Preparedness: Have a plan in place in case of electrical emergencies and know how to turn off your main electrical supply.

Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe

As you prepare your home for the holiday season, remember that A&H Electric Co. is here to assist you in ensuring your electrical safety. Contact us today at (936) 756-0442 for professional inspections, repairs, and energy-efficient lighting upgrades. Let’s make this holiday season both merry and safe.

Wishing you a joyful and well-lit holiday season!

Open post Watt's the Deal with Energy Efficiency? A Homeowner's Guide

Watt’s the Deal with Energy Efficiency? A Homeowner’s Guide

In an era where energy conservation is paramount, the benefits of energy-efficient appliances and lighting extend beyond cost savings. At A&H Electric Co., we believe in equipping homeowners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about energy consumption, leading to both financial benefits and a greener footprint.

The Advantages of Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient practices offer a range of advantages, from reducing your monthly utility bills to minimizing your environmental impact. Here’s what you stand to gain:

  • Lower Utility Bills: Energy-efficient appliances and lighting use less electricity, leading to noticeable reductions in your monthly bills.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Decreased energy consumption contributes to reduced carbon emissions, promoting a healthier environment for all.
  • Enhanced Home Comfort: Modern energy-efficient technologies provide better temperature regulation and improved indoor air quality.
  • Long-Term Savings: Although energy-efficient appliances might have a higher initial cost, they often pay for themselves through long-term energy savings.

Simple Tips for Energy Efficiency

Adopting energy-efficient practices doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy steps you can take to start saving energy and money today:

  • LED Lighting: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights for longer-lasting illumination and reduced energy use.
  • Unplug Unused Electronics: Many electronics draw power even when turned off. Unplug devices or use power strips to completely disconnect them.
  • Seal Leaks: Inspect your home for air leaks around windows, doors, and vents. Proper insulation can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
  • Regular Maintenance: Keep your appliances and HVAC systems well-maintained to ensure optimal efficiency and performance.
  • Upgrade Appliances: When it’s time to replace appliances, opt for energy-efficient models with the ENERGY STAR label.

A&H Electric Co.: Your Partner in Energy Efficiency

We’re dedicated to helping you achieve optimal energy efficiency. With over three decades of experience, our certified electricians specialize in providing energy-efficient solutions for both residential and commercial spaces. Our commitment to superior customer service, reliability, and professionalism sets us apart.

Ready to unlock the benefits of energy efficiency? Contact us today to learn more about how our expert electricians can help you make the most of energy-efficient technologies. From lighting upgrades to electrical system assessments, we’re here to guide you towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Elevate Your Home’s Efficiency with A&H Electric Co.

Open post These 4 Red Flags Should Send You Running for a Licensed Electrician

These 4 Red Flags Should Send You Running for a Licensed Electrician

The Residential Energy Consumption Survey analyzes energy consumption for these eight purposes: air conditioning, clothes drying, lighting, cooking, water heating, space heating, hot tubs, and swimming pools.

There is no doubt that electricity demand is increasing rapidly. On average, residents consume 867 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity a month. However, this amount can fluctuate greatly as several factors can impact consumption. (e.g., geographic location and climate, home and household size, type and a number of electronic devices, etc.).

Any system’s goal should be not only optimal performance but also safe operation, so as demand increases, the need for greater responsibility also increases. Protect your home by avoiding overloaded sockets and watching for red flags. Electrical failures and malfunctions are one of the top leading causes of U.S. home fires. 

These four red flags necessitate contacting a licensed electrician in Conroe.

Hot Outlets

It is important to keep electrical wiring safe even if there are a variety of appliances that generate heat. Heat should never extend to the outlet or wall plate, meaning the outlet or wall plate must never feel uncomfortably hot to the touch. Hot spots, or worse, scorch marks are common indicators of unsafe electrical wiring. Immediately discontinue using that outlet, unplugging any appliances or electronics, until a licensed electrician can troubleshoot and repair the problem.

Flickering Lights

A flickering light on Halloween is one thing, but if your ordinary light is flickering or dimming, it may be an issue with a loose connection. If the flicking happens only at one light fixture, then the issue probably lies with a loose bulb, faulty light switch, or voltage fluctuation. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to call an electrician to evaluate your home’s electrical wiring.

Buzzing Noises

Buzzing, crackling, or other types of noise are signs of electrical malfunction. If your outlets are making noise, there is something wrong. Noise is often a symptom of a more serious problem and a potential fire hazard – this requires calling an electrician. In the meantime, stop using the outlet until it can be serviced.

Tripping Circuit Breakers

It is the job of circuit breakers to prevent overloading. They will also trip in an instant if a short circuit occurs or a power surge takes place. They are one of the most important aspects of electrical safety. If plugging in a small appliance causes the circuit breaker to continuously shut off, the circuit is probably overloaded, preventing that and other appliances/electronics from being irreparably damaged. A licensed electrician can rectify this issue by connecting new circuits and redistributing electrical loads.

Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe

A&H Electric Co. has over thirty years of experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. We offer a full suite of services, not limited to electrical safety inspections and whole home rewiring, with all work performed by experienced technicians. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment anytime you need a certified electrician in Conroe to service your home or business, even if it’s after hours, as we offer 24-hour emergency repairs.

Open post How to Avoid Energy Vampire and Save Money

How to Avoid Energy Vampires and Save Money

There is a concept known as vampire energy, where electricity is wasted when plugged in items are still operating even when off. You may find that your appliances and/or devices are never truly off, regardless of their status. In order to reduce your energy bill, it is vital to eliminate energy vampires. This energy waste can drive up your energy bill for decades, costing you hundreds of dollars over time.

How Does Vampire Energy Work?

It’s important to realize that devices – even when off and in standby mode – are still pulling power, because they are designed for convenience. Standby Mode saves you time and energy, but a quick turn-on means they have been consuming energy even while off.

Vampire energy frequently targets the following common devices:

  • Televisions
  • Cable boxes
  • Satellite boxes
  • Internet routers
  • Internet modems
  • Stereos
  • Printers
  • Scanners
  • Cell Phone chargers
  • Cordless phones
  • Game consoles
  • Cameras
  • Portable vacuums
  • Microwave ovens
  • Electric clocks

Other Names for Vampire Energy

There have been several aliases associated with vampire energy over the years, and these are some of the most common:

  • Vampire Electricity
  • Vampire Draw
  • Phantom Load
  • Phantom Power Loss
  • Standby Power Consumption
  • Ghost Load
  • Leaking Electricity
  • Power Leech
  • Idle Power Load

Lower Your Bills By Killing Vampire Energy

It is essential to reduce your electricity consumption in order to lower your energy bill. The more consumer electronics you have plugged in at the same time, the more vampire electricity they generate, which makes it harder to reduce your electricity expenses.

Vampire electricity is ultimately paying for services you don’t use. You’ll spend money on electricity if you let your electronics run when you aren’t using them, which you could use for home improvement projects, college funding, or extra spending money. 

Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe

A&H Electric Co. has over thirty years of experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. We offer a full suite of services, not limited to electrical safety inspections and whole home rewiring, with all work performed by skilled technicians. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment anytime you need a certified electrician to service your home or business, even if it’s after hours, as we offer 24-hour emergency repairs.

Open post Don't Let Your Power Bill Ruin Your Holiday

Don’t Let Your Power Bill Ruin Your Holiday

Christmas is nearly around the corner! With all these fun decorations, power bills aren’t very fun after the holidays have come and gone. Lighting bills around this time of year usually go up by about 10 percent – depending on how extravagant your lighting display is.

How does one decorate and celebrate the holiday with full spirit without upping the power bill so much? A few smart moves like contacting a residential electrician when decorating this season and making adjustments can help bring out the best decorations without the hefty bill. 

  • Switch to LED Christmas Lights:
    You can save up to 90% on your energy costs by switching to LED Christmas lights. LED Christmas lights are safe and durable, requiring far less electricity than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs.
  • All in the Timing:
    The smartest way to save money on holiday lights is to be smart about when you turn them on and how much time you use them. You can set automatic timers throughout your home and holiday displays. We recommend setting the timer to turn on lights at 5:00 PM and scheduling them out for four to five hours after.
  • Battery Operated Decorations:
    Battery-operated garland and door wreaths may be the perfect solution if you are looking to save money on your energy bills. Rechargeable batteries, however, will save you money on replacement costs.
  • Thinking Smaller:
    For many homeowners, the holiday season is the perfect time to “go big or go home”. However, if you don’t want your power bills to skyrocket, you may want to think smaller – especially if you are trying to outdo your neighbor – in good-spirited neighbor rivalry, of course.

Need Electrical Repair? Consult a Licensed Electrician

Electrical issues are a significant cause for concern, particularly between November and February. The NFPA says that two out of five residential fires caused by electrical failure or malfunction occurred during this time. So should anything seem amiss as you’re decking the holidays, don’t delay; consult a licensed electrician like A&H Electric to troubleshoot the issues and make the necessary repairs.

A&H Electric Co. has over thirty years of experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, service, and installation. We offer a full suite of services, not limited to electrical safety inspections and surge protection installation, with all work performed by certified electricians. Please don’t hesitate to make a service appointment with A&H Electric whenever you need a commercial or residential electrician to service your home or business, even if it’s after hours, as we provide 24-hour emergency electrical services.

Open post Eliminating Drafts Around Electrical Outlets

Eliminating Drafts Around Electrical Outlets

Wind drafts within a home can be more than just a nuisance. It is possible they are signs of air leaks, which can lead to reduced energy efficiency and higher monthly energy costs. Whether you’re feeling the chill or you’re tired of receiving high electricity bills, you should check your electrical outlets and switches for leaks if you have already sealed around your doors and windows.

A draft proof home is more energy efficient – and more comfortable – reducing your utility bills by stopping them in their tracks. Contact a local, licensed, residential electrician or use the method outlined below to help make the most cost-effective methods for making your home more energy-efficient. 

Holes Everywhere

Despite their innocent appearance, electrical outlets and light switch covers often harbor drafts – especially in older homes and on exterior walls. You are more likely to experience minimal air leaks from these boxes if your home’s exterior is airtight: if no air is entering your cavities, the problem should be minimal. 

Materials Required

You can increase your home’s energy efficiency by sealing off the outlets and switches with inexpensive foam seals that can be found at your local hardware or home improvement store. Make sure to purchase enough for every outlet and light switch cover in your home along with a couple tubes of high-quality caulk. You can further seal the leaks by buying tamper-resistant receptacles.

Steps for Eliminating Drafts:

#1. Remove the outlet and light switch covers.

#2. Run a thin bead of caulk where the box meets the drywall.

#3. While the caulk is still wet, apply the foam seal on top, pressing firmly so that it connects with the caulk. This makes for an airtight seal.

#4. Install tamper-resistant receptacles or spring-loaded outlet covers. These are marketed for both energy-efficiency and child proofing. They’re a win, win!

Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe

A&H Electric Co. has over thirty years of experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. We offer a full suite of services, not limited to electrical safety inspections and whole home rewiring, with all work performed by experienced technicians. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment anytime you need a certified electrician in Conroe to service your home or business, even if it’s after hours, as we offer 24-hour emergency repairs.

Open post Is Your Outlet Sparking When Plugging in Something?

Is Your Outlet Sparking When Plugging in Something?

It’s not uncommon for an outlet to spark here and there, so you most likely have had it happen to you. Did you ever wonder why it may be happening and if there was a way to fix it?

Causes of Outlets Sparking

Electrical outlets in a home have become a crucial feature in the last 100+ years, providing electrical power to appliances and anything requiring electricity within your home. As stated above, you most likely have dealt with a sparking outlet when plugging in something; this unfortunately is never a good thing as it can potentially lead to an electrical fire. If you notice a sparking outlet, contact an electrician right away. 

Exposed Wiring

A potential cause of sparking could be exposed wiring, which means the insulation around the wiring has deteriorated over time or may be missing. Exposed wires can cause short circuits and sparking if they are touching. 

Improper Wiring

Another strong possibility could be due to improper wiring, this could be a form of terminal wiring that is loose or the internal contact is poor. If the outlet feels hot to the touch, this could result in sparking. 

Overloaded Receptacle

Most outlets are designed to have only two plugs in them, having multiple adapters plugged in to plug in more electrical units, can cause instability in the outlet and can be very dangerous. If you need to utilize multiple adapters, try using surge protectors instead. 

These are ways to identify an issue with your outlet and if you become suspicious of electrical problems, have a certified professional electrician take a look at the problem. 

Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe

A&H Electric Co. has over thirty years of experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. We offer a full suite of services, not limited to electrical safety inspections and whole home rewiring, with all work performed by experienced technicians. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment anytime you need a certified electrician in Conroe to service your home or business, even if it’s after hours, as we offer 24-hour emergency repairs.

Open post Getting to Know Your Breaker Panel

Getting to Know Your Breaker Panel

Every home should be equipped with a break panel, these panels are just one big switch that is filled with smaller switches, called breakers. These switches help with a variety of things. You should really only need access to the breaker panel for these three tasks:

  • to reset a circuit breaker after it trips
  • to shut off power to the whole house, if needed
  • to turn off power to individual circuits when installing a ceiling fan or replacing an outlet

What am I looking at?

Electrical main: You can, in the case of an emergency, shut off electricity to your entire home using this switch. Located at the top of most boxes, it’s the biggest breaker, usually 100 to 200 amps, depending on the house’s square footage.

Single-pole breakers: These general-purpose breakers likely make up most of the breakers in your box. They can handle 120 volts and are either 15 amps or 20 amps (reference the numbers on top of the switches for proper amps).

Double-pole breakers: Like the electrical main, they look like two switches joined together. They can handle 240 volts and are usually between 15-125 amps. These are for your large appliances, such as stoves, dryers, HVAC units, and water heaters.

Expansion (empty) slots: Many breaker boxes have empty slots, so that you can have a licensed electrician add additional circuits, as needed. This comes in handy if you add a suite of new appliances to your kitchen or want to install covered outlets outdoors.

There are also other types of special purpose breakers, such as Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) that are designed to provide additional safety protection from fire (AFCI), and electrocution (GFCI).

Why do circuit breakers trip?

A circuit breaker “trips,” shutting off the flow of electricity, ensuring your appliances and/or home don’t become damaged due to an overheating circuit. Before flipping the switch back, it’s important to determine what caused the circuit breaker to trip in the first place. The number one cause is circuit overload (discussed below), however, other, more serious causes, include:

  • Short circuits
  • Ground faults

Overloading occurs when you power on too many devices at the same time on the same circuit. For example, if you have a 15 amp circuit powering your TV, microwave, and lights all on at the same time, then the circuit breaker will trip to prevent overheating because you’ve exceed the capacity of the electrical wiring. Overheating appliances can also cause a circuit to overload.

The solution? Hire a licensed electrician to come and replace the circuit breaker. You should also consider redistributing some of your lights, appliances, and other devices to another outlet to avoid overloading the circuit. Having a properly labeled panel is important, as well.

Open post Electrical Problems in the Summer & How to Keep a Lookout

Electrical Problems in the Summer & How to Keep a Lookout

Summer is officially only a couple of weeks away – long days, warm nights, and continuous enjoyment! 

Summer also brings in major heat waves throughout Texas and the best way to keep ourselves cool is by utilizing air conditioners. However, if you add in some humidity, this can cause several electrical problems this hot season that you should watch for, as well as contact a Houston electrical contractor to repair.

Summer Storms

Thunderstorms this season can interrupt power and depend on the severity of the storm, it can sometimes last for several days even. Contact your utility company and alert them of the outage in your home or area. If you have a generator stored at least 30 feet from your home, this can ensure some power during storms and not leave you in the dark until power can be reinstated. 

Generators are very useful, often coming in a range of fuel types like gas, propane, and diesel – some even have dual fuel tanks. Generators can be bought as portable or standby and some can be connected to your home’s existing liquid propane or natural gas fuel supply if you have that. With a wide range of power capacities, you can choose how mighty your generator will be.

Consumption Increase

Between June and August, the need for cooling greatly increases. On top of that, there is also an increase in lighting, appliances, and electronics. The best option is to try and conserve as much energy as possible. Before our current advancements, many would have to lower their air conditioning use or appliance usage but with today’s technologies, there are now energy-efficient products for everything in our homes. 

Other simple and cost-effective ways to save energy and money during Houston’s 90+ weather include:

  • Plug electronics into a power strip
  • Don’t heat your home with appliances
  • Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors
  • Check your air filter monthly, changing it as needed
  • Program your thermostat to save energy when you are asleep or away
  • Turn lights, fans, and electronics off when you leave a room or don’t need them

Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe

A&H Electric Co. has over thirty years of experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. We offer a full suite of services, not limited to electrical safety inspections and whole home rewiring, with all work performed by experienced technicians. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment anytime you need a certified electrician in Conroe to service your home or business, even if it’s after hours, as we offer 24-hour emergency repairs.

Join the A&H Electric Co. Family! A&H Electric Co. is currently looking for experienced electrical technicians to join our team. You must have prior experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. If you’re interested in becoming part of the A&H Electric family, please contact us at (936) 756-0442 or complete the online job application.