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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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When to Consider Replacing Your Home’s Wiring

Your home’s electrical system powers your appliances, whether small or major, and consumer electronics. A system consisting of various components, beginning with your electrical service connection and meter, is controlled and maintained by your local utility company. Inside your home, the electrical panel houses several circuit breakers and bus bars along with the main breaker. The latter, should it be blown or turned off, disconnects the power to your entire home.

More importantly, mainly in terms of safety and reliability, is your residential electrical wiring.

Since knob and tube wires, which were used from the 1800s to the 1930s, wiring has been installed in homes to distribute power from the source to light switches and outlets. They promote convenience, allowing you to plug in an electronic, then touch a remote button to watch your favorite movie or sitcom. There are times, like renovating an older home, when you should contact a licensed electrician.

Older homes, of which the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) estimates one-third of all residences in the United States are at least 50 years old, may have systems that do not meet local or national building codes. An electrician can identify older components and safety issues and make recommendations for improving the wiring of your home. Another reason to consider contacting an electrician to assess your residential electrical wiring is if you’re adding new appliances.

Warning Signs of Faulty Residential Electrical Wiring

If you notice any of the following, you should contact an experienced, licensed electrician to assess your wiring condition and make necessary repairs.

  • Sparking
  • Burning smell
  • Buzzing noises
  • Outdated wiring
  • Flickering lights
  • Hot outlets or light switches
  • Frequently tripped circuit breakers
  • Visible sparks when plugging devices into outlets
  • There is not an inadequate number of outlets in your home
  • No GFCI outlets in moist environments such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room

Always Trust an Experienced and Licensed Electrician

A&H Electric Co. is a certified and licensed electrician specializing in commercial and residential electrical wiring installation, service, and repair. Our company services the Conroe, Houston, and The Woodlands area during regular business hours and, because emergencies happen, offer 24-hour repair. We invite you to contact us at (936) 756-0442 to schedule electrical service or repair.

Our electrical contractors possess the equipment and expertise necessary to service all your electricity needs, including installing new residential electrical wiring, whether you’re constructing a new house or renovating an existing property. In addition to providing superior quality workmanship, we are committed to standing behind all completed projects with a full one-year warranty.

Resources:

“8 Signs You May Have a Problem with Your Electrical Wiring.” UL.

“Understanding Your Home Electrical System.” Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).

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3 Reasons to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

As people purchase more electronics, possibly even adding a new appliance here and there, older electrical panels may not keep up with demand. That can create problems, such as breakers frequently tripping due to overloading the available circuits. Having a licensed electrician upgrade your electrical panel can solve this problem and prevent more substantial, perhaps even dangerous, issues from occurring.

Safety First

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions were responsible for more than forty-four thousand residential fires each year between 2012 and 2016, making them the second-leading cause of home fires. Electrical distribution, lighting, and power transfer equipment accounted for half of these. Aging electrical systems, arc faults, short circuits, and overloaded circuits can contribute to electrical fires and should be mitigated by contacting a licensed electrician. 

Increasing Amperage

Inside every panel is the main breaker, which shuts off ALL power to the residence, along with several circuit breakers and bus bars. You can identify the panel’s current amperage capacity by looking at the main breaker. To increase this capacity or have dedicated circuits installed, as required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) for major appliances, a licensed electrician will need to rewire your home and upgrade the panel.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

There are a few energy-efficient upgrades for electrical panels, including intelligent circuit breakers, that can monitor the power your appliances and electronics are consuming. That will allow you to make wise decisions so that you can save money on future energy bills. Like Leviton’s new smart load center, some of the more recent products on the market can also instantly alert you to a tripped breaker (Gartenberg, 2019). Another option is an after-market smart energy meter that a licensed electrician can connect to a specific circuit to monitor the amount of power a single appliance or electronic is using. Whole-home monitors are also available.

Contact a Licensed Electrician to Upgrade Today

A&H Electric Co. is a certified and licensed electrician specializing in residential and commercial installation, service, and repair. Our company services the Conroe, Houston, and The Woodlands area during regular business hours and, because we understand that emergencies happen, offers 24-hour repair.

Please contact us at (936) 756-0442 to schedule a service appointment.

Our electrical contractors possess the equipment and expertise necessary to upgrade your electrical panels when the need arises and ensure your system is fully operational. Plus, we are committed to standing behind our workmanship, with a full one-year warranty on all projects.

A&H Electric is currently hiring! Please click here to view and apply for our company’s open employment opportunities.

Resources:

Campbell, Richard. “Home Electrical Fires.” The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), March 2019.

Gartenberg, Chaim. “Leviton’s new smart Load Center brings app control to your circuit breakers.” The Verge, February 19, 2019.

“How to Buy Electrical Panels.” The Home Depot.

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Practical Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) ‘s Texas State Profile and Energy Estimates, “Texas is the largest energy-producing and energy-consuming state in the nation.” Households consume more than 1,779 trillion BTUs annually.

Earth Day falls annually on April 22 and focuses on natural processes, emerging green technology, and innovative thinking to raise awareness about environmental issues impacting the world’s ecosystems.

You can “be part of the change” by choosing to make energy efficiency upgrades using the services of an electrical contractor that will ultimately work to minimize the amount of energy your home consumes. Here are some ideas for reducing your house’s impact on the environment.

Home Energy Assessment

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends having a home energy assessment completed by a professional. These assessments will analyze previous energy use, identify air leaks, and reveal which improvements will maximize energy efficiency. An alternative option is to have a smart meter installed by an electrical contractor to monitor how much energy your appliances, equipment, and electronics are consuming.

Install Energy Efficient Lighting

ENERGY STAR-certified lighting fixtures and light bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than standard models. There is a vast array of replacement options, including dimmable fixtures and smart light bulbs, for you to consider. When replacing fixtures, you may want to hire an electrician, especially if the home is older. Another way to save would be to open the curtains during the day and allow natural light to infuse your home.

Additional Ways to Save on Energy

  • Sealing air leaks
  • Adding attic insulation
  • Choosing a smart thermostat
  • Installing an energy-efficient water heater
  • Selecting ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and electronics
  • Maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit

Experienced Residential and Commercial Electrical Contractor

A&H Electric Co. is a certified and licensed electrical contractor specializing in residential and commercial installation, service, and repair. Our company also offers 24-hour repair services in Conroe, Houston, and The Woodlands area.

Please contact us at (936) 756-0442 to schedule a service appointment.

Our electricians possess the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure your system is fully operational. Plus, we are committed to doing the job right the first time, and all work carries a full one-year warranty.

We are currently hiring! Click here to view employment opportunities and apply today.

Resources:

“About Us: Our Successes” EarthDay.org

“Earth Day 2021.” History

“Light Bulbs.” ENERGY STAR.

“Light Fixtures.” Energy STAR.

“Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS).” The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

“Texas State Profile and Energy Estimates.” U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

“Why Energy Efficiency Upgrades.” The U.S. Department of Energy: Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

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Focus on Electrical Savings this Spring

The official start of spring is a few short days away. The new season is associated with fresh beginnings, making it an ideal time to fling the windows open, allowing natural light and air to infuse your home while you spruce it up.

It’s time to grab some organizational and cleaning supplies and get to work.

It’s also essential, particularly since daylight savings time has begun, to prioritize energy-saving and electrical safety improvements. If your electrical system requires repairs or you’re adding new equipment, then you’ll want to hire a licensed electrician who services the Conroe, Texas area.

Here are some simple ways to improve the energy-efficiency of your home.

Seal Leaks

Most households are losing energy without even realizing it. That’s because the conditioned air is flowing outside through hidden leaks found around your home. Typical electrical areas of concern include recessed lighting, outlet boxes, and light switches. Several sealing air leak techniques include installing insulating seals, caulking around windows, and applying weatherstripping around doors.

Advanced Surge Protectors

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing an advanced surge protector is a cost-effective way to improve energy-efficiency as they prevent vampire loads, which continue to consume power even when they’re “off.” Many of the available strips offer individual outlets, so you can turn off power to only one device while using the others.

Install a Smart Thermostat

On warm spring days when you’d rather be out admiring the area’s native wildflowers, a smart thermostat can adjust indoor temperatures to reflect your coming and going habits, helping to reduce energy consumption and save on cooling costs. The compatible app allows you to adjust temperatures remotely and monitor your energy usage.

Open the Blinds for Natural Light

You’d be amazed at how much electricity all the lights in your home use. Information that a professionally installed energy usage monitor can accurately provide. A licensed electrician should professionally install these. During the daytime, open your home’s blinds and curtains, allowing the sun to offer efficient amounts of light. Natural lights can also provide a boost of Vitamin D.

Hire a Licensed Electrician to Service Your Electric

A&H Electric Co. is a certified and licensed electrician specializing in residential and commercial installation, service, and repair. Our company also offers 24-hour repair services in the Conroe, Houston, and The Woodlands area.

Please contact us at (936) 756-0442 to schedule a service appointment.

Our electricians possess the equipment and knowledge required to ensure your system is fully operational. We’re committed to doing the job right the first time. All work will be performed in a craftsman-like manner and carry a full one-year warranty.

Resources:

“Locating Air Leaks.” ENERGY STAR.

“Save Energy in Your Household with a Smart Power Strip.” The U.S. Department of Energy.

“The Health Benefits of Natural Light (and 7 Ways to Get More of It).” Healthline.

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Four Tips for Staying Warm

The National Weather Service shared some tips on how to stay warm when the power is out on their Facebook page. Most importantly, Texas residents who find themselves without power during the NWS’s “winter storm warning,” in effect until 6:00 AM central standard time on Thursday, should follow these tips to stay warm and safe.

Block Drafts

Given the urgency of the current situation, the National Weather Service (NWS) recommends closing all blinds and curtains. It would help if you also stuffed towels or rags in cracks under doors. Doing this can help you stay warm until full power can be restored by preventing heat from escaping through cracks around your windows and doors.

Close Off Some Rooms

The NWS also recommends that you “move all activities to a main room and close the remaining interior doors to retain heat.” Dressing for the cold by wearing “layers of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing” and “gathering blankets, sleeping bags, and flashlights” is also being advised. Finally, the NWS encourages you to keep extra clothing layers handy.

Light Up Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, now’s the time to light them up, taking necessary precautions to remain safe. These include using fire safeguards and adequately ventilating. Alternatively, if you have a portable or whole-house generator, you can use that to power the essentials. That includes your oven/stove and furnace/heater. Always follow manufacture directions and use generators in a well-ventilated area.

Stay Hydrated and Prevent Hunger

The NWS advises eating as “food provides energy to warm the body” and staying hydrated while avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Choose foods with high carbohydrates, such as is found in some vegetables and milk products. Also, if available, eat meat and fish. These foods can naturally warm the body since they take longer to digest.

Please Stay Safe!

A&H Electric Co. is a certified and licensed electrician specializing in residential and commercial installation, service, and repair. Our company proudly provides residential and commercial electrical work to Conroe, Texas, and neighboring communities.

Please contact us at (936) 756-0442 to schedule an appointment for service or repair in Conroe, Houston, and The Woodlands.

Our company offers emergency 24-hour electrical work, consisting of installation and repair services. We possess a comprehensive knowledge of both new technologies and those that have been installed for years.

Resources:

“How to Keep Warm Without Power.” U.S. National Weather Service Fort Worth Texas Facebook page.

“Improving the Energy Efficiency of Existing Windows.” The U.S. Department of Energy.

“Staying Warm During a Power Outage.” @NWSKansasCity.

“What to do if you’re caught in a winter storm.” The National Weather Service.

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Now Hiring Qualified Electricians

A&H Electric Co. can expertly handle all electrical projects, regardless of complexity, ensuring our customer’s systems are up to code. At A&H Electric Co., we believe that our most valued asset is our employees and are looking to add to our team.

We maintain a staff of experienced, knowledgeable personnel who provide high-quality workmanship – ensuring all electrical systems function optimally – along with offering exceptional customer satisfaction.

Here are some of the advantages of being part of the A&H Electric team.

  • Excellent pay with a yearly review
  • One-week paid vacation each year
  • Six days of holiday pay each year
  • Health insurance
  • Paid continuing education
  • Retirement plan with employer contributions

If you are interested in joining our team, please fill out and submit the job application found on our website at ahelectric.com/employment. You can also print out the form and fax it to our office, conveniently located in Conroe at (936) 756-0443. 

About A&H Electric Co.

A&H Electric Co. was founded in September of 1977 by Ray Audas and David Heintz with the vision of creating an electrical contracting business dedicated to customer service and reliability. These basic business principles and our 38 years of experience in the electrical trade will allow us to offer the finest electrical services well into the future.

Schedule Service with a Licensed Electrician

A&H Electric Co. is a certified and licensed electrician specializing in residential and commercial installation, service, and repair. Our company proudly services Conroe, Texas, and neighboring communities. Please contact us at (936) 756-0442 to schedule an appointment for service or repair in Conroe, Houston, and The Woodlands.

Our company offers emergency 24-hour service, new wiring installation, new construction, troubleshooting, electrical maintenance, and more for residential homes and commercial buildings. We have a comprehensive knowledge of both new technologies and those that have been installed for years.

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‘Tis the Season for Outdoor Decorating

Many Texans are already trimming the tree and decking the halls, not to mention creating festive holiday displays outside, bringing holiday cheer to them and their neighbors. You can drive through Conroe to see houses all aglow with holiday lights, twinkling luminaries, joyful signs, and light-up reindeer and other yard displays.

Do you favor a minimalist look with touches of greenery and classic decorations? Or are you inspired by Clark Griswold’s decorating style in the 1989 film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? Whichever decorating style you prefer, it is essential to ensure your residential wiring is up to code and follow these essential safety tips.

Inspect Light Strings

For safety, you should always inspect light strings, whether new or old. Replace sets with broken sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections as they pose a risk of electrical fire. Use a light tester to check for burnt-out fuses and light bulbs and make replacements before stringing the lights.

Use Light Clips and a Hanging Tool

When you get ready to illuminate your house, don’t follow Clark Griswold’s example of using staples or nails; always use light clips. There are various clips on the market today that can be placed on your home’s gutters or attached under the roof’s shingles. Also, rather than get up on a ladder, use an expandable pole to attach the clips and lights.

Plug into an Electrical GFCI Outlet

Always plug holiday displays into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). GFCIs monitor for ground faults and, should one be detected, immediately interrupt the power to prevent electrical fires. An electrician must install these as they possess the skills and equipment necessary to complete residential wiring projects.

Prevent Extension Cords from Becoming a Hazard

Because your holiday lights and decorations will be exposed to the elements, make sure they and extension cords are rated for outdoor use, referring to the letter “W.” Some features to look for include a GFCI, lighted plug, and locking socket. Tape extension cords down to prevent people from tripping over them. Also, take care not to overload the circuit.

Schedule a Residential Wiring Inspection Today

It is essential to have a licensed electrician service residential wiring and electrical components. A&H Electric can expertly handle all your electrical projects, regardless of complexity, ensuring your system is up to code and optimally operating.

A&H Electric is a certified and licensed residential and commercial electrician specializing in installation, service, and repair. Our company is proud to help with your electrical system in Conroe, Texas, and neighboring communities.

Please schedule a service appointment today at (936) 756-0442.

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Don’t Be Haunted by Flickering Lights

A rare full moon, Jack-O’-Lanterns, and ghost pathway markers will provide ample lighting on Halloween night. Only one of these three sources, depending on its method of illumination, should flicker. Flickering lights are a serious issue that, in most cases, requires a professional to service electric.

What is Flicker?

The U.S. Department of Energy defines flicker “as the rapid variation in light source intensity, which can cause visual effects ranging from uncomfortable to harmful or dangerous.” It can occur at several frequencies regardless of the type of light fixture or bulb. Even LEDs can flicker under the right conditions (U.S. Department of Energy).

This definition emphasizes the importance of having the cause of flickering lights identified so that repairs can be made, as needed, to your residential wiring or other electrical components. A licensed electrician can diagnose the issue and make recommendations to service electric.

What Causes It?

There are many possible causes of flickering lights. These typically vary in terms of complexity. A less complicated problem that isn’t too frightening involves a loose light bulb. It can cause a flicker and may also burnout far more swiftly. Correct the issue by tightening the bulb. Consider purchasing LEDs, which offer a longer lifespan and energy efficiency.

Next in complexity is an incompatibility between a light bulb and a dimmer switch. Today’s dimmer switches require dimmable LEDs but to ensure compatibly it is essential to check the bulb’s box. Some controllers may be compatible with smart LEDs operated by a smartphone app or voice assistant.

More severe problems that require immediate professional assistance include voltage fluctuations and faulty residential wiring. These issues should be immediately corrected to prevent costly additional issues or damage to your appliances, electronics, or your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical malfunction caused 44,880 home fires between 2012 and 2016.

Service Electric Today

It’s essential to have a licensed electrician service electric components within your home or office. A&H Electric can expertly handle all your electrical projects, regardless of complexity, ensuring your system is up to code and optimally operating.

A&H Electric is a certified and licensed residential and commercial electrician specializing in installation, service, and repair. Our company is proud to help with your electrical system in Conroe, Texas, and neighboring communities.

Please schedule an appointment today at (936) 756-0442.

Resources:
“Flicker.” The U.S. Department of Energy: Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
“Flicker Basics.” The U.S. Department of Energy: Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
“Home Electrical Fires.” The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
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Making Sense of Your Home Energy Use

It can be challenging to determine what appliances and electronics are consuming the most electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, especially troubling are those that consume power when in a standby mode, as they can add an extra ten percent to your monthly utility bill.

You can identify inefficient devices and behaviors by using residential energy monitoring and management systems. These systems are connected to your electrical panel and, to ensure optimal performance, are best installed by a certified electrician.

They can provide an accurate readout of hourly electricity use so that you can make the best use of your energy consumption habits. They can also help you recognize areas where energy-efficient improvements may be of benefit.

Household vs. Appliance Energy Monitors

There are two types of energy monitors: household and appliance. A certified electrician is needed to connect a home energy monitor to your breaker box. Hiring a professional ensures that the system is installed correctly and that it is optimally performing. It will provide you with useful data in real-time so that you can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on your monthly utility bills.

The other type of energy monitor on the market today is called watt electricity usage monitors. These are incredibly portable and can be used for multiple devices. To use the monitor, plug it into an outlet, and then connect the appliance to the device’s outlet. They are useful for assessing major appliances’ efficiency, desktop and laptop computers, flat-screen televisions, and other popular electronics.

Contact a Certified Electrician Today

A&H Electric can expertly handle all your electrical projects, regardless of complexity. It is essential to have a licensed electrician complete all electrical work to ensure your system is up to code and operating both reliably and safely.

A&H Electric is a certified and licensed residential and commercial electrician specializing in installation, service, and repair. Our company is proud to help with your electrical system in Conroe, Texas, and neighboring communities.

Please schedule an appointment today at (936) 756-0442.

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Common Residential Wiring Problems

With temperatures in the 90s, Texans are relying on their air conditioners to help keep them cool and comfortable, so the last thing anyone wants to deal with is residential wiring problems. If your lights flicker each time the air conditioner or another major appliance kicks on, or you’re using too many surge protectors to power your work-from-home equipment, then its advisable to contact a certified electrician. These may be signs that your house has a wiring issue.

Flickering Lights

There are several reasons for the lights in your home to flicker. It may be a simple fix, such as a loose bulb or faulty fixture, or something far more complex. Do the lights flash in response to turning on the light or powering on an appliance? Then there may be a problem with either your electric current or wiring, both of which are best left addressed by a certified electrician.

Not Enough Outlets

Having an inadequate number of outlets to power all your gadgets – especially if you’re still working remotely – increases the need to rely on surge protectors. While no electrical problem exists with this habit, if you’re not overloading the circuit, you may want to consider contacting an electrician. An electrician can wire new outlets, including GFCIs and those with built-in USB Type C ports, for the ultimate in charging convenience.

Unwanted Visitors

Rodents love to find warm places to hang their “home sweet home” sign. They can make their nests in walls, crawlspaces, and other areas where they can chew through your wiring. If you see or hear any activity in your walls, it’s essential to contact a trap company, and if you’re experiencing problems with your electric system, an electrician to repair any diagnosed damage.

Residential Electrical Services

From residential wiring to repair, A&H Electric can expertly handle all your electrical projects, regardless of complexity. There is no job too big or small for our licensed and insured electricians. The following is a shortlist of the services we provide to homeowners throughout Conroe and neighboring communities.

  • Whole-house generator installation
  • Breaker panel and circuit service
  • Lighting installation and repair
  • Outlet and switch installation
  • ARC-fault breaker installation
  • Home electrical safety checks
  • Upgrade electrical service
  • Surge protection
  • Code corrections
  • New wiring

Upon arrival, a certified electrician will troubleshoot any issues, identifying the root cause of the problem. You’ll be provided with an explanation of their findings in which you’re welcome to ask any questions, as well as their recommendation, along with an upfront estimated cost and time scheduled so that you may make an informed decision.

Residential Wiring Installation, Service, & Repair

It is essential to have a certified electrician, like A&H Electric, complete all electrical work to ensure your system is up to code and operating reliably and safely. Schedule an appointment with an electrical contractor experienced in residential wiring installation, service, and repair today at (936) 756-0442. A&H Electric is a certified residential and commercial electrician specializing in installation, service, and repair. Our company is proud to offer our services in Conroe and the surrounding communities of Texas.