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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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Common Electrical Problems

Circuit Breakers, Electrical Safety, Light Bulbs, outlets, Power Outages, power surges, sparking

common electrical problems

Why do my lights flicker?

This problem can be caused by several factors including plugging in an appliance that temporary draws more power causing the lights to flicker. Flickering lights are also often indicative of a defective or loose light bulb. If replacing or tightening the bulb doesn’t solve the problem, it is best to consult a licensed electrician, for expert diagnosis. The fault may be in the light fixture or its connections.

What is a GFCI device?

A GFCI or GFI is short for ground fault circuit interrupter. This inexpensive device is designed to protect you from severe electrical shocks. Through constant monitoring, a GFCI device immediately shuts off an electrical power circuit when it detects a differing flowing current along an unintended path, such as through water or a person. It can also shut off when outlets are overloaded to prevent electrical fires.

Why did my circuit breaker trip?

A circuit breaker plays a vital role in ensuring your safety by protecting the home from an electrical overload, which could damage your appliances, and ultimately result in an electrical fire. There are two conditions for circuit breakers tripping: 1) overloading and 2) short circuiting. It is common for older breakers (those 15 to 20 years old) to trip more often than newer circuits.

Why do my electrical outlets spark?

A brief spark may occur when power is suddenly diverted to an appliance. This is totally normal. However, if too much heat builds up in an outlet, the insulation can melt causing the wires to become exposed and ultimately increasing the risk for an electrical fire. This is known as a short circuit. Installation of a GFCI can prevent the overheating of electrical outlets thus ensuring your safety.

Why do my bulbs keep burning out so fast?

If you find yourself constantly changing light-bulbs, – at a rate of one every few weeks – you may be using a bulb with a higher wattage than your light fixture can handle. Check your light fixtures to make sure you’re using the correct wattage light bulbs. Other common causes include: too much voltage coming into your house, tightly screwed in light-bulbs, too much vibration, and poorly installed fixtures.

Track Your Home Energy Use

Energy Saving, Home Automation Systems, Programmable Thermostats, Smart Home

track your home energy use

With Home Energy Monitoring Systems

We’ve mentioned home automation systems in previous blogs, such as “6 Innovative Ways to Make Your Home Smarter”, and “Home Automation Systems Save You Money”, for energy management. However, the big picture shows us that energy management is about so much more than just automating your thermostat, to meet your family’s comfort levels. In order to save considerable money on those pesky energy bills, it’s important to know how much energy your home is using, and when it’s using it. This knowledge is something that most home automation systems don’t currently provide.

Home energy monitoring systems, on the other hand, have a running meter that shows you in real time just how much energy you’re using. Armed with this information, most homeowners use a lot less power, than they otherwise would. In other words, simply knowing how much power they’re using, incentives them to consume less. The end result? Increased energy efficiency! And, energy-efficiency is a good thing for everybody, as it saves you money and helps to ensure a sustainable future.

Several home energy monitoring systems exist including those that allow you to monitor electronics plugged into a single outlet, such as the Digi XBee Smart Plug, and those that take a whole-house approach, such as the TED Pro Home (discussed below). The products mentioned below, which should be installed by a certified residential electrician, offer the right balance between energy reduction and cost – all while maximizing occupant comfort.

TED Pro System

TED is short for The Electricity Detective. The Pro Home System comes with two current transformers that clamp around existing power lines, an Energy Control Center, and interactive software. Data in real-time can be viewed on any computer or mobile device that supports iOS or Android. A hand-held display is also available for purchase. Actual usage and cost estimates are updated every 10 minutes. This system allows you to tweak your energy usage in order to save money.

Digi XBee Smart Plug

The Digi XBee Smart Plug is a wireless energy management device that lets you manage and control the energy use of electrical devices plugged in via a standard electrical outlet. A key benefit is more efficient energy usage, resulting in decreased energy bills. This device requires that a connection be made to a ZigBee network (sold separately). When connected to the network, you’re offered a whole energy management solution. Information includes electronic on/off status, operating range, and erratic behavior.

Selecting the Best Programmable Thermostat for Your Home

A&H Electric, Programmable Thermostats

Programmable ThermostatThere are so many great programmable thermostats on the market today that choosing the best one can often be mind-bogglingly difficult. Selecting the best programmable thermostat for your home will be based on your individual needs: whether that’s self-learning, remote energy management or standard is entirely dependent on your preferences, schedule, and budget. The options, however, are endless.

Programmable Thermostat Benefits

Optimize Your Home Comfort – Comfort is obviously number one here – and for good reason. With a programmable thermostat, you can program your coming and going habits as well as your desired comfort levels into the thermostat itself, and it will bring your home down to your specified comfort level by the time you get home.

Increased Energy Savings – Did you know that heating and cooling accounts for more than half of your home’s energy use? Programmable thermostats can trim up to $180 annually from those costs. A programmable thermostat can be set to adjust the temperature of a home according to your schedule.

User Controlled Flexibility – Programmable thermostats are a desirable alternative to traditional thermostats, because they allow you to heat and cool your home, based on your specific schedule. These thermostats are perfect for large families, with deferring comfort levels, and those always on the go.

Less Wear and Tear on Your HVAC System – With a programmable thermostat, your HVAC system won’t be required to circulate air throughout your entire home continuously, thus receiving less wear and tear. The end result? A longer life expectancy and fewer repair costs.

Available Features
Most of the models available on the market today have four set points, which allow you to set different temperatures for morning, daytime, evening and overnight. Depending on the model you choose, some thermostats also offer additional features, such as those listed below:
• Digital, backlit displays
• Touch pad screen programming
• Smartphone programming and monitoring
• Hold/vacation features
• Indicators that alert you to change air filters
• Indicators that alert you of system malfunctions

Which Model is Best for Me?

As mentioned previously, selecting the best programmable thermostat for your home will be based on your individual needs, as well as your schedule. Think about your schedule and how often you find yourself away from home for regular periods of time and then choose the model that best fits your needs.

7-day models provide the most flexibility as they allow you to program different temperatures for different days of the week. They also typically allow you to set four temperature periods per day – morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight. 7-day models are best for households with fluctuating schedules.

5+2-day models don’t offer much in the way of flexibility as they use the same schedule every weekday, and another for weekends. They do allow you to four temperatures per day. 5+2-day models are best for households with set schedules both on during the week and on the weekends.

5-1-1 models, like 5+2-day models, don’t offer much in the way of flexibility. These thermostats are best if you tend to keep one schedule Monday through Friday, and another schedule on Saturdays, and Sundays.

Licensed Electrical Contractor Hiring Tips

A&H Electric, Licensed Electrical Contractor Hiring Tips

Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring, are to blame in more than 53,000 fires that happen in households across the United States. Because many different things can go wrong with electrical wiring, it is highly advised that you hire a licensed electrical contractor for any repairs, or additions to your home’s very high tech electrical system. Finding a qualified electrical contractor, however, can often be a daunting task – particularly if you don’t do your research. The following licensed contractor hiring tips are designed to ensure that you only hire the most qualified electrical contractors for the job.

  1. Verify the Licenses

Never hire an unlicensed electrical contractor!. While it may look like a good deal, remember if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Hiring an unlicensed electrician may end up costing you more money when all is said and done, particularly since they’re often not bonded or insured, nor have they taken any exams ensuring they know what they’re doing. To verify an electrician’s license, please click here.

  1. Check for Insurance Coverage

Texas licensed electrical contractors, electrical sign contractors, and residential appliance installation contractors are required by law to maintain general liability insurance coverage (at minimum) at all times. You should always verify if your hired electrical contractor is properly ensured before starting a new project on your property. It always best to request a Certificate of Insurance. Your home and its occupants are at risk.

  1. Get Three Written Estimates

Your next step is to contact several licensed electrical contractors to get estimates. It is very important to get in-home, written, and signed estimates from at least three contractors. That way you can compare their services and prices. Estimates should be at no cost to you. If a electrician you are considering refuses to give you an in-home estimate, claiming he/she can provide an accurate estimate over the phone or via email – choose another contractor.

  1. Check References

Checking a electrical contractor’s references is an essential step before making any home improvement hiring decision – no matter how simple or complex. To get the scoop of prospective contractors, request, and then follow through on calling at least three references. Make sure the references are related to the work being performed at your residence. Ask the right questions:

  • What kind of work did the contractor do for you?
  • Did they show up on time?
  • What was working with the contractor like?
  • Was communication with the contractor adequate?
  • Did you job come in according to budget?
  • Would you hire this contractor again?
  1. Get Written Contracts

Make sure you have a written contract BEFORE work begins. Never sign it until you fully understand the terms. Beware of contractors asking for more than 30% of the total cost of the project. Beware of contractors asking for cash instead of a check or credit card slip made out to the company. In most cases, a signed estimate (see above) is not a guarantee of service, so always request a written contract in addition to the estimate.

The Importance of Electrical Safety Inspections

Electrical Safety

electrical safety inspections

Our electrical systems run quietly in the background, inside the walls and ceiling of our homes, allowing us to power a great variety of modern-day comforts. Our smartphones, our laptops, the Internet, our heating systems, our televisions, our kitchen stoves and refrigerators are all powered by electricity. Most of us, myself included, would be lost without it.

However, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical problems are the largest cause of property damage in home structure fires across the United States. In addition, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identifies small appliances plugged into inadequate or improper home wiring as the leading cause of accidental electrocutions. These statistics are simply not acceptable!

Electrical safety inspections can prevent you from becoming just another statistic. Perhaps this is a hard truth…but it is nonetheless the truth. You will end up very disappointed if you expect your electrical system to work properly without having provided it with the appropriate maintenance it so desperately requires. Without the proper maintenance, your system will fail, and you will find yourself without power – or worse.

What is an electrical inspection?

An electrical safety inspection is important for the safety of your home. Only to be performed by a certified electrician, electrical safety inspections provide a thorough examination of your entire electrical system, ensuring the safe operation of all electrical wires, systems, and components (e.g. appliances and other electronics). All must meet legal safety standards as well.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the code that all certified electricians operate under when examining your home. This code defines the parameters for minimally accepted standards across the United States. The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends having an electrical safety inspection performed: when purchasing a home, when a home is older than 40 years, when adding an appliance, and during and after a major home renovation.

Common signs of an electrical problem

In addition, if any of the following warning signs occur within your home, then it is a good idea to have a thorough electrical safety inspection performed as you may have a potential electrical problem that if left unchecked could start a fire in your home. A&H Electric will have one of our certified electricians come to your home, and thoroughly check the integrity of your electrical system, thus ensuring your family’s safety.

  • Lights dim or flicker
  • Wall outlets are warm, discolored, or spark when used
  • You notice loose outlets (meaning whatever is plugged in easily falls out)
  • You notice a tingling feeling when touching an appliance or metal enclosed device
  • Repeated tripping of circuit breakers or blown fuses
  • Continual burning odor coming from an area of the house, a room, or an appliance

Easy Fall Prep

Electrical Safety, Energy Saving, Fall Prep

fall prep

The upcoming arrival of fall represents many things to many different people. For children it means apple picking, hayrides, and trick-or-treating. For men it means the NFL – enough said. For women it means seasonal delicacies, new styles, and tall boots. Fall also means the return of seasonal favorites, family traditions, and spending time with loved ones.

Though it may be sad to bid farewell to the lazy days of summer, there’s simply something indescribably magical about fall, as Mother Nature paints a beautiful picture for all of us to enjoy. Fall’s arrival also signifies the approach of winter, which isn’t far behind. Here are a few projects to get your home ready for the coming cold.

  1. Maintain your electrical system

Fall is a good time to have your electrical system inspected by a certified electrician to make sure it’s working properly and that no shortages exist. Shorts in wiring and related equipment account for 63% of all home structure fires from 2007 to 2011, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

  1. Periodically test smoke alarms

Working smoke alarms save lives! Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested at least once a month, and batteries should be replaced every six months, to ensure proper function. One of the best ways to remember to change your batteries is when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

  1. Tune up your furnace

Make sure your heating system will get your through the winter months by scheduling an annual furnace tune-up. If you haven’t already, you should consider replacing an outdated thermostat, with a programmable or smart thermostat. Replace your air filter for increased energy and monetary savings.

  1. Clean out gutters and downspouts

Fall foliage is beautiful – there’s no doubting that – but not so much when it builds up in your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up against the house potentially damaging your home’s roof, siding, and trim. Clogged gutters can also help create damaging ice dams.

  1. Seal up air leaks

A home with air leaks around windows and doors can account for up to 10% of your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Weather-stripping and caulking materials are easily the most cost-effective methods for sealing off air leaks. It’s a project that rewards you throughout the year; not just during the winter months.

Easy Steps To an Energy-Efficient Refrigerator

A&H Electric, Energy Saving, Home Appliances

In terms of home appliances and energy use, the refrigerator is one culprit that often leads to high utility bills, when compared with other home appliances. You can calculate your refrigerator’s annual energy use by clicking here. Today’s models are fortunately 60 percent more energy efficient than they were in years’ past. The following easy steps will ensure an energy-efficient refrigerator.

  1. Keep it clean. We’re talking inside and out. This step includes keeping the coils free of dust and grime. A dirty refrigerator uses more electricity than typically required. You should also avoid storing anything on top, as this can prevent proper ventilation, thus leading to increased electricity usage.
  2. Keep it full. Keeping your refrigerator fully stocked is, quite possibly, one of the simplest methods for ensuring it runs efficiently. If you’re more a freezer kind of person (my freezer is always full; my fridge not so much), then you may want to consider thinking outside the box, or investing in a smaller unit.
  3. Keep it at the correct temperature. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your refrigerator between 37 and 40 degrees for maximum effectiveness and efficiency. The freezer should be set at 5 degrees. It’s a good idea to routinely test your refrigerators temperature. Here’s how:
  • Place a thermometer in a shallow bowl
  • Place bowl on the middle shelf of your unit
  • Check the temperature after a day or so
  1. Allow leftovers to cool – prior to placing in the refrigerator or freezer. Putting hot food in your refrigerator causes it to work that much harder as it attempts to cool food down to an adequate temperature. Always allow your leftovers to sit on the counter until they’ve cooled down to room temperature.
  2. Inspect the refrigerator’s sealing. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recommends testing the unit’s sealing by placing a dollar bill in the door to see if it stays. Replace sealing if it doesn’t stay. Do this every six months. A faulty seal allows air to escape, resulting in temperatures rises.
  3. Keep it in a cool location. Avoid keeping your refrigerator next to appliances that emit heat such as microwaves, stoves, or ovens. Keep it away from direct sunlight. Keep trips to the refrigerator at a minimum if you truly want to save energy (you allow cooled air to escape each time you open it).

Brought to you by A&H Electric.

Are You Protected Against Power Surges?

A&H Electric, Circuit Breakers, Electrical Safety, power surges

Do you have expensive electronics such as big screen TVs, bluray players, and gaming consoles? Then you need a surge protector! Surge protectors, which aren’t necessarily the same as power strips, can keep all of your electronics and appliances safe from becoming useless due to a power surge.

Dangerous Power Surges & Spikes

Your home’s electrical sockets were designed to provide a consistent amount of voltage; which your electronics depend on for power. An increase in the amount of voltage they receive, no matter how short, can have devastating effects on both your electronics and wallet.

What causes power surges? Power surges are often the result of lightning strikes, power outages, and malfunctions in the power grid (your electricity company is responsible for maintaining the grid). Surges tend to last at least three nanoseconds. Anything less than that is considered a spike.

Power surges can, unfortunately, break down the electronics’ circuit board, wires, or both – no matter how old (or new) it may have been. The increase in voltage can render them completely inoperable. Damaged upon repair the only remedy is replacement.

So How Do You Protect Yourself?

You install a surge protector of course! Surge protectors, which easily connect to a standard electrical outlet, can safeguard you from a power surge’s potentially devastating results. Relatively inexpensive, surge protectors generally come in a magnitude of sizes; even travel sizes.

I personally have one that was designed to fit 10 devices plus my modem’s coax cables (in and out). Surge protectors work by diverting the energy over the safe threshold to a protective componenent that ensures only the safe amount of voltage reaches your electronics.

For the peace-of-mind you’ll receive – surges protectors are priceless!

Flickering Lights: Why Do My Lights Flicker?

Electrical Safety, Lighting, power surges, sparking

 

flickering lights
{Image Source: pixabay.com}

Do the lights in your home flicker? Flickering lights don’t always signify a serious issue with your electrical system but it is still a situation that necessitates attention. If you’re dealing with flickering lights, it’s best to call a licensed electrician to check it out, as electrical work can be risky.

As with any problem, the best way to diagnose it is to start with the simplest and least expensive possibilities first, and then work your way towards more complex problems. The following causes of flickering lights can help you narrow down what might be going on with your electrical system.

Causes of Flickering Lights

1) Loose Light Bulb

If only one light bulb is flickering, then the issue likely begins and ends with that particular bulb, which makes remedying the situation quite simple. If a light bulb becomes loose, the connection socket becomes compromised, causing the bulb to receive inadequate voltage.

With the light fixture off, make sure the bulb is tight. Sometimes it helps to unscrew the bulb completely and re-screw it back in. Turn the light fixture back on. Does it still flicker? Then replace that particular bulb with a new one. If the problem persists, the issue lies elsewhere.

2) Faulty Switch or Connection

Outlet switches and light fixtures weren’t designed to last forever. If just one light seems to be flickering, try investigating the light switch itself, by switching the light on and off a few times to see if the flickering stops. If the flickering persists, you may have a faulty switch or connection, which will need to be troubleshooted and repaired by a certified electrician.

3) Voltage Fluctuations

If you notice your lights flickering on a regular basis, something may be interfering with the power supply, causing your home’s voltage to fluctuate. It’s important to take note of when the flickering occurs (i.e. during inclement weather, when the AC or heater kicks on, etc.) and provide this information to your electrician.

Smart Moves for Saving Energy and Money

Conservation Policies, Energy Saving, Programmable Thermostats

smart moves to save energy and money

Although the United States uses several different energy sources to supply us with the energy needed to make electricity, heat or cool our homes, move our cars and manufacture the products we can’t live without, only five of these sources are renewable.

The sources that provide us with the most power, however, are all nonrenewable. There are a great many problems attached to the fact that supplies for these sources are limited, especially when you consider just how demanding today’s industrialized world really is.

That is why you would do well to consider ways you can reduce your consumption of energy as you move forward in life. This will protect the world’s nonrenewable resources for future generations, but it will also save you money on your monthly utility bills.

Incorporating some conservation techniques within your home can really make a difference. The best part? You won’t even notice the changes as they’ll become habit in no time at all.

The following are four of our favorite smart moves for saving energy and money:

Smart Move #1: Unplug Appliances When Not in Use

Appliance electricity use accounts for 37 percent of total household energy consumption across the nation according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). However, much of this percentage is being wasted, as many appliances drain energy even when they’re not being used.

These appliances, also known as vampire appliances (or electronics), suck up power regardless of whether they’re on or off; thus resulting in increased utility bills. You can save money simply by unplugging certain appliances within your home when they’re not being used. Vampire appliances include:

  • Television sets
  • DVD players
  • Video game consoles
  • Cable/satellite boxes
  • Laptops/desktop computers
  • Printers and all-in-ones
  • Radios
  • Lamps
  • Toasters
  • Microwave ovens
  • Coffee makers

Smart Move #2: Install Low-Flow Aerators

A typically household uses upwards of 260 gallons of water per day. The good news is that by installing low-flow aerators and showerheads throughout your home, you can easily and inexpensively conserve two of the world’s most natural resources: energy and water.

An aerator is a screen that is attached to the bottom of your faucet which works to break up the water into tiny streams. These streams are mixed with air, leaving less space for water to pass through, thus reducing the flow rate. They can be found at virtually any home improvement store.

Smart Move #3: Seal Air Leaks

19 problem areas! That’s how many the average home in the U.S. has according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Reducing the leaks found in these problem areas by properly air sealing them is a cost-effective way to reduce your monthly utility bills, improve your HVAC system’s durability and create a healthier quality of indoor air.

Smart Move #4: Install a Programmable Thermostat

It’s no secret that heating and cooling your home accounts for approximately 50 percent of your home’s energy usage. Making the switch to a programmable thermostat from a manual one can save you as much as $180 per year.

Most basic thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can set it for 78 degrees during the day (if you’re home), and higher in the evening hours. Smart models, which work with your phone, allow you to set it from anywhere should you forget.

Image Source: www.pixabay.com