CREDIT INFORMATION

Due to recent "Cyber Theft" and "Fraudulent Copyright Violations" please contact main office 936-756-0442

EMPLOYEE LIST

For employee information please contact main office 936-756-0442

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

Category: A&H Electric

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.

Open post electrical work

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.

Open post licensed electrician

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.

Open post Dont-Be-Haunted-by-Flickering-Lights

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).