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

Category: A&H Electric

DIY Electrical Repair?

A&H Electric, Electrical Safety

DIY electrical repair

Carrying out your own electrical work can be tempting. While DIY electrical repair may work out well when it comes to simpler projects, such as replacing a light switch or repairing a garbage disposal, larger projects require the expertise of a licensed electrician. A prime example of this is installing new wiring.

Aside from the inherent danger of working with electricity, your electrical system is one of the most critical components of your home. Failing to repair it properly can result in an array of extremely costly and even dangerous situations, so if you find yourself asking “Can I repair my electrical system myself?” you may want to reconsider.

Here’s why you should think twice about repairing your own electrical system.

The Process is More Involved Than You Think

While many do-it-yourselfers can easily spot problems, such as a blown circuit or lightbulb, there are often problems with electrical systems that aren’t so readily apparent to the naked eye – especially considering most of the system is hidden in the home’s walls. An electrician knows how to spot signs of trouble and is experienced at ensuring your system functions at its best.

DIY Electrical Repair is Flat-Out Dangerous

Electricity is extremely dangerous. It can cause serious bodily harm if a job isn’t performed correctly. Leave it to the professionals and don’t chance it to save a few bucks. Licensed electricians have considerable knowledge and are trained to implement several safety aspects when working with electricity.

Other issues that can arise from the improper repair of an electrical system include household fires and property damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 47,820 reported structure fires, involving electrical failure or malfunction.”

Improper connections and unstable wiring systems can also cause home appliances to prematurely age or worse – the wiring inside your home’s walls to fry or melt. In some states, insurance companies will not pay for any damages if electrical work isn’t performed by a professional, licensed and insured electrician.

8 Ways to Lower Cooling Costs in Rising Heat

A&H Electric, Energy Saving, Programmable Thermostats

lower cooling costs

Summer is here and while the temperatures outside are rising, your energy costs don’t have to burn holes in your pockets. Let the experts at A&H Electric show you how to reduce your energy expenses this summer without sacrificing your comfort.

#1. Set the thermostat between 78 to 80 degrees when you are home and up to 85 degrees when you are away. For every degree you set your thermostat above 80 degrees, you can save approximately 2 to 3% on cooling costs.

#2. Install a programmable thermostat. Raising the temperature seven degrees when no one’s home and four degrees at bedtime during the summer, along with proper programming in the winter, can save you more than $180 annually according to Energy Star.

#3. Set your thermostat to “auto.” This makes sure that the fan only runs when the air conditioner is running rather than running 24-hour a day, 7-days a week, as is often the case when the thermostat is set to “on”.

#4. Routinely change your air conditioner’s air filter. Many people install their air filter and forget about it. But when filters become clogged with dirt and dust, you air conditioner has to work harder to ensure your comfort, thus raising your energy bills. You should change or clean you filter once every 30 days during the summer.

#5. Turning lights off when you leave a room is a good way to save energy and, thus, lower your energy bill. Your actual savings depends on the type of lightbulbs you use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Remember to get your whole family to perform this money saving task.

#6. Switch to an “off-peak” energy-rate plan. These plans reward customers with reduced pricing for using energy during periods of time considered off-peak. Many electricity companies throughout Texas offer assorted plans.

#7. Seal air leaks. Caulking air leaks can save you up to 20% on your monthly cooling bill. You can also use spray foam. Focus on the windows and doors first followed by electrical outlets, switch plates, vents, electrical or gas service entrances, and attic hatches.

#8. Use ceiling fans throughout your home. Use ceiling fans to cool your home and set your thermostat two degrees higher. During the summer, you should have your ceiling fans running on high with the air blowing down. This will save you the most money while ensuring maximum comfort.

Energy Saving Tips: 5 Ways to Cut Electricity Costs

A&H Electric, Energy Saving, Helpful Tips

energy saving tips

Whether you want to slash your energy bill or be more environmentally-friendly, the next five energy saving tips will help

#1. Evaluate Your Energy Use: If you want to cut energy costs, you will first need to know how much energy use you’re using, and when you’re using it. Home energy monitoring systems can provide this information in real time. There are also online tools to aid in the process. The EPA’s Energy Star program, at energystar.gov, offers a set of tools called Home Advisor to assist you in improving your home’s energy efficiency while adding comfort and value. You will need to sign-up for an account to use these tools.

#2. Unplug Vampire Appliances: Vampire appliances use electricity even when they’re “off” by going into standby mode. According to the Department of Energy, vampire appliances and electronics use 4 to 5 percent of the energy in an average home. Vampire appliances include: computers and computer-related equipment, LCD and plasma TVs, surround sound systems, cable or satellite TV boxes, and household items with a clock or LED light (e.g. microwave, DVD player, game consoles, etc.).

#3. Change Light Bulbs: Changing from incandescent light bulbs to Energy Star qualified light bulbs can have a significant impact on your utility bills and on making your home greener. CFLs are compact fluorescent light bulbs, whereas, LEDs are light-emitting diodes. The electricity savings for a single LED or CFL light bulb is about $6 per year, and $40 for its lifetime, according to the EPA. These light bulbs can also keep your home cooler, thus more comfortable, as they don’t give off heat.

#4. Seal Out the Elements: This can be as easy as installing energy-efficient window treatments or coating the glass with a Low-E window film. In some situations; however, this may not be enough. Some homes may require new windows or insulation. Air sealing your home can significantly reduce air infiltration. Gaps or cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, roof, doors, windows or attic can contribute to high energy costs. Many public utility companies have programs to assist with air sealing.

#5. Improve Your Heating and Cooling System: As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. Making smart decisions about your heating and cooling system can have a big effect on your monthly energy bills – and your comfort. You should: regularly change your air filter, annually tune-up your HVAC equipment, install a programmable thermostat, seal your heating and cooling ducts, and consider installing Energy Star qualified heating and cooling equipment.

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.

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!

6 Innovative Ways to Make Your Home Smarter

A&H Electric, Energy Saving, Home Automation Systems, Smart Home

The vision of the future, which was spelled out in sitcoms such as The Jetsons and movies such as Back to the Future II, isn’t as far off as you’d imagine. While we’re on the subject of Back to the Future II, this year (2015) is the year that Marty McFly travels to, or for a better word, crashes into.

While flying cars remain to be seen, our future lets us see who’s entering our homes via live feed, turn on and off the lights, even play with our four legged friends remotely all by using something we carry around with us daily – our smartphone. Guess what? You can get your hands on these and more…now!

#1: PETCUBE

When you’re an animal lover, it can sometimes be far easy to feel guilty about leaving our furry friends at home, especially when they give you those “puppy” eyes. The Petcube is a video-camera system that allows you to watch live feed of your pets as well as play with them from anywhere you are.

#2: WELCOME CAMERA

The Netatmo Welcome Camera uses facial recognition technology to alert you whenever your family members arrive home. If it detects someone unrecognizable, you’ll get a ping. It even lets you view a livestream at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

#3: LG TWIN WASH

Why wash one load, when you can do two? The LG Twin Wash System has transformed a traditional pedestal drawer into a second washer; thus providing you with the opportunity to wash colors and whites or towels and delicates all at the same time.

#4: SENGLED SNAP

This is not your average lightbulb! The Sengled Snap is a light fixture that doubles as a security system with built in motion sensor, microphone, wireless camera and facial recognition software. The Snap is designed to work with existing home or lamps’ electrical infrastructure.

#5: PRONTO PEEL SMART REMOTE

If you’re anything like me, you probably lose the TV remote daily, but always seem to have you smartphone in hand. With the Pronto Peel Smart Remote, you never need to worry about losing the remote again, as it’s a hub that works with iPhone to allow you to control your TV, Blu-ray player and more.

#6: ECOVENT

Ecovent is a smart thermostat that allows you to set the temperature in each and every room of your house individually. The device utilizes hidden smart sensors that look like normal household plugs to monitor a room’s individual climate. Ecovent is compatible with many popular smart thermometers.

Light Up Your Holiday; Not Your Power Bill

A&H Electric, Christmas, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Christmas is nearly here! So let’s make the most of it by decorating our homes (if you haven’t already). Let’s break out the decorations, set up the tree, light up the house, wrap up the gifts, listen to Christmas carols and make freshly baked gingerbread cookies  – all in the spirit of the holiday.

All this decorating, however, can drive up your power bill by 10 percent or more – depending on how big your display. So how do you light up your holiday; not your power bill? With a few smart moves, many of which are listed below, and a little creativity that’s how.

#1: Make the Switch to LED Christmas Lights

It’s a fact! LED Christmas lights demand far less electricity than old fashioned incandescent bulbs – almost 90% percent less to be exact – thus saving you a significant amount of money on your energy costs. Available in various styles and sizes LED Christmas lights are also safer and more durable.

#2: Timing is Everything

Being smart about when you turn on and how many hours you use your holiday lights or displays can lead to significant savings. You can purchase and set automatic timers throughout your home. We recommend setting your timer so that your lights switch on at 5:00 pm and switch off 4 or 5 hours later.

#3: Battery Operated Decorations

If saving money on your power bill is your primary objective, you may want to consider purchasing holiday decorations such as LED lighted garland, and door wreaths that are battery operated. However, to avoid the cost of replacement batteries, you should purchase batteries that are rechargeable.

#4: Think Smaller

Although the holiday season is the one time of year that the phrase “go big or go home” holds true for many homeowners, especially those attempting to outdo their neighbor – in good natured neighbor rivalry of course – you may want to think smaller if you don’t want to see your power bills skyrocket.

Happy Holidays!!!

~ From your friends at A & H Electric

Informational Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Light Bulbs: Learn the Differences Between Them

A&H Electric, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), Incandescent Light Bulbs, Light Bulbs, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Did you know that the average light bulbs eat up 20 watts of electricity? Did you also know that with the recent changes in lighting technology, you, and only you have the ability to reduce the amount of electricity your home’s light bulbs use?

Learning the differences between today’s light bulbs can help you in choosing the right ones for your home or business. Here we’ve listed the most common types of light bulbs available in an effort to help you reduce high energy bills.

Incandescent Light Bulbs

Invented in the 1800s, incandescent light bulbs are the oldest and most common type of bulbs currently on the market today, however due to their relative inefficiency and short lifespans they are slowing making their way out.

Manufacturers are currently working on incandescent bulbs that use 24 percent less energy than those currently on the market. Incandescent bulbs are the least expensive type of bulbs you can purchase.

These type of bulbs work by connecting an electrical current that travels through a wire filament, heating up the filament as it goes, which almost needless to say produces heat as well as light.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Invented in 1976 – in response to the 1973 oil crisis – Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) can be distinguished from any other type of bulbs on the market due to their distinctively bold designs.

CFLs work by transmitting an electrical current through a tube containing argon, and a trace amount of mercury, in order to trigger the actual illumination. CFLs have a lifespan of 9 years

Considering that they use 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs, you can expect to receive significant savings when you choose to use them, rather than choosing to use their competition.

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which were invented in the early 1960s, are rapidly taking over the lighting industry. This is due to their being highly effective.

LEDs work by connecting a diode (hence their name) to an electrical current. Electrodes are then triggered within the diode, which forces those electrodes to release photons, thus making light.

While the initial costs of LEDs are typically higher than any of the other light bulbs we’ve mentioned, their lifespan being 25% longer than incandescent bulbs, makes the price seem almost inconsequential.

A Professional Recommendation

If you’re looking to pave the way towards lower monthly energy bills, then you may definitely want to consider purchasing and installing LEDs throughout your home.

This post brought to by your friends at A&H Electric. If you would like more information, or are just in need of reliable electricity repair or installation services, please be sure to contact us at (936) 756-0442