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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: Whole House Generators

Open post certified electrician

Food Safety in The Event of a Power Outage

Whether it’s from a powerful storm or extreme heat, when your house goes dark and quiet, there are specific things you should do to prevent refrigerated and frozen food from spoiling. That is particularly essential should the power outage extend past four hours as this is the time that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Food Safety and Inspection Service says that perishable food will remain safe in the refrigerator, while a full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours – 24 if half-full, assuming the door stays closed until a certified electrician can restore power.

The agency also assumes that the fridge and freezer maintained temperatures of 40ºF or below and 0ºF or below. Ideally, you should purchase two appliance thermometers, placing one in the refrigerator and the other in the freezer to ensure those temperatures. Depending on the type, you can find these at the most popular retailers for under $20. A thermometer will be needed after power returns as well.

Should the temperature creep above the recommended degrees, bacteria can grow, potentially causing you to be at risk for foodborne illnesses once the food has been eaten. That is why the USDA encourages discarding any perishable food items if the temperature of your fridge is above 40ºF or your freezer is above 0ºF after a certified electrician has restored power to your community or residence. If you are uncertain about an item, play it safe by discarding it, especially if there’s an odor or color. The agency also cautions against tasting food as even a tiny amount may make you sick.

Consider a Whole House Generator

Unfortunately, power outages happen without notice, and those considered weather-related have been up 67 percent since 2000. That is according to the Department of Energy Data, as mentioned in by the USDA in their article, “Avoid Foodborne Illness During Temporary Power Outages.” While there are certainly ways to promote food safety before and during an outage, one of the best things you can do before the power goes out is to invest in a whole house generator, professionally installed by a certified electrician.

These devices are designed to deliver power to your home’s electrical panel, built to withstand the elements, and available with a host of additional features so that you never have to worry about opening the fridge and freezer, decreasing the time that your food will stay safe, during a power outage again. Also known as home standby generators, these devices start once they detect an outage, powering all your devices and appliances until power has been restored to your home. Remember that a certified electrician must professionally install these to ensure optimal operation.

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.

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

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Resources:

Carothers, Meredith. “Are You and Your Food Prepared for a Power Outage?” USDA, February 21, 2017.

“Food Safety During Power Outage.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, FoodSafety.gov, January 28, 2021.

“Food Safety for Power Outages.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), September 8, 2020.

Garcia, Jesus. “Avoid Foodborne Illness During Temporary Power Outages.” USDA, August 18, 2021.

Open post Weathering-the-Storm-in-Texas

Weathering the Storm in Texas

 

With the continued tropical storm season, keeping you and your family safe is essential, and knowing how to prepare can save you a lot of stress. Chances are your area could experience flooding and even a loss of power. How should you prep and for how long? When do you need a professional electrician? Note: The typical hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th each year.

How to prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane?

With that in mind, there are a few months left in the season, and if you are unprepared, then these tips will help you. First, know your evacuation routes in case you need to leave your home to be safe. The recommendation is that you have a plan of action already mapped out in case you need a fast escape.

Next, you will want to create a home safety kit if you do not already have one. You can always find useful tips for safety kits online that will give you a good idea of what you will need. Make sure that your bag is in an easy-to-locate area.

You will also want to stock your home with necessities, so that it is easier to find everything you need during and after the storm. Keep all items somewhere dry and easily accessible. Ready.gov provides a good list of supplies to keep on hand.

Be aware of the zone you live in and listen to safety instructions from your local news and community. Make sure that you know how to store any medications that you or family members may need in case you lose power. Before the storm hits, ensure that you remove any trash in your home and that your vehicle’s gas tank is full.

Lastly, before a storm hits your area, make sure to keep any pets close and that they have identification. Once the storm hits, remain alert, and stay in a safe part of your home with your pets and family. After a storm has passed, be cautious when returning to your home or going outside. There could be dangerous debris and fallen power lines in standing water.

What to do when your electrical system is damaged?

What should you do if a storm has damaged your electrical system? A professional electrician can safely handle your electrical service and repair needs following severe weather.

Power issues and water damage can do serious harm to your wiring and put you and your family in harm’s way. Most are unaware that lightning strikes even ten miles away can cause power issues by creating power surges.

Some water damage is inevitable in Texas, but even though your wiring is protected, prolonged exposure to water damages your home’s wiring. After massive storms contact a professional electrician to inspect and replace any damaged wiring.

Damage to your home’s electrical systems is a repair job better left to a licensed electrical service and repair company.

Contact a Professional Electrician Today

If you’d like to schedule an appointment for electrical service and repair, or you have any questions, contact A&H Electric at (936) 756-0442. A&H Electric specializes in the installation, repair, and service of electrical wiring systems in both commercial and residential properties throughout Conroe and the surrounding areas of Texas. We can also perform comprehensive electrical safety inspections on request.

Summer Electrical Problems to Watch For

Electrical Safety, power surges, Whole House Generators

Summer Electrical Problems

Summer is on the horizon.

That means longer days, warmer nights, and endless fun.

It also means increased reliance on air conditioning to stay cool.

This, along with heat and humidity can cause several summer electrical problems that you should watch for, as well as contact a Houston electrical contractor to repair.

Stormy Weather

Summer thunderstorms can interrupt power – sometimes for several days, depending on the storm’s severity. One of the first things you should do when the power goes out is alert your utility company of the outage. Installing a generator at least 30 feet away from your home can help ensure you’re not left in the dark while the power’s out.

There are several types of generators sold including portable and standby. These generators are available in a variety of fuel types such as gas, propane, and diesel. Some can even be connected to your home’s existing liquid propane or natural gas fuel supply (if applicable). They are also available in a wide range of power capacities.

Increased Consumption

Cooling demand increases during the months of June through August. There is also an increased demand for lighting, appliances, and electronics. The amount of money residents spend on energy tends to be higher as well. In fact, according to the EIA’s Short-Term Energy Outlook forecasts, electric expenditures will be upwards of $420.

The best solution is to conserve energy. You do not have to do without air conditioning, TV or lighting to save money. For every appliance, electronic or light bulb, there is now an energy efficient alternative. 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

Summer Power Surges

A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage that can occur for several reasons. For example, power-demanding electrical devices like air conditioners, refrigerators and stoves can create a voltage spike when they’re switched on or when their motors kick in. Surges can occur because of lightning strikes as well.

Regardless of the problem’s source, power surges can cause irreparable damage to your electronics, and/or appliances within seconds. Having a certified Houston electrical contractor install a whole-house surge protective device (SPD) is your best defense against harmful summer power surges.

Whole House Generators: Powering on Demand

A&H Electric, Electrical, Power Outages, Whole House Generators

Some dangers rear their ugly head without any warning, as we have already evidenced with the United States’ recent natural disasters, but knowing this – knowing that danger is around every dark corner of the world – doesn’t mean we shouldn’t or can’t protect ourselves for its arrival.

In fact, when we prepare ourselves for dangerous situations, our chances of surviving increases significantly. Taking precautionary measures such as ensuring you’re not left in the dark for any extended period of time should a storm take out your electricity aids in your survival just as much as any other measure.

This is especially important for older adults. As well as those that may be more susceptible to hypothermia (below normal body temperatures) or hyperthermia (exceptionally high fevers) during intense cold or heat conditions. Ensuring your electricity remains on is also important for maintaining your quality of life.

Whole House Generators: Your Solution to Power Outages

One solution, which experts all seem to agree on, is whole house generators. While these type of generators can be quite expensive, when you consider the fact that 3.5 million Americans can be left without power in any given week, they just may be worth the expense.

The way whole house generators work is actually quite simple. Built to look much like an air conditioning unit, except for the fact that they are enclosed and are much larger, these types of generators power on automatically in the event your home goes off the grid.

They typically supply enough energy for your family to maintain your quality of life until the power is completely restored. And, although they’re expensive, they have the added benefit of increasing your home’s value; thus presenting you with the chance to net some of your expense back should you ever decide to move.

Whole House Generators: What You Should Look For

  • Generators come in a variety of sizes and workload capacities. You’ll want to ensure the one you purchase is capable of handling everything that you’ll want it to power until electricity is restored.
  • You should look for generators that have built-in transfer switches as this will ensure you don’t have to face the elements in order to turn the unit on by hand.
  • You should look for the highest quality units for maximum durability. Those that are made from stainless steel resist corrosion better than any other type of generator currently available.
  • These types of generators typically operate with the use of either natural gas or liquidized petroleum gas therefore its important to inquire about their fuel efficiency.
  • Whole house generators require professional installation. It is important to locate a professional electrician to ensure the proper placement and installation of your new unit.