Lead Poisoning
Lead is odorless, colorless and tasteless. And it is a killer. It is estimated that more than 400,000 people a year die due to past exposure to lead. Additionally, even small exposure to lead can lead to serious health problems, with younger children being most at risk to lead poisoning, which can severely affect physical […]
Electric Car “Chargers”
There are more and more electric cars on the road these days. More than 1 million in the United States. And for good reason. They reduce fuel costs, help the environment, and reduce energy dependence. Many electric cars come with 120-volt cables that can plug into a standard wall outlet. But owners typically will want […]
Can You Still Shower During a Power Outage?
The thunderstorm that kept you tossing and turning last night also knocked out your electrical power. You wake in a panic; this morning is your big meeting and you need a shower. It looks like the power outage is lasting longer than anticipated. You know you can’t make your coffee, boil an egg, or turn […]
Flood Control Measures are Important if You Live in a Flood Prone Area
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cites flooding as the costliest and most common natural disaster in the U.S. Here are some things you can do to protect your home and family. Buy Flood Insurance The standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover damage from floods. To cover flood damage, buy flood insurance, a separate […]
How Old is Your Electric Panel? Three Reasons to Care
You probably don’t pay a lot of attention to your home’s electrical panel. But you should, because it does wear out. Some ways to tell: Are the breakers in your box tripping often? Are they difficult to reset? If so, the panel may not be able to handle the electrical usage of your household. Why […]
Tools for DIY Electrical Projects
We generally advise against doing electrical projects yourself. But if you decide you want to tackle one or two, here are a few tools you might want to consider. Non-contact voltage protector. This is a critical tool that can save your life. It senses power without touching wires or terminals. If it detects voltage, it […]
Whole House Plumbing Inspections
You don’t think about your plumbing system as you subconsciously turn on the faucet or flush a toilet or run the dishwasher. You expect your plumbing system to work. In fact, you need it to work. But like your HVAC system, your plumbing system needs to be maintained. That’s why it is a smart idea […]
Peak Electric Usage Season is Now – How to Find the Drain on Your Electric Bill
Ah, it’s summer; the season for those wonderful family reunions and BBQ fun. But when the bugs and heat drive everyone indoors, it’s time to close the windows and turn on the air conditioner. The family is having a good time, but you dread opening that next utility bill. How do you know which appliances […]
Refrigerants
You may have heard from us or read elsewhere that newer air conditioning units are using a newer refrigerant that is less harmful to the environment. Here is a more detailed explanation. Refrigerants are essential components of an air conditioning system. Refrigerants are the substances – usually fluids – that air conditioners use to transfer […]
Things to Do if Your Transformer Goes Out
“Oh, no, where did I put that flashlight?” Are you suddenly sitting in the dark? A burned out transformer may be the culprit. What is the transformer? It’s a device that steps down the high voltage of the electricity delivered from the power plant to a voltage that can safely be brought into your home. […]