Important Facts About Electric Car Charging Stations

In today’s world, electric cars are becoming more and more popular, which means the need for electric car charging stations has increased. There are charging stations located at many workplaces, malls, and even some available at travel rest stops. But many electric car owners want the convenience of a charging station right in their own home. Did you know, Gervais Electric, Inc. offers electric car charging station installation? Below you will find important information on charging stations, different levels and overall efficiency.

 

ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING STATIONS

 

As we all know, cars have forever been powered by gasoline until recently, with the introduction of electric cars- which are powered by electricity stored in a battery. Incredibly high tech and costly, electric car batteries are usually lithium ion or nickel metal hydride in composition. Most electric cars have an estimated range of 100-350 miles of which they can travel on a single battery charge, with talk of one charge lasting up to 500 miles in the near future. This will make it so the electric car will be the only car you need. Though they need to be recharged regularly, electric cars tend to be more practical since the average person drives less than 35 miles per day. With that said, is it any wonder that most electric car owners have an electric car charging station option available to them right in their own homes.

 

People who have had an electric car say they would never go back to a gasoline car because they don’t have to spend time filling up, getting a tune up, inspection, oil changers, transmission fluid changes or brakes  repairs. If you are contemplating the purchase of an electric car, we highly recommend you take time out to talk with our team of electricians about the electrical and wiring needs that are required for the installation of a charging station. You want to ensure that the electrical capacity in your home can fully support the charging needs of your new electric vehicle.

 

HOW ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING STATIONS WORK

 

Mirroring the same concept of plugging your cell phone in to charge its battery, plugging your electric vehicle works along the same lines. As a matter of fact, cell phones, a variety of other electrical devices and electric vehicles actually use very similar batteries that are not only rechargeable, but also have a high-energy storage density as well. It is important to understand, however, that charging batteries for your electric car requires special chargers that enhance the charging process, all the while ensuring both efficiency and safety.

 

CHARGING STATIONS (ESVE LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2 CHARGING)

 

How often you use your electric car, and how you actually use it, play a significant role in choosing the right station.   Electric car owners who plug in and charge their cars at home utilize an ESVE charger. There are a variety of ESVE chargers available, which means engaging the services of a certified electrician to advise you as to which ESVE charger will charge your vehicle efficiently and safely.

 

Level 1 charging is a charging option used by those individuals who simply plug their electric vehicle charger into a typical outlet within their home. This is the cheapest and slowest electric car charging option available, and provides you with approximately 40 miles of charge that will easily satisfy local commutes and daily routine use.

 

Level 2 charging uses 240-volt electricity to charge your electric vehicle quickly and provides all the safety you need. When using a level 2 EVSE electric charger you can take advantage of a range of charging powers offering nearly 70 miles of range per charging hour. However, it is important to recognize that these more powerful chargers require installation by a licensed electrician, since new wiring and an enhanced electrical infrastructure may also be needed.

 

THE EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST

 

To learn more about electric car charging stations for your home, or to have a thorough electrical inspection and checkup to ensure that the electrical infrastructure of your home can handle your electric charger, be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. Our licensed electricians stand ready to meet your every need and to provide you with a professional opinion, and all the insight you need to choose the best charging option for your home. Don’t delay. Reach out to our team of experts today. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the highest quality electrical products and services Franklin has to offer!

Choosing the Right Thermostat Option for Your Home

With summer in full affect, you’re going to want to ensure that the atmosphere in your home is as comfortable as can be. One of the best options for ensuring comfort all day, every day, is by investing in and choosing a new programmable thermostat option. Doing so will not only contribute to consistent, comfortable temperatures in your home, but can also contribute to reduced utility costs as well.

When you’re ready to purchase your new thermostat, there are a number of options to choose from. So you’ll want to be sure that the one you choose is compatible with your home’s HVAC system.

THERMOSTAT TYPES

Some of the most common types of thermostats on the market today include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Manual Thermostat – This type of thermostat has manual controls and lacks any of the newer product features available today, such as LCD displays.
  • Non-programmable, Digital Thermostat – This thermostat option requires you to make changes to the temperature settings in your home manually, but has an LCD display for easy reading.
  • Programmable Thermostat – One of the most state of the art products on the market, the programmable thermostat is able to automatically change and adjust the temperature settings in your living space, so as to accommodate your everyday schedules. It’s remarkably convenient and far more efficient as well.
  • Learning Thermostat – This option is one of the most innovative, advanced thermostats available today. It provides the highest level of overall energy efficiency and requires no manual programming at all. Over time, this model acquaints itself with your home habits and temperature preferences. In addition, these thermostats continue to make necessary adjustments even when you are not at home, and they’re capable of producing total energy usage reports. You can connect them to your home Wi-Fi and control them remotely as well.
  • Remote Thermostat – This type of thermostat is actually connected through your home internet and can be controlled by your electronic device from any remote location.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERMOSTAT FOR YOUR HOME

When it comes time to choose your new thermostat option, be sure to give focus to your specific needs and individual preferences. Are you more concerned about the latest and most advanced technology? Then the learning thermostat is the way to go. Or are you more focused on ease of use and cost? In this case, you may want to choose a manual or digital thermostat. If flexibility and accessibility are your greater concern, then a remote thermostat may be more to your liking.

Though the options are many, your individual needs, taste, and preferences will be the final determining factor when choosing which new thermostat you want to purchase. Like everything else, be sure to perform your due diligence and make certain that the thermostat option you choose is compatible with your home’s HVAC system.

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN ALWAYS TRUST

To learn more about the variety of thermostat purchase options available today, or to schedule a thermostat installation, you have certainly come to the right place. Gervais Electric, Inc. and our team of professionals is steadfast in helping all our clients enjoy comfortable atmospheres in their living spaces- whether winter, spring, summer or fall. Reach out to one of our dedicated professionals to discuss your thermostat options and/or schedule your installation today. We look forward to our every opportunity to serve you and to providing you with the highest quality electrical products and service. Don’t delay. Contact our friendly, dedicated team today!