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Protect Your Home Electrical Systems During the Cold Winter Season

Posted on by oleg

During the cold winter months, the electrical systems in your home can work a whole lot harder. From heating and lighting to power plug outlets, your electrical system is challenged over and over again. This is why it is worth your while to have your electrical system checked. You wouldn’t want a break down in the middle of winter. Gervais Electric, your professional electrical contractor, is on hand to provide you with our expert analysis and assessment of home electrical systems.

There are a number of components of your system that you should give focus and attention to.

 

IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS

  • Lighting – During the winter months it gets darker earlier, which means that having effective lighting both indoors and outdoors is essential. During the festive holiday season, you want to be able to enjoy your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights as well. The electricity usage in your home can be attributed at least 20% to the lighting you use and that number can be greatly increased during the winter months. However, when you invest in energy efficient lighting options you can save a great deal of electricity and enhance the energy efficiency in your home. It can be somewhat challenging to find and buy the best energy efficient lighting fixtures to install both indoors and outdoors. This is where our experts come in. We can provide you with advice and insight on purchasing the best all around lighting options for your individual needs and for your home.

 

  • Heating – Surely, the central heating system in your home, as well as individual electronic heaters, are used a great deal throughout the winter months. For those who rely upon effective portable heaters to warm their home atmosphere it is important to have your plug outlets inspected to ensure not only their integrity but their overall safety as well. For those who have gas central heating systems, inspecting smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is an absolute must do. Winter is certainly that time of year when much energy is used to keep a typical home cozy, warm, and comfortable. Conserving energy by way of proper insulation and a properly functioning heating system will help ensure the comfort and safety of your home and family.

 

  • Hot Water System – Especially during the cold winter months, taking a hot shower or bath is something we all enjoy. During the holiday season, we use an increased amount of hot water as well, whether washing dishes or running the dishwasher or the electric washer and dryer. It is important, therefore, to ensure that your hot water system is updated and energy efficient, and able to handle the added workload as well.

 

  • Safety Inspection – A local electrician can provide you with a safety inspection of all your home electrical connections, installations, appliances and the likes to prepare you for the cold winter months ahead. Because families tend to spend much more time indoors during the winter months, the tendency to use more electrical devices is increased, which means the overall electrical risk is increased as well. During an inspection, focus is given to any potential problems that could occur, such as surge protection, outlets and switches, fire hazards, appliances, electronics, lighting, issues with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and possible electrocution risks and hazards as well. An inspection of your electrical systems helps to ensure that all is functioning safely and properly in advance of the winter weather months.

 

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

 

If you are unsure as to whether or not your home systems are safe, or perhaps your current installations. Or if you’re concerned that the infrastructure in your home does not meet with required codes, Gervais Electric has got you covered. Contact our team today to schedule an inspection and assessment of your home electrical systems to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your home and family as the cold winter months and the holiday season are upon us.

Space Heater Safety Tips This Winter

Posted on by oleg

Winter is here and it can certainly become quite cold in Tennessee which, often times, leads homeowners and families to plug in their favorite space heater to add comfort to their living space.

 

When the outside temperatures begin to fall, it only makes perfect sense that individuals look to whatever resources they have to stay warm and toasty. For many, the use of a portable space heater is often the heating option of choice, especially in those areas of your home that may not be as evenly heated as other rooms. One of these handy heaters is indeed an ideal option for warming any room in the house, whether the kitchen, home office, bathroom or bedroom. However, if you are going to be using these electronic heat producers throughout your home, it is important you know exactly how to operate them both efficiently and safely.

 

A FIRE HAZARD FOR SURE

 

Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission tell us that there are anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 home fires every year that are the result of space heaters that are faulty or improperly used by family members. For this reason, Gervais Electric would like to offer a few important tips and ideal practices for using portable heaters in your home.

 

IMPORTANT YET PRACTICAL TIPS

 

  • Be sure that your portable heater is equipped with a number of safety features including, but not limited to, auto turn off when the heater is either tilted, is not level, tips over or excessive heat levels are detected. Most newer model portable heaters will come with these safety features.
  • Never use an extension cord with your space heater since many of them actually draw more power than the extension cord or power strip you may plug it into can handle. If you do plug your heater into a power strip, over time, it may cause sparks and/or a fire.
  • Be sure you place your portable heater on a hard surface that is non-flammable. You want to ensure that the heater is level and stable while operating to avoid it from tipping over. It is important you also put the heater in a place that is away from your typical walking traffic, and that you ensure there is an absolute clear buffer all around it. It is best to maintain a radius of about three feet around the heater to avoid pets or children from coming in contact with it and knocking it over. Also, be sure to never place your portable heater near curtains, drapes, bedding, cloth furniture, or on any type of carpeting.
  • Position your heater to heat those small areas where you feel you need the additional heat. More times than not it makes good sense to position your space heater on the floor rather than on a table or counter since heat, as we all know, rises.
  • The cord that comes with the heater must never be put under a rug, carpeting and or covering of any kind. The cords with the heaters are rated for open air.
  • Finally, make certain you place our portable heater in a dry place and far away from any water. With that said, be especially careful when using your little trusty heaters in areas such as the laundry room and bathrooms, where moisture and water are typically present.

 

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

 

When using portable heaters be sure to use them wisely and with a great amount of care. Surely, they can contribute to a warmer, cozy environment in your home. But if improperly used, space heaters can lead to some very dangerous situations. For more tips or information on the proper use of space heaters, call Gervais Electric. As you begin to use or purchase space heaters in these cold winter months, be sure to take every precaution possible in order to keep your home and family safe!

How to Brighten Up Your Patio This Fall with Outdoor Lighting

Posted on by oleg

Fall is in full effect, and spending time outdoors on a cool fall night is something many of us enjoy doing. If you are looking for a way to enhance your patio space, then you may want to consider installing effective outdoor lighting. Many professionals understand how beneficial attractive lighting can be when it comes to an outdoor space.

 

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

 

When adding lighting to your backyard patio there are a number of factors to consider. Before choosing an outdoor lighting option, it is important to determine which type of lighting will best suit the space while accommodating your needs. With that said, here are some of the factors you should consider when starting your lighting project.

 

  • When you set out to design the lighting features and elements for your patio, you should consider using a variety of appealing lighting fixtures. A combination of task, accent, and ambient lighting may prove to be the ideal formula for your outdoor patio.
  • Task lighting is used to put light directly on a specific area and easily contributes to ambient lighting.
  • Accent lighting also contributes to ambient lighting, but is often looked upon as a more decorative or stylish option.
  • Ambient lighting provides general illumination to your patio space and sets the tone for the overall lighting level and the ambiance you are looking to achieve.

 

  • With your new patio outdoor lighting you will need to give consideration to the various lighting control options as well. There are a number of options to choose from with timers, dimmers and motion sensors being options that can actually help to reduce electricity costs and energy while controlling the amount of light you use. When installing timers, you can enjoy automatic turn on of your lights at dusk and an automatic shut off of lights at dawn.

 

  • Weather resistant materials – When choosing your outdoor lighting options, be sure to take into consideration the product materials. You want to ensure that your materials are weather resistant so as to ensure that your new outside lights can always function at optimal levels despite the weather conditions.

 

  • Appropriate size – Size plays a significant role in choosing the appropriate lighting for your backyard patio.   Be sure to choose a lighting fixture that can easily display a balance between the light output and the proportion. You want your lighting component to be every bit appealing when you view it from a distance as it is when you are viewing it up close. As a rule of thumb, should you be uncertain about the exact sized fixture you need, it is often best to go with a size slightly bigger than what you are guessing to be sufficient.

 

  • Finally, call in the professionals – Once you have completed your research and have selected the lighting options you deem best for your backyard patio and your individual needs, your next step is to call in the professionals to take care of your electrical installation. When it comes to electricity, it is always wisest to rely on the professionals.

 

THE EXPERTS YOU CAN RELY ON AND TRUST

 

Gervais Electric, Inc. is dedicated to providing all our valued clients only the highest quality electrical products and services. We are steadfast in our commitment to meet the needs of all our valued clients no matter the need, and that includes the installation of effective and aesthetically appealing outdoor lighting for backyard patio spaces. Simply give us a call and one of our team members will schedule your installation appointment. We look forward to serving you and to helping you and your family enjoy your patio space a whole lot more, not only this fall, but season after season.

How to Perform an Exhaust Fan Installation

Posted on by oleg

Mold, mildew and bacteria can accumulate over time in your bathroom if you do not have an exhaust fan or if your current fan needs repair or replacement. An exhaust fan helps to prevent mold spores and the growth of mildew throughout your bathroom space and restores that fresh and clean atmosphere everyone wants in their bathroom. If you are a do it yourselfer wanting to perform your own exhaust fan installation or replacement, here are some important tips and facts for you.

 

HOW CLEAN AND SAFE IS YOUR EXISTING EXHAUST FAN IN YOUR BATHROOM?

 

Having an exhaust fan in your bathroom certainly contributes to a safer and cleaner atmosphere, but having a dirty exhaust fan is entirely ineffective. An operational exhaust fan that is clean, performs exactly as you need it to. It draws out the moisture and odors in your bathroom by using suction and delivering it through a vent to the outside of your home. A bathroom fan, however, over time, accumulates a great deal of grime and dust, which ultimately minimizes the effective operation of the fan. Once the fan cover or the blades become extremely dirty, they can no longer remove airborne contaminants, pollutants and moisture from your bathroom space effectively. With that said, it is important to routinely clean your exhaust fan in your efforts to avoid the growth of mildew and mold spores which can ultimately present with other more serious problems.

 

CAREFUL STEPS TO TAKE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AN EXHAUST FAN

 

Be sure to turn off the circuit breaker to the exhaust fan before you attempt to replace it. Remove the cover from the fan and place it in warm water with a small amount of soap. Using a small vacuum, remove all the dust and other particles that have accumulated on the fan and its overall housing. Next, scrub and wipe down the fan blades using a microfiber cloth to remove any particles, dust or dirt you were not able to remove with a vacuum.

 

Dry all the fan blades carefully and replace the cover before attempting to turn the fan on and try running it again. If after engaging in these steps, the fan is still not operational, then it may be time to invest in a replacement fan or perhaps a whole new exhaust fan installation.

 

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR BATHROOM EXHAUST FAN

Again, you want to begin by turning off the circuit breaker that powers your exhaust fan. Remove the fan cover and disconnect the vent pipe and wires. It may be necessary to go into your home’s attic in order to remove the hardware that is located above the ceiling. Vacuum away any dust, dirt or grime that is present throughout the area and utilize a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt that remains after vacuuming. While you are at it, this is a good time to ensure that your exhaust fan is delivering the moisture to the outside of your home and not into your home’s attic before you move forward with your new exhaust fan installation.

Following the instructions that came with your new fan, whether attaching from the bottom into your ceiling or from the attic, be sure the vent pipe is attached and secured to the new fan. Finally, plug the new fan into an outlet, replace the cover, turn on the circuit breaker and test run the fan.

This process may appear to be somewhat simple to the average do it yourselfer but, more often than now, replacing an existing exhaust fan or installing a new exhaust fan is better accomplished by reaching out to professionals. Gervais Electric is definitely the team for you!

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

For more information about an exhaust fan installation or to schedule your installation appointment, be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric. Our team of highly skilled and professional electricians is steadfast in our commitment to meet the needs of all our valued clients and in providing only the highest quality electrical parts, repairs and services. No matter what your electrical needs may be, whether residential or commercial, look to Gervais Electric – your go to team for all your electrical needs.

What You Should Know About Recessed Lighting

Posted on by oleg

Recessed lighting is certainly an excellent lighting option for providing the highest quality illumination in every room of your home. Embedded into the ceilings, these lighting fixtures provide the brightest and most efficient lighting options you could want in your home along with many other benefits.

 

ADVANTAGES OF RECESSED LIGHTING

 

The lack of visible cords or other elements is surely a favored benefit by many with the simple fact that they provide a greater coverage area. Being spaced throughout the ceilings in your home, these lighting options are sure to easily light up nearly every corner of every room or space, uniformly. More often than not, homeowners choose this type of lighting in their living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and even in their closets.

 

Yet another advantage of recessed lighting is that they are available in a wide range of styles. From an eyeball trim style that contributes to wall-wash lighting, to a reflector trim that is more suitable for popular mirrored surfaces, the styles available are many. Homeowners can tailor lighting options to fit with, not only, their home’s décor but also unique personalities as well.

 

Finally, recessed lighting is often used for highlighting various objects in your home including, but not limited to, valuable, attractive pieces of art- adding a whole lot of charm and ambiance to your artwork and to the rooms in your house.

 

DISADVANTAGES OF RECESSED LIGHTING

 

There aren’t many disadvantages to this popular lighting choice. Recessed lighting is unidirectional, meaning that you will more often than not need more than one light in order to properly light up the rooms in your home, but this also makes for creating a nice mood or vibe. Choosing the ideal lighting can be somewhat of a challenge, but when reaching out to Gervais Electric, Inc. you are sure to gain the insight and advice you need to make informed decisions that suit your individual needs best.

When it comes to the type of recessed lighting, LED is by far the best option. The new lights comes with a built in switch where you can change the type of brightness. You’ll also never need to replace lamps, as there is no lamp. Recessed lights produce no heat and are a sealed, so no heat or A/C can escape into or out of the cavity between floors or attic space.

 

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

 

Whether you are considering the installation of recessed lighting in your home or office, or are in need of high-quality electrical products and services, be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. Our team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals are steadfast in their commitment to provide only the highest quality products and services to all our valued clients. Why delay? For all your electrical needs in Franklin and the surrounding towns, give a shout out to our friendly team of certified electricians today!

The Advantages of Electric Cars

Posted on by oleg

Many people are now turning their interest to electric cars and perhaps for all the right reasons. There are a number of reasons why these vehicles may be the ideal next purchase for most consumers. Gervais Electric, Inc. wants to take this opportunity to share some of the advantages with our valued clients, which include lower fuel costs, energy independence, and the power of contribution to a cleaner and safer environment. The cost to charge an electric vehicle ranges from $15 to $50 a month. How much money will you save if you were able to lower your fuel cost to $15-$50 for an entire month?

TOP BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC CARS

  • Minimized and even the alleviation of fuel costs – We are all familiar with the many trips to the gas station and how expensive that cost can be. With the fluctuating prices in gasoline, the costs can become quite a burden, and a challenge to many. When you purchase an electric car, you can stop worrying about the necessary trips to the gas station and the ongoing price increases as well. As we all know, electricity is a great deal less expensive than gasoline and comes with a pretty stable price tag, which ensures that price increases and swings are no longer a concern.

 

In addition, to this obvious benefit, costs can be reduced even further when you choose to install rooftop solar panels to charge your new vehicle. When you choose to produce your own electricity by way of solar panels, monthly electric bills no longer present with high increases. This may be an added investment that many consumers may want to consider.

 

  • Add to the safety and cleanliness of the environment – When you invest in electric cars you are reducing car emissions. When switching over to these innovative new cars, we help to reduce the amount of damage that is done to the environment and the earth. Carbon dioxide emissions that are emitted from traditional cars and trucks actually help to accelerate many of the climate changes we are witnessing today. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, do not release any carbon monoxide into the atmosphere when they are driven. In addition, hybrid electric cars use a vehicle battery to enhance the distance drivers are able to travel with an engine powered by gasoline.

Also, electric vehicles of all types can be fueled by electricity generated by a number of renewable sources such as hydropower, wind, and of course, solar. Gasoline, on the flip side, can only produce by way of extraction and transportation processes. Electric vehicles are built to be far more environmentally friendly and safer than typical vehicles with batteries that can be recycled. When you choose to invest in an electric vehicle you can easily reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the amount of pollution to help conserve our environment.

  • Now you can be energy independent – When you own a conventional vehicle of any sort, you are technically a slave to the gas pump since it is the only way to fuel your car or truck. However, with electric cars you simply connect to an electric grid. And the electricity generated provides the fuel needed. Electric vehicles also allow owners to become much more energy independent through the use of renewable electricity for fueling. When you match a solar PV system with your very own electric vehicle, you are able to produce electricity that is free from the sun. This makes your vehicle energy independent. Why go out and purchase gasoline week after week, day after day when you can enjoy the convenience and benefits of renewable electricity as your fuel source?

THE DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

For more information on electric cars, energy independence, and other benefits of an electric vehicle investment, be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. Our team of dedicated professionals has been putting charger stations in homes and at business locations since 2012, and we stand ready to answer all your questions!

What You Should Know About A Home Electrical Safety Inspection

Posted on by oleg

We all use an abundant amount of electricity in our homes every day. Whether baking your favorite dessert, blow drying your hair, washing clothes, or surfing the web, we all rely heavily on electricity. With that said, it is important that all your appliances, devices and electrical outlets function at peak levels and any risks of electrical fires are minimized. One way to ensure that your home and family are safe is by way of an electrical safety inspection.

 

WHEN SHOULD YOU INVEST IN A HOME ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTION?

 

Certainly, scheduling an inspection can provide you with the peace of mind you need to know that both your home and family are safe and there are no risks for electrical fires. The Electrical Safety Foundation highly recommends that homeowners perform an electrical safety inspection if any of the following scenarios exist:

 

  • A home is 40+ years old.
  • You are purchasing a new home.
  • Multiple renovations are being performed on your home.
  • A homeowner purchases and installs new appliances in their home.

HOME DEFECTS THAT CAN HINDER YOUR PASSING AN ELECTRICAL INSPECTION

 

There are a number of specific defects that, when present in your home, can keep you from passing an electrical safety inspection. If you are attempting to sell your home or are simply wanting to ensure the safety of your family, it is important that none of the following common defects are present in your home:

 

  • Carbon monoxide detectors that are not functioning or no detectors at all.
  • Improperly functioning smoke alarms or the lack of such alarms.
  • Outdated knob and tube wiring.
  • Overcrowded wires.
  • Wires that are spliced illegally.
  • The installation of new lights into very old wiring.

 

If any of these defects are present in your home it is important you resolve these issues before scheduling an inspection, whether you are looking to sell your home or simply want to ensure the safety of your home and family.

 

CODE COMPLIANT REQUIREMENTS

 

There are specific codes that must be compliant in each of the rooms in your house. Below are specific requirements for the various rooms in your home.

 

  • Bathroom requirements would include combination fan and light having its own 20-amp circuit. All outlets in the bathroom must be GFCI and light fixtures in a shower area must be covered with a lens and be moisture resistant.

 

 

  • Kitchen requirements would include microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers and garbage disposals, all having their own circuit. In addition, there should be two receptacle circuits located above a countertop. Finally, the oven, electric range or cooktop must have its own dedicated 240-amp circuit.

 

  • The living room, dining room and bedrooms would all have similar requirements. Wall switches that control ceiling lights or outlets where lamps are plugged in need to be installed near to the entry door. Outlets should also be installed not more than 12 feet apart from one another and any ceiling fixtures should be controlled by a wall switch and not a pull chain mechanism.

 

  • The laundry room requirements would include washers and dryers having their own 20-amp receptacle, with the electric dryer having its own 240-volt circuit.

 

  • Staircases and hallways have their own set of electrical codes primarily because they serve as a safe way out of the home, should there be a need to get out. Whether from a fire, severe storm, or any other emergency situation, it is important to ensure that all codes are compliant. For starters, if a hallway is longer than 10 feet there should be an outlet installed for miscellaneous purposes and sufficient lighting all along the staircase. If the stairway winds or turns there should be additional lighting installed as well. Finally, there should be three-way switches installed at the top and bottom of the stairway and at each end of the hallway.

 

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

 

If you are thinking of selling your home, or want to take steps to ensure the safety of your home and family, then surely you have come to the right place. Gervais Electric takes pride in providing all our valued clients with the highest quality electrical products and services and that includes performing a home electrical safety inspection to ensure your home is up to code. To learn more about electrical inspections or to schedule your home inspection, be sure to reach out to our highly skilled and certified team of friendly professionals today.

Simple Ways to Enjoy a Lower Electric Bill

Posted on by oleg

When the temperature continues to reach scorching heights, there isn’t a person around who doesn’t appreciate air conditioning. Summer months and early fall are the peak seasons for high electricity demands since homes and offices everywhere are running their cooling systems and fans non-stop. In addition, computers, refrigerators and freezers tend to work harder to combat the high temperatures in the atmosphere, and certainly don’t contribute to your efforts to maintain a lower electric bill.

 

ELECTRICITY PRICES INCREASE WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE HIGH

 

All extra electricity usage that occurs in your home has a definite effect on your monthly energy bill, whether it’s air conditioners, computers, appliances, video games, or TVs. When you use more electricity, you obviously have to pay for that extra usage which tends to fluctuate depending upon the season and the time of day. Energy usage typically peaks in late afternoons and definitely in the summer months.

 

There are a number of ways to help beat the summer heat without causing you financial hardships and without sacrificing the use of your AC system. Some practical tips you can take to help you achieve a lower electric bill include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  • Use your AC system wisely –     Though it can be somewhat of a challenge to reduce the amount of time your AC system is running, it is the logical way of reducing electric costs in peak months. On cloudy days or during early morning hours, and even at dusk, try using fans instead of the AC. Also, when you are away from home for extended periods of time, don’t keep the AC running. Instead, set your thermostat at higher temperatures while away and program it to start up in advance of your return home.

 

  • Draw your window treatments – The sun’s heat can easily seep through your windows and create warm molecules within your living space, especially in the middle of the day. When this occurs, simply pull down your shades or other window treatments and allow your home to quickly and consistently cool down.

 

  • Invest in effective insulation and energy efficient windows – If you have inefficient window treatments or lack insulation, then your AC system has no choice but to work harder and longer to keep your living space cool and comfortable. Double pane windows are equipped with cost effective and efficient seals that help to reduce the running time of your AC system, as do properly sealed doors and vents. Also, the installation of proper insulation in your home will ensure the cold air stays in and the heat stays out during peak months.

 

  • Avoid using the kitchen stove during the hottest times of the day – Lighting up your stove during scorching hot summer days, makes as little sense as running your fireplace on a hot July afternoon. Get in the habit of cooking on the grill in the summer months and surely you will see that doing so contributes to a lower electric bill.

 

 

GERVAIS ELECTRIC, INC. – THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

 

Paying high electricity bills can certainly put a bit of a damper on summer plans and fun, but when you take time out to practice these simple tips above, rest assured you will enjoy a lower electric bill and reduced energy consumption as well. Just give us a call for more information on how you can minimize electricity usage. Our team of dedicated professionals would be happy to install a setback thermostat or a ceiling fan, which can also help reduce your electricity bill. At Gervais Electric, Inc, we stand ready to meet your every need and look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your family season after season, year after year!

Are Window Air Conditioning Units a Good Choice?

Posted on by oleg

The summer heat can be challenging and brutal at best, especially if your home has no air conditioning system. Installing an air conditioning system can be quite costly, which is why many homeowners choose to install window air conditioning units in their homes instead. Window AC units use about 1/3 of the amount of energy it requires to run a central HVAC system for the same length of time, but if you have more than one unit installed in your home, your bill can add up quickly.

 

A window unit can serve a small living space quite well, but if you have a larger home or even if you want to cool down a number of different rooms in your home, it is more efficient and cost effective to choose either a ductless AC or a central air system, each of which can cool down larger areas and contribute to the energy efficiency in your home.

 

BE SURE YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAN HANDLE THE CHALLENGE OF YOUR AC UNITS

 

Certainly, one of the more powerful appliances in your home, window air conditioning units can put a great strain on your electrical system. Smaller units can be run with standard wall outlets, with larger units, typically 125 or 220 volts as well as those with higher amps requiring a committed outlet for power. If you do not have one available in your home, it is essential that you have the appropriate outlet installed by a professional electrician. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your home electrical system can properly handle the needs of an AC window unit, then be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. and our team of highly experienced electricians before your installation.

 

OTHER OPTIONS

 

A ductless AC, or mini split AC unit, has a greater price tag than a typical window unit, but they provide more power and are more energy efficient than even a central HVAC system. In addition, they can easily cool down larger areas than window units and have a number of useful components. The thermostat of a mini-split unit and the air vents are located within the area that is being cooled while its cooling fans are located on the exterior of the home. These units also have programmable settings and timers that are quite useful. A professional installation is required for a mini-split system, but the process is far less costly than that of a central HVAC system.

 

WINDOW UNITS CERTAINLY COST LESS

 

Window air conditioning units cost much less than that of a central AC system or mini-split system, but they are unable to provide the ultimate cooling you would want and need. If your home requires multiple window units, then looking into a mini-split system will most definitely save you money over the long term.

 

TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON

 

Whatever the option you may choose for your home’s cooling needs, Gervais Electric, Inc. can ensure that your electrical system is equipped to handle the challenge and task. For more information about electricity usage for window air conditioning units, mini-split units and central HVAC systems reach out to our team of professionals today. Our certified electricians are on hand to answer all your questions and to help with your important decision making. Contact our team of dedicated professionals today for the most reliable home cooling solutions!

Homes Constructed Prior to 1988 Require Certain Electrical Upgrades

Posted on by oleg

You may not know that the electrical wiring in a home can become a dangerous safety hazard as it ages. Everything deteriorates over time, but some things present with greater hazards over the course of an extended deterioration process. Homes that are greater than 30 years old, require a number of electrical upgrades to ensure the safety of both the home and its occupants.

 

CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS

 

If your home is greater than 30 years old, we highly suggest you hire our professional electricians to perform a thorough inspection to determine if your home electrical system is in need of repairs, or perhaps even a full replacement. Gervais Electric, Inc. can help you to identify common electrical issues that need to be repaired, or components that may need to be replaced altogether. Whatever the case may be, rest assured our team of certified professionals are equipped to handle all your repairs and electrical upgrades. With that said, we’ve provided below some of the common electrical issues that may need to be addressed.

 

COMMON ELECTRICAL ISSUES IN HOMES BUILD PRIOR TO 1988

 

  • Electrical Wiring – One of the most important and more obvious components of your a electrical system, apt to require an upgrade, is your electrical wiring. Depending on the type of wiring you have in your home, an upgrade will prevent fires from occurring, or other hazardous issues that can harm you and your family. No matter the type of wiring in your home, our team of professionals are on hand to replace it with new, state of the art, safe wiring to ensure the safety of your home and family.

 

  • Electrical Panel – Your home’s electrical panel is responsible for regulating and maintaining the electrical current running from the outside power source into your home. When there is no regulation, power surges can easily occur and can ultimately cause a fire in the walls.   Although most electrical panels are quite reliable and sturdy and have an extended lifespan, it is critical that you have your electrical panel inspected from time to time to ensure that the electrical flow is being handled and administered properly.

 

  • Electrical Wall Receptacles – Most of us are aware that the wall receptacles in our homes can lead to fires, especially if they become damaged, old, or worn out. For starters, you should ensure that the wall receptacles in your kitchen and bathrooms are, if not already, upgraded to GFCI outlets. These GFCI units have a specialized design that serves to cut off any electrical supply, right at the source, if ever there is a threat of shock resulting from the presence of water. Our highly skilled electricians will perform a full inspection to determine if any of the outlets in your home are damaged and burned requiring replacement.

 

  • Ceiling Fans – Older ceiling fans use a great deal of power and waste an awful lot of energy. Today’s ceiling fans are incredibly energy efficient and should take the place of any older style ceiling fans in your home. Our electrical pros can advise whether or not you need new ceiling fans in your home and, if needed, can take care of the installation process for you as well.

 

PUT YOUR TRUST IN OUR DEDICATED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS

 

I think we would all agree that when it comes to your home electrical system, it is much wiser to be safe rather than sorry. If you own a home that is greater than 30 years old, then why not take the time to contact our expert team to perform a much-needed inspection? We will ensure that your system is safe, and we’ll advise you on any electrical components that are in need of repair or replacement. And of course, we’ll perform all of your electrical upgrades for you. Don’t put your home and family in danger. Schedule your electrical system inspection with our professionals today and make your home a safer place to live!