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Important Facts About Electric Car Charging Stations

Posted on by oleg

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

Posted on by oleg

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!

Signs That it’s Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Posted on by oleg

As a homeowner, the list of tasks you may have, at any given moment, can probably feel like it’s never ending. Most homeowners give a good deal of focus to the primary systems in their homes, but often times forget about the overall integrity and functionality of their home’s electrical panel. With that said, Gervais Electric, Inc. wants to familiarize our clients with some of the signs that indicate it may very well be time for an upgrade.

 

SOME SIGNS AND INDICATIONS THAT YOUR BREAKER BOX NEEDS UPGRADING

 

  • You are still using and relying on fuses – Many older homes still operate today with fuses. With the increased number of appliances and electronic devices in the home this can be quite dangerous. Upgrading the breaker box in your home is not only a smart but safe option since fuses can melt as a result of flowing currents. For those homes still using fuses, it can be quite difficult to find an insurance company that will provide you with homeowner’s insurance, which is why an electrical panel upgrade is the ideal solution.

 

  • If you have invested in new appliances and electronics – Many older styled appliances can be properly managed and run with electrical options that are somewhat outdated. However, if you have invested in a number of new appliances and/or electronic devices, or perhaps you are planning a home remodeling project, we suggest you schedule an electrical panel upgrade as well. Keep in mind with all the upgraded appliances and devices your old breaker box will no longer be able to handle the workload.

 

  • You have wiring issues in your home – If you find yourself faced often with flickering lights or lights that consistently dim, or even appliances that give you a bit of a shock when you touch them, then your home has wiring issues. In addition, if you sometimes detect a burning smell in the house or you notice that many of your outlets tend to spark or have a burned discoloring, then again, you have issues with wiring. To resolve these problems, you will need to upgrade your panel.

 

  • You are using more power strips, plugs or extension cords in your home – With the many electronic devices we all have in our homes and the wide range of new appliances many homeowners are investing in, we are all using increased supplies of electricity which, more likely than not, will result in issues with your breaker box. In order to handle the increased electricity demands, we recommend that you upgrade the electrical panel in your home to accommodate the demand.

 

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON

 

If you own an older home and have yet to upgrade your breaker box, then our highly skilled and experienced electricians suggest you give some thought to the safety of your home and family. As explained above, the many new appliances today, coupled with the abundant electronic devices we all have in our homes, are reason enough to perform the necessary upgrade.

 

An outdated breaker box can present hazards to your home and family. When electricity usage is severely increased, but the source of the management and distribution of the electricity is not upgraded, you can find yourself faced with some pretty serious safety issues. This is why it is important to upgrade your breaker box to handle the workload in order to avoid safety hazards and fires. That’s where Gervais Electric, Inc. comes in. Our team of dedicated professionals are on hand to handle your every electrical need. This includes the installation of a new electrical panel in your home. Simply give a shout out to one of our friendly team members and schedule your inspection and evaluation today. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the best all round electrical services and repairs!

Smart Switches and Their Benefits

Posted on by oleg

We all use light switches everyday of our lives. But most of us are unaware of a state of the art option called smart switches. In today’s world, smart technology is at the forefront of nearly everything we do and all that we own. Gervais Electric, Inc. would like to share the benefits of transitioning your switches from ancient to smart.

 

WHAT ARE SMART SWITCHES?

 

Smart switches are innovative light switches equipped with advanced technology features, compatible with traditional outlets. Two examples include:

 

  • Radio wave capabilities – the radio waves allow the switches to easily connect to wireless networks located nearby, which makes them a member of the ‘smart device’ family. They are differentiated according to their specialized capabilities, such as app and voice control.

 

  • Somewhat complicated design – there are a variety of add on buttons that offer users specialized light control, with some designs being equipped with sensors or light indicators as well. Though the design may appear a bit complex, they are very user friendly.

 

BENEFITS AND FEATURES OF SMART SWITCHES

 

In order to fully understand how smart switches work, it is important to have a complete comprehension of the specialized features and benefits offered.

 

  • One of the best features included with smart switches, is the inclusion of a smart device app, ready for downloading. The app allows you to control the lights that are directly connected to your switch- from your phone, laptop, or other mobile device. This ensures that you never really have to use the actual switch to turn your lights on or off. When you are away from home, whether at work or traveling, you can simply turn your lights on or off, to make it appear as if you are at home.

 

  • Another benefit is the dimming option. If the lights you are connected to are compatible, then most smart switches will provide you with the option to adjust the lighting in your home until they are set at the level you desire. This benefit is limited by the type of bulbs you are attempting to control.

 

  • Yet another benefit is the ability to use the app to actually schedule times that you want your lights to be turned on or turned off. This feature allows you to turn lights on in advance of your returning to home, whether you are away at work or perhaps turn the lights on before your children arrive home after the school day.

 

ARE SMART SWITCHES THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?

 

As you can see, smart switches will most definitely make your life a great deal easier and even safer. They can surely be a welcome addition to anybody’s home. This modern option can provide a perfect option for upgrading your existing light switches in your home. They are remarkably affordable and would just require an additional charge for the installation. If you haven’t the need to replace all your light switches, but have a few that are used regularly, then be sure to reach out to our professionals for your upgrade and installation needs.

 

For more information about the benefits and features of smart switches, to schedule an installation, or for any electrical products or services you may need, be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. Our team of dedicated professionals stands ready to meet your every need. We take tremendous pride in providing the highest quality electrical products. Don’t delay. Call to schedule your consultation or installation appointment today!

Do You Have to Keep Replacing Light Bulbs?

Posted on by oleg

Does this sound familiar? You walk in to a room to flick a light switch, and the bulb is burned out again. The frustration mounts because you feel like you just replaced that bulb, and the expenses are adding up. It can be a bit mind numbing, upsetting, and certainly quite costly if you have to continue replacing light bulbs throughout your home. And did you know that the cause of your bulbs wearing out so quickly could be an electrical issue, and a fire hazard in the making? If this sounds familiar, Gervais Electric, Inc. recommends you identify the reasons why your light bulbs burn out so often ASAP.

 

CAUSES FOR FREQUENT LIGHT BULB BURN OUTS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

 

No matter what type of bulbs you may have in your home, if you’re constantly replacing light bulbs, its time to identify the source of the problem. There are a number of reasons why light bulbs, of all types, can burn out rather quickly.

 

  • The bulbs may be loose or improperly connected – If a bulb is loosely or improperly connected, it will burn out quickly because of the intermittent voltage flowing through it. This typically causes flickering. If this is happening, be sure the bulb is properly screwed into the socket. If it is loose, then screw the bulb in until it is snug in the socket. But, be sure not to screw it in too tightly because you can cause damage to the socket tab.

 

  • You may be installing the wrong kind of light bulbs – If a table lamp should be used with a 60-watt bulb, but you’re using a 120-watt bulb, excess heat is created in the fixture, which will minimize the lifespan of the bulb. Be sure that both the bulb and the fixture have the same wattage.

 

  • The voltage of the power supply may be too high – 120-volt electrical outlets are standard. So be sure your bulb is not connected to a 220-volt outlet. Plugging into a higher voltage outlet may cause the bulb to shine brighter, but it will burn out very quickly.

 

  • Constant vibrations may cause the filament to break – A garage door, or various types of ceiling fans, can create excessive vibrations in your home, and ultimately cause broken filaments in light bulbs. If this is an ongoing problem it may be best to switch over to LED bulbs that have no filaments.

 

  • The wiring in the fixture may be loose – When wiring is loose, power to your bulb will be intermittent, causing the bulbs to burn out faster. If there is an issue with the wiring, we recommend you contact a professional electrician to resolve the problem.

 

  • The type of bulb you’re using may not be compatible with the linked dimmer switch – Today’s new state of the art light bulbs are simply not compatible with many dimmer switches. Dimmer switches from yesteryear were designed for incandescent bulbs, not the modern bulbs we have today. So be sure to check the compatibility of both your bulb and your dimmer switch.

 

TRUST OUR EXPERTS

 

If you find yourself replacing light bulbs frequently, you may be faced with a safety hazard in your home that should be identified as soon as possible by a professional electrician. That’s where Gervais Electric comes in. Our team of highly skilled and experienced electricians are here to identify problems and provide effective solutions for you.  We’re available to answer all your questions and address all your concerns. Call our team today. We look forward to serving you with only the highest quality electrical products, services, and repairs!

USB Outlets Are an Absolute Must Have

Posted on by oleg

Homes today are designed and built with a number of outlets and receptacles to allow homeowners to be able to power up appliances, etc.  However, designs today rarely accommodate the need for homeowners to plug in and keep a variety of electrical devices charged at the same time.  With that said, Gervais Electric, Inc. wants to share some insight and tips on how homeowners out there can install your very own USB outlets.

 

THE PERFECT SOLUTION

 

Your home is probably like every other home in the neighborhood, in that you have multiple electronic devices, which need sufficient charging each and every day.  The ideal solution to this problem is to install state of the art USB outlets in a number of locations throughout your home.  These USB chargers are designed to meet the demands of all your device charging needs while keeping your traditional three prong electrical outlets free to be used for your various other appliances and various electrical needs.

 

The installation of these USB outlets can be a rather simple task, especially for the natural do-it-yourselfers.  However, for most homeowners- any type of electrical work typically warrants the expertise and know-how of professionals trained, and experienced, in the field.

 

The Gervais Electric team of professionals will take all steps necessary to ensure that the old outlet wiring is sufficient to accommodate the needs of the new installs.  The wall should be at least three inches in depth to properly and safely install the new USB outlet.  After deciding on the ideal locations in your home for the new USB outlets, your next step should be to choose both a configuration and color that will meet your specific needs.  Be sure that the faceplates you choose not only coordinate with the color of your existing outlet, but also work efficiently with the size of the existing outlet as well.  Our team of certified electricians will handle the rest.  If you prefer, we can also provide the appropriate faceplates as needed.

 

A SIMPLE PROCESS

 

When Gervais Electric team members arrive at your home to install your new USB outlets, they’ll first ask you where you want the USB outlets installed. Once the locations have been determined, they will then locate the breaker or breakers that power up the circuit or circuits, and will then turn them off.  When you turn off the Main Breaker to the whole house, someone has to go around and reset all clocks. If the Main Breaker is turned off under a load, there is a big ark inside of the breaker which may cause the Main Breaker not to turn back on.  To safely turn off a Main Breaker, we first must turn off all breakers inside of the panel box and when turning on the Main Breaker, we must turn on the Main Breaker first, then each breaker inside the panel.

 

USB OUTLETS ARE BENEFICIAL TO EVERY HOME

 

With the ongoing variety and number of electrical devices that require USB cords in today’s world, there’s no question that having USB outlets in your home can be more than beneficial to you and your family.  Typically, we all find ourselves having to perform a juggling act when we realize that we have yet another electrical device that needs a USB charger.  Surely, the installation of new USB outlets in your home would provide you with an effective solution to this problem.

 

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

 

If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, or just don’t feel confident disconnecting your old outlets and wiring, etc., then be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc.  Our professionals are on hand to provide you with all the support and assistance you need.  We look forward to serving you and to handling the installation of your USB outlets or any other electrical services you may need in an timely and efficient manner.  Don’t delay.  Give a shout out to our team today!

Important Facts About Electric Fireplaces

Posted on by oleg

Sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge to find a comfortable heat setting in your home and surely, electric fireplaces can help make the task an easy one. Though these remarkable resources can provide a whole lot of comfort for your family, it is important to recognize that not all fireplaces have the same features and, therefore, do not heat up your living space in the same way.


THE OVERALL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VARIOUS ELECTRIC FIREPLACES

 

Electric fireplaces often times are equipped with a variety of features that operate entirely differently than other fireplaces of the same design. The typical aesthetic composition of these fireplaces is that of a traditional wood-burning fireplace. However, the electric version of the fireplace does not require any type of venting and also has the capability of operating the flame itself without any heat.

 

Many electric fireplaces operate by simply drawing in the cool air present in the room, warming it by way of the heating coils, and then returning the warmed air back into the room by way of a simple fan. Infrared fireplaces, use LED bulbs that produce infrared light. The coils that surround the LED bulbs are responsible for distributing heat through a metal reflector, evenly throughout the living space. The metal reflector then delivers the warm light rays produced into the living area.

 

There are primarily four different types of electric fireplaces available on the market today. They include wall-mounted, inserts, stand-alone, and built-in models. Each style allows individuals to not only enjoy added heat in their living space without the mess, fumes or gasses that combustion fireplaces present with, but they also offer an option to enjoy the light and beauty of the flame year-round- without generating any heat. In addition, these state of the art fireplaces are equipped with separate controls for both the flame itself and the heating element, allowing for the use of one without the other. With this in mind, homeowners can take advantage of the peace and tranquility their electric fireplace affords them all year round.

 

UNDERSTANDING HOW THE FLAME OF AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE WORKS

 

Although many electric fireplaces are designed with logs and flames, it is important to know that these elements are not real. The flame itself is a simulation that is created by a light bulb and light that is refracted in a unique pattern that offers its viewers a realistic appearance. If ever you find that your flame is not operating, it will more than likely be the result of a light bulb that has blown out and needs replacement. Because of this unique feature, a flame that does not generate heat, but rather only light, homeowners can feel comfortable using their electric fireplaces all year round.

 

These innovative fireplaces have found a significant place in the industry and are a popular choice of many homeowners looking for a simple way of enjoying the benefits of a fireplace without having to deal with the excessive mess, the many dangerous gasses, and the other challenges that come along with your traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

 

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON

 

For more information about electric fireplaces, or if you find yourself in need of top of the line electrical products or services for your home or business, be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. Our team of professionals is on hand to answer all your questions, discuss any concerns you may have, and provide you with a free estimate for any residential or commercial electrical services you may need. Don’t delay. Contact our team today!

Steps You Can Take to Minimize Electric Costs

Posted on by oleg

With the winter weather still knocking on our doors, most homeowners and business owners alike are experiencing an increase in their utility bills, and especially their electric bills.  During the winter months heating systems are used on a daily basis, because of shortened daylight, the lights are kept on for an extended period of time and being confined to the home warrants the use of entertainment devices such as television, computers, microwaves and other electronics more often.  With that said, Gervais Electric, Inc. has some simple but important steps you can take to minimize electric costs this winter.

HOW TO MINIMIZE ELECTRIC COSTS

  • Programmable thermostat     – With today’s smart programmable thermostats, cutting down on your heating system usage, which contributes to a reduction in your electric bill, is ever so easy. With a smart thermostat you can program when your heating system will turn on and turn off during the day and night.  Working away from home, typically means there is no need for the heat to be running all day.  A programmable thermostat allows you to set the time you want the heat to kick on and also affords you the convenience of controlling the temperatures in your home when you are away at work, business or on vacation.  Lowering your heat to 60 degrees while you sleep is another simple way of reducing heat and electric costs.
  • Proper use of your shutters and blinds – A simple but effective way of conserving energy and reducing electricity costs in your home is to open up shutters and blinds in those rooms that are south facing during the daytime allowing for the natural sunlight to come in and closing them down in the evening hours. The natural sunlight offers heat to your home at no cost and certainly contributes to minimized heating and electric bills.
  • Seal your chimney flue when not in use –When you leave your chimney flue open you allow a good amount of the warm air within your living space to escape the home and an abundant amount of cold air from the outside to make its way in.  Be sure to seal the chimney flue and ensure that your dryer vents are closed properly as well.
  • Shut the doors in unused rooms –If you have rooms in your house that are not used regularly, then closing the doors and vents can help you to minimize electric costs and heating costs as well.  There is no reason to heat rooms that are unoccupied or not used, since doing so only adds to your monthly utility bills.
  • Use fans to circulate air in your living space- Set your ceiling fans on a low speed to circulate air upward toward the ceiling. Use of your ceiling fans in this way will help to force the warmer air at the ceiling level, to move downward and provide additional warmth to your living space.
  • Turn off lights when not in use – Since the days are shorter in the wintertime and daylight is reduced, it is only common that individuals tend to leave their lights on for longer periods of time. However, whether winter, spring, summer or fall, turning off lights when you leave a room will always help to minimize electric costs and ultimately save you a good deal of money.

PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

Adhering to these simple but practical steps can surely help you to minimize electric costs during the frigid winter months and still allow the atmospheres in your home to be comfortable.  For more information on reducing utility bills or if you are in need of any type of electrical services, be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. today.  We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the best all round electrical products and services this side of Franklin!

What is Phantom Electricity and How Does It Impact Your Electric Bill?

Posted on by oleg

Phantom electricity is power that is consumed by all those electronic appliances and devices you have in your home when they are either in standby mode or entirely turned off, but still plugged in.  Phantom power, sometimes referred to as vampire or ghost power, is what keeps such things as your alarm clock going, your television settings intact and even your microwave or VCR clock ticking.  Though it appears this ghostlike power is necessary, it certainly comes with a bit of a price tag.

The idle current that makes up the vampire power is simply wasted power since the appliances or devices are either turned off or simply not in use.  Most homeowners are unaware of the fact that when you leave your unused devices, appliances and the likes plugged in when not in use, they definitely contribute to a higher monthly electric bill.  Typically, phantom electricity makes up nearly 25% of all your home energy consumption and certainly has an environmental impact as well.

HOW TO REDUCE PHANTOM ELECTRICITY

In today’s homes there are a plethora of devices, appliances and electronics that are used.  With that said, high electric bills are common to nearly every household.  However, when you are able to reduce or even eliminate your phantom electricity you are sure to benefit not only your budget and wallet, but the environment as well.  Gervais Electric, Inc. wants to share a few easy tips to help you minimize the phantom electricity in your home.

  • Grounded Electrical Outlet
    Unplug Appliances, Electronics and Devices Not in Use – One of the most common culprits of vampire electricity is that of telephone chargers. When you are not charging your phone, the electricity is still flowing through your plugged-in charger even if it is disconnected from your phone.  Typically, households have more than one phone charger plugged in, which means the wasted energy is even more.  Get in the habit of unplugging your charger once your phones have been fully charged.
  • All those Fun Kitchen Appliances – Any appliance that plugs in is capable of producing phantom electricity. Whether your toaster, blender or your favorite mixer, any device that has a plug or cord should be unplugged when not in use to avoid additional phantom power and phantom charges.  This holds true for any other devices or appliances in your home that have cords.  Make it a point to unplug any devices that are not in use.
  • Good Old Stand-By Mode – Many people are of the impression that when their printers, laptops, or computers are in sleep mode or stand-by mode that they are not using energy or electricity.  People tend to give favor to this state since they prefer not to have to completely power down their computers, laptops or printers.  Although it may be quite enticing to take advantage of these settings, they are still partially in the on mode and still utilizing electricity without having the capability of performing typical functions.  When you turn off all your devices, not only do you reduce your phantom electricity, but you save money on your monthly bill as well.
  • Smart Power Strips – For all your larger electronics, entertainment systems, Surround sound systems and video game consoles, it may be difficult to unplug them all the time, especially since many of them have plugs and cords that are well hidden out of sight. With that said, being that they use the greatest amount of phantom electricity, an ideal solution for minimizing the usage is that of smart power strips.  Contrary to regular power strips, state of the art smart power strips actually prevent the flow of any electricity when the devices, systems or the likes are not in use.  These innovative strips are more than perfect for multi-device units and systems you may have because they can all be simply plugged into one single strip.

For more information on phantom electricity or if you are in need of any type of electrical products or services, be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc.  We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the highest quality products and services this side of Franklin.

Premier Electrical Panel Repair and Replacement Services

Posted on by oleg

Homeowners today rely heavily upon electrical appliances.  Often times homes are unable to accommodate the amount of power needed to run all the appliances which is where Gervais Electric comes in.  Our team of professionals is on hand to provide an effective solution to this problem by upgrading or, if necessary, replacing your main electrical panel.

We are all surrounded with electrical devices and appliances no matter where we look.  Whether the kitchen, the living room, the entertainment room, the bedroom or the office, electrical devices are very much a huge part of every home.  Many homes are just not designed to accommodate and provide the power needed to run a multitude of devices and appliances.  The obvious solution to this common problem is to upgrade the electrical panel in your home with a panel that has the capability of delivering all the power needed, or if necessary, replacing the panel altogether.

If you are planning a home renovation or addition, a panel upgrade may very well be necessary in order to provide enough power to the added circuits in your home.   Since your home’s primary control center is in fact the electrical panel if its performance is interrupted or minimized then surely you will encounter a variety of problems, some of which can be safety related.  Whether your panel needs upgrading or even replacement our highly skilled and experienced electricians are on hand to provide a prompt and very reliable assessment of your home panel and provide you with effective services and solutions as needed.

UPGRADE OR REPLACEMENT OF ELECTRIC PANEL

Electrical Panel

If your electrical panel is outdated it may emit small sparks or even a burning smell.  The switches will often malfunction, your lights may flicker or dim, or the panel may present with corrosion or rust.  If any of these conditions exist or if your home panel is in excess of 15 years old, you should contact our expert team to assess your individual situation and determine whether your home panel is in need of simple repairs, an upgrade of sort, or a complete replacement.  If your panel needs replacement you can also add more outlets or circuits at the same time, reduce any over-crowded outlets, or provide power for all your larger appliances.

If we assess your panel and determine it needs to be replaced, no worries.  Our highly reputable team of electricians have all the experience, expertise and know-how needed to get the job done.  Whatever the situation may be, rest assured our dedicated team of professionals have got you covered.

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

Our certified and highly experienced team of electricians and technicians are committed to providing only the highest quality electrical products and services this side of the state.  We are steadfast in meeting the individual needs of all our clients, working within their personal budgets, adhering to timelines that accommodate their needs, and providing quality services at affordable prices.

There is truly no electrical project too big or too small for our professionals.  Whether you have a wiring issue, electrical surges, power sags, need additional outlets installed, or your electrical panel needs upgrading or replacing, we are the team for you.  Our professionals can upgrade your panel and provide you with all the power you need.  If you have an electrical problem, we have the solution!  Give a shout out to Gervais Electric today and schedule your panel assessment, upgrade or replacement or schedule any other electrical repair services you may need.  The new year is now here and we want to send along wishes from all of us to all our valued clients for a safe and prosperous 2020!