Category: Land & Property

Improve Electrical Safety in 2023

Three Ways to Improve the Electrical System in the New Year 

Homeowners want to ensure their home is as up-to-date and safe as possible — starting with the electrical system. Taking some time to review how electricity is used in a home can help provide peace of mind for the future, reducing potential hazards and making it easier for appliances and devices powered by electricity to function more efficiently. Read on for three ways homeowners can improve their electrical systems in the new year. 

Don’t Overload Circuits overload

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) notes that overloaded circuits are a leading cause of electrical fires. There were nearly 45,000 electrical home fires in the U.S. alone, causing almost $1.5 billion in property damage costs. 

Homeowners shouldn't use extension cords to plug in major appliances and should ensure that only one heat-producing device is plugged into an outlet at a time to avoid overloading a circuit. Homeowners should also avoid excessively using extension cords and power strips. By being mindful of what they plug in and where homeowners can avoid the consequences of an overloaded outlet. Signs of an overloaded circuit include: 

  • Flickering lights
  • Burning smell 
  • A mild shock when unplugging something 
  • Blown fuses 

Schedule Electrical Inspections 

On the surface, a homeowner might think: “The electrical system’s fine! Everything works when I plug it in.” However, there are many small signs a homeowner could overlook pointing to a serious electrical issue. By having a professional examine the system regularly, homeowners can avoid the headaches that come with significant (and expensive) electrical problems. 

When conducting an electrical system inspection, a professional can: 

  • Insulate any exposed wires 
  • Replace any old fuses 
  • Make sure the outlets give the correct voltage 
  • Inspect outlets and wiring for damage
  • Suggest any measures that prevent fires 
  • Test circuit breakers 
  • Suggest measures to prevent outages 

Replace Old Outlets and Wiring outlet

During inspections, if outlets or wiring are found to be damaged, they should be replaced by an electrician immediately to prevent a fire hazard. The ESFI notes that every home, even new ones, could benefit from new outlets and wiring. Outlets and wires do more than transit electricity from point A to point B. They also: 

  • Prevent shocks and other injuries: Most (if not all) outlets come with a failsafe that prevents homeowners from suffering nasty burns and shocks. That way, a homeowner can plug and unplug items without fearing for their safety. 
  • Minimize the generation of heat: When electricity comes into contact with other items, temperatures can quickly get too high. As noted, this can cause burns and other life-threatening conditions. 
  • Keep electronic devices from getting destroyed: When an electronic device gets too much electricity, it can “fry” the battery, making the item unusable. This sometimes happens during lightning storms; a power surge can overtake a device and destroy its insides. 
  • Prevent electrical fires: Many outlets come with sensors that prevent electrical fires. Some older outlets don’t have this feature, increasing the risk of preventable accidents. 

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical 

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over three decades of experience serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day services, straightforward pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for inspections, outlet, or wiring repair and replacement in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Signs That the Home's Air Ducts Need Repairs or Replacement

How to Know When the Air Ducts Need Attention 

Many homes in South Florida have central cooling systems. These systems rely on air ducts to channel cold air from one room to the next. In this blog, homeowners can learn the signs of damaged air ducts, the benefits of duct replacement, and what duct repair entails. 

Signs That the Air Ducts Need Repair or Replacement smell

Some signs that ductwork is damaged and a professional should be called to examine a home’s air ducts include: 

  • Strange noises
  • Foul odors like that of mold or mildew 
  • Some rooms in the house feel cooler than others (uneven cooling)
  • Increased energy bills 

With just one visit, an HVAC professional can examine the ductwork for damages, assess the issue, and determine the best solution, repair, or replacement. Fixing the problem with the air ducts or installing new ones should eliminate the above signs and lead to more even cooling and reduced cooling costs. 

The Benefits of Air Duct Replacement 

saveReplacing air ducts can greatly improve the overall efficiency of a home or business's air conditioning system. Newer air ducts tend to have better insulation, which helps them run more quietly and use less energy than older ducts. This means that homeowners can enjoy quieter rooms while also saving money on their energy bills. 

Additionally, newer air ducts can help circulate cleaner, temperature-regulated air more efficiently throughout the building, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for everyone. So while air ducts being damaged enough to need a replacement may seem like a negative, they offer the benefit of being a cost-effective way to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of a home or business.

How Do Technicians Fix Damaged Air Ducts? 

A homeowner should not attempt to repair ductwork alone. Doing so could cause more damage than what’s originally there. When a professional HVAC technician recognizes a problem with the air ducts, they can fix the problem by: 

  • Patching any leaks: An HVAC expert may fix a leak by spraying foam or applying a patch. This prevents air from escaping the system and wasting money. 
  • Replacing part of the air duct: Some damaged air ducts need replacing. A professional will aim to do this as non-invasively as possible, so if only one part of the duct needs to be replaced, a technician may remove and replace only that section of ductwork. 
  • Cleaning the air ducts: Some air ducts don’t need repairs––just a good cleaning. A professional may clean an air duct using a vacuum or other specialized equipment. 

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical 

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over 30 years of experience serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day services, and financing. Call them today for ductwork cleaning, repair, or installation in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Electrical Tips for Holiday Lights

Holiday Decorating Tips

Some homeowners like to get a headstart on decorating for the holidays by starting right after Halloween or Thanksgiving. Decorating for the holidays is a great way to share holiday cheer, spend time with family, and enjoy the season. This blog post will share some Christmas decorating tips from professional electricians to make the season safe and festive.

Using the right kind of lights and power supplies can help to protect homeowners from potential electrical hazards. Practicing electrical safety during Christmas decorating helps prevent accidental electrical fires and keeps electric bills low. Homeowners should remember that electrical decorations could be damaged while in storage, so they should always inspect them for damaged wires before using them. 

Finding the Perfect Christmas Decor

lightsThere are a variety of different types of Christmas lights and outdoor Christmas decorations for homeowners to choose from. Local retail stores may carry fun blow-up characters for the front yard, brightly colored lights, and window decorations. Homeowners can also find additional decorations by ordering online. 

The most popular type of Christmas decoration is lights. Homeowners often like to choose a theme for their holiday decor, starting with the lights, such as all-white lights, icicle lights, or rainbow lights. Some lights project images such as snow onto the side of the house, light-up artificial reindeer, and more. Homeowners have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to the style of yard decor. It depends on their personal preferences. 

Practice Electrical Safety

safetyWhen working with outdoor Christmas lights, homeowners need to remember that there are potential hazards to avoid. The additional use of energy from plugging in the Christmas decorations can put a significant strain on the electrical system. Homeowners should be careful not to overload outlets and circuits. 

The biggest risk with working with holiday lights is that they could cause an accidental house fire. Electrical house fires can be avoided by practicing good electrical safety. Older decorations are more likely to start a fire, so homeowners may want to consider upgrading to newer and safer decor and should always inspect decorations before plugging them in. 

Homeowners can also use a whole house surge protector to protect the decorations and all household appliances and devices from the dangers of a power surge. Homeowners can also get safety inspections on their electrical systems to ensure that the home’s electrical components are working correctly and safely. 

Eco-Friendly Holiday Decor

Another way to keep the home safe from overloading the electrical system is to use less electricity with eco-friendly holiday decor. Solar-powered lights are a great option because they absorb energy throughout the day, giving power to the lights during the night. Solar Christmas lights are an environmentally friendly way to enjoy bright holiday lights without using any energy. 

Switching out old incandescent Christmas lights for new LED Christmas lights is a great way to save on electrical bills. LED lights use far less energy than traditional lights and also last much longer. They are also safer and less likely to cause a fire or electrocution. One of the things that people love the most about LED lights is that they have become very common and now come in every color and style that traditional incandescent Christmas lights do. 

Battery-operated Christmas lights are a good option when there is no plug available. Using battery-operated decorations reduces strain on the home’s electrical system. The best way to protect the environment using battery-operated decorations is to use rechargeable batteries with them that can be reused year after year. Using eco-friendly decor saves money on the electric bill, protects the environment, and reduces strain on the home’s electrical system. 

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical 

Mr. Air AC & Electrical is devoted to the safety and comfort of its community of Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They can decorate homes for the holidays to take the difficulty out of it for homeowners. They provide same-day services, 24-hour emergency services, and straightforward pricing. Call them today for holiday lighting services in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Haunting Signs an Air Conditioner Needs Repair

Signs the AC Needs Repairs This Halloween

Being scared on Halloween is usually associated with getting the chills, but cold sweats might be more applicable to South Florida. The sweating part, at least. As temperatures stay high throughout this time of year, air conditioners continue to work to keep people cool and comfortable inside their homes as things outside get spooky. 

There are some signs of a faulty air conditioner that are commonly confused with Halloween creepiness. In this blog, common signs the AC needs repair will be discussed, and by catching these problems early, homeowners can avoid the horror of being stuck without the air conditioner. 

Startling Loud Sounds 

soundsAir conditioners are reliable equipment even when they work as hard as they do during the summers. When any piece of machinery starts to falter, it gives off signs, often in the form of new and unusual noises, many of which can be confused for Halloween sound effects during this time of year. Stay on the lookout for these signs that indicate problems with the AC: 

  • Buzzing or Humming: These sounds are a common symptom of electrical problems brewing in the air conditioner. When capacitors go bad, or motors start to burn up, they often give off loud buzzes or hums when the unit starts up. Addressing this problem early can prevent a total outage. 
  • Squeaks and Squeals: Squeaks and squeals can transmit through ductwork and be heard pretty much anywhere in the home. However, the problem is usually due to a lack of maintenance and lubrication. Also, blower wheels can squeak as they get grimed up and out of balance. 
  • Dead Silence: This is the most haunting problem of all. Typically, if the unit is on and supposed to be running, this is a sign that the unit has completely failed. In some cases, the air filter may be so dirty that no airflow occurs. 

Faulty Thermostat 

thermostatThe best way to beat the heat is to crank down the thermostat. The thermostat is one of the most important parts of the heating and cooling system. It tells the system when to turn it on and off and regulates the temperature in a home. If a thermostat isn’t working correctly, it can cause several problems.

The first thing homeowners may notice is that the home isn’t as comfortable as it should be. The same is true if the temperature in the house is too hot or too cold. Another problem homeowners might notice is that their heating and cooling system is running more than they should be. If the system is constantly turning on and off or seems to be running more often than usual, the thermostat may not be working correctly. This can waste a lot of energy and money.

There are a few things people can do to check whether or not the thermostat is working correctly. First, make sure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If it’s not, adjust it and see if that makes a difference. Next, check the batteries in the thermostat. If they’re old or dead, they may not be providing enough power to the thermostat. Replace the batteries and see if that solves the problem.

If the thermostat still isn’t working correctly, homeowners may need to replace it. Thermostats don’t last forever, and they can break down over time. If a thermostat is over ten years old, it’s probably time for a new one. Scheduling routine maintenance with an expert can ensure that thermostats are accurate and keep the home comfortable. 

Uneven Cooling Around the Home 

Those cold and hot spots around the home aren’t restless spirits but likely a sign of a faulty AC system. Often, uneven cooling around the house is a sign of poor airflow. Poor airflow is often due to dirty air filters that weren’t changed on time or damaged and leaking air ducts. 

Replacing the air filter around every three months is essential to airflow and even cooling. Try changing the air filter if some rooms in the home are uncomfortably hot or cold, and see if that makes the Halloween season less frightening. Another cause of poor airflow can be air ducts leaking treated air, so the air isn’t properly distributed. Professional technicians can patch leaks in the air ducts or replace damaged sections of ductwork to fix this issue. 

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has more than three decades of experience serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day services, and a membership club with perks. Call them today for air conditioning repairs in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Not All Outlets Are The Same

What Outlets Offer the Best Safety Features? 

While all electrical outlets share the same goal, some offer more safety features than others. But which one works best for homeowners? This blog lets homeowners learn about which electrical outlets meet their homes’ needs. They should also consult a trained electrician, who can answer their questions and explain more. Some outlets with safety features that homeowners should consider installing include: 

AFCI Outlets (Also Known as “Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters”) 

AFCIs have two goals: 

  • Power electronics: Whether someone is looking to plug in a lamp or charge their laptop or computer, AFCI outlets are the way to go. However, one should consult an electrician if they want to power a large appliance, like a refrigerator. 
  • Reduce the likelihood of electrical fires: Electrical fires can start in seconds, usually when the outlet overheats. AFCIs prevent the outlet from getting hot enough to cause these fires. They also prevent residents from getting shocked when they plug something in. 

Without getting into too much detail, AFCIs can recognize when the outlet is overloaded. When the outlet reaches a certain heat threshold, the outlet “interrupts” the flow of power, reducing the likelihood of fires, injuries, and property damage. 

GFCI Outlets (Also Known as “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters”) 

outletsThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shares these facts about GFCIs: 

  • GFCIs prevent nasty electrical shocks. 
  • They constantly monitor the currents running through a system––and stop the flow once the current reaches a dangerous threshold. 
  • GFCIs reduce the likelihood of property damage and electrical fires. 
  • GFCIs rely on sensors to measure electrical currents. 

Here’s a basic overview of how a GFCI works: 

  • A bare wire touches its electrical case, sending electricity flowing through the case. 
  • A homeowner touches the electrical case. 
  • Before the electricity can “jump” from the case to the homeowner, the GFCI shuts the power off. 

GFCIs are some of the most popular outlets in today’s market. In fact, many counties note that before a new home can be built, it must have GFCI outlets. 

Childproof Outlets 

outletsAbout 20 percent of accidental childhood injuries result from electrocutions. While many of these injuries are minor, severe shocks can result in brain damage, paralysis, and even death. This makes it crucial for parents to install childproof outlets in their homes. However, this goes beyond putting a plastic cover over an outlet and calling it a day. 

Childproof outlets prevent these potentially life-threatening electrocutions. Many of these outlets have springs underneath them. So, when a child inserts a foreign object into the hole, the springs resist this. One would need a fair amount of force to get a bobby pin, fork, or paper clip into the outlet. Some childproof outlets come with sliding covers that obscure the holes. Others pair with smartphones, allowing parents to see when their child is attempting to put something in the outlet. 

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical 

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over three decades of experience serving the residents of Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day services, and an on-time guarantee. Call them today for electrical outlet repair and replacement in Pompano Beach, FL. 

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