Mr. Air AC & Electrical Archives - Page 4 of 9

Warning Signs That Electrical Outlets Need Replacing

How Homeowners Can Tell if Their Electrical Outlets Should Be Replaced

Electrical outlets are an essential part of a home’s electrical system, serving as access points for electricity to power various devices and appliances. Most residential and commercial outlets are equipped with safety features to prevent electrical shocks and fire hazards.

However, even with built-in safety features, electrical outlets can become hazards for fire and shock when they malfunction, so it’s important to know when they need attention and replacement from an electrician. Here are some common signs that electrical outlets in the home may need replacing.

A Damaged Outlet Faceplate

The electrical outlet faceplate or cover should be secure and functioning properly, as it is meant to cover and protect the inner electrical components. If damaged, it could mean a problem with the outlet itself and may indicate outlet replacement is needed. This damage could include burn marks, melting, or chips and cracks.

If burn or scorch marks or melting is apparent on the outlet cover, it should no longer be used. The outlet must be inspected and replaced before it can be used again. If there are cracks or chips on the outlet cover, it is also at risk. If a faceplate is damaged in any way, it’s vital for safety to call an electrician.

Plugs Fall Out, or the Outlet Doesn’t Work

When an outlet no longer gives power to electronics, there is an obvious issue. If other outlets in the same room are also failing, the breaker may have been tripped and should be reset. If all other outlets in the room are working properly, a professional should be called to repair or replace the faulty outlet.

If a plug falls out of the outlet easily or they are loose in the outlet, it’s another sign that replacement is needed. Though this may seem like more of an annoyance than a real problem, issues with plugs falling out or outlets not working at all can indicate a potentially dangerous problem.

The Outlet Sparks or Is Hot to the Touch

An outlet that feels hot to the touch or exhibits signs of sparking or a burning smell is a critical warning signal of potential electrical issues that should not be ignored. Such symptoms can indicate several issues, including an overloaded circuit or loose or damaged wiring, which could lead to a serious fire hazard.

These signs point to the need for immediate inspection and replacement by an electrician, who can also ensure there aren't any other underlying electrical issues. Ignoring these signs not only risks the household's safety but could also lead to extensive damage to the electrical system and connected devices.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has been serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas since 1986. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day services, and trustworthy technicians. Call them today for electrical outlet repair and replacement in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Start the New Year by Switching to a New Smart Thermostat

Reasons to Invest in a Smart Thermostat

It is another new year, and many homeowners will be looking for ways to save money around the home. Installing a smart thermostat is one way to reduce energy costs and gain better control over a home’s comfort. This post will share what they are, how they can benefit households, and signs to replace an older thermostat.

Smart Thermostat Basics

A smart thermostat is more than just a programmable device that homeowners can use to set the temperature at home. Because this kind of thermostat has Wi-Fi connectivity, homeowners can control their thermostat settings from any internet-enabled device, such as tablets and smartphones. This kind of remote access means that the thermostat can be adjusted virtually anywhere - whether someone is upstairs in bed and can’t be bothered to go down and change the temperature or vacationing out of state and wants to save on energy costs.

Smart thermostats also have many other advanced features compared to other thermostats, such as the ability to keep track of the home’s energy usage, something that a programmable thermostat or a simple, manual thermostat cannot accomplish. They can save data on past set temperatures and when the home uses the most energy, so homeowners can know which of these settings will save the most money. Some smart thermostats can also detect when a home is empty, automatically adjusting the temperature to a more energy-saving setting that saves homeowners money.

Advantages of a Smart Thermostat Installation

Smart thermostats and all their features can create many benefits for homeowners who want a better cooling experience at home. These benefits include the convenience of remote access and flexibility in creating presets and schedules that maximize a homeowner’s indoor comfort and savings on energy bills.

Their energy reports can also help guide energy-saving decisions moving forward to help homeowners save more money. Some even can alert homeowners about issues with the system and when it’s time for maintenance. Compared to other types of thermostats, smart thermostats have the advantages of better convenience and more advanced features, in addition to helping save homeowners money in the long run despite their higher initial cost for installation.

When to Replace a Thermostat

A smart thermostat is an excellent upgrade to make when it’s time to replace a home’s thermostat. Fortunately, some signs can indicate to homeowners that they need thermostat replacement. A thermostat typically lasts around ten years before needing replacement, so it's likely time for thermostat replacement if it’s over ten years old.

Other indications that a thermostat should be replaced is if it doesn’t properly communicate with the air conditioning system anymore, leading to the system running too long or too short of cycles. Also, incorrect temperature readings and difficulty maintaining the thermostat's set temperature, leading to temperature fluctuations, are signs to replace the thermostat. Neglecting to replace old and faulty thermostats can lead to higher energy bills and a malfunctioning AC system.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has been serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. They offer straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and financing. Call them today for smart thermostat installation and repair services in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Here's How to Keep Your Home and Belongings Protected From a Power Surge

Why a Whole Home Surge Protector Is a Good Investment

While decorations add to the joy and wonder of the holidays, they can come with a high energy price tag, and the simultaneous use of all that power can pave the way for a potential power surge. Here is important information about power surges and surge protectors.

Power Surges Can Be Dangerous

Power surges aren’t uncommon. They happen due to a sudden spike in energy flowing into and around the home. They could be caused by internal factors, such as a new appliance or device being plugged into an outlet, or by external factors, as is the case when there is a lightning strike or an oversupply of voltage from the power company.

Most power surges are small enough that people barely notice them happening. However, a bigger electric surge can cause significant damage to electronics and appliances. They can also be a danger to the people who occupy the affected home since power surges can start an electrical fire.

How a Whole House Surge Protector Can Help

Because of these dangers, professional electricians recommend adding surge protection at home. Surge protectors work by diverting the extra voltage in a power surge either into the outlet’s grounding wire or by dividing and passing on the extra voltage evenly to all the devices attached to it, ensuring that all electronics receive the same energy level.

Surge protectors can be added as single attachments to individual devices, or a whole home surge protector can protect the entire home from a dangerous electrical surge. They are important for homes with a lot of electrical devices that homeowners would like to protect, especially if they live in areas with high electrical demands that make them prone to power surges.

Replacing Old Surge Protectors

While having a whole house surge protector in place is good, the caveat is that these devices only last around 3 to 5 years before they require replacement. This is because surge protectors absorb extra energy and, as a result, wear out faster. While the age of a surge protector is one of the most telling criteria for replacement, there is another sign that homeowners should look out for to determine when they need a new surge protector.

The best warning sign to replace a surge protector is an indicator light that, if present, will turn on as a warning that there’s no surge protection left. Electricians can also help homeowners determine when to replace their surge protectors. Always have a professional install whole home surge protectors, as they are installed into the electrical panel.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has been serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. They provide flat rate pricing, same-day services, and the latest technology. Call them today for whole-house surge protector installation in Pompano Beach, FL.

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It's Not Too Soon to Spread Some Cheer With a Head Start on Holiday Decorating

Get an Early Start to Hanging Holiday Lights

One of the best times of the year is fast approaching. While many may argue that the Christmas holidays are too far away to start decorating, it's never too early for a true lover of the holiday season to embrace all the festivities - from finalizing gift lists and holiday shopping to dusting off the holiday decor and lights.

For homeowners who can’t wait to infuse the neighborhood with cheer and delight, it’s a good idea to begin early so they get enough time to prepare and make thoughtful decisions on the kind of holiday decor they want to present. Here are a few places where they could start:

Choosing Between Incandescent and LED Lights

Many homeowners probably already have a set of holiday lights they used the previous year. While it may be cost-effective to simply reuse what one already has, it’s a good idea to consider LED holiday lights if the ones they have are incandescent lights, as LEDs are more energy efficient and last longer, saving homeowners money.

LED Christmas lights may cost more to purchase compared to their incandescent counterparts, but they last much longer without needing replacement and use much less energy, so they can help homeowners save in the long run. LED lights also come in a wide variety of colors and styles, so homeowners can find ones that fit with their holiday decorations.

Types of Outdoor Holiday Lights and Decor

There are many different styles of holiday lights homeowners can choose from to create a festive outdoor holiday display. Lighting strands, for example, are best used along roof lines and balconies, giving homes defined edges that pop and stand out. On the other hand, net lighting is perfect for quickly adding holiday lighting to bushes, hedges, and other foliage.

There are also Christmas lights in a grid, similar to net lighting, that is made to wrap around tree trunks. Holiday inflatables can also be used in the front yard to complete the holiday display and come in many different styles, like snow globes and snowmen. These are fun and can be lit for drama and flair with well-placed spotlights.

Putting Electrical Safety First

Homeowners eager to start decorating should always keep electrical safety at the top of their minds. There have been many ruined holidays due to homeowners disregarding electrical safety measures. One easy way to make sure holiday displays are done safely and with the electrical system in mind is to hire an electrical company that offers holiday lighting services.

Consider the following safety practices when installing outdoor Christmas lights and displays:

Check lights and decor for damage: Don't use holiday lights and decor with loose connections, frayed wires, and broken bulbs.
Don’t overload outlets and circuits: The lights and decor using electricity should be spread across multiple circuits to prevent overloading, and there should be no more than three sets of incandescent lights strung together, as more may overload the circuit.
Get the right kind of lights: Only use lights outside that are made for outdoor use and can handle the outdoor elements and weather.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has been serving Pompano Beach and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. They offer straightforward pricing, on-time arrival, and same-day services. Call them today for outdoor lighting and holiday lighting services in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Put an End to Electrical Scares This Halloween

Catching and Preventing Electrical Problems

Halloween is a holiday with a large demand for holiday lighting and decorations. Between now and the end of the year, multiple holidays are celebrated by decking out the home with themed decor. However, Halloween can be spooky for a whole new set of reasons. Electrical problems are often exposed as people plug in decorations and holiday lights at the beginning of the season.

Electrical issues may leave homeowners stumped about how to respond when they find problems. Luckily, learning a few tips about holiday decorating and catching electrical issues can help protect the home from electrical problems. Here are a few tips to help households avoid major electrical problems this year.

Use Care With Electrical Holiday Decorations

The first step in avoiding electrical problems when hanging holiday decorations and lights is to inspect the decorations as they are pulled out of storage. The truth is that most of the damage they incur happens while they are packed up in the off-season. Lighting strands and electronics get crammed into boxes and stuffed in attics and closets. This can cause damage to the wiring that can cause headaches the next year during decorating.

People should always inspect for damage before decorations go up and are used, and pack them away carefully with next year in mind. Decorations should not be used if any damaged wiring or other issues are found. In addition to inspecting holiday lighting and electrical decorations, some planning should be used when hanging them. Never use nails or staples to fasten electrical wires to surfaces, as these can damage the wiring and create hazards.

Don’t Overload Outlets

An electrical problem that can occur during the holidays is overloaded outlets and circuits since the home is using more power for decor and lights. Households should be mindful of how many things are pulling power from a single circuit instead of plugging anything and everything into the nearest outlets in an attempt to get the decorating done.

Instead of plugging everything into one single source, take the time to plan ahead. Spreading out different decorations on different outlets and separate circuits is the best way to avoid tripped breakers and electrical problems caused by overloaded circuits and outlets.

Beware of Signs That Indicate Electrical Problems

Many homeowners become more aware of their electrical system while decorating with lights and electric decorations than at any other time of the year. This makes it a great opportunity to look for the signs that electrical repairs may be necessary before putting the finishing touches on a holiday display. Having an electrician quickly repair electrical problems will help the home and its residents stay safe during the holidays.

Some of the signs for people to be aware of are:

Flickering or dimming lights
Breakers that are constantly tripping or fuses that are frequently blowing
Burning smells
Soot or burn marks around outlet faceplates
Electrical outlets that are warm to the touch
Buzzing sound

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has more than 35 years of expertise serving Pompano Beach and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day services, the latest technology, and straightforward pricing. Call them today for electrical repair and troubleshooting services in Pompano Beach, FL.