Category: hvac repair and installation

Home EV Chargers and Their Changes to Your Electric Bill

Car purchasing time is often very stressful: new vehicle, new payment plan, and new insurance coverage. The choices are incredible: sedan, truck, SUV, economy, luxury, or utility, domestic or foreign. Most of these options are also available as electric vehicles (EVs) or internal combustion engines (ICE), so deciding on a vehicle just got more complicated.

Perhaps you are considering the purchase of an EV with a home EV charger but have very little information about such a purchase. While there are tremendous amounts of information from various sources, here is a bit more from an electrician source.

Cost of Maintenance of Home EV Chargers

Okay, this is a little out of the ordinary, but be patient. As you might know, there are three types of Home EV Chargers.

• Level One charging comes free with the vehicle, so the only cost of consistent Level One charging is the electricity required for charging. The charging cable uses a normal electrical outlet. However, a complete charge may take as long as 24 hours.
• Level Two charging uses an advanced charging station, usually installed in a residential garage. Charging with a Level Two charger takes only a few hours. Consider the cost of a home EV charger and installation in your decision. The charging station may require an upgrade to your electrical service panel.
• Level Three charging is usually completed at a commercial charging station. No equipment or installation is required; a complete charge can be accomplished in approximately 30 minutes. However, expect to pay $10 to $30 per charge.
• There is evidence that Level Three charging decreases the battery life of EVs; consider utilizing Level Three charging as needed, but it should not be for everyday use.
• EV batteries should neither be drained completely nor charged completely. For the length of life, it is best to charge the batteries in the 80 to 90% range.

Cost of Charging

In determining the daily, monthly, and annual costs for charging, a little math is involved. It is not difficult but takes several steps. Locations and vehicle types will be the variables in the formula.

• The average EV will require .32 kWh/mile for charging.
• The average driver drives 13,500 miles/year or 1,125 miles/month.
• In Houston, electricity is sold by kWh; the current average cost is $.13/kWh. So, the formulas look something like this:

13,500 miles/year x .32 kWh/mile x $.13/kWh = $561/year

1,125 miles/year x .32 kWh/mile x $.13/kWh = $46/month, or about $1.60/day

Now, adjust the formula by plugging in the variables for your EV (kWh/mile), your average miles/year, and your local cost/kWh.

Putting it All Together

The cost of maintenance extends beyond those described above. An ICE requires the maintenance of an engine, transmission, and radiators that are not required for EVs. However, both require maintenance of tires, brakes, and windshields.

The cost of a Level Two EV charger can be factored into your formulas.

A comparison of the fuel cost for an ICE and the charging cost for EVs is substantial. To determine fuel costs for an ICE, determine the miles per gallon for your preferred vehicle. We will use 30 mpg for our formulas.

• 13,500 miles / 30 mpg = 450 gallons    450 gallons x $3.50 = $1575 /year
• 1,125 miles / 30 mpg = 37.5 gallons    37.5 gallons x $3.50 = $131.25 /month, or about $4.38/day

Plug in your variables to make them specific for your location and vehicle.

This information should accompany information from other sources, such as vehicle costs and vehicle maintenance. Together, the information will help you make a decision that matches your life situation.

Have Questions About Home EV Chargers Installation?

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your Home EV Chargers installation questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, Whole Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

Why Homeowners Need a Residential Electrician

Maintaining building systems in your home is a constant task since each storm and season can create stress and changes to the exterior envelope, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. It is good to have a trusted residential electrician in your phone book to help care for your home. Here are the top four reasons to call a Residential Electrician to your home.

1. Old Construction

Over the years, electrical technology has changed, and the new technology improves safety and increases efficiency. Sometimes, old technology has been determined to be a fire or shock hazard and needs to be removed and replaced. A Residential Electrician should be consulted to replace such wiring and outlets. Examples of old technologies that need to be replaced include:

Aluminum or fabric covered (often called “knob and tube wiring). Both types of wiring pose fire safety reasons and should be replaced.

Old outlets with only 2 prongs do not provide proper grounding and should be replaced. Yes, some adapters allow one to use a 3-prong plug in a 2-prong outlet, but adapters should be a temporary solution.

Non-GFCI outlets within 6 feet of water sources need to be replaced as soon as possible. GFCI outlets break a circuit much quicker in the case of a short circuit, protecting family members from electrical shock.

1. New Construction

Of course, a Residential Electrician installed your original electrical system. Training and experience give qualified electricians a unique edge in providing these services. Examples of new construction include:

• Adding new space to existing homes.
• Remodeling old spaces that require an updated electrical supply
• Adding new outlets or lighting to accommodate current electrical needs.
• Repairs after a storm or water damage
• Additional usage that requires an upgraded electrical service panel

1. Developing Problems

The electrical system in an existing structure can develop stress and weakness after years of service; restoring proper electrical function often requires the skilled hands of professional electricians. Some examples of such problems include:

Sparks or flames are emitted upon plugging an appliance into an outlet. That is NOT supposed to happen! You should not feel a shock, not even a small shock, while plugging or unplugging something or flipping a switch.

Several things can cause a fuse to blow or a breaker to trip once. However, if this happens frequently, say when a large appliance engages, it is time to call an electrician. Flickering lights are another indicator of electrical problems.

Outlets and switches should not buzz and should not feel hot to the touch; these are serious issues that can pose safety hazards. If the electrical needs of your home have increased, do not react with more extension cords or power strips. Overloading a circuit will cause outlets to get too warm.

Do not ignore switches or outlets that cease to operate properly. It is not just annoying; it can become dangerous.

1. Safety

Important aspects of your residential electrical system are the safety features. An electrician can help you install, maintain, and improve these safety features, which include:

Smoke detectors. At a minimum, a smoke detector should be on each floor and one in each bedroom. Often, these detectors are powered by batteries, which need to be changed at least annually.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are often installed in homes that use natural gas, propane, or wood for heating your home, and heating water or drying clothes. The presence of CO, an odorless/colorless gas may result from a leak in appliances’ combustion or heat exchange chambers.

The installation of a backup generator to power your home during a power outage.

Need a Residential Electrician?

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your electrical repair questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, Whole Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

Commercial Air Conditioning What You Need To Know About Costs

Sometimes the internet can be so helpful and sometimes it can be a royal pain. It is excellent for purchasing commodity items with set prices and known shipping costs. It is not very helpful when you research large ticket items or services; there are so many variables that affect the price, and no one will make an estimate on a project “sight unseen.”

If you are planning Commercial Air Conditioning replacement for your building, you need to budget figures for planning purposes that come close to reality. Good luck wading through complicated square footage calculation x a dollar amount that ranges from $3/sf to $35/SF. That much variation is not helpful at all!

We are going to give you two simple calculations and a simple list of variables. We figure that if you manage a commercial property, you will be able to take limited information, complete some research, and make a projection for the budget. So, let’s dive in.

Two Simple Commercial Air Conditioning Calculations

• Square footage of the building x 25 = BTUs needed for air conditioning. Twenty-five represents the average air temperature change needed. If the outdoor temp is 100⁰ F, AC will need to bring the indoor air temperature to 75⁰ Example: 20,000 SF x 25 = 410,000 BTUs.
• BTUs / 12,000 = AC tons Air conditioners are sold in tons. Example: 410,000 BTUs / 12,000 = 34.2 tons

At least you have a base model to determine to price. But you are not finished quite yet.

Simple Variable

Tonnage is a starting point, but there are some variables that will affect the price. Variables may have a positive or a negative impact on your installation cost and operation cost.

Building Type

Several things about your building will impact the cost of installing new AC. Are you trying to cool a single-story strip center or a five-story office building, needing a crane to lift heavy equipment? Are you cooling a gym, with 12-foot ceilings, filled with people and machines generating a lot of heat, or an office farm with 8-foot ceilings with people doing rather sedentary work? The more complicated the installation, the higher the cost.

Types of Commercial Air Conditioning Systems

Various building types and business applications will require different types of AC systems. Here is a list of common AC applications.

• Package Units closely resemble residential HVAC systems (heating and cooling will use common components, and refrigerant gas passes between an outdoor compressor and an indoor blower. (Adding heating capacity to your AC system will impact your component cost.)
• Mini-split ductless systems are used to cool small zones, such as hotel rooms or apartments.
• Variable refrigerant systems cool large spaces and may use air, water, and/or refrigerant gas.

This is a simple list—there are many more system types. Since you know your building well, this gives you a better idea of the major type of system you will need.

Added Commercial Air Conditioning Features

So far, you have been looking at “base models,” but your long-term goals might require some feature upgrades. While doing research, watch for the cost of a few upgrades to help with budgeting.

• SEER rating. Air conditioner efficiency is rated in SEERs or seasonal energy efficiency ratings, the higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system. If your building requirements or operational requirements demand energy efficiency, watch for the SEER or SEER 2 rating that takes effect in January of 2023. Efficiency comes with a higher capital expense but is recovered quickly with lower utility bills.
• Air quality. Ultra-violet (UV) light damages the cell walls of living organisms—UV light causes sunburns. Installing UV light in the ductwork neutralizes (kills) microorganisms as they move through the system. Mold and mildew spores, pollen, bacteria, and viruses are reduced to dust and removed by air filters. The cost is low, and the benefit is high if you have room in the budget.
• Automated controls. Reducing access to the thermostat(s) is a good idea. Scheduling temperature changes for energy savings is wise. Wi-Fi access to building controls is convenient. Look at some of these system control features.

A few other variables will come out in your research, such as brand differentials and local labor costs, but normal research will uncover these indicators. This article did not declare a cost for your system; that was not the goal. We hope this gives you enough information to help you research the cost of replacing your Commercial Air Conditioning for budgetary purposes and to give you a starting point to begin shopping for the best contractor to install your new system.

Have Questions About Commercial Air Conditioning?

With our four decades of experience as a Commercial Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with HVAC System Replacement and HVAC Maintenance and answer questions about your Commercial Air Conditioning system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

HVAC Duct Cleaning During Your New AC Installation

After many years of faithful service, the time has come to replace your entire heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The contractor has been selected, the equipment has been ordered, and the installation has been scheduled. Before the installation, you have a little time to contemplate the installation process and prepare your home.

Here are some tips to consider in preparation:

This is an excellent time to clean your HVAC ductwork. Ducts transport conditioned air throughout your home and this air carry many airborne particles invisible to the naked eye. You are constantly removing these particles when you dust and vacuum your home. These same particles are accumulating in your ducts. Since the new components of your HVAC system will be shiny and clean, clean the old portion of the system in preparation.

Preparing for HVAC Duct Cleaning

• Declutter the areas around each supply vent (floor vents in most homes) and return registers (larger wall vents close to the ceiling). The duct cleaning contractor will need access to all of the openings.
• The dust will be vacuumed away from vent openings, but if possible cover furniture near the vents to catch any residual dust.
• Protect children and pets by keeping them well clear of workspaces. The process will be exciting—with several workers moving around, and noisy.

The HVAC Duct Cleaning Process

• Our HVAC duct cleaning team will make a visual inspection of various duct locations before cleaning the ducts. Inspections can uncover gaps in the sheet metal connections that allows air to escape into the attic, basement, or walls. It might also reveal the presence of pests or a mold infestation. The inspection might include video equipment or mirrors to make thorough inspections.
• Before the cleaning begins, the vents and registers will be sealed to prevent dust and debris from entering the home. After the vents are sealed, negative pressure (vacuum) is applied to the entire duct system. Flexible brushes with spinning heads are attached to a vacuum cleaner hose. The brushes dislodge dust and debris, while the vacuum removes them from your home. Once the ducts are completely clean the seals will be removed from the vent openings. The HVAC Duct Cleaning process takes approximately 4 hours.
• When the HVAC Duct Cleaning process is finished, the team lead might suggest a high-quality filter and remind you that air filters should be replaced at least every three months.

Preparing for HVAC Installation

• Replacing your HVAC system will be just as exciting and involve a team moving around the home. Protect your children and pets by keeping them clear of workspaces.
• On installation day, the team will arrive as scheduled; if something delays their arrival, the team lead will communicate with you about the alternative schedule.
• The team will complete a pre-installation inspection, locate existing components, observe obstacles for the moving equipment, and clear paths as needed, and foot-traffic covers and tarps as needed to protect your home.

The Installation Process

• As a precaution, the power and gas lines (as needed) will be disconnected and will remain disconnected until the installation is complete. (Avoid very hot or very cold days if possible.)
• The heat pump system uses refrigerant gas for both heating and cooling. Containing this gas is an environmental necessity, so the team will carefully remove the gas from the system lines.
• If electrical upgrades are needed for your new system, they will need to be made prior to installation. An electrical sub-contractor will make the needed upgrades.
• The old equipment will be carefully uninstalled and removed from the house. Keep in mind, HVAC components might be located in the basement/crawlspace, the attic, or a mechanical closet inside the home. New components will usually be installed in the same space as the old units.
• The condenser unit, the outdoor portion of your system, will be replaced as well. It will need to be supported on a solid footing and local regulations may require that it be elevated. The team will ensure a 2-foot clearance on every side of the condenser to accommodate great airflow.
• New connections, tubing, and drain lines might need to be installed to match the new system. Everything will be completed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Electrical connections and refrigerant gas/natural gas lines will be installed and tested.
• The new refrigerant gas lines will be vacuum evacuated and charged with refrigerant gas. This technology changes frequently; if the gas from your old system is useful, it will be reinstalled.
• Often, a new thermostat will also be installed with the new system.

Post Installation Expectations

• After all of the connections have been tested, the power and gas will be reconnected and the system tested. Both heating and cooling functions will be tested.
• The HVAC duct cleaning team lead will inspect the system with you, the homeowner, making you familiar with the component locations and giving instructions concerning the system’s function. Thermostat settings and scheduling will be demonstrated. There will be ample time for discussion and questions, so make sure you understand the function of the system.
• The HVAC duct cleaning team will load up the old equipment, tools, and floor protection. The team lead will make sure to leave a number in case of further questions or problems.

Few home-improvement purchases are as impactful as a new HVAC system. It affects your health and comfort for the next couple of decades. We are committed to making everything about your purchase as pleasant and beneficial as possible.

Have Questions About HVAC Duct Cleaning?

With our four decades of experience as an HVAC installation contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with HVAC Duct Cleaning and HVAC Maintenance.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

6 Reasons an HVAC System Replacement Should Be Done When You Remodel

Major building renovations are both exhilarating and terrifying! Change and innovation should improve and enhance business, but the planning and implementation can be so challenging. While you are expanding spaces, moving walls, and researching technologies, you might forget to consider a new HVAC system for your remodel.

That might especially be the case if the renovation does not change your basic footprint. The current system should serve the same space. Right? There is more than just square footage to consider for an HVAC system load calculation. Here are several reasons you might need a HVAC System Replacement as a part of your commercial building renovation:

The Age of the Current System.

Commercial HVAC systems work long and hard. Like any mechanical system, they will reach an end of serviceability. The average commercial HVAC system functioning for about 20 years. If your system is approaching or has surpassed that average, replacement should be seriously considered. Making another capital investment two years after your remodel reflects poor planning.

Ensure the Size is Correct.

HVAC systems are “sized” using a load calculation; square footage, door and window openings, ceiling heights, and system technologies are parts of the equation. Heating is sized in British Thermal Units or BTUs and air conditioning is sized in tons. This calculation can be done using your proposed changes and existing components to give you an idea of whether the new units will serve the new construction well. HVAC systems that are either too large or too small will waste energy and lead to premature wear on component parts.

Renovation should seal leaking windows and doors—perhaps with new products that reduce infrared rays. It may involve new lighting technology, reducing the heat gained from incandescent bulbs. It may include new spaces with special heating or cooling needs, such as an expanded kitchen in a restaurant or a server room. Make sure the new space is comfortable and healthy for staff and guests.

Duct Placement.

The “V” in HVAC stands for ventilation, the movement of safe, fresh air throughout the building. A new floor plan and changing the building layout affects how the air moves and could isolate certain spaces. Both the ducts and the supply vents will need to be changed to meet the requirements in the new spaces. Return air chases will also be strategically located for optimum airflow. These changes are also a part of the load calculation mentioned above.

Building Usage.

If your renovation accommodates a new client with a different usage for the same space, it may require installing a new HVAC system. The heating and cooling need changes when converting a fitness center to accommodate a new banquet center. A pizzeria morphing into a bookstore will naturally change the level of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The hours of operation or additional equipment might also require a new system.

Occupancy Level.

The human body is very much like a small furnace, putting off heat at a temperature of about 98.6⁰ Fahrenheit. If your remodel has a goal of increasing the number of occupants—rather staff, guests, or both—this will affect the requirements for both heating and cooling. Since you are adding human furnaces, it should lead to lower heating and greater air conditioning needs, even if you are conditioning the same amount of space.

Odor Control.

We already mentioned that changing the layout can alter ventilation. That will become abundantly clear when considering exhausting odors. Whether needing to move odors from restrooms, roasting coffee, or exercise sweat, the movement of air will significantly impact the final results. Preparing for proper ventilation might require the replacement of the current HVAC system.

Have Questions About HVAC System Replacement?

With our four decades of experience as an HVAC installation contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with HVAC System Replacement and HVAC Maintenance and answer questions about your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

Commercial AC Repair: The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Many commercial facility managers tend to have one of two informal approaches to air conditioner maintenance:

• Approach one is to only complete minimal maintenance tasks, knowing well that repair bills will be higher down the road. Since those repairs will be several years later, the manager is counting on the cash flow for the building to be better later.
• Approach two is to keep systems well-maintained, understanding this will lengthen the useful life of the system and reduce repair bills. Any accrued cost for preventative maintenance will be more than offset by pushing system replacement years away.

If you consider air conditioner maintenance to be expensive, consider these observations.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance is Not Difficult

Scheduling commercial air conditioner maintenance is as easy as a phone call. Our dispatcher will gather information about your system, building operations, and building layout. We can schedule our visit to ensure we do not interfere with normal business operations. If we need to shut the system down, we can schedule this at an optimum time during the year.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance Improves Efficiency

The air conditioning system in each building was designed using the latest technology available to serve the needs of the occupants at the lowest price possible. Over time, your system meets very small particles, such as dust and pollen, which accumulates just about everywhere inside the system. Air filters remove the majority of these particles, but enough bypass the filters to cause problems with mechanical and electrical parts.

Scheduled maintenance begins with an inspection of components and cleaning the dust that settles over everything. Removing dust increases the efficiency of the components and requires less energy to complete the cooling task. Less energy means fewer operating costs on a monthly basis.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance Avoids Major Repairs

A second part of the maintenance visit includes testing various mechanical and electrical components for stress or failure. The pressure of the refrigerant gas will be tested; a gradual reduction in gas pressure indicates a leak since the gas is put under intense pressure. Low pressure can result in system stress and eventually premature component failure.

A failed sensor is quite a minor problem, but false readings can increase the length or frequency of cooling cycles. A thorough examination of your entire system will catch small problems, like a failed sensory, before they become large, expensive problems.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance Lengthens Usefulness

Since regular maintenance catches small problems, the entire air conditioner system will see less stress. Over many years of serviceability, the result is a system that functions longer than poorly maintained systems. While exploring this type of information, consider this about what you read:

• Most information is offered by people who have “skin in the game.” They either want you to replace your current AC system or are demonstrating an above-average functional life.
• No one can guarantee the results of any system, whether it is well-maintained or poorly maintained.
• Most will agree that the average system will last 15 to 20 years and that well-maintained systems often last 25 to 30 years.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance Improves Indoor Air Quality

Every time your system is cleaned, it removes dust, pollen, and mold spores from your building. This leaves a cleaner, healthier environment for staff and customers. If left in the system, they are transported throughout the building to settle onto floors and surfaces for someone else to clean. They can also adversely affect occupants with allergic reactions and breathing difficulties. Plus, a well-maintained system feels and smells better.

Have Questions About Commercial AC Repair?

With our four decades of experience as a Commercial AC Repair contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with Commercial AC Repair and Commercial HVAC Maintenance and answer questions about your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

5 Reasons Your Home May Need Electrical Rewire

There is not a time in the day that we are not relying upon the electrical system that runs throughout your home. There is not a season of the year that we rely upon it less than other seasons. We rely upon electricity for comfort, cooking, communication, entertainment, work, and keeping schedules.

Honestly, we do not understand electricity well—we only interact with the controls and enjoy what electricity does for us. As a responsible homeowner, you need to understand enough about your system to be aware of indications of trouble, since nearly 55,000 home fires are caused by electrical problems that develop over time. Here are six of the most common indicators of electrical problems developing.

Old Wiring In Your Home May Mean it it Time for an Electrical Rewire

Electrical wiring is pretty stable and generally, the materials that carry electricity do not “wear out” or weaken. However, an older home with an older electrical system may need to be inspected and you may receive a recommendation to rewire your home. Here are a few reasons rewiring might be necessary.

• From 1960 to the mid-1970s, aluminum wiring was commonly used in residential construction as a cost-saving measure. While aluminum conducts electricity, it is about 40% less conductive than copper, the preferred wiring material. Multiple problems develop with aluminum wiring; if your home still has aluminum wiring, consider replacing it as a safety measure.

Homes built between 1880 and 1940 commonly used “knob and tube” wiring with cloth insulation and exposed wire connections. Knob and tube wiring should be replaced as a safety measure.

• Older homes with outdated electrical systems might be inadequate for the technology and electrical demands of modern living. You most likely use more appliances with a heavier current than your 50-year-old home was designed for like: HVAC, hot water heater, clothes dryer, and perhaps an EV charging station. Your home may have an inadequate number of outlets, forcing the use of extension cords and power strips.

Electrical Rewire: Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

Your home is divided into electrical zones, with a group of outlets or lights grouped together on a circuit. If something unusual happens to the circuit, it trips a circuit breaker to keep people and appliances safe from shock or damage. If a circuit breaker trips frequently, it indicates something unusual and potentially hazardous is happening. It may indicate a faulty appliance that needs to be replaced or it may indicate a developing electrical problem.

Electrical Rewire: Unusual Odors

There are two odors associated with electrical problems:

• Right before a thunderstorm, you might smell ozone, a form of oxygen that happens during the tremendous electrical charge we know as lightning. While oxygen is odorless, ozone has a sharp, fresh smell. You might also smell ozone indoors when a spark is generated during a short circuit. If you are unaware of a short circuit, ozone might alert you that it happened without your knowledge.
• When electricity is restricted, it creates significant heat, enough heat to melt vinyl insulation and cause combustion with building materials, furniture, or appliances. Normally, the circuit will trip before a serious problem develops, but about 55,000 times annually, it does not.

Electrical Rewire: Discolored Outlets or Extension Cords

Often a short circuit or spark happens immediately after you plug in a device, but sometimes it happens when you are not present. If you become aware of scorch marks or discoloration on wall outlets or extension cords, the device needs to be an outlet or the cord needs to be replaced. Investigate the problem further to keep your family safe and your home from receiving damage.

Electrical Rewire: Flickering Light Bulbs

For various reasons, a light bulb may loosen and create a flicker—even bulbs that were tightened properly. If a light flickers frequently, even after you have tightened it, or if a light bulb burns out prematurely, it is a problem that needs to be investigated and addressed. It might be a problem in the circuit or a larger problem with current surges.

Electrical Rewire: Loud Buzzing Noises

Electricity hums as it moves; we are accustomed to hearing the familiar hum. However, when current is restricted, either in an appliance or an outlet, the hum increases in volume to an unusual buzzing noise. The harsher buzz is an indication of a small electrical problem that will usually develop into a large problem.

Need an Electrician?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Commercial Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with all electrical repairs for your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Commercial Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

14 Electrical Safety Tips You Need to Know

Always ready to pass on safety tips to friends, consider this an Electrical Safety 101 article.

Each year, about 400 people die from electrocution and another 400 from fires caused by electrical hazards. Electricity injures another 4,000 and electrical fires cause about $1.6 billion each year. A few basic understandings can help you develop ways to make sure to keep your home and family safer.

• Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Since our bodies are 70% water, we are GREAT conductors of electricity, so best not to come into contact with it.
• Electricity is seeking ground-in most cases the ground, the earth. It will follow any conductor that leads to the earth; ANYTHING.

Here are 14 Electrical Safety tips to help you put these choice nuggets of information into practical use.

1. Avoid mixing water and electricity. In 1971, when ground fault circuit interceptor (GFCI) outlets were required within 6’ of plumbing receptacles, the number of electrocution deaths in homes dropped by fifty percent. If electrical cords or hand-held appliances come into contact with water, go to the service panel and shut off the breaker—do not try to retrieve the cord or appliance while the current is still connected.
2. Make sure to ground appliances and equipment properly. Change receptacles to three-prong outlets rather than using a two-prong adapter.
3. Listen to your appliances. If an appliance repeatedly trips a circuit breaker, it is a cry for help, because something is wrong. Ignoring your appliances can lead to damage to the appliance or to your home. An electrician can help you determine the cause.
4. Install GFCI outlets if needed. These life-saving devices interrupt the flow of electricity when it encounters water about 10 times faster than waiting for the circuit breaker to trip—almost instantaneously. If you own an older home, make sure to install these upgrades.
5. Evaluate your service panel. Your service panel regulates the flow of electricity coming into your home and if you own an older home, the amount of electricity might be inadequate for your current need. That happens when you remodel or add major appliances; it certainly can happen when you add an electric vehicle charging station.
6. Limit the use of extension cords and power strips. The goal should be to plug each appliance into a lone outlet and not overload any circuit. If you use power strips and surge protectors, understand their proper use.
7. Be kind to your cords. Grasp the plug at the outlet, don’t pull the cord. Do not nail or staple cords down or let them be pinched under doors or furniture. Extension cords are inexpensive—replace damaged cords.
8. Replace two-prong outlets. Most major appliances use three-prong plugs and the third prong provides an emergency “ground” in case of an emergency. If you own an older home with only two-prong outlets, an electrician can help you change your outlets to three-prong outlets.
9. Avoid cube taps. The little boxes that convert a two-plug outlet into a four-plug outlet—called a cube tap—seem convenient but are not a good long-term solution for overloading an outlet. Truth is, the outlet is not equipped to handle that much current, and cube taps can lead to overheating a circuit.
10. Replace missing or broken outlet covers. They protect fingers from coming in contact with wiring and are especially helpful in the dark.
11. Protect children with outlet covers. Filling outlets with plastic, non-conductive plugs prevent children from inserting anything into the hole, resulting in shock or electrocution. Another option is child safety plates, with built-in, retractable covers that snap in place over the outlet when not in use.
12. Use care with electrical power tools outdoors. Whether using construction tools, such as drills or saws, or outdoor lawn equipment, such as hedge trimmers or weed eaters, make sure to keep them dry. Do not use them during rain and use caution if the sprinkler comes on. Make sure that cords do not land in puddles—if they do, shut off the power at the circuit breaker before touching the cord or tool.
13. Respect overhead power lines. Do not touch them or let tools that come in contact with power lines. Be careful to stay away from them with ladders and tool extensions.
14. Know where water and electricity are in close proximity. That is kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and pools. Some of the appliances in these areas carry significant amounts of electricity, so use every safety feature available to make sure proximity does not lead to contact.

Would you like additional Electrical Safety tips?

Our four decades of experience as an Electrical Safety contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with all electrical repairs for your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Commercial Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

4 Signs You Need to Hire a Commercial Electrician

We are surrounded by electricity all day long, almost every day. Even while we sleep, the ceiling fan and alarm clock are still functioning close by, so we hear the familiar hum of electricity even in our sleep.

Lights and noise coming at us from different directions, bombard our senses so much that it is hard to tell when things are not okay. When there is a power outage, even for a short period of time, we are keenly aware of the eerie silence.

Electricity is vitally important to your business, and you know the importance of making speedy repairs when electrical problems arise. You also know that professional commercial electricians should make the needed repairs when an electrical problem arises.

What you might not recognize are warning signs, telling you to seek help from a commercial electrician. Here are five indications of wiring problems distinguishable from the normal sensory overload.

Extended Flickering of Lights

Incandescent bulbs are designed to last about 1,000; they might flicker once before burning out.

Fluorescent bulbs flicker for a short period as they cycle on; after a few minutes, the flickering should stop. They are designed to last more than 6 years for ten hours per day under normal circumstances and as they age, they will flicker and dim.

LED bulbs do not flicker when you turn them on. They are designed to burn faithfully for about 100,000 hours—approximately 27 years at 10 hours per day.

Both fluorescent and LED bulbs use a ballast—a current reducer and regulator—since these bulbs require less energy. As a ballast begins to fail it can also cause these bulbs to flicker. Replacing the ballast should return the lights to normal brightness and steady light.

If you see a light or a bank of lights flickering, it is an indication of a wiring problem that needs to be addressed by a commercial electrician.

A Breaker Tripping or a Fuse Blowing

Circuit breakers are safety devices that recognize when 1) excess current pours into a circuit—a power surge, or 2) current is interrupted—a short circuit. Fuses are an older version of the same device; for the same reasons, a small wire connector melts and stops the current from flowing.

Circuit breakers trip for many reasons and often you are aware of the reason. However, when a circuit trips unexpectedly and frequently, this is also an indication of needed repairs. It may indicate an overloaded circuit and therefore the need for an additional circuit to handle the load.

Switches and Outlets that Stop Working

Electrical components are designed to function continuously but will wear out over time. If the circuit breaker is ON and a switch or outlet is not working, this is a problem. If plugs do not fit properly into an outlet it needs to be replaced. If an outlet has a scorch mark or is discolored, it needs to be replaced by a Commercial Electrician.

Electricity Should Not Be Experienced

You should never feel electricity—even mild electrical shock is extremely dangerous and indicates a grounding problem. Switches should not give off a shock. Plugging a device into an outlet should not produce a shock.

You should never see electricity—sparks always indicate trouble. Sparks will lead to electrical shock. Sparks can lead to a fire. Electrical sparks produce extreme heat which leaves a telltale scorch mark. If you did not see the spark but see the scorch it is an indication.

You should never smell electricity—the smell of something burning is a major indication. The old adage “where there is smoke there is fire” is true concerning electricity.

An electrical problem might produce one, two, or three of these indicators, but they are all three a problem. Do not ignore these indicators but call a professional electrician to investigate the problem and find a solution.

Do you think you may need a commercial electrician?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Commercial Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with any commercial electrical repairs.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our Commercial Electricians today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

5 Energy Saving Commercial HVAC Maintenance Tips

Your air conditioning system is essential to keeping your commercial venture comfortable for staff and guests, but with rising energy prices, the cost to heat and cool is rising every day.

HVAC represents 40% of your energy utility bills and each year the cost of energy seems to be rising. With some professional help, here are a few steps to lower your commercial heating and cooling costs.

Partner with your Commercial HVAC Maintenance professional to care for and upgrade your HVAC system. This will ensure you have the latest technology to keep your system functioning very efficiently.

• Be vigilant about maintaining your equipment. Regular maintenance drives away the enemy of your HVAC system—dust and dirt that accumulates as the air moves.

  Maintenance visits will also inspect component parts and refrigerant gas pressures. Aging parts, nearing failure, lose efficiency; these visits catch small problems before they become big problems.

• Change the air filters on a regular basis; your system manual should give you filter change guidelines. Air filters trap airborne particles and remove them permanently from your facility. Trapped particles also do not make their way into component parts of your system.

  A clean filter allows air to move freely and efficiently, not to mention the benefit the work environment. A dirty filter slows air movement and places stress on the system. This will decrease efficiency and increase wear and tear on the equipment.

• Replace component parts in a timely manner. If you learn that a part is failing, remember it is losing efficiency as well. When a complete system needs to be replaced, delaying will not save energy or money. A good HVAC professional can keep you apprised of component function and help you prepare for replacement costs.
• Communicate frequently with your HVAC professional concerning new, energy-saving equipment. Upgraded thermostats with scheduling capabilities allow you to program temperature changes that save money and meet your facility use schedule.

  Buildings can be zoned for separate controls. Temperature change buffers can be scheduled for the return of occupants. A little preparation can make a significant difference—often about a 10% decrease in energy use.

• Train your staff for efficient HVAC use. Unprotected thermostats should not be subject to individual adjustments. Small, desk-top fans are acceptable, individual space heaters are counterproductive to energy savings. A light sweater can bridge the gap instead.

We Are the Commercial HVAC Maintenance Experts

With our four decades of experience as a Commercial HVAC Maintenance contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with Commercial HVAC Maintenance and answer questions about your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

Air Conditioner Tune Up Preparing Your Home For Summer

School is out and summer is in full swing! Sports are winding down a bit and a frantic-paced schedule is in the rearview mirror. This is a time to plan vacations, grill out with friends, and lounge around the pool for a while. In anticipation of entertaining, you might want to complete a few last-minute tasks around the house to make sure it is ready for guests. Conducting an Air Conditioner Tune Up will ensure that your HVAC system is ready to take on the wear and tear of summertime heat.

Late Spring Cleaning

If your schedule prevented a good cleaning at the beginning of spring, do it now. Vacuum, dust, change bedding, and clean drapes. This will remove dust and pollen, allergens that no guests need to breathe in. You will be surprised at the amount of dust you remove.

Air Conditioner Tune up 

How long has it been since an HVAC technician cleaned and serviced your AC unit? Hands down, this is the most cost-effective measure you can take to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. It extends the useful years of your entire HVAC system. A tune-up often catches small problems before they become large problems.

Change Your Air Filter

Schedule a filter change every three months. Every season is exactly three months long. Use the change of seasons as a reminder to change your HVAC air filter. All of the dust captured by the filter will no longer circulate throughout your home.

Inspect the Various Alarms

Your home should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. Push the red button to ensure each one functions properly. Replace batteries annually. If a detector does not function upon testing, it will need to be replaced and the old detector should be disposed of properly.

Upgrade Lighting

Technological advances have been good for the lighting industry. Incandescent and halogen bulbs produce as much or more heat than they produced light. LED light bulbs produce more light and less heat. Systematically replace old lighting technology with new.

Check the Fire Extinguishers

Various areas of your home should have a fire extinguisher nearby; often this is required by building code. If you only think about them when needed. Make sure you know their location, check their charge, and replace them when necessary.

Take a Look at Your Water Heater

How old is your water heater? Read an available manual concerning maintenance. Chemicals in public water systems can corrode the tank; inspect for small leaks that might develop. When water heaters fail, it is as shocking as a cold shower. Don’t get caught unaware.

Make sure the Grill is Ready

Don’t wait until the “day of” to clean the grill. Scour off the leavings of meals fondly remember before you cook the next backyard feast.

Give the Yard Some TLC

• The leaves and limbs from last winter should be long gone, but spring has covered everything with pollen and seeds. Power wash, scrub, and hose down as needed. Make sure that lawn furniture and decorations are clean and fresh.
• Freshen up landscaping, adding pops of color and fresh mulch. Prune and trim landscaping flora.
• If you have a pool and plan to open it for the summer, take the time to make it sparkle.

Your yard should give your home good curb appeal and welcome family and guests.

We Are the Air Conditioner Tune Up Experts

With our four decades of experience as an Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with Air Conditioner Tune Up and answer questions about your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

Reasons You Need a Whole-house Backup Generator

If you are considering a Whole-house Backup Generator, but need a little more information to aid your decision-making, here are four very good considerations to help you make a decision.

1. A confident solution when the power grid is unreliable. Homeowners are experiencing increases in utility costs but very little of that money is used to replace an aging electrical power grid. Weather patterns are changing. Both extreme cold and extreme heat lead to power outages. Storms, both localized thunderstorms and massive hurricanes can cause power outages that last for days and weeks.

Whole-house Backup Generators provide emergency power for these situations and more. It is an affordable solution to help protect your family from a number of threats and keep the lights on when the lights go out.

2. They come in various sizes and can be customized to meet your need.

• Smaller, less expensive generators can power priority circuits that keep major appliances and devices powered. This avoids the loss of food in refrigerators and freezers. This also keeps the AC and essential lighting circuits powered.
• Larger generators can service the entire house, powering phones, computer systems, and even the washer/dryer.

Lighting candles can be reserved for ambiance situations and should not be necessitated by the loss of power.

3. Whole-house Backup Generator activates automatically when the power goes out. The fuel supply is already delivered. The sensors acknowledge the loss of power and within seconds the generator springs to action, shutting off the connection with the power grid and sending electricity to priority circuits. A backup generator is ready 24-7, in all types of weather.

Portable generators take time to bring out of storage, set up outside—potentially in a bad storm, running extension cords over potentially wet ground to various appliances and devices. Preparing a portable generator is generally done in the cold or heat, often while it’s raining, and often in the pitch dark. Of course, a portable generator will require adding fuel frequently, usually in very bad conditions.

A backup generator is a much better choice.

4. Backup generators are inexpensive to operate. The price of generators has come down and is more energy-efficient than earlier models. The generator is connected to a natural gas or propane gas utility supply system. The power goes out and the backup generator comes on almost simultaneously.

In comparison, portable generators require a supply of fuel to be kept on hand and to replenish the generator repeatedly. Portable generators are also less fuel-efficient and will burn through the fuel in the tank quickly. When that supply is exhausted, the fuel will need to be replenished and it might not be readily available.

Interested in a Whole-house Backup Generator?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with Whole-house Backup Generator selection and installation in your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Hurricane Electrical Safety: Preparing for Hurricane Season 2022

Major storms, including tropical storms and hurricanes, move from the south Atlantic to the North American coast and the Gulf of Mexico every year on a regular basis; most of these storms will come between early June and late November. On average, 2 major tropical storms (tropical storms, depressions, and hurricanes) make landfall each year in Texas. These storms are serious weather events that have included 63 major storms since 1851. Hurricanes pose three major dangers:

• High winds ranging between 75 mph and 150 mph
• Heavy rain: +60” of rain fell during Hurricane Harvey
• Dangerous storm surge along the coastline.

Because of these dangers, government agencies at every level encourage south Texans to prepare for the next big storm. Your plan should include preparation before the storm arrives, plans to weather the storm, and a recovery plan for the aftermath. We offer a beginning Hurricane Electrical Safety guideline for pre-storm preparation; please adapt this for your home, family, and setting.

Hurricane Electrical Safety: Plans to Go

Hurricanes are classified into five categories, with Category 1 being the least intense and Category 5 being the most intense storm. Your pre-storm guideline should take all 5 categories into consideration.

• Recognize the difference between a Storm Watch and a Storm Warning. Since a hurricane does not announce ahead of time where it will make landfall, a broad area receives a Watch—calling on residents to be ready should they be in the path of the storm. A Warning is issued immediately before the storm breaks to the coastal area that will receive the storm.
• Make specific plans to communicate a plan for gathering quickly—from work, school, or daycare—leave no doubts about when or where.
• Become familiar with the designated Evacuation Routes. Should you need to leave your home for the safety of an inland location, these routes will be the safest roads for evacuating. Understand that you will not be alone in evacuating the area.

Hurricane Electrical Safety: Plans to Stay

Hurricanes are serious storms and power outages are to be expected. Damage to power poles and lines will be widespread and no one can predict how long the outage will last. For this reason, you must gather supplies.

• Purchase and store bottled water for your family for an extended time—at least one week.
• Purchase and store a food supply for your family, food that requires little or no preparation—as the power outage may limit your means of preparation.
• Purchase an adequate supply of medicine and other essential needs to make sure your family can be sustained.

Hurricane Electrical Safety: Prepare Your Home

Such storms are predictable—expect high winds and heavy rains; but the amount of damage from such storms is unpredictable. Prepare your home to minimize damage.

• If you are expecting high winds and heavy rain, make sure that:
  • Tree limbs are properly trimmed to avoid damaging your home
  • Clean leaves and debris from storm gutters
  • Secure lawn furnishing to keep them from causing damage
• Make sure that key technologies are fully charged, including cell phones, portable chargers, and laptop computers.
• Secure important documents in waterproof storage, including insurance policies.
• If you are content to stay and weather the storm, consider installing a generator to power the essential appliances and lighting to make your family as comfortable as possible during a trying time.

Have Additional Questions About Hurricane Electrical Safety?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with Hurricane Electrical Safety for your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

HVAC Hurricane Preparedness: Tips for Homeowners

Weather events lead to about 100 major power outages annually across the US; thirty-seven states commonly experience major outages due to major storm events, extreme temperatures (both cold and hot snaps), and flash flooding.

During the Gulf Coast hurricane season, from early June to late November, the potential for widespread power outages is the greatest. Extreme storms can down utility poles, while trees and limbs can take out power lines.

Your own experience with such storms should inspire you to make significant plans for how your family can weather power outage events. Government agencies offer suggestions for extensive storm planning steps to help families prepare. This article will focus on plans for the 24-hour period before a hurricane event.

If you determine to ride the storm out at home and expect to be without power for from two days to one week, you can take the following steps to prepare.

• Do not depend upon store shelves to be fully stocked with emergency supplies. If you have not prepared an emergency stock of water and ready-to-eat meals, expect the race to gather last-minute supplies to be long, frustrating, and perhaps, counterproductive.
• Hurricanes produce three devastating conditions:
  • Strong storm surge along the coast
  • High winds, between 75 to 150 mph
  • Heavy rainfall

Minimize damage from these conditions by:

• Prepare for rising waters with sandbags as needed
• Make sure trees and shrubs are well-trimmed
• Secure lawn furniture, furnishings, tools, and toys
• Protect your outdoor AC unit from falling or flying objects. Hurricane straps are available from the local home improvement stores. If you cover the unit, make sure the AC is completely off first.

• Make sure available communication devices are charged, including all cell phones, available portable chargers, and laptop computers. You cannot control whether cell towers or internet service remain in service, but be as prepared as possible. They are a vital link, both to emergency responders and to family members checking on your status.
• Turn the thermostat down in the hours leading to the arrival of the storm. The AC will not only cool the air, but will cool the walls, floors, and furniture. A hurricane will bring warm temperatures and while the power is off, the house will begin to heat up. Keep windows and door closed until the storm is over and the heat/humidity have made the house muggy.

The same is true of refrigerators and freezers: keep the doors closed unless opening it is absolutely necessary. This will keep cold and frozen food at the proper temperature for as long as possible. After the storm, prepare to grill food outdoors while waiting for the power to be restored.

• If your HVAC system does not have a surge protector make sure to turn off your HVAC system during the storm. Expect frequent lightning strikes and intermittent power surges as the storm arrives. Neither are good for your HVAC system. If you have a cover for the outdoor AC unit, the time to install it is after shutting the system off.

Once the power is restored make sure to remove the cover for your outdoor unit; without adequate airflow it will overheat and cause a catastrophic failure.

Prepare for the hurricane season by having your HVAC system inspected and cleaned. Let us avoid certain maintenance problems and detect others. For months after a major hurricane, we anticipate a full schedule of repair and replacement for several months. The time to schedule preventative maintenance is now before the season begins.

Let us help with your HVAC Hurricane Preparedness

With our four decades of experience as an Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to equip you for HVAC Hurricane Preparedness and answer questions around your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your HVAC Hurricane Preparedness, repair, and installation needs.

Commercial HVAC Maintenance for Commercial HVAC Systems

Since the appearance of a commercial property takes the lion-share of maintenance attention (cleaning, repairing surfaces, etc.), caring for the building systems that keep the space comfortable and healthy might take the back seat.

However, a clean, pristine space that is uncomfortable to visit is quite uninviting. Additionally, poorly maintained HVAC systems cost more to operate (more than 30% more), require repairs more often, and have a shortened system life.

Unlike residential HVAC systems, Commercial HVAC Maintenance tasks can rarely be completed as DIY projects, but require a professional technician. Each system has been customized for the building, but here is a shortlist of maintenance tasks required for commercial HVAC systems.

1. Change Air Filters Regularly.
   1. This is the most important Commercial HVAC Maintenance task for any HVAC system since the filter impacts indoor air quality and system function. Clogged air filters stress the entire system and potentially lead to pollutants bypassing the filter.
   2. Since commercial spaces are typically much larger than residences, filters should be checked regularly every 3 to 4 weeks for a significant interval of time. The goal is to determine an effective schedule for cleaning or repairing air filters. After investigation, the technician may call for filter changes every 1 to 6 months, depending upon the number of airborne particles trapped by filters.
2. Test System Function.

The technician will have the manufacturer’s specifications that will help determine how well (or not) the system heats or cools the space it was designed to serve. Deviation from the specifications will point the technician to system components with poor performance. Replacing faulty components before they become a problem is ideal.

3. Visual Inspection and Commercial HVAC Maintenance.

With training and experience, the technician will

1. Test and tighten electrical connections as needed
2. Check current and voltage on motors
3. Inspect belts and replace them as needed
4. Lubricate the system as required by the manufacturer’s specifications

4. Test Coolant Levels.

Each system is different: some will use refrigerant gas under pressure for air conditioning, while other systems will heat or cool water. Testing these levels will ensure the pressure is correct.

5. Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils.
   1. Evaporator coils are inside the AC cabinet and remove humidity from the indoor air. Since they are moist, cool, and perpetually in the dark, the technician will carefully clean the coils to remove potential mold or mildew that might develop.
   2. The technician will also clean the drain pan and clear any clogs in the drain. Clearing the drain prevents the water from backing up into your commercial space.
   3. Condenser coils are located in the outdoor AC unit. While the case looks solid, it is “honeycombed” with very small openings to allow air to flow through and cool refrigerant gas. Dust, mold, and pollen are a few of the potential contaminants that can clog these openings. A little solvent and low-pressure water will clean the openings for effective airflow.
6. Test Thermostats and Calibrate as Needed.

After cleaning the system and checking for system function, the technician will test the thermostats to ensure they are calibrated to heat and cool the required space. This prevents hot or cold spots and improves sensor response times. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you can request instructions on how to schedule temperature changes to keep people comfortable AND save money.

Let us help with your Commercial HVAC Maintenance

With our four decades of experience as an Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to answer your Commercial HVAC Maintenance questions.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Commercial HVAC Maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

The Cost of Attic Insulation Installation

There are several indications that a home needs an insulation upgrade:

• Some rooms are warmer or colder than others
• Drafts around windows and doors
• Utility bills that seem higher than normal

Among other information, the Department of Energy gathers extensive information about methods to reduce energy loss in homes like yours. In this article, we will explore only one method—improving attic insulation.

The Importance of Insulation

This is an oversimplification, but an easy way to understand insulation is to consider that heat is always moving, and it always moves toward cold. Insulation is a barrier that slows this movement. Some building materials slow the movement better than others. Glass, for instance, is a poor insulator and heat travels easily both ways; heat goes out on a cold day and comes in on a hot day.

New window designs improve their insulating properties, but glass still allows heat to travel readily. We apply insulation anywhere we wish to limit the movement of heat energy. This is true of the entire building envelope, as well as around appliances, and pipes.

The State of Your Attic Insulation and How it Affect the Attic Insulation Installation

When your home was built, the contractor followed, at least, the minimum standard of attic insulation; It was required to pass the building inspections. However, several factors may lead to your attic having inadequate insulation:

• Insulation excites neither contractors nor homebuyers exploring square footage and surface finishes.
• Attention to detail makes a big difference—was your contractor careful with details.
• Building codes have changed
• There are conditions that will cause the insulation to settle or compact, including storing items on top of the insulation.

The Department of Energy has a good guide for determining whether you have adequate insulation.

Take a look at the chart and visit your attic with a ruler or measuring tape. Measure the depth of the insulation and observe whether the attic is evenly covered.

What if I need an upgrade in Attic Insulation Installation

If you determine that your attic has inadequate insulation, consider adding insulation to improve the energy efficiency of your home. As much as 30% of the heat loss from your home is moving through the attic.  During the summer, the extreme heat of your attic is moving down into your house as well. An upgrade can increase the comfort of your home and save you money. It is time to get a second opinion.

Professional Installation

Installing new insulation carries risks and, without proper technique, can create a significant mess. A call to Air Pro for consultation will result in:

• A close inspection to determine the condition of attic insulation
  • The type of insulation will be observed to determine the insulation value and determine the Attic Insulation Installation process
  • Depth measurements will be taken to determine how much insulation might be needed
  • Attention will be paid to openings between the attic and the house, such as wire, and pipe entries, exhaust fan openings, and the attic door.
• A plan and cost estimate will be prepared to complete the upgrade. The plan will ensure the project is completed on time, at cost, and the entry site is as clean as we found it.

Questions About Attic Insulation Installation?

Our four decades of experience as an Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to answer your Attic Insulation Installation questions.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Attic Insulation Installation needs.

¹ https://hes.lbl.gov/consumer/

²  https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/identify_problems_you_want_fix/diy_checks_inspections

Stop Smoke Alarms from Chirping in 4 Easy Steps

Have you noticed that when your smoke alarm begins making a short chirping noise every 30 seconds, it generally happens at 2 AM? It is no less annoying at 2 PM, but it is less likely to awaken you from your sleep. Knowing why your smoke alarm is chirping and how to fix it, may keep you from a sleepless night.

Check first. Before you ignore a smoke alarm, always check to ensure the noise is a FALSE ALARM. A normal alarm will give off long and regular alerts, while false alarms are short and regular. Either way, check your property for fire, smoke, or any other evidence of a fire.

There are several reasons a smoke alarm will send out a false alarm with a short chirping noise. We will explore each one and the solution for each. Two types of fire/smoke alarms are commonly installed in residential properties—electric-powered units with battery backup and battery-powered units only.

Stop Smoke Alarms from Chirping by Checking the Batteries

Both types of smoke alarms use 9-volt batteries; alarms connected to the household electrical grid use batteries as a backup to continue monitoring the air during power outages. Weak or failing batteries are the leading cause of these types of chirping alerts.

• Manufacturers and insurance companies recommend checking smoke alarms once per month. Locate a small red button and push it briefly; expect a short, loud tone to indicate the alarm is functioning properly.
• A blinking light on the alarm may also indicate a weak battery.
• Fire safety personnel and insurance companies recommend replacing the 9-volt batteries in alarms every six months; expect to replace them at least annually. If you forget to replace the batteries, the alarm will remind you with a short, chirping alert every 30 to 60 seconds, often at inopportune times.
• Locate the battery tray, open it and slide the old battery out. Install the new battery in the same direction you removed the old. Close the battery tray and push the test button to make sure it is installed correctly.
• Dispose of 9-volt batteries properly to avoid contamination in the environment.

Stop Smoke Alarms from Chirping by Checking the Sensors

If the chirping sound continues, the next step is to clean the smoke alarm. Smoke detectors have a very small sensor that is constantly scanning the air inside the detector, searching for airborne particles in sufficient quantity to indicate a problem. The smoke alarm near your kitchen might sound when you burn toast in the toaster. The sensor cannot distinguish between smoke particles and dust particles; if the smoke alarm has dust buildup, it can trigger intermittent alarms. To check for this problem:

• Find the circuit that controls your smoke alarms at the service panel and flip the circuit that powers your smoke alarms.
• The smoke alarm face cover will usually twist or easily pop off. Remove the face cover.
• The sensor is delicate, so clean it carefully. Use a vacuum cleaner hose or a small, soft brush to clean the sensors.
• Smoke alarms located near the kitchen or bathrooms might need a damp cloth with a mild detergent to remove stubborn dust. Use extreme care and make sure everything is dry before restoring power to the alarm.
• Replace the face cover and restore power by flipping the circuit on. Push the test button to make sure the smoke alarm is working.

Stop Smoke Alarms from Chirping by checking with Air Pro Houston’s Electrical Team

If the batteries are fresh and the sensor is clean, further solutions will require professional inspection and service.

• Smoke alarms may experience electrical problems, such as loose wiring. An electrician has the testers and tools to quickly locate electrical problems and provide a solution.
• If your smoke alarms are new, an electrician can complete an inspection without voiding the manufacturer’s warranties.
• Smoke alarms will generally last 10 years or more. If your smoke alarms are old, an electrician can recommend replacement alarms and install new units.

We Can Help to Stop Smoke Alarms from Chirping

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with Stop Smoke Alarms from Chirping in your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Food Safety During a Power Outage

Most American homes have a distinct advantage over the homes of a few generations back; we can store and preserve fresh foods inside our homes in freezers and refrigerators. These appliances have become a vital part of our normal schedules, and doing without them creates significant disruptions. When the occasional power outage happens, it is very important to know the safety limitations for frozen and refrigerated foods. Here are some tips to prepare for outages and set boundaries for food safety.

Prepare Ahead of Time for Safety During a Power Outage

Common causes of lengthy power outages include:

• A power transmission problem, such as a blown transformer
• A localized storm, with high winds that takes down power lines
• A regional storm, like a hurricane

Buy some battery-powered thermometers that transmit a reading to a Smart device—a phone or a tablet. Purchase one for each refrigerator or freezer compartment.

• Determining food safety is based on the temperature of the food products.
• Every time you open the door, the temperature will rise dramatically; these thermometers will let you document food temperatures even with the door closed

Your emergency preparedness plan should include storing several days of drinking water for your family. Placing water inside both the refrigerator and freezer will help maintain a constant temperature.

• Liquids and solids retain a temperature longer than gas, like air. If you have time before the power outage, store some of the water in both compartments to keep the temperature colder longer. Only add the water if you allow adequate time for it to completely freeze or chill.
• Adding liquid will help, but make sure that the cold air can circulate around every item; over-filling the compartments will reduce efficiency, so allow enough room for cooling to take place.
• Do not cover or block the vents inside the freezer or refrigerator.

Safety During a Power Outage: Know the Danger Zone

Heath departments and food handlers use the term “danger zone” for food that remains between 40⁰ and 140⁰ F since bacteria can (and will) grow quickly between those temperatures.¹

• Once a power outage has begun, keep compartment doors closed as much as possible. It will not take long for compartments to reach room temperature if the door opens.
• If the temperature inside either compartment remains above 40⁰ F for longer than two hours, the food should be discarded, since it is unsafe to eat.
• If you have not yet purchased the Smart thermometers, know that it will not take long for the refrigerator compartment to raise about 40⁰ An outage that lasts three to four hours may result in an unsafe storage temperature. A full, unopened freezer might keep food safe for two days, while a half-full freezer might be safe for one day.
• While you are waiting for the power to come back on, plan to eat meals prepared from shelf-stable foods from the pantry instead. Set a chair in front of the fridge to help everyone remember to keep the doors closed—it can be a habit when family members get hungry.

The Long-Range Plan for Safety During a Power Outage

A long-term solution for power outages might be to have a permanent standby generator installed for your home. The switch setting will sense the loss of power, disconnect your home from the power grid, and start-up immediately to provide uninterrupted electric service to your home. Generators come in a variety of sizes to fit the needs of homes large and small.

We Can Help With Safety During a Power Outage

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with Food and Appliance Safety During a Power Outage for your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/keep-food-safe.html#:~:text=Bacteria%20can%20multiply%20rapidly%20if,when%20to%20throw%20food%20out%20

Ductless AC System Basics

Since the late ‘60s, most homes in the U.S. have been fitted with central heating and air conditioning systems. They retain their popularity, with more than 80% of homes using central heat and/or air conditioning. However, the HVAC market has been changing a little in the last few years.

Almost 40 years ago, Japanese engineers used heat pump technology and developed compact air conditioning systems that do not require ductwork. The applications became very popular across Europe and Asia and are growing in popularity now in the U.S. Ductless AC systems rely upon heat pump technology but do not require a network of ducts to circulate conditioned air.

Heat pump systems are very efficient at heating and cooling–efficient until the temperature becomes extremely cold. However, heat pump technology is advancing, and low ambient mini-split systems can function at 100% efficiency to 0⁰ F. This makes mini-split systems a viable option for homes throughout the U.S.¹

How Do Ductless AC Systems Work?

Heat pumps use basic gas chemistry: compressing gas will raise the temperature of the gas and suddenly releasing the pressure results in rapid, dramatic cooling. While the gas is in a closed system of copper, air moving across the tubes collects the cold and releases its heat into the gas.

Central air conditioners and hybrid furnace systems use the same technology, but the cold/heat transfer takes place inside. A blower motor pushes the conditioned air throughout the house via ducts. Strategically placed return ducts bring the air back to the central unit to completely circulate the air.

Mini-split systems complete the cold/heat transfer in small, wall air handler units, one installed in each room. A small blower motor moves the air across the tubes and circulates the conditioned air within the room. One outdoor condenser unit services as many as six-room units; they are connected by copper tubes that move the refrigerant gas as needed.

Advantages of Ductless AC Systems

• Energy Efficiency Ductless AC. Both mini-split and central systems employ a heat pump system; they are recognized as a very energy-efficient method of heating and cooling. However, instead of a large blower motor pushing air throughout the entire house, mini-split systems use smaller, room-sized units. According to ENERGY STAR, this arrangement saves as much as 30% of cooling costs.
• No Ducts Needed.
  • Mini-split systems are ideal for older homes without existing ductwork. The demolition/construction required to retrofit ducts is expensive and very disruptive.
  • Mini-split systems are good options for room additions. The added space might overwhelm an existing central HVAC system.
  • Mini-split systems also add assistance for hard-to-reach or problem areas; a sunroom or an upstairs space might need some extra help with heating or cooling.
  • With no floor vents, mini splits offer greater freedom for furniture and accessory placement.
• Individual Room Control. Since each room has a dedicated air handler, it is possible to customize comfort for each room. The air handler is controlled with a remote-control style thermostat, allowing each room to be set to a different temperature according to preference.

Zoned temperature control distributes conditioned air to the desired spaces so evenly, it conserves energy compared to central HVAC systems.

• Improved Indoor Air Quality. With central HVAC systems, a single air filter removes airborne dust and allergens from the whole house. With mini-split systems, each room has an air filter for the air circulating within the room.

Questions About Ductless AC Systems?

Our four decades of experience as an Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to you with Ductless AC questions.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your HVAC repair and installation needs.

¹ https://www.ecomfort.com/stories/1341-Keeping-Your-Mini-Split-Working-Through-the-Winter.html

Electric Vehicles Charging Options to Keep in Mind

Purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is certainly not an impulse buy. After driving vehicles with gasoline-powered internal combustion engines, switching to an EV comes with a lot of research and a lot of preparation. Although TV commercials depict charging to be equivalent to filling a gas tank, that is not the case. As a savvy, informed consumer, you are doing your homework to know and understand your Electric Vehicles Charging Options and we are here to help.

Know Your Limits and Your Electric Vehicles Charging Options

Few people know how far their car can travel on a full tank of gasoline; once the gauge shows ¼ of a tank, it is time to fill it again, with dozens of options within a mile radius of most urban settings. EV owners must be much more cognizant of the range achieved on a full battery charge and aware of every charging option along familiar routes.

Most EVs can travel between 200 and 300 highway miles on a full battery charge. That figure is rather fluid and the range is improving with each generation of EVs. Most people can handle that range since few people are required to drive that far every day and if you are driving more than 200 miles/day, you are less likely to consider an EV.

Know Your Electric Vehicles Charging Options

Currently, there are three charging options for electric vehicles. Undoubtedly EV owners will use all three options.

1. A Level One charger uses an ordinary 110-volt outlet and offers the greatest flexibility of charging locations. Each EV is sold with a Level One charger at no additional cost. While a Level One charger offers tremendous freedom it is also a very slow charge; a depleted battery to a full charge might take as long as 24 hours. A Level One charger is excellent for charging in remote locations with plenty of time to recharge. It is also a very good backup plan should other options fail.
2. A Level Three charger is a public, for-pay charging station. This charging option is very fast in comparison—from 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. Even at the lowest setting, that is a complete charge in less than 1 ½ hours; you could probably get a full charge while shopping. The cost to charge will vary, depending on the cost of a Kilowatt/hour of electricity. Entrepreneurs are rushing to fill the present and future needs for Level Three charging stations.
3. A Level Two charger operates within the middle ground between the first two options. It will be the focus of our investigation. Level Two chargers use a 220-volt outlet—like those used for an electric dryer—and will charge a depleted battery bank in about 4 hours. They are an affordable, at-home charging option, so let’s explore this value option.

Before making a purchase, make sure to select a charger that is compatible with your EV. Currently, there are two types of Level Two chargers available: a plug-in portable charger and a permanent, wall-mounted charger.

• A portable charger will need a 220-volt outlet but will require the security of an enclosed garage. This may require an electrician to install the proper outlet in your garage.
• A wall-mounted charger will require an electrician for installation.
• An electrician will also assess whether your current electrical service panel has adequate power to handle the Level Two charger along with the normal household electrical current load.
• A good quality Level Two charging station can cost between $300 and $1,200, depending upon several optional features. An additional fee will be required for professional installation for wall-mounted.
  • Newer Level Two chargers can produce at least 30 amps of power, adding both speed of charge and miles of operation to the charge. The extra capacity will help build capacity for future charging needs.
  • Like many cutting-edge purchases, some charging stations may have Wi-Fi features that allow you to schedule the charge (when the rate drops) and monitor the progress.

Want to Learn More About Your Electric Vehicles Charging Options?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise for maximizing your Electric Vehicles Charging Option.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Summer and Winter in the Same House

In multi-story homes, the temperature difference between the lower and upper levels can easily vary by 10 degrees. If the thermostat is downstairs and set for a reasonable warm comfort level, the upper level can be uncomfortably hot. If you adjust the thermostat to bring a comfort level to the upstairs spaces, the lower level is too cool for comfort. It can be like two seasons in one home. Here are a few solutions you might consider:

Zoned HVAC Systems

This solution calls for a separation of the upper and lower levels into two spaces, creating two heating/cooling zones.  The comfort setting can be set at the same temperature (with successful results) or set at a different setting for each level. Many people prefer to sleep in cool rooms; a one-zoned system makes that difficult. Zoned HVAC systems can be accomplished using one of several methods.

1. Mini-split ductless HVAC systems. This technique adds an additional heat pump that connects to as many as 4 wall-mounted units that can heat and cool a normal-sized room. Each room can be individually controlled with an in-room Zoned HVAC System thermostat. The majority of the construction remains on the outside of the house, with a sleek indoor blower unit to evenly distribute conditioned air.
2. Electronically adjusted dampers. Dampers work like valves inside your existing ducts; they open and close, controlling air movement during both heating and cooling season. This solution uses the existing Zoned HVAC System and existing ducts. It achieves better control of comfort for each level.
3. Multiple systems. The next time you replace your HVAC system, you might consider purchasing two smaller units, with unique Zoned HVAC System thermostats for each level. This solution will require some ductwork adjustments; expect some minor construction to rearrange ductwork. This is probably the most expensive solution, but you will be pleased with the results.

Maximizing the Potential of Zoned HVAC Systems

If your HVAC system was sized and installed correctly, the contractor should have taken the added story into consideration while designing the system. If you are ready for a little detective work, look around for underlying issues that overload the system, resulting in uneven temperatures.

1. Attic insulation. If you can see exposed ceiling joists in your attic, you have insufficient insulation. This might be caused by settling or by air currents from attic vents. As much as 85% of your home energy loss goes through the attic. Whether you do it yourself or call in a profession, this is the place to start.
2. Blocked soffit vents. While you are in the attic, investigate whether soffit vents are closed off by loose insulation. This will reduce the ventilation in your attic and can keep the second story warmer than expected.
3. Covered registers and vents. Conditioned air is circulated by the HVAC system through supply registers, generally found on the floor and return air vents, usually found on central hallways, a little overhead height. It is not uncommon for homeowners to ignore these essential tools for circulation.

   They might be covered by furniture, drapes, or rugs; the reduced airflow might be causing the temperature imbalance. Closing the vents, say in an unused room, impedes circulation and is not recommended.

4. Use the “On” setting. On your thermostat, you will find two fan settings: “Auto” and “On”. The “Auto” setting only activates the blower motor while the system is heating or cooling air for circulation. The “On” setting keeps the fan running continuously, resulting in increased circulation and ventilation.

   The “On” setting can balance the air temperatures and increase the comfort level throughout the home. As a bonus, the cost to run the fan continuously is lower than the cost of increased furnace or AC activation.

5. Leaking air ducts. The ductwork throughout your house might have moved and that movement might have caused gaps and openings within the walls. Even a few duct leaks can seriously alter the amount of properly conditioned air circulating through the house by 20-30%. While you can learn to test your ductwork for leaks, it will require a professional to seal them.

The real solution to the imbalance problem might include both methods.

Questions About Zoned HVAC Systems?

Our four decades of experience as an HVAC System maintenance contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist in Zoned HVAC System decisions.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your HVAC repair and installation needs.

Guidelines for Choosing a Home Generator

Have recent weather events left you considering a generator for your home? Power outages have become a very real possibility, and in our experience being without power for long periods of time is uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. If you are considering a generator for your home, you know there are many options. Where do you start? Here are some guidelines to help you begin to make a decision.

Home Generator Basics

Generators are temporary replacement power sources, a standby electrical supply. While they can provide electricity to your home while the power grid is down, it is doubtful you will generate enough electricity to power the entire house. You will need to prioritize circuits, separating between essential and non-essential; perhaps the refrigerator, computer, HVAC, and lighting go on the essential list, while the washing machine, dryer, and outlets might be on the non-essential list.

Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The process is the same as large electric generation plants, only on a smaller scale. A fuel powers an engine that spins a shaft. The spinning shaft produces a magnetic field that produces electricity.

Types of Home Generator

Stationary and Portable Home Generator

The principal difference in generators is their position. Some generators are portable, can be stored and brought out as needed. Since they are mobile, they can be moved from one location to another, refueled as needed, or connected to a fuel line. However, these smaller units have limited power generation and must be frequently refueled. With a widespread power outage, finding fuel might be a problem.

Stationary generators, on the other hand, are larger, more powerful, and are therefore installed permanently. It can be set to start immediately upon loss of power. Generally, it will be wired directly to the electric service panel and connected to the natural gas line, a fuel source that is more reliable in a power outage. The unit will be installed outside the house on a pad (keeping the exhaust outside of your home), and local regulations may require it to be elevated.

Fuel Source

Generators run on a variety of fuel sources because not all fuels are available locally. Portable generators often use gasoline, but with a smaller tank, they will need to be filled several times per day. Since stationary units may be connected to a steady supply of fuel, you will find generators that use a wider list of fuels: diesel, natural gas, propane, or fuel oil. Your choice of generators will need to take into consideration the availability of fuel in your location.

Home Generator Size

Generators come in sizes that range in output from 1 kilowatt/hour (kWH) to 100 kilowatts per hour. Of course, the cost will be determined, in part, by the power output. The output of your generator will determine the load it can supply to power your home’s electrical needs. You will need to compare the total kWh needed for emergency use in your home to the kWh output of the generator you choose.

VERY IMPORTANT

When a generator is in use, it must be connected through a transfer switch, not directly to the service panel. This switch prevents the electricity your generator is producing from flowing backward (feedback) onto the power grid. Feedback can be deadly for utility repair crews and attaching a generator to your home without a transfer switch is both dangerous and illegal. The transfer switch will also protect your generator from damage that might be caused by the return of electricity from the power grid. Talk with your electrical professional about the size and function of a transfer switch.

Want to Learn More About Choose the Right Home Generator?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise for Guidelines for Choosing a Home Generator.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Best Practices

In late 2020, Ford was excited to release the new Mustang Mach-e, its latest electric vehicle (EV), with a travel range of 305 miles on fully charged lithium-ion batteries. This “muscle car” was added to the long line of available electric vehicles on the market. Research and regulations are working together to demonstrate e-cars are a viable transportation mode for many urban consumers when Residential Electric Vehicle Charging is available.

The greatest concern with electric cars is convenient charging; people still fear trying to get to a destination and the battery running low. More charging stations are being installed every day, but not fast enough to keep up with the popularity of EVs. It is essential for you to learn the location of local charging stations and become acquainted with their use. Some charging stations are free, while others charge by the hour.

Most electrical vehicle manufacturers provide a mobile charger. Keep this charger with you at all times; it will allow you to charge from a standard 120 V outlet when your battery is low. However, expect it to be a slow charge.

The most convenient charging solution is a residential charging station installed at your home.

Residential Electric Vehicle Charging is Fast

The mobile charger is slow because it only connects to 120 V outlets. A home charging station will connect directly into the 240 V service, which will supply enough juice to add 32 miles of range per hour of charging. When returning from daily activities and parking in your garage, you plug in the EV to the charging station overnight and enjoy the evening. In the morning you will awake to a car with fully charged batteries. Home charging stations are very convenient for drivers with a long commute and no desire to charge mid-way home.

Residential Electric Vehicle Charging is Cheaper

Generally speaking, public charging stations are either free and slow or fast and relatively expensive. Chances are, you will need to travel off of your most direct route to charge. Relying on public charging stations might be painful in the long term. A more cost-effective solution is a home charging station; charging your car will be included in your electric bill each month.

According to MarketWatch¹, if you drive 1,000 miles/month with an EV and pay 10 cents/KW hour of electricity (the national average), recharging will add $25 to $33/month to your residential electricity bill. Third-party charging stations may also charge taxes and user fees every time you charge your EV. Not only does your EV reduce carbon emissions, but it saves money at the gas station—now you only need coffee and a snack.

Professional Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Installation is easy

Unless you regularly work with residential electricity, you will need to call a professional electrician to install a Level 2 home charging station; it is not a suggested DIY project. Fortunately, help is close by. AirPro Electric has a team of EV-certified electricians who can install a home charger for you.

They will:

• Check the electric service and wiring at your home to make sure you have adequate current available.
• Install the charger and train you to use the technology safely.
• Leave you with the peace of mind your home and EV are working together efficiently.

Your charging solution will be on schedule and easy, cost-effective, and convenient.

Two things about public charging stations

• Their number is increasing rapidly—there are more than 12,000 places to charge EVs so far.
• Public charging stations, even with taxes and fees, are cheaper than gas stations!!!!

Want to Learn More About Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Tips

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise for Residential Electric Vehicle Charging.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

¹ https://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-much-does-it-cost-to-charge-an-electric-car-we-do-the-math-11615580227

New AC Installation – What to Expect the Day Your New HVAC System is Installed

Comfortable temperatures and improved air quality are just a few hours away. Your new AC installation day is here and there should not be a source of anxiousness. We have put together a list of items to expect the day your new HVAC system is installed.

Be at home during your New AC Installation: If the homeowner cannot be present during the install, an adult over the age of 18 must be on the premises while our installation team completes the work. Throughout the installation process, there may be questions about the equipment, its placement, or its functionality that may need to be addressed.

Make sure your pets are out of harm’s way, for their safety and ours. A new AC Installation can be noisy and will require strangers into your home. Pets do not always agree with the noise and the presence of strangers in their homes. In addition, doors may be open for extended periods of time while bringing equipment into your home.

This may present an easy escape for pets and could be a tripping hazard to our installation team and your family pet. We highly suggest limiting your pet’s access to the work area or planning for your pets to be outside of the home to keep everyone safe.

Make childcare provisions. Getting a new ac system is exciting for everyone, even the smallest of family members. The excitement of new people in the home and the curiosity of the equipment attracts children. We highly recommend that children are kept at a distance from working areas for their safety.

Make Outdoor Units Accessible. Our installation team will need direct access to your outside air conditioning unit. Any landscaping, outdoor furniture, or overgrown bushes will need to be removed prior to the installation.

Keep a clear path to the indoor installation location. Your new AC installation will require some room to work. The footpath between the entry to your home and the installation location will need to have a clear path for our install team. Removing furniture, home décor, or any wall hangings will make the installation process quicker and easier for everyone.

Keep the attic area clear. Your attic accumulates holiday decorations, memorabilia, and boxes of items to donate. Your new AC installation will require extensive attic access. You will need to allow adequate room for our installation team to work. Our team will need six feet of clearance at a minimum to install your new AC system.

After the New AC Installation is Complete

After your new air conditioning system installation is complete, our technicians will ensure that it is working properly by testing each system and component. After this testing is complete, we will answer any questions about the thermostat settings or functionality of your new system.

We will also follow up a few days later to ensure that your new AC installation is as you expected, and you are back to enjoying comfortable temperatures in your home.

Interested in a New AC Installation?

Our four decades of experience as a commercial HVAC Unit contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise in New AC Installation for your home.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Preparing for the Next Power Outage

East Texas is no stranger to power outages. In the last 5 years, we have experienced two storm-related events that caused massive, widespread power outages that lasted for days. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused massive flooding and left hundreds of thousands without power as they were trying to recover. In 2021, Winter Storm Uri left between 2 and 3 million people without power during an incredibly cold period; water froze in many homes during this time.

Around the country, we deal with power outages and they can be very inconvenient, even dangerous. Most outages are temporary, generally caused by weather events, such as high winds and lightning. However, some regions experience outages and rolling blackouts due to excessive electrical demands and insufficient available power. Whatever the cause of power outages, here are some tips that can help you avoid the distress of lengthy power outages.

Around the House

1. Keep your trees trim. Fallen limbs are one of the most common preventable causes of power outages.

Choose to Save with your HVAC system

1. Strategic adjustments. During extreme temperature swings, you can adjust your thermostat by about 5⁰ while everyone is out of the house, or overnight. Daytime hours are high peak usage times, so if enough homeowners follow this schedule it can take the pressure off and avoid brown/blackouts.
2. Keep your HVAC system maintained. This will ensure it functions efficiently and saves energy.
3. Keep blinds and drapes closed during extremely hot days to reduce solar gain.

Choose Energy Saving Devices

1. If you still use incandescent light bulbs, switching to LED bulbs uses 6 times less energy.
2. Look for the ENERGY STAR rating when you buy appliances.

Make energy savings a habit.

1. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
2. Tools, appliances, and chargers continue to use electricity, even when not in use. A good test for this is—turn off all the lights in the house and notice all of the indicator lights shining.
3. Run high-energy appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, late at night. This is well past the peak energy portion of the day.

Consult your Houston Electrician/professional

1. Call a Houston electrician and get an in-house “electrical checkup.” The technician will check the wiring, panels and check the circuits, catching small problems before they become big problems.
2. Now is the time to consider a backup generator. A generator is a smart move to protect your home and family during long power outages. It takes planning, so prepare ahead of the next outage coming your way.

Houston Electrician Providing Electrical Safety Tips During a Power Outage

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to protect you and your family during a power outage.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Commercial HVAC Problems and the Solution

Commercial HVAC systems are well made and should perform well for 20+ years of service. While every mechanic system will eventually wear out and any component can develop problems, some problems that lead to failure are avoidable. From years of experience, these are the five most common preventable Commercial HVAC Problems that lead to component or system failures.

Putting Off Preventative Maintenance (PM)

Switch gears for a minute: you searched for your dream car or truck, saved for the down payment, bought it, and brought it home. You plan to drive this thing for years and get all of the driving satisfaction you possibly can. It is your pride, your baby! Yeah! However, you refuse to change the oil regularly, rotate the tires, and ignore the brake pads rubbing metal-to-metal. What a waste that would be!

You probably do not feel the same about the HVAC system and you have never taken anyone on a tour of the mechanical closet. But neglecting preventative maintenance on a commercial HVAC system is as unwise as neglect maintenance on your car.

For most commercial structures the HVAC is essential equipment to keep staff and customers comfortable while doing business with you. Regular maintenance is the TLC that keeps your heating and cooling system at peak performance and ensures the maximum number of years of service. Skipping PM schedules to save costs in the short term will cost you money in the long run.

During a PM visit, HVAC professionals inspect the components of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. They will do some general cleaning, complete minor repairs, and check/adjust control settings. Minor repairs made on a timely basis are less likely to become major repairs.

PM visits should be completed once per year, preferably in the Spring to prepare for cooler temps or in the Fall to prepare for the heating season. Your HVAC professional can track your PM visits and let you know when maintenance is needed.

Forgetting To Change The Air Filter

A preventative maintenance call is scheduled annually, but air filters need to be changed at least every three months. An old folk proverb says, “A horse that belongs to everyone starves.” Unless you assign someone the task of changing the air filters, chances are the task will be neglected.

Air filters trap dust, pollen, dander, and other mostly organic particles; they keep them from clogging and damaging electrical parts. More importantly, they remove them from the air to provide clean, fresh air and reduce the number of particles staff and customers breathe in. A dirty filter reduces airflow, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.

Not Understanding How To Use The Thermostat

The control mechanism for the HVAC system is called a thermostat. If the thermostat is not functioning properly, neither will your HVAC system. We see several issues with thermostats that have easy fixes.

If the screen on the thermostat is blank, replace the old batteries with fresh batteries. If the screen remains blank, the thermostat may need to be replaced. If so, give us a call; it is not a big issue.

Thermostats in a commercial setting are probably programmable. Find the instruction manual and input your customized settings to meet your building needs.

The placement of the thermostat also affects performance. Do not install thermostats in a location that receives direct sunlight, as the sunlight will skew the temperature and cause the system to work harder. It should be mounted close to the center of the space, away from exterior doors or windows that are frequently opened.

Loss of refrigerant

HVAC systems typically use a gas, called a refrigerant, that acts to cool the air. The gas is put under extreme pressure and is contained in a sealed circuit. If the refrigerant circuit loses its seal or is stolen, try as it may, the system cannot work hard enough to keep your building comfortable.

This is a problem because the AC compressor will continue to work at cooling the space and work too hard. Additional wear and tear will lead to early failure.

Your HVAC professional can try to locate the loss of seal and add refrigerant to the circuit, restoring the function. This process is called recharging and is an easy fix. The cooling function will return to capacity within a few minutes.

Restricted Airflow

The HVAC system moves air throughout your structure through return and supply air ducts. Typically return air registers are located on the wall, sometimes high on the wall. These registers pull air into the heating/cooling mechanics. The heated or cooled air is pushed into the many spaces through supply registers, typically located low on the wall or on the floor.

Placing furniture, appliances, or accessories over the registers will prevent the free flow of air, reducing comfort and making a room feel stuffy. It also makes the whole system work extremely hard to compensate for the restriction.

Having Commercial HVAC Problems?

Our four decades of experience as a Commercial HVAC contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to install, repair, or maintain, and resolve your Commercial HVAC Problems.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Commercial HVAC System Hurricane Preparedness

Protecting The Electrical Components of Your Commercial HVAC System During a Hurricane

Every year, hurricane seasons bring violent storms that damage and destroy millions of dollars of residential and commercial properties. The good news is current construction methods take into consideration the power of wind and waves. New buildings are built to withstand strong sustained winds with less destruction and damage from extreme weather.

Property owners and managers should plan ahead of time for the inevitable, planning to mitigate damage and transition into recovery mode as soon as storms pass.

This article offers simple suggestions and procedures to reduce possible damage from a hurricane to your commercial HVAC system. Remember, each commercial HVAC system is customized to the building, so make the necessary preparation steps to protect your specific HVAC System.

Be Aware of the Risks. You must understand the potential for damage before you can plan to avoid damage and delays.

Water Damage. Hurricanes pull a lot of moisture from the oceans and deposit it on land in the form of heavy rain. While outdoor commercial HVAC system components are designed to withstand rain, you may need to prepare for storm surges, river or creek flooding, or localized area flooding. It could be prudent to research new standards for elevating outdoor AC units and the cost for the new construction.

Wind Damage. Hurricanes can produce sustained winds between 75 mph to 157mph. Prepare for high winds by trimming trees on your property that could damage your AC unit(s) or fall on power lines. Make sure that outdoor compressor units are strapped down to hinder them from blowing away.

Electrical Damage. Hurricanes do not have the reputation for producing much lightning but prepare for electrical surges and lightning as a precaution.

Commercial HVAC System Long-term Prep

The first goal of hurricane preparation is the protection of lives. By planning ahead, when the evacuation order comes, you will be prepared to follow it without worrying about a commercial business or an HVAC system during the storm.

Trim trees and vegetation. Prepare ahead of time by removing dead trees or broken limbs. Trim vegetation that might fall on property, including outdoor AC units. Collect leaves and limbs that might become airborne in high winds and damage the compressor units.

Purchase Covers Ahead of Time. Covering the outdoor units with a tarp or custom-made cover to protect them from wind damage. In some circumstances, you may need to board up the unit, so buy the material and cut to size beforehand.

Preventative Maintenance. Prior to the hurricane season, call your HVAC professional for a system Preventative Maintenance visit. Our technicians will inspect the equipment thoroughly and complete a hurricane prep checklist. This will include ensuring components are lashed down properly, wall openings are sealed against water damage and electronics are protected against power surges. By planning ahead, you have the best chance to recover quickly after the storm has passed.

Commercial HVAC System Short-term prep

Keep Current. National and local weather forecasters work hard to give people in the path of hurricanes adequate storm information. Each year thousands of lives are saved because hurricanes no longer sneak up on unsuspecting coastal inhabitants. Information includes storm surge estimates, landfall predictions, wind speed, and rainfall amounts. You will see your long-term prep in action. This information will also give you advance notice to follow some short-term action items.

Disconnect Power. During the final stages of the storm, preparation turns the switch from the HVAC system to the OFF setting. Trip the breakers, shutting off power to components. This will reduce the chance of damage from electrical surges that can damage or destroy circuits. It will also reduce damage to the building and other people in the case of water damage.

Time to Cover. Once the power has been disconnected, it is time to apply the tarp or board up the unit. This keeps mud, sticks, and flying debris from being lodged in the compressor unit. Complete this task before dangerous winds make it impossible.

AirPro Houston is Your Electrical System Hurricane Preparedness Experts

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to prepare your commercial HVAC system for a hurricane.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Mini-Split HVAC Units: Pros and Cons

The concept of cooling indoor air during summer heat and humidity has been around as far back as ancient Egypt and Rome, but with primitive technology, cooling could only be accomplished at a great expense.

Soon after producing electricity on demand was possible, inventors began experimenting with how to cool a room. Central air conditioning became common in the 1970s and today 99% of homes in the south are built with AC.

If your home was built prior to 1970, air conditioning was not standard equipment; if you have central air, it was installed as a retrofit, probably at a great expense. In addition to HVAC components, walls were likely opened to install ductwork, both supply and return air vents.

If your home does not have central air conditioning, installing it may seem like a daunting, expensive proposition. If so, you might consider a mini-split ductless heat pump as a solution. This relatively new option might be ideal for an older home with no or limited ductwork.

Mini-split HVAC units are also attractive options for home offices or remote rooms that need additional heating and cooling. They work in a way similar to central air systems, but on a smaller scale and without installing ductwork throughout the home. Since they do not require ductwork or large components, they are easy and fast to install—most of the time installation takes one day.

Key advantages of the Mini Split Ductless Heating & Cooling System

1. Small profile. Mini-split heat pump systems heat and cool small spaces, so they don’t take up a lot of room. They are installed in an out-of-the-way space, usually high on a wall. A low profile interior, the attractive interior unit is attached to an outdoor heat pump through a 3” opening, just enough to connect electricity and a drain for condensation. The sleek unit will blend with the design of any décor.
2. Whisper soft. Not only are mini-split systems small and attractive, but they are also incredibly quiet, unlike a typical window air conditioning unit. If you have lost sleep listening to a loud window air conditioner or had to choose between AC and a phone call, you will be delighted with the quiet operation of the mini-split system.
3. Clean air. The air filtration for the mini-split system is a multi-stage filter; each stage filtering smaller particles and the activated charcoal layer trapping odors. Since the air is filtered directly, cleaning ducts is never necessary; this is a great advantage over central air conditioning. As an added bonus, the various filters can be cleaned and reused.
4. Since each room is served by a different unit, room temperatures can be controlled independently, customizing comfort to the occupant’s preference. For instance, you can heat a home office on a cool morning and keep a bedroom cool for a good night’s sleep.

   Changing from heating to cooling instantly is very helpful. Hospitals, offices, hotels, and schools find this versatility useful. In addition, a mini-split provides both air conditioning and heating. A mini-split ductless system gives year-round temperature control room-by-room; no more freezing winter mornings or humid summer nights.

5. Energy efficiency. Ductless systems are more energy-efficient than using window AC units and more efficient than central AC. Installing mini-split heat pumps in your older home or remote space is not only a cheaper installation option but also saves money monthly on the utility bill. You will realize incredible cost savings by heating or cooling only what you need, with surprising comfort.

Interested in a Mini-Split HVAC Unit for Your Home?

Our four decades of experience as a Mini-Split HVAC Unit contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to install, repair, or maintain a Mini-Split HVAC Unit.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

HVAC Tune Ups: Why Are There Hot and Cold Spots in My House?

You love your house! The neighborhood, the curb appeal, and the layout are perfect. The one thing you don’t love about your house is the tendency for hot and cold spots. The expectation is to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the house year-round.

Perhaps the rooms on the south side of the house are too warm in the summer and the north side is too cold in the winter. Walking from one room to another is like switching seasons! An HVAC Tune Ups can help.

Hot and cold spots in a home are a common problem that is both annoying and possibly costly. Whether summer or winter, you should investigate temperature variations to prevent problems from developing. This article tells you why you experience uneven temperature and what you can do to fix it.

HVAC Tune Ups: Common Causes of Hot and Cold Spots

• HVAC Tune Ups: Start with obvious and easy fixes. Find your vents and make sure they are not covered. If the TV stand is covering a vent or a bookcase blocks the air return vent on the wall, it will definitely cause temperature variations. Fixing your problem may be as simple as rearranging the furniture.

Inspect windows and doors for ill-fitting installation, gaps that have developed, or joints that need weather-stripping. Gaps not only allow drafts that result in energy loss but may also be exposing your home to water damage and pest infestations. This is also a relatively easy fix.

• HVAC Tune Ups: Inspect your ductwork. Your system has two types of ducts; return ducts pull air from the rooms of your house and supply ducts return the “conditioned” air back to the rooms. As you inspect the ducts, make sure that:

• • Ducts are well connected and sealed. The blower motor creates air pressure in both return and supply ducts, so you will lose air from any hole or crack.Most ducts are made of sheet metal, which heats and cool as the HVAC system circulates air, expanding and contracting with each cycle. Repair any gaps that develop.
  • Since most ducts are made of sheet metal, they should be installed in
    • Conditioned space, such as inside an insulated wall or a conditioned basement or
    • Be insulated when installed in unconditioned space, such as a crawl space or attic. Insulate ducts that you can access when they run through unconditioned space.
  • Having your ducts cleaned will make sure there are no obstructions, blocking air from certain rooms.
• HVAC Tune Ups: Adjust the heating/cooling zones. Hot and cold spots may be caused by improper zoning. What does that mean? If you have one thermostat and it is on the opposite side from the temperature variant room, perhaps the thermostat is not registering that far room. If so, it may be difficult for your HVAC system to heat or cool every room evenly.
  • Adjusting the heating and cooling zones includes adding a thermostat(s) closer to the affected area and putting a damper(s) in the ducts to push air to the areas that need it.  More conditioned air might solve the problem.
  • Another solution might be to add a ductless mini-split AC unit to the affected area. The ductless unit works independently to serve a small area underserved by the central air system. Think of this method as cost-effective support for your home’s existing HVAC system.

Correcting the temperature variation can save money on your heating and cooling, and bringing comfort to your family with a HVAC Tune Ups.

• Properly size your HVAC system. Originally, a technician inspected your home, gathered information on many variables, and recognized the properly sized HVAC unit, probably described in “tons.”If your HVAC system is zoned properly, but still has issues cooling or heating your entire home, it might be improperly sized. If your unit is too small, it will work harder than necessary and not keep up with the heating/cooling needs.

  If your unit is too large, it will cycle too quickly to work properly, leaving hot and cold spots, without time to properly dehumidify the air. A properly sized HVAC unit efficiently conditions the space as needed.

Need an HVAC Tune Up to Get Rid of Hot and Cold Spots in Your Home?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston HVAC Tune Ups contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to get rid of hot and cold spots in your home.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Why Your Business Need a Commercial Electrical Maintenance Plan

Commercial businesses rely heavily on electricity and taking the necessary steps to keep the electrical system safe, completely functional, and well maintained. Proper maintenance creates optimal efficiency which will reduce wear and tear over time. A breakdown in your electrical systems, no matter how temporary, cost your business time and money. That is why AirPro Houston has put together these top reasons to create a Commercial Electrical Maintenance Plan for your business to ensure your business stays up and running.

Creates a Safe Work Environment with a Commercial Electrical Maintenance Plan

Electrical issues can create a hazardous work environment for your employees and customers. Fire, electric shock, electrocution, and explosions are potential problems that can damage equipment, property, and seriously injure employees or customers. A proper Commercial Electrical Maintenance Plan will thoroughly inspect wiring, outlets, power supplies, and electrical lines to make sure that they are not a potential hazard.

Avoid Major Electrical Repairs with a Commercial Electrical Maintenance Plan

Many times, electrical problems are not visible. Internal electrical malfunctions can go unseen causing damage that can be very costly. Regularly scheduled maintenance and inspections will assist in identifying electrical problems to resolve them before they become more complicated and lead to more extensive electrical repairs.

Keep Equipment Running At Its Best

Smooth running equipment equals a smooth-running operation. Regularly scheduled commercial electrical maintenance will ensure that machinery, appliances, equipment, and electrical outlets are performing at their optimal capacity.

Promote Energy-Efficiency

Proper electrical maintenance assists in identifying wasted energy, old light bulbs, HVAC filters that need to be replaced, faulty appliances, or malfunctioning outlets. Replacing less efficient appliances with more modern energy-efficient models can greatly decrease energy consumption. Reducing energy costs will help increase your profit margin.

Increased Productivity

Regularly scheduled maintenance promotes higher productivity since downtime will decrease. It improves the efficiency of the businesses’ electrical infrastructure, minimizes power outages, reduces downtime, prevents data loss, and protects from costly interruptions. Fewer interruptions in your workday lead to an increase in productivity, which leads to increased profits.

Longer Life Span for Equipment

Regularly maintained equipment operates more efficiently, which will prolong its life span. Repairing any electrical issues quickly before they damage equipment further.

How Can We Help with Your Commercial Electrical Maintenance Plan

Neglecting electrical repairs and maintenance in a commercial setting creates many risks. If you do not have a Commercial Electrical Maintenance Plan in place, it is something that you need to implement as soon as possible. Your business productivity, customers’ and employees’ safety, all depend on this simple step.

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to avoid the dangers of electrical shock.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.