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David Heintz
President
A & H Electric Co.
3505 N. Loop 336 West
Conroe, Texas 77304
Office: (936) 756-0442

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Power Your Outdoor Living Spaces

Imagine dining under the stars, having a backyard movie night, or unwinding next to the warmth of a outdoor fireplace. If these activities appeal to you, you may want to consider extending your living space outdoors. No shortage of interior features can be created outdoors, assuming a professional, certified electrician has completed the proper electrical work.

Electricity changes the name of the game in outdoor living spaces. Having a certified electrician provide electrical work allows you to power exterior kitchen appliances, big-screen televisions, pool and spa equipment, and electric fireplaces. Inspiration for outdoor living spaces can be found on Pinterest and home improvement sites.

Making sure that there is an adequate number of outlets is equally essential for plugging in all your gadgets, whether portable or stationary, so that there is little reason to head inside. Another factor to consider is the installation of lighting and ceiling fans. The latter will make it much more comfortable for you to spend time outside during the Texas summer.

Required Electrical Work

The type of electrical work you’ll need will ultimately depend on what you desire in an outdoor space. Let’s say you want a functional kitchen for cooking family dinners without heating the entire house. The appliances required for building this type of outdoor living space must comply with local codes. Your home may also need to be rewired to accommodate any new equipment.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) outdoors. These devices are designed to trip the circuit breaker in the event of a ground-fault. For additional NEC and local code requirements, consult a certified electrical contractor, such as A&H Electric. 

Contact a Certified Electrician Today

Have a certified electrician complete all electrical work to ensure your system is operating reliably and safely. Schedule an appointment with an electrical contractor today at (936) 756-0442. A&H Electric is a certified residential and commercial electrician specializing in installation, repair, and service. Our company services Conroe and the surrounding communities of Texas.

Resources:

“Electrical Circuit-Interrupters.” National Fire Protection Association, nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Electrical/Electrical-circuit-interrupters.

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Tips to Save Energy While Working from Home

As people continue to work from home – for which there are substantial environmental and financial benefits – higher utility bills may be an unfortunate reality for many. Employees need equipment that, when used continuously, for up to eight hours a day, consumes a lot of energy. That includes their computers, computer components, printers/scanners, tablets, and other essential gadgets. With these tips from a certified electrician, though, you can save energy and money while working from home without compromising productivity.

Change Your Plan

Contact your electric service provider and ask whether they offer money-saving residential plans. Often referred to as time-of-use plans, these programs offer lower rates during off-peak hours. The goal is to reduce electricity demand during peak hours. When looking at plans, if applicable, it’s essential to seriously consider your work hours and the number of appliances/equipment you use. That will help you make an informed decision.

Use Energy-Efficient Equipment

There are plenty of energy-efficient products, including office equipment, from trusted manufacturers. ENERGY STAR certified products are designed to use significantly less energy than standard models. Their operation and idle demands are much more efficient. Using LED bulbs, along with opening curtains during the daytime, can save you even more money on your monthly utility bills.

Install a Smart Home Energy Monitor

Get a better understanding of your energy consumption by hiring a certified electrician to install a smart home energy monitor. These devices are connected to an appropriately labeled breaker panel. That will come in handy both during installation and operation. Once professionally installed, the energy affords you the opportunity to see how much power appliances and equipment are drawing at any given moment, using just your smartphone.

Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe

Have a certified electrician do an electrical inspection to ensure your system is operating reliably and safely. Doing this can also save you energy as an electrician can identify costly problems that may impact your energy consumption. Schedule an appointment with an electrical contractor today at (936) 756-0442. A&H Electric is a residential and commercial electrical contractor specializing in electric installation, repair, and service. Our company services Conroe and the surrounding communities of Texas.

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Help Mom Save Energy this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 10, this year. While you may be tempted to send the special women in your life a virtual gift card this Mother’s Day – which is an excellent way to help support local businesses – what would brighten her day are gifts designed to conserve energy. 

The need for energy-saving products is more significant than ever before as more people are working and studying from home during these challenging times. You could also add to the present by sending her a gift certificate to a restaurant, small business, or electrical contractor that she can redeem later.

LED Light Bulbs

LED lights bulbs are a great gift that can save mom about 75 percent a year on lighting costs. Not only do ENERGY STAR certified bulbs use less energy than traditional, incandescent bulbs, but their life expectancy is also rated in years rather than weeks or months. LEDs are widely available in various shades and as dimmable bulbs. If your mom has a smart home or has been hinting at creating one, you can also give her the gift of a Wi-Fi-connected LED starter kit.

Learning Thermostat

The summers in Conroe, Texas, are hot. Your mom’s electric bill may increase when she turns on the air conditioner. Help her save by giving her a learning thermostat. These thermostats are designed to learn her cooling habits and, within a short amount of time, automatically adjust the home’s temperature in response to her comings and goings. Plus, she can monitor and control the temperature even when she’s away, just by using the compatible smartphone app.

Instant Pot

You may not be able to treat the special women in your life to dinner, but you can help them conveniently cook healthy dinners at home each night of the week with an Instant Pot. These appliances are particularly ideal for busy moms and, because they eliminate the need to use the oven or stovetop, may save energy. There is a wide range of models on the market today, including smart Wi-Fi machines and those with air frying features. For the mom who already has one of these multi-cookers, you can purchase an air fryer lid. You can even find fun decals for them online.

Schedule an appointment with an electrical contractor today at (936) 756-0442. A&H Electric is a residential and commercial electrical contractor specializing in electric installation, repair, and service. Our company services Conroe and the surrounding communities of Texas.

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3 Electrical Mistakes You May Be Making

While there are plenty of home improvement projects that you can do yourself, you should always call in a certified electrician, such as A&H Electric to make repairs or replace your electrical system. Adding new outlets, including GFCIs, should also be handled by a professional to prevent problems. Here are three common electrical mistakes that you may be making and how to avoid them.

Overloading Circuits

Most households have dozens of electronics drawing power. A problem presents itself when too many chargers or power cords are plugged into one outlet – by plugging multiple devices into a power or extension cord – at a time. Doing this can cause your home’s circuits to trip frequently, lights to flicker or dim, or mild shock. At worse, it can result in a residential fire. Prevent overloading your circuits by minimizing the number of devices plugged into an outlet. If you need more outlets, contact a certified electrician, like A&H Electric.

Failing to Use a Surge Protector

Unlike power strips, surge protectors protect your valuable electronics from damaging spikes in electricity. A device with 3,000 or more joules – the amount of energy it can safely absorb – will provide the best protection for most home theater and office equipment. You can find surge protectors online with anywhere from six to 14 outlets. Another idea to consider is a whole house surge protector. When professionally installed, these protectors will prevent power surges from damaging your gadgets and appliances.

Not Hiring a Certified Electrician

Considering that electrical problems are the second leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association, issues must be be promptly diagnosed and repaired by a certified electrician. These professionals have the expertise and equipment required to do the job safely and effectively. Equally, you will need to call an electrician for pre- and post-remodel inspections, as required by your city or county. A professional will inspect any electrical work to ensure it is safe.

A&H Electric specializes in the installation, repair, and service of electrical wiring systems in both commercial and residential properties throughout Conroe and the surrounding communities of Texas. Contact us today at (936) 756-0442 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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Keeping the Lights on this Holiday Season

 

It’s time to start putting up those holiday lights and decorations, but electric companies in Houston and nationwide have some advice. One of the most common reasons that your circuits get tripped is because they’re overloaded, and the power load on circuits increases during the holidays. Previously, A&H Electric has discussed tips for outdoor holiday lighting, so let’s talk about keeping that power on during the holidays.

Reasons for a Tripped Breaker

Any electrician can attest to the fact that the three main reasons for a tripped breaker are overloaded circuits, shorts in wiring, and old breaker boxes. Your breakers can fail at any time, especially if it’s near the end of its life, but this time of the year is the most common time for overloads and shorts.

Keeping Breakers from Tripping

When hanging décor, make sure to nail into studs, rather than directly into drywall. The weight of whatever you’re attaching isn’t an issue, but potentially sending a nail through wiring behind your drywall is. If this happens, there is a substantial risk for short-circuiting, tripping breakers, and even fire hazards.

It’s getting colder all over the country, so now may be the time you bring out electric blankets or space heaters. Before you plug these items in, inspect your plugs and cords. If you see chew marks, cuts, exposed wires, or any other damage, don’t use them!

You can’t replace a breaker with one that’s rated for higher amps without upgrading all your wiring, so how do you prevent overloading all the time? Breakers are designed to cut electricity when circuits are overloaded and overheating to avoid fires.

Unplugging appliances that aren’t in use can help. Electricity’s still running into these devices when they’re off, unplugging them reduces your draw. For anyone that uses hairdryers, straighteners, and curlers, spread them out. They draw more electricity than you think, so using too many devices can overload your circuit.

Limit the number of extension cords and power strips you use during the holidays. Regular usage of these accessories is fine to set up your TV and gaming systems. Constant use of power strips for holiday decorations can overload circuits.

When you’re deciding whether to use incandescent string lights or LED string lights, reach for the LED products. Incandescent lighting uses twice the amount of electricity, and you can only connect two strands at a time. LED lights will use a fraction of the power and are perfect for decorating your entire yard, roof, and the front of your house.

Professional Electric Companies in Houston

If you have any questions about your electrical wiring or your electric systems this holiday season, call quality electric companies in Houston for professional answers. A&H Electric specializes in the installation, repair, and service of electrical wiring systems in both commercial and residential properties throughout Conroe and the surrounding communities of Texas. Contact us today at (936) 756-0442 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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Safety Tips for Electric Fireplaces

 

One of the many joys of winter is snuggling up under a cozy throw, watching holiday favorites, with a fireplace providing warmth. However, if you do not have a wood- or gas-burning fireplace in your home, you can create a cozy feel regardless of the season with an electric fireplace.

These appliances provide all the realism of a traditional fireplace without impacting your indoor air quality. There is no soot to clean or risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Similar to a space heater, they can quickly heat a room and may save you money, since they do so much more efficiently than your HVAC unit.

Think of them as a heating blanket but for the whole room. Another advantage is their space-saving design. An electric fireplace is ideal for homes where square footage is at a premium; apartments included.

Where to Buy Electric Fireplaces?

You’ll find a vast selection of models with various features available at most any local home improvement store and online. There are wall mount, media consoles, and wall inserts. Wall inserts can even be installed in the space of a non-functioning fireplace. Prices for these appliances vary, depending on desired design and features.

Home Heating Safety Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 23,000 home fires are attributed to space heating equipment. Contributing factors include inadequate safety features, insufficient clearance to combustibles, and faulty plugs or connections. Misuse of the heater is another potential fire hazard. Keep your home warm and safe during Texas’s fall and winter seasons with the following tips.

Certification: Make sure UL certifies the unit. UL Certification is the best way to ensure everything from extension cords to TVs are safe to use. It will be listed on the product, along with its packaging and owner’s manual, for easy reference.

Never Use Outdoors: These units are not intended for outdoor use nor in areas of high humidity such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Also, avoid placing water on or nearby electric fireplaces to prevent electric shock.

Plug the Heater into a GFCI Outlet: A ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a protective device specifically designed to shut off power quickly enough to prevent an electrical incident. Because a GFCI protects against overheating, plugging a heater into one just makes sense. A certified electrician can install additional GFCI’s in your home.

Keep Objects and Fingers a Safe Distance Away: The heater is HOT when in use, so to prevent burns, it’s essential that you avoid touching it. Additionally, you’ll want to keep all combustible materials (e.g., furniture, throws, papers, etc.) three feet away from it in all directions.

Other safety tips include unplugging the heater when not in use, whether you’re going to be away or catching some ZZZ’s, as well as keeping children and pets away from the fireplace. Remember that electric fireplaces can get very hot.

Contact a Professional Electrician Today

Before adding a new electric fireplace or another appliance, you should consider hiring a certified electrician, such as A&H Electric, to come out to your home and perform a comprehensive electrical safety inspection. We can also add GFCIs for your new equipment.

A&H Electric specializes in the installation, repair, and service of electrical wiring systems in both commercial and residential properties throughout Conroe and the surrounding communities of Texas. Contact us today at (936) 756-0442 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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Weathering the Storm in Texas

 

With the continued tropical storm season, keeping you and your family safe is essential, and knowing how to prepare can save you a lot of stress. Chances are your area could experience flooding and even a loss of power. How should you prep and for how long? When do you need a professional electrician? Note: The typical hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th each year.

How to prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane?

With that in mind, there are a few months left in the season, and if you are unprepared, then these tips will help you. First, know your evacuation routes in case you need to leave your home to be safe. The recommendation is that you have a plan of action already mapped out in case you need a fast escape.

Next, you will want to create a home safety kit if you do not already have one. You can always find useful tips for safety kits online that will give you a good idea of what you will need. Make sure that your bag is in an easy-to-locate area.

You will also want to stock your home with necessities, so that it is easier to find everything you need during and after the storm. Keep all items somewhere dry and easily accessible. Ready.gov provides a good list of supplies to keep on hand.

Be aware of the zone you live in and listen to safety instructions from your local news and community. Make sure that you know how to store any medications that you or family members may need in case you lose power. Before the storm hits, ensure that you remove any trash in your home and that your vehicle’s gas tank is full.

Lastly, before a storm hits your area, make sure to keep any pets close and that they have identification. Once the storm hits, remain alert, and stay in a safe part of your home with your pets and family. After a storm has passed, be cautious when returning to your home or going outside. There could be dangerous debris and fallen power lines in standing water.

What to do when your electrical system is damaged?

What should you do if a storm has damaged your electrical system? A professional electrician can safely handle your electrical service and repair needs following severe weather.

Power issues and water damage can do serious harm to your wiring and put you and your family in harm’s way. Most are unaware that lightning strikes even ten miles away can cause power issues by creating power surges.

Some water damage is inevitable in Texas, but even though your wiring is protected, prolonged exposure to water damages your home’s wiring. After massive storms contact a professional electrician to inspect and replace any damaged wiring.

Damage to your home’s electrical systems is a repair job better left to a licensed electrical service and repair company.

Contact a Professional Electrician Today

If you’d like to schedule an appointment for electrical service and repair, or you have any questions, contact A&H Electric at (936) 756-0442. A&H Electric specializes in the installation, repair, and service of electrical wiring systems in both commercial and residential properties throughout Conroe and the surrounding areas of Texas. We can also perform comprehensive electrical safety inspections on request.

Be Prepared for When a Power Outage Strikes

Electrical Safety

power outage

In short, a power outage is any sudden, unexpected interruption in electricity. It can be relatively brief or, in rare situations, considerably longer. Extended outages primarily occur due to extreme weather anomalies. Disruptions can also impact one property or thousands. The latter, however is generally referred to as a blackout. Preparing for when the power goes out is vital for keeping you and your family safe.

Power Outage Causes

There are several potential causes for disruptions in power. The most common are associated with inclement weather, equipment failure, and downed tree limbs. Local wildlife has also been known to sabotage infrastructure. For example, in 2016, an entire country was left without power for more than three hours after a curious monkey fell onto a transformer, subsequently tripping it.

Stock Up on Essential Items

Ready.gov recommends assembling a preparedness kit. They encourage stocking it with the following essentials. No two kits, however, will likely look the same as some families may need to include items like pet food or prescription medications. Also recommended is including three-days of bottled water and non-perishable food for each member in your family. Suggested items include:

  • Whistle
  • Flashlights
  • First aid kit
  • Basic toolset
  • Extra batteries
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Solar or another phone charger
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties

More information on building a kit can be found a ready.gov/build-a-kit.

What to Do During a Power Outage

  • Immediately report outages to your utility company
  • Stay clear of any downed power lines, or areas of debris or flooding
  • Disconnect all appliances and electronics to protect against damaging power “surges” when the power returns. Unplugging equipment can also help prevent grid overloads.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food. According to Foodsafety.gov, a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, while a stocked freezer will hold its temperature upwards of 48 hours.

Do You Need a Whole House Generator?

A power outage can happen at any time. That is a given, but those that are measured in days, rather than hours can be cause for concern. All perishable food must be discarded after four hours without power, according to FoodSafety.gov. A standby generator can save you the cost of replacing the contents of your fridge or freezer in extended outages. Whole house generators must be installed in a ventilated outdoor area by a licensed electrical contractor. Always follow manufacturer instructions when operating a whole house or portable generator during a power outage.

Contact an Electrical Contractor Today

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a licensed electrical contractor, or you have any questions, contact A&H Electric at (936) 756-0442. A&H Electric specializes in the installation, repair, and service of electrical wiring systems in both commercial and residential properties throughout Conroe and the surrounding areas of Texas. We can also perform comprehensive electrical safety inspections on request.

Why Do My Plugs Keep Falling Out of Outlets?

Licensed Electrical Contractor

electrical contractor

The most common reason for this incredibly annoying problem is faulty contact points in your wall outlets. To prevent your plugs from falling out of the outlets, you will need to hire a licensed electrical contractor to replace those that are either worn, faulty or damaged. Most standard outlets are three pronged. The bottom, upside-down, u-shaped slot grounds the outlet and helps prevent electrical shocks. Over time, the upper slots may lose tension, impacting their ability to firmly hold the plug.

Can This Problem Be Dangerous?

Yes! Your home’s electrical wiring can arc due to the loose connection made between plug and outlet. Arcing is caused by an unintentional discharge of electrical current between conductors. Arc faults can ultimately produce enough heat to ignite and were, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), involved in more than 17% of home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction between 2012 and 2016.

The Solution? A New Outlet

The only effective and, more importantly, safe fix for this problem is to replace the outlet. Replacement outlets can be found at most any home improvement or hardware store at an affordable price. We strongly encourage purchasing name brand outlets rather than the cheap knockoffs found in the store’s bargain bins. Upgrading to NEC compliant GFCI, USB, or tamper resistant receptacles is an excellent idea as well.

Because of the risks involved with replacing worn or faulty outlets, it’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrical contractor to do the work for you. In the meantime, avoid the risks associated with your plugs falling out of the outlet by discontinuing its usage and, if possible turning the power off to that circuit at the electric panel.

Here’s how to do exactly that. In the electric panel, also known as a breaker box or service panel, you will find rows of individual circuit breakers as well as a main breaker. These should be readily identifiable. If they are not, you may want to test your circuits to find out what controls what, labeling them as you work. Flip the switch to turn off energy to that outlet.

Contact an Electrical Contractor

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a licensed electrical contractor, or you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact A&H Electric at (936) 756-0442 to discuss your electrical wiring issues. A&H Electric specializes in the installation, repair, and service of electrical wiring systems in both commercial and residential properties throughout Conroe and the surrounding areas of Texas. We can also perform comprehensive electrical safety inspections on request.