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How Long Can a Generator Run? Understanding Standby Generators

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a generator

When the power goes out, a standby generator can feel like a lifesaver. These machines offer peace of mind during outages, but like any mechanical system, they need a little attention to stay reliable.

A standby generator can run continuously since it typically runs on natural gas. While standby generators are designed to run as long as they have fuel, it is important to remember that they are not invincible. They require regular maintenance to keep working without breaking down. 

Let’s take it one step at a time and answer these questions: How do generators work? How long can a generator run safely? How can you get the most out of them?

How Long Can a Generator Run: Getting the Most Out of Your Generator

If you reside in a place with unreliable power grids, it’s smart to prepare for extended periods without power. Many homeowners choose a standby generator, which offers longer running … Read Full Post »

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Tax Credits for EV Charging at Home

. Posted by in • Austin
tax forms

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great way to help fight climate change and reduce gas costs. Additionally, the U.S. federal government offers a tax credit for EV charging stations to help make switching to an electric vehicle more affordable.

Let’s go over a few things you should know about this EV incentive.

Tax Credit for EV Charger: What Is It?

The EV charger tax credit is a provision under the U.S. government’s Inflation Reduction Act. The federal government offers these incentives to help lower the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Known as the 30C Tax Credit or EV Charging Tax Credit, this program provides up to $1,000 per charger for home installations. It covers 30% of the installation costs, including the charger, necessary parts, permits, hardware upgrades and the work of a licensed electrician.

Although this tax credit does not help pay for the electricity used to charge your EV, it … Read Full Post »

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What Electrical Panel Size Do I Need?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
an electrical panel

An electrical panel is the control center of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity in your home, ensuring all appliances, lights and devices function well. However, not all panels are the same, and their size determines how much electricity your home can handle.

Electrical panels come in different sizes, typically 60 to 400 amps, with most modern homes requiring at least 100 to 200 amps. The right panel size depends on your home’s square footage, the number of appliances and your future power needs.

Upgrading your panel may be necessary if you’re adding large appliances, renovating or experiencing electrical issues. When replacing your panel, it’s best to match the new panel to your current amperage or upgrade if needed.

However, it’s important to note that determining the correct panel size isn’t always straightforward. A licensed electrician can assess your home’s electrical load and recommend the safest and most efficient option.

So, what are … Read Full Post »

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What Is a PFOA Chemical?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a glass of water

As a homeowner, you may use nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets and waterproof fabrics to make your life easier. These products are easy to clean, heat and chemical-resistant and last a long time, making them popular choices. But did you know that your nonstick pans and household products can contain PFOA? One way to ensure your home’s water is PFOA-free is to consult a water quality expert.

Understanding PFOA

PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, a man-made chemical that falls under a larger group of substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly resistant to breaking down.

Due to their unique qualities, PFOA has been widely used to manufacture numerous household and industrial products since the 1940s. From fast food wrappers to firefighting foam and nonstick cooking ware, all these products contain this “forever chemical.”

Despite its numerous advantages, recent research has concluded that PFOA can have … Read Full Post »

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What Does BTU Mean? Understanding Your AC

. Posted by in • Austin
an AC unit

You’ve probably seen the term BTU on the label when shopping for an air conditioning unit. But what do these three letters mean? And should you pay any attention to them?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It’s a way to measure how much heat an air conditioner can remove in one hour. The higher the BTU, the more powerful the cooling.

But bigger or smaller isn’t always better, as choosing the wrong BTU can lead to higher bills, poor cooling or a humid home.

What Is BTU in an Air Conditioner?

BTU is a way to measure heat energy, specifically how much heat an AC can remove from a room in one hour.

Think of it like this: one BTU is the heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In air conditioning, the higher the BTU, the more heat the unit can move out of your … Read Full Post »

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Outlet Stopped Working but Breaker Is Not Tripped

. Posted by in • San Antonio
an outlet

Circuit breakers are an important part of our home electrical system. When an outlet stops working, finding a tripped breaker is normal. However, if the circuit breaker is okay, it can confuse you as to why the outlet is not functioning.

It can be difficult to sort out this issue if you are not a licensed electrician. The safest option is to consult a licensed electrician with the skills and training to do it best.

Common Reasons Why the Outlet Stopped Working But the Breaker Is Not Tripped

There are different reasons your outlet stopped working even when your breaker did not trip. Each of these reasons requires a skilled and licensed electrician to diagnose and fix.

Here are the most common reasons.

Faulty Outlet

Electric outlets are extensively used in our homes and can get easily damaged. Since items are repeatedly plugged in and out of outlets over time, they get damaged from repeated wear … Read Full Post »

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Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a circuit breaker

Circuit breakers are silent protectors. From sudden power surges to ground faults or short circuits, breakers ensure our homes and appliances stay protected from electrical issues. A breaker works by immediately terminating electricity flow into the home in case of an overload or overheating and can prevent electrical fires.

If your breaker keeps tripping even when no appliance or device is plugged in, there might be a serious problem. Understanding why this issue is happening can be helpful. However, the best option is to consult a licensed electrician. The electrician has the training and skills to determine the cause and can address the electrical issue.

Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In?

Even when you’re not using any appliance or gadget, your breaker can still trip due to the following reasons.

Ground Faults

A ground fault happens when a current takes unintentional paths to the ground. When this occurs, anything in the … Read Full Post »

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What is the Preferred Generator Wattage for a House?

. Posted by in • Austin
a generator being installed

When choosing a standby generator, one of the most common questions is, “What is the preferred generator wattage for a house?” 

Simply put, there’s no “preferred” generator wattage for a house. Selecting the right generator size requires careful consideration of individual household needs. For example, would you like your generator to support just a few appliances, like your fridge and your HVAC unit? Or, are you looking for a generator that can power your whole home? A licensed electrician can consult with you on what your needs are to determine what generator wattage will work best for your home. 

Selecting the right wattage is important because it ensures your home is comfortably functional during an outage without straining the generator.

How do generators work? In simple terms, they operate like small power plants. A generator engine creates mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy to keep your home running. This electrical … Read Full Post »

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How Do EV Charging Stations Work?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
an EV charger

While electric vehicles have many conveniences, charging them can be challenging for some EV owners. It’s unfamiliar territory because we’ve all been pumping gas for as long as we can remember. Instead of heading to the gas station, new EV owners must figure out when and how to charge their vehicles. But with the growing number of incentives for EV drivers, it’s worth making the transition.

So, how do EV charging stations work? Here’s your guide to EV charging at home to help you get started. Let a professional electrician handle the installation if you want a charging station on your property. The electrician will assess your home’s electrical capacity, follow safety standards and ensure your charging station works flawlessly.

How Do EV Charging Stations Work?

Charging your EV is similar to charging any other electrical device. You plug one end of the EV charger into your car and the other into a … Read Full Post »

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How to Fix Hard Water

. Posted by in , • Austin
a glass of water

With so many other responsibilities, many of us forget to pay attention to our water supply at home. However, water quality is important and should be a priority. It affects everything, including your pipes, clothes, hair and skin.

Hard water is a common problem you shouldn’t ignore. It might seem like no big deal, but it’s the notorious culprit behind many household problems.

If hard water is causing problems for you at home, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. A licensed plumber will provide an effective solution to improve the quality of your water.

How to Fix Hard Water: Here’s the Best Solution

You might not know it, but hard water might be why you have frustrations with your home. Hard water can affect every aspect of your home life, including energy consumption, longevity of appliances and the look of your skin and hair. Problems start popping up one by one when minerals accumulate … Read Full Post »

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