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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 Often Should I Charge My EV to 100?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
charging an EV vehicle

Going electric isn’t just a trend drivers are trying out for fun. It’s a sustainable solution to the problems of driving traditional combustion engine vehicles. EVs play a significant role in battling air pollution as they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also help drivers save on fuel costs.

Swapping out your gas-powered car for an electric one has various benefits, but it’s not without challenges. One of them is charging. If you’ve been pumping gas for years, charging your vehicle can be confusing. One question new EV drivers ask is, “How often should I charge my EV to 100?”

If EV charging intimidates you, here’s your guide to EV charging at home. For your electrical needs, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed electrician. The electrician will assess your electrical panel at home, upgrade it if necessary and install a charging station for a seamless EV experience.

How Often Should I Charge My … Read Full Post »

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How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV Car?

. Posted by in • Austin
an EV charging

Charging our gadgets is part of our daily routines, whether it’s our phones, laptops or headphones. However, charging a car is something many of us are still getting used to. One challenge you might face is figuring out how long it takes to charge your EV so you can schedule your day appropriately. There’s no straightforward answer to this question because there are various factors to consider.

If you’re new to the EV world, here’s your guide to EV charging at home. Contact an electrician if you’re ready to enjoy the convenience of home charging. A licensed electrician will assess your electrical panel, upgrade it if necessary and install the charging station correctly.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV Car?

Your EV’s charging time is dependent on a host of variables. Even the weather and your charging cable’s length may have an impact. But if we’re narrowing it down to … Read Full Post »

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How Does a Dimmer Switch Work?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a dimmer switch

Homeowners can be hands-on about many things around the house, but electrical work should be handled by a professional. The dimmer switch is one electrical component that could give you problems at home. You might find that it’s not dimming all the way or won’t work with some lights. If your dimmer switch is stressing you out, we’ll explain how this device works and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Let electricians come to the rescue if you can’t figure it out. These licensed professionals have the tools and expertise to solve the electrical mysteries that could be bugging you at home.

What Is a Dimmer Switch and How Does It Work?

It wasn’t until the 1930s that incandescent dimmers entered the picture, used in theaters to set the mood for different scenes. They had massive panels that required manual operation, a far cry from the modern dimmers.

Fast forward 30 years, dimming technology has … Read Full Post »

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GFCI Outlet Not Resetting: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • Austin
a GFCI outlet

Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are essential in preventing electrical accidents at home.

What is a GFCI outlet? It is a device used to replace a standard electrical outlet. It monitors the amount of power going into plugged appliances. GFCIs trip whenever they sense irregularities in the electrical current, needing as little as 1/40th of a second to react.

While GFCIs keep us safe from electrical shocks and electrocution, they can malfunction like any other device. Sometimes, they won’t reset, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.

If your GFCI outlet is not working as it should, here are some possible reasons behind the issue and how to troubleshoot them. It’s best to call in a licensed professional to handle electrical components in your home.

GFCI Outlet Not Resetting? Here’s What to Do

Homeowners should investigate if a GFCI outlet won’t reset. There are various possible causes for a GFCI outlet that won’t reset. Here … Read Full Post »

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How Are Generators Powered?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a standby generator

Power outages are not fun, especially if you’re in the middle of an important task. Power interruptions during extreme weather conditions can also be worrying.

Invest in a standby generator if you want peace of mind for you and your family. This backup power solution will ensure your lights, appliances and devices at home will keep working during unexpected power outages. But how are generators powered? Here’s an explanation of how generators work and their benefits for the home.

If you want to install one in your residence and ensure it’s running smoothly, contact a licensed electrician.

How Are Generators Powered?

With a standby generator, power outages will be a thing of the past in your home. It’s an automated system that gets its power from a fuel source of natural gas or propane.

A generator’s automatic transfer switch can sense when there’s an interruption in your home’s main power supply, signaling the generator unit. … Read Full Post »

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What Is a Level 2 EV Charger?

. Posted by in • Austin
an EV charger

Having to stop at the gas station to refuel is part of most drivers routines. But habits are changing now that electric vehicles are becoming more popular. Level 2 EV chargers offer a convenient way to charge your vehicle at home.

So, what is a level 2 EV charger? It’s the most popular home charging method among homeowners for a reason. Here’s everything you need to know about it and how it’s different from level 1 and level 3 charging. Contact a licensed electrician to install a level 2 EV charger in your home.

What Is a Level 2 EV Charger, and How Is It Different From Other Charging Levels?

Electric vehicles usually come with a level 1 charger. However, upgrading to a level 2 unit can save you time. Level 2 chargers deliver an electric current from an outlet to your vehicle through a connector. They use a 240-volt input and have … Read Full Post »

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The Different EV Charging Levels Explained

. Posted by in • Austin
an EV charging

Electric vehicles are great to have because you never have to make a pit stop at the gas station, but many homeowners don’t realize that charging an EV is more complicated than plugging it into the wall socket. Not only do you need to install a charging station, but you might also need to secure a permit before doing so. In addition, you need to understand the different EV charging levels.

Everything You Need to Know About EV Charging Levels

The Society of Automotive Engineers defined three EV charging levels: 1, 2 and 3. Homeowners typically use level 1 or 2 for EV home charging. Here’s a breakdown of the three levels to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Level 1

Most automakers include a level 1 charger with new EV purchases. You can plug this charger into your 120-volt outlets at home, making it a convenient option. However, never plug … Read Full Post »

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Your Guide to EV Charging at Home

. Posted by in • San Antonio
an EV charger

One of the best perks of driving an electric car is never going to a gas station. With a Level 2 home charging station, you can plug in your EV before bed and wake up to it fully charged and ready to hit the road. This is a luxury that all drivers aspire to have, but to enjoy this lifestyle, you must install a home charging station.

Like other home improvements, many things can go wrong with a home charging installation. The best way to prevent mishaps and unnecessary expenses is by hiring an experienced electrician.

To help you, here’s everything you need to know about EV charging at home.

What Features Should a Home EV Charging Station Have?

Why is EV charging at home so important? The number of public EV charging stations continues to grow in the U.S., but it will take years before they become as accessible as gas stations. Home … Read Full Post »

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