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Electrical Panels

 We've all got one, but not many of us know much about them. Electrical panels. They come in many brands, GE, Square D Homeline, Square D QO, Cutler-Hammer, Seimens, Federal Pacific, and Zinsco among them. Do you know what type you have? That's handy information when you call for extra circuits or troubleshooting. 

We always ask that you send us a picture of your panel with the door open before we begin a job. This helps us determine the type, size, and availability of breaker space. With this information we can tell a lot about a job before we arrive, making us better prepared, and a prepared contractor can do their job much faster.

Do you know which among the electrical panels are fire hazards? Federal Pacific and Zinsco. You can find links on the page "Is My Panel Safe" for more detailed information. If you have one of these, it is time for a panel change. The amount of damage caused by one of these faulty panels can be extreme! Here is a picture of a Zinsco Electrical Panel 



And here is a picture of a Federal Pacific (FPE) electrical panel


If you find you have either of these, please call right away so we can get it replaced for you. 

Any electrical issues with your panel, including tripping breakers, is a signal to call an electrician. Those breakers trip for a reason, and we should get to the bottom of it before any damage occurs in your wiring or panel. It could be as simple as a worn-out breaker or as serious as a break in one of your electrical lines.

You may also find that your panel schedule - the writing on the inside of the door of your electrical panel - may be incorrect or not there at all. We'd be happy to come to trace out the correct panel information for you. It takes a bit of time but makes life easier if you have a tripped breaker. If your panel is labeled, you'll know what circuit to tell us it is on.

I hope this information was helpful! When you need an electrician, you know who to call - A Better Electrician, Inc.! Better Quality, Better Service, Better Reputation! Just. Better. 970-214-5284


Staycation Fun with a Hot Tub!

 So many of us right now have forgone our vacations and opted for 'stay-cations' instead! One of the many popular ways to treat yourself at home is a new hot tub. It's not Just a treat though, hot tubs have many wonderful benefits.


*Improved Range of Motion
*Symptom Relief for Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Fibromyalgia
*Relief from Muscular Pain
*Reduces Stress and Anxiety
*Better Sleep

Those are just a few of the many great benefits!

We know it's a big investment and want you to have the right power from the get-go! Remember, we have to set the wiring so you can run that beautiful new tub!

Call us soon to get scheduled for your hot tub wiring! 970-214-5284

Of course, we are still performing all of our regular electrical services, so call for any of your home electrical projects from lighting remodeling to bidet outlets, electrical vehicle charging stations to ceiling fans, and any other electrical project you can think of.

Time to upgrade to LED lights

The benefits of LED lighting are many! The life of the bulb is over 10 years, meaning no more up and down the ladder every 6 months for bulb changing. The light produced can be in many tones to match your mood or room. According to Xcel Energy they use 70-90% less energy! Plus you can get discounts or rebates on LED's at participating stores. I've included a link to Xcel Energy's lighting rebate page below.

 https://www.xcelenergy.com/programs_and_rebates/residential_programs_and_rebates/lighting

LED's come any way you would want a light. Undercounter strips to regular bulbs to LED Edison style bulbs. Here are a few pictures of the different types of LED bulbs and light fixtures. As you can see, your imagination is the limit with these awesome bulbs and fixtures! Do a quick Google search for LED lighting, you'll be amazed at what you can do and save so much energy!









Ceiling Fans, Summer cooling, Outdoor ceiling fans, Outdoor outlets for lights

When you think of summertime, do outdoor gatherings come to mind? 

With the right electrical improvements, your outdoor area can be an oasis for your family and friends. 

An outdoor Patio fan and some recessed lighting would add ambiance and temperature control. 

Do you have a shed in mind for a summer installation? Outlets or a direct power source for your shed will make it ready for using power tools or turning it into a 'she shed'. 

Are you ready to entertain but the lighting just isn't right? Talk to us about outlets for hanging lights, recessed lighting for your patio, or post lights for your deck. We'll help you lighten things up!

Maybe you've invested in a beautiful outdoor kitchen and need multiple sources of power. Call or email us for help. 

We can't wait to help you enjoy your outdoor living area the way you want to! 

Here are some beautiful outdoor area pictures for inspiration!
 




New Electric Vehicle? We can help!

Do you have a new electric vehicle that needs a charging outlet? We can help! We've installed many EV chargers over the past several years.
First, thank you for going green with your vehicle! 
Second, give us a call as soon as you need your charging station wired, we are here for you!
There is considerable interest in electric and hybrid cars because of environmental and climate change concerns, tougher fuel efficiency standards, and increasing dependence on imported oil. 
Did you know it all started with an electric train in Holland in 1864, the Hague Tramway Network. 

Then in 1896 the Riker Electric Tricycle came out with a 40V battery under it's seat.
In 1897 New York City Cabs began using electric vehicles, the first in the U.S.!

In 1899 the first electric vehicle to reach 100kph was the La Jamais Contente!
In 1902 came the Woods Electric Car topping out at 14mph and could go 18miles on a charge.
There's a lot more history to be learned about electric vehicles, and lots of facts I didn't know until now! I do know we go faster, and longer now than ever before...but not without a charging station. 
Call now to get on the schedule so you can be part of the electric vehicle history.
970-214-5284



 

More information about Quiet Cool Fans


 Click to email us!

What is a Whole House Fan?

A whole house fan is a type of fan or exhaust system that is installed in the attic of a home that is designed to circulate, exhaust, and ventilate air. A whole house fan is often confused with an attic fan which only exhausts the hot air inside the attic rather than the entire volume of air inside of the home.

How does a Whole House Fan work?

A whole house fan pulls air into a home from open windows and exhausts it through the attic and out the attic vents. This provides good home and attic ventilation in addition to a great cooling affect in your home. We recommend installing a system that provides 15-22 complete air exchanges per hour. Learn more about our QuietCool whole house fan products by giving us a call.

Will the QuietCool Whole House Fan System also cool my attic?

Yes, The Quietcool Whole House Fan System cools; exhaust’s and ventilates your attic. During the cooler hours of the day, the system can help cool your attic by up to 30-50 degrees by providing your home with 15-22 complete air exchanges per hour.

Will I feel a breeze?

 With the proper QuietCool Whole House Fan system in your home, you will feel, hear and experience the QuietCool breeze. We believe and tell everyone that our QuietCool systems are a “breeze on a switch.” The QuietCool system will instantly make your skin feel 10 degrees cooler.

Do I need a dedicated circuit for a QuietCool whole house fan?

None of our QuietCool models require a dedicated circuit to operate correctly. All QuietCool models run between 1 to 5 amps and should work fine on all existing services. This saves a considerable amount of time and materials over an old fashioned whole house fan.


Helpful Information for Landlords and Property Owners


A Landlords Guide To Electrical Safety And Requirements

As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring that your rental property is safe from any electrical issues. Failure to provide adequate safety measures can result in costly legal procedures, warns Bighorn Rentals.
In today’s post, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about electrical safety and requirements.

Common Signs of Electrical Issues in A Rental Property

  • Circuit breaker problems
While occasional tripping is normal, repeated ones may mean trouble.
  • Rodent droppings
Rats and mice love to chew on electrical wiring and damaged or frayed wiring is definitely a fire hazard
  • Hot ceiling fixtures
This could be a sign of insufficient insulation. Also, consider switching to LED or fluorescent bulbs, as these don’t produce much heat like incandescent bulbs which can pose a potential fire hazard.
  • Broken light switches and loose outlets
If outlets or switches stop working or only work intermittently, then this could be a sign that wires are loose. If that’s the case, this cannot only create a potential for electrical shock, but it can also be a potential fire hazard.
  • Flickering lights
Flickering lights are a sign of a power surge. And they can take a toll on your electrical fixtures as well as your appliances.
  • Buzzing sounds
Do your switches and outlets give out buzzing or sizzling sounds? If they do, consult a professional electrician immediately.
  • Warm or sparking switches and outlets
If your light outlets are sparking or are warm, consider having them inspected by a qualified electrician.
  • Counterfeit electrical products
Another common cause of electrical problems is the use of counterfeit electrical products. It goes without saying that these can be incredibly dangerous.
  • Arc faults
These are a frequent cause of electrical fires. Fortunately, you can prevent them by installing an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device.
  • Unfamiliar or funny odors:
New appliances often produce an unfamiliar odor upon being installed. The reason is usually superficial, as it could be the appliance’s paint or finish. However, should a strong odor come off an electrical outlet, unplug anything it connects to and call a qualified electrician.
What are the Basics of Electrical Safety for Landlords?

Wondering how to protect yourself as a landlord? If so, wonder no more. The following are some practical steps you can start taking right now.

1.    Inspect appliances regularly

Some of the common appliances landlords usually provide their tenants with include washers, dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, stoves, and refrigerators.
As a landlord, you need to make sure that each of these appliances is functioning properly by regularly inspecting them. You can do this together with an electrician to check for things like faulty wiring, switches, plugs, and cords.

2.    Check smoke detectors



For landlords, installing smoke detectors isn’t optional in many jurisdictions. Depending on your state laws, their absence may be against the law.
But even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s your responsibility as a landlord to ensure that your tenant lives in a safe and habitable environment. This means that the property has adequate fire protection systems, including properly functioning smoke alarms.
Some of the benefits of installing smoke alarms in your rental property include:
  • Alerting you to appliance issues
  • Alerting you to issues such as humidity and ventilation that can trigger the alarm
  • Reducing the risk of damages
  • Protecting your tenants
  • Protecting your investment
Just make sure to inspect them regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. According to experts, smoke detectors should be inspected once every six months.

3.    Regularly inspect various electrical aspects



Regular electrical safety inspections can sure lower the chances of any incidents. Pick a licensed and experienced electrician who will ensure everything is working as it should.
In case your electrician finds something worrisome, act immediately and get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
Some of the various aspects to pay special attention to include:
  • Potential for overloading
  • Improper wiring
  • Fire hazards resulting from the electrical system
  • Faulty connections
  • Code violations

How to Hire the Right Electrician for the Job


When it comes to electrical work, don’t cut corners. Hire a qualified electrician that’s familiar with the type of work that you want done. The following are some questions you can ask your potential electrician to gauge their suitability for the job.
·         What will you guarantee?
·         Do I need a permit? Who will obtain it?
·         What does your estimate include?
·         Will you provide references (for past jobs similar to mine)?
·         What special training do you have for this kind of work?
·         Do you carry any insurance?
·         Are you licensed? If so, which specific license do you carry?
Electrical problems are among the leading causes of home fires. In fact, according to a study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association, electrical problems are among the top 5 causes of home fires in the U.S.

Electrical problems not only damage appliances, but they also pose a risk to life and property. Keep both your investment and your tenants safe by following these proven tips!

Electrical Panels

  We've all got one, but not many of us know much about them. Electrical panels. They come in many brands, GE, Square D Homeline, Square...