This Blog was posted for you By Your Electrician in San Antonio – Good Electric

Good Electric: Energy Savings

A lot of the feedback I see about the Energy Savers.gov site says, “This is great but way too detailed. I just want to know what’s easy and what I can do now!” And that makes sense; EnergySavers.gov has a lot of information about many topics you can learn about buying efficient appliances, choosing new heating and cooling systems, selecting windows, and even using renewable energy. San Antonio Residential Electricians
But not everyone wants to make a big purchase right now; many of you want to know how you can save with what you have or with just a small investment in time and money. These ten resources detail easy ways that you can start saving now:

*When to Turn Off Your Lights
Find out when it’s most cost-effective to turn off your lights—and when to leave them on.
*When to Turn Off Personal Computers
Operate your computer and peripherals—such as monitors, printers, and other accessories efficiently. Also, check out these tips for home office and home electronics.
*Use and Heat Your Water Efficiently
There are a variety of tips here — some more costly than others — but others are quick and easy, like reducing your hot water use and turning down the temperature of your water heater.
*Operate Your Thermostat Efficiently
Pay attention to your thermostat settings and reduce your cooling costs (and heating costs in the winter). A programmable thermostat makes it easy.
*Improve the Efficiency of Your Windows
Some simple caulk and weatherstripping can help you reduce air leakage around your windows, and window coverings can help keep your home cool in the summer (and warm in the winter).
*Avoid Heat Buildup
Follow some simple strategies to reduce the heat buildup in your house on hot days, such as using window shades, avoiding oven use, and using spot ventilation when bathing.
*Replace Lamps in Incandescent Lighting Fixtures
Consider replacing your incandescent bulbs with more efficient lamps, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).
*Use Ceiling Fans and Circulating Fans
A fan can keep you comfortable in hot weather without blasting the air conditioner.
*Drive Efficiently and Maintain your Car
You’ve probably heard most of these tips before, but it bears repeating: less aggressive driving and slower speeds lead to savings. Not to mention fewer accidents and a less stressful commute for everyone.
*Tips for Doing Laundry Efficiently
Using cooler water and air-drying your clothes are two ways to save energy while doing your laundry.

These pages cover some easy ways to save energy without a huge investment. If you love tips and are looking for more, check out the Energy Savers Booklet and the list of no-cost and low-cost tips to save energy this summer from the Stay Cool, Save Money site. More on this site about: Residential Electricians San Antonio

Finally, remember that a home energy audit is the best place to start. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional Electrician, an energy audit can help you assess your home’s energy use and figure out how to improve your home’s efficiency to maximize your savings.

This Blog was posted for you By Your Electrician in San Antonio – Good Electric

Top Reasons to Choose An Electrician

You never know when your electric appliances will malfunction. As a homeowner, you should be aware of this situation. For example, air conditioning units and ceiling fans are frequently used for an extended period. Gadgets and devices are overused by children who prefer to stay at home instead of playing outdoor games. Increased energy consumption is expected during summer vacation because most family members are found inside the house. Using all the appliances simultaneously may result in a significant failure in your electric system and your expensive appliances. For this reason, you will surely need an Electrician. Read on and learn more about their expertise. There are ways these experts will be able to fix defects in electrical appliances:

* Air conditioning unit
Turning the air conditioning unit on and off rapidly can cause damage to the circuit breaker. Consequently, the AC unit will not respond effectively after another usage. Possibly, the compressor was set on “high compression mode,” which makes it difficult to function. An Electrician can detect the defect in the air conditioner through careful inspection. One must start the AC unit after a few minutes to fix the problem. If the problem is with the fuse, the electrician can detect if the blown fuse needs to be replaced.

* Refrigerator
This is considered one of the most high-energy-consuming appliances inside a home. When this equipment malfunctions, the owner gets alarmed because the food inside might spoil. If a pet is inside the house, it is recommended to check the coils. There might be an accumulation of pet hairs that cause the failure of the operation of the refrigerator. The accumulated pet hair can cause the overheating of the equipment. An Electrician will give helpful tips on how to fix the problem.

* Lights
There are instances when a homeowner thinks of a power shortage because of a light that did not work. A damaged circuit breaker may bring it. These experts can detect the cause of the problem by checking the electrical panel and circuit.

* Electric Range
A loose socket can cause a malfunctioning stove burner. Fixing this may be difficult for the owner because a wrong move can cause fire or other hazards. Typically, a woman is left at home to prepare the meal. She tends to panic because she lacks knowledge about fixing electrical issues. Electricians from our company will help the customer to find the defect.

* Washing Machine
This is one of the most commonly repaired appliances. When younger children explore the washing machine, they tend to experiment with how to operate it. They believe the laundry job will be more accessible by using a washing machine. However, they made some mistakes in operating the equipment. An Electrician will ensure this machine will be fixed accordingly.

Some appliances need to be handled with much care because of their high tendency to get damaged. Bigger appliances have more complicated components that can be subject to certain defects. Checking these parts regularly can be considered a form of good maintenance. In this case, the ones you can trust are our electricians.
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This Blog was posted for you By Your Pest Control San Antonio – Jenkins Pest and Lawn

Looking For Termite Damages When Buying A Home

The benefits of performing a home inspection before purchasing a new home are well known and documented, but you may not have considered the advantages a home inspection report can provide even if your home is not for sale. In fact, there are a number of inspections and tests available for homeowners that can help you anticipate problems and even protect your family’s safety. Besides a thorough home inspection, experts recommend testing your home for mold, radon, asbestos, lead paint, and pest infestation to ensure your home is safe and in optimal condition.

General home inspection

Home inspection reports provide valuable information about the condition of your home. That information can be vital to you as a homeowner, no matter how long you’ve owned your house. Scheduling a professional home inspection will give you a clear assessment of the various systems in your home, including an estimated time frame for replacement and a general idea of what kinds of repairs may be necessary. You will be able to plan for repairs and replacements of older systems in advance, allowing a measure of financial control and preventing unexpected breakdowns.

Mold

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has identified toxic mold as a health risk, especially for people suffering from allergies or asthma. Mold can grow almost anywhere in your home and can be difficult to spot since it prefers damp, dark areas. A mold inspection can determine whether toxic mold is presenting a health risk for you and your family, and offer options for remedying the problem.

Radon

HUD recommends that homeowners test their property for dangerous levels of radon. Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, is radioactive and can cause lung cancer in high dosages. Professional radon testers can measure the level of radon in your home and, if high levels of radon exist, assist you in repairing the problem before it causes serious health problems. Home testing kits are also available, and some do-it-yourself kits for radon remediation can produce satisfactory results if used properly.

Asbestos

Mostly found in older homes, asbestos insulation can also cause cancer. While this problem is sometimes found during a general home inspection, asbestos remediation companies have expertise in identifying and removing asbestos insulation safely and without further risk to you and your family. Because of the toxic nature of asbestos and the difficulty in removing it completely, this is not a project you should try to undertake on your own.

Lead Paint

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint; this can cause lead poisoning and cause serious medical problems, including brain damage and birth defects. It’s estimated that 1.7 million children may be affected by some degree of lead poisoning. Lead-based paint inspections are comparatively inexpensive; if your home was built before 1978, it’s worth your while to schedule this inspection and ensure your home’s safety.

Termite and Pest Inspection

In order to preserve the structural integrity of your home, termite inspections are an important part of your yearly maintenance schedule. If caught early, termites and other pests can be stopped before they do serious damage. General home inspections do not always cover insect damage, so a separate inspection is a good idea. If no infestation is found, most companies can recommend a preventive program to keep your home free from these pests and the damage they can do.

Energy Analysis

Energy has partnered with local companies to provide free walk-through energy audits for its customers. Especially geared toward promoting energy efficiency, these audits will check on the condition of your heating and cooling system, insulation, ductwork, and the general condition of door and window frames. The company will then make suggestions about how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency. This free service is part of a green initiative and can save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs.

Knowing the condition of your home will allow you to plan improvements and repairs in advance. Additionally, some types of home inspections can save you money, preserve your home’s condition and even protect your family’s health: all good reasons to have your home thoroughly tested and inspected as soon as possible. These small investments can reap enormous rewards in health, safety, and comfort for you and your family.