Good Guys Electrician

An electrical panel works as a driving system of electricity in our homes. It has circuit breakers and some other elements that receive electricity from the distribution company. It then transfers electricity to our household electronics. That means you get electricity in every corner of your home, or anywhere you live with the help of an electrical panel. It provides electricity to every single electrical item, including the HVAC system, dishwasher, washing machine, dryers, water heater, refrigerator, etc. In short, an electrical panel is a mini power station inside your homes or workplaces to handle electrical power needs.

Furthermore, with the rising demand for electricity in your home, electrical panels can cause fire and damage. Also, electrical panels get corroded after some time and cause a malfunction due to poor connections, dust, etc. All these things put your property at risk and create problems like blowing fuses, tripping breakers, power surges, and more. That is why electrical panels require maintenance over time.    

Maintenance of an electrical panel

Maintenance of an electrical panel is vital for proper functioning. You should consult a professional for adequate maintenance, as it is not a DIY job. Electrical panels may get faulty and dirty after continuous use. So, you should schedule maintenance of your panel at least once every three years. Scheduled maintenance keeps an electrical panel functional and safe.

Professional electricians conduct a proper check by removing the outer cover. They inspect all components of the panel. They check the faulty connections and run a thermal check to ensure the right temperature level as high temperature around the panel is not right because it creates many issues. If anytime you feel high temperature, turn off the primary power source and call a professional.  

Types of electrical panels

Main breaker panel

The electricity you get in every part of your home, whether your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc. gets controlled by the main breaker panel. You can shut down the power of your home by this panel. It is also known as a distribution panel.

Fuse box

A Fuse box contains many small fuses and it prevents circuit overload. In case of excess power flow, the fuse gets cut. Fuse boxes are widely used in homes. If your house’s fuse box doesn’t allow sufficient power to run electrical devices, consider an upgrade.

The main logging panels

Main lug panels make use of lugs, and the line wires run into them. They are equipped with the main breaker. Users can connect the main lug panel to the breaker at the main panel, where the main lug panel operates as a sub-panel.

Subpanel

Subpanels work well when you want to use more circuits in the same area. They take power from the main panel and do not have dedicated disconnects. Subpanels let you manage power distribution in your home.

Transfer switches

Transfer switches are advantageous when you use power generators. They use a breaker panel to transfer the generator power to electrical power. These switches manually start the backup power generator in the event of a power outage.

Safety precautions while dealing with electrical panels

You can touch the panel when it is closed. You should always keep it covered.

Hire a professional in case of any electrical faults in the panel. Please do not touch the panel’s wires as it can cause a shock.

Clear your doubts about electrical panels. If you shut off the power from the main breaker, your household supply will shut off, and the power from electrical lines still exists in the panel.

You know touching electrical panels with your hand is risky. But you also have to be careful while using tools to handle panels as tools can touch the wires inside the panel and cause a shock.

Life of an electrical panel

Electrical panels are not designed to last forever. The life of an electrical panel depends on maintenance. Many damages and malfunctions occur in an electrical panel over time like wiring inside the panel can be loose, and a massive flow of current can create many issues. If you live in humid regions, corrosion can deteriorate the entire panel.

Your electrical panel will serve you for a long time if you maintain it regularly. You also have to upgrade your house’s electrical panel when you need a high power supply. For example, if you plan to install a hot tub or any other items that consume high power, then, in that case, you may need to consult your electrician for an upgrade.

Moreover, as I have already told you that maintaining an electrical panel is not a DIY job, please do not treat it like a light fixture and make frequent changes whenever you want. Your house service panel is a mini power station that transfers power in different parts of your home. So avoid making any changes to your panel. If you find any issue with the panel, call a licensed electrician to inspect the panel and make the required changes.

Home insurance requirements

You need to keep your electrical panel updated to get insurance claims. Your electrical panel should be up to date and have at least 100 amp circuit breakers. If you use a wrong or old electrical panel, many insurance companies may not provide the coverage or run an electrical inspection. So, keep your electrical panel maintained for a successful claim process.

Everything to Know About Electrical Panels

Cutting-edge technology has given us every luxury and comfort in the form of electrical items. We all use electricity to power multiple electrical appliances, lights, devices, and electronics. People use electricity to run the heater, HVAC systems, dishwashers, and washing machines. As you utilize more electricity in your homes, you have to pay massive money on bills. Also, you see a hike in utility rates every year.

In such scenarios, everyone looks for ways to reduce electricity bills. Luckily, it is possible. Electricity consumers always want to know about some ideal ways to cut down on huge bills. You can achieve this milestone if you are ready to contribute something from your side. You have to make little behavioral changes in yourself and some extensive improvements in your home.

In that way, you will not only save money on bills but also protect the environment. So follow these innovative tips to reduce electricity bills while using electrical items.

Upgrade yourself

It is the first step in this initiative. Without making changes in yourself, it is impossible. You have to make a little behavioral change by upgrading yourself. Wait, I am not talking about getting a new model of your electrical items. Conserve energy by turning off all unused lights, devices, appliances, etc. You can also reduce the usage of appliances that need high power to run. You have to be a DIY hero here. Avoid using dishwashers; instead, wash dishes by hand. Avoid dryers and hang clothes in the sun. In short, do whatever you can by yourself and also take advantage of nature.  

Upgrade light bulbs

You know, old incandescent light bulbs utilize vast amounts of electricity. So you must replace all such light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives. There are some such options like CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), LEDs ( light-emitting diode bulbs), and halogen incandescent bulbs that reduce electricity consumption by 25-80 percent and also last longer (3 to 25 times) than traditional bulbs.

Even though these light bulbs are expensive compared to traditional ones, they last longer while reducing power consumption, and in that way, they return you the value of every single cent.

Avoid traditional power strips

Do you know that electrical items consume electricity when they are turned off but still plugged into an outlet? This situation is known as “phantom load.” Phantom load is a common situation with many households, which is a significant cause behind power wastage. Also, it is assessed that about 75% of the power used by household electronics is utilized while they are turned off, and in that way, you have to pay up to $200 a year.

So we recommend smart power strips that are specially designed to cater to phantom loads. These strips shut off the electronics when you are not using them.

Consider a smart thermostat

If you have smart thermostats, you get various options to program them. You can set them to turn off or reduce heating and cooling during bedtime automatically. In that way, you can reduce energy consumption while enjoying the HVAC system without getting a new one. With a smart thermostat, you can save about $180 every year. They are available in different models and with lots of extra features.

Go for energy-efficient appliances

Whenever you plan to add a new appliance to your home, consider energy-efficient items because your household appliances consume roughly 13% of total household energy consumption. You have to think about two things when you are at the store to make your new purchase: what will be the buying price and yearly operating cost. While you have to pay higher prices for energy-efficient appliances, their operating expenses are reduced by 9 to 25% than traditional models.

Here is a pro tip for you. While buying energy star appliances, consider items with an ENERGY STAR label. Such electrical items are always beneficial in reducing energy bills.

Minimize water heating costs

You know water heating causes significant wastage of electricity. Without upgrading your water heaters, you can reduce your energy consumption in different ways. Avoid heating water too much, use less hot water, or insulate the water heater. Ultimately, you can consider energy-efficient alternatives.

Go for energy-efficient windows

Do you know your house’s windows are responsible for around 10 to 25% of the total expenses on heating bills? You can prevent heat loss by replacing single-pane windows with double-pane alternatives.

Think about your old HVAC system

Your house’s HVAC system is alone responsible for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Only heating consumes around 40% of total energy. It varies from region to region. For example, Northern regions remain much colder throughout the year. So energy-efficient gas furnaces are a great option.

Air conditioning is not much responsible for increasing energy bills as it uses only 6 percent of total energy consumption. If you purchase ENERGY STAR models, they are around 8% more efficient than old models. You have to simultaneously upgrade your furnace and air conditioner as air conditioning is generally incorporated with heating systems. You can also upgrade your ventilation system as they can reduce energy consumption.  

Conduct an energy audit  

Only upgrading appliances and considering energy-efficient options is not enough to conserve electricity. You have to think a little differently. Here is something that also can be considered. I am talking about a professional energy audit of your home. It will give you more ideas about energy conservation.

Energy auditors have thermal cameras and other special tools that will highlight energy wastage sources like leaking air, insufficient insulation, etc. and recommend helpful ways to improve them. An energy audit is not a costly chore. You can contact us for an effective energy audit.

Consider smart meters

Electricity distribution companies are moving toward smart meters. Smart meters help distribution companies in utility readings and also reduce consumer’s energy bills. These excellent meters create energy consumption reports according to your overall use and show you the data about household electronics’ energy consumption.

If you are looking for a portable source of power but are confused, then read on. You are in the right place. A generator is the best portable energy source that meets your electricity requirements, irrespective of the place and time. You can say that a generator is a mini power station that helps you to run any electrical devices or appliances in the event of a power blackout or a power outage. And such things can happen anytime at any place. That is why investing in a generator may be an intelligent decision for you.

When you think about buying a new model, your mind gets stuck with so many questions: what type of generator should we buy? Which brand should we consider? Should we buy an inverter generator or a 3 phase model? And what should be power supplying capacity? In this article, you will get answers to every single question.

The first thing to think about while buying a generator is finding out the power consumption requirements. To determine your total consumption, you can calculate the watts of power that your appliances or devices will use. Moreover, let’s start with the types of generators. Mainly generators are of two types and they can be used for both household or business purposes. 

Types of generators

Standby generators (5,000 to 20,000 watt): As the name clarifies, a standby generator is always ready to supply power if regular electricity goes out. That means you don’t need to start it manually. It starts supplying power as the supply of regular power stops. And, if the regular power comes, it automatically returns in standby mode. 

These generators can be a little pricey, but standby mode for emergency supply makes it a value for money option. If you opt for this unit, hire a professional for a proper installation.

Portable power generators (3,000 to 8,500 watt): The mobile power generators come in smaller sizes than standby generators. These generators are available at affordable prices. The most incredible thing about these generators is that they are movable, and you can use them at your desired place.  

But here, the critical thing about portable generators is that they can be dangerous if you run them in enclosed places or inside your home as they produce carbon monoxide. You are free to run them in outdoor locations by maintaining at least 20 feet distance from your residential area or neighbors’ houses. 

Types of generators based on fuel requirements

There are several types of generators, according to classifications. Fuel based models are one of the categories of generators. Fuel-based generators use various fuel types, including diesel, petrol, gas, solar energy, and different fuel combinations. Let’s explore them.

Solar generators: As you can understand from the name, these generators require the sun to produce electricity. You can use the generated electricity to run devices that use DC power. You can also convert this solar energy to AC using inverters to run electrical devices that require AC power.

Gas generators: Gas generators utilize natural gas or propane as fuel. You can run these engines using diesel and petrol. They are less noisy as compared to diesel and petrol generators. 

Diesel generators: Diesel generators are widely used in India. These generators are more popular than other generators. Because this fuel is readily available in most places, they are also available at an affordable price and run longer.

Petrol generators: You know petrol is more expensive than diesel, but it is the finest fuel compared to diesel. You can choose as per your budget. 

Hybrid generators: Hybrid generators run on multiple fuels. You can use diesel, petrol, CNG, etc. Also, you can run these generators on solar energy during fuel shortage or in the day time.  

Calculate your energy requirements

What kind of generator you prefer depends on your uses of power. Calculating your power needs is the best way to select the right generator. And it is not a big deal. All you need to do is add the wattage of your every household appliances and devices that you want to run during a power outage or blackout. Please keep in mind the heavy appliances such as HVAC systems, refrigerators, sump pumps, etc. utilize more power when they start. So, you should consider it while calculating wattage. 

Let’s have a look at the approximate energy consumption of some appliances: 

Computers use 60W – 300W.

Lights use 60W – 600W.

Fridge runs on 600W.

Air Conditioner runs on 1800W.

Heater requires 1500W.

Determine the extra features 

There are some extra features of the generator you can consider: 

The fuel gauge is the first thing to consider. You can locate the exact level of fuel in your generator.

Low oil shutoff is also a great feature that helps the generator shut down automatically if oil reaches a low level. In that way, a generator will be safe from potential damages.

A cold weather kit with a generator may be worth buying if you live in areas where temperature can fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It maintains the required temperature level.

Enclosure lighting features help in maintenance and refueling.

Check warranty period

Manufacturers provide an average warranty period for up to five years, but it varies according to model type. A commercial generator comes with two to five years of warranty. So you need to understand the warranty duration of your generator. 

Buy your generator from a reputed dealer

Always consider a trusted dealer. An authorized dealer will provide you the generator and all possible guidance. You know buying a generator is not a big deal. But in the lack of proper guidance, you can face many problems like appropriate installation, timely maintenance, etc. And a reputed dealer provides you the same. You will get professional help in the installation process and any routine service. In that way, you can make your purchase value for money.

Choosing a power generator is not an easy job. If you don’t know about generators, avoid making any purchase. Because there are many things, you need to know to buy a generator. There are several types of generators based on fuels and uses. Read this guide to learn basic stuff about generators.

Moreover, if you are still facing problems, you can ask for professional help. Good Guys Electrician is a team of skilled individuals in the concerned field. Feel free to contact us for smart electrical works.

What is a HVAC guy?

If you are among those homeowners who think that they can tune up their Air conditioner themselves, then it can bring even more expenses and problems for you. Your air conditioner is much more intricate than you think. You are not a handyman. Even then, if you are thinking of skipping the annual appointment with your Air conditioning tune-up professionals only to save a few pennies, it can bring more expensive results for you. Further, your ignorance can lead to a sudden breakdown of the air conditioning unit, leaving you uncomfortable and at inconvenience at the most crucial times.

Scheduling a meeting with air conditioning tune-up professionals will help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and recover its lost efficiency. Also, the air conditioning tune-up professionals will help your air conditioning unit to operate more safely. Regular air conditioning tune-up increases the unit’s lifespan and your overall comfort and reduces operating expenses.

What Our Thorough Air Conditioning Tune-Up Service Involves

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is altogether an intricate system that wears down, gets dirty, and requires regular calibration and lubrication. Here is what our air conditioning tune-up professionals do:-

Measuring amperage and voltage for proper operation of the blower motor.

Our air conditioning tune-up professionals check the blower belt’s overall condition and fittings and lines with leak detectors for the refrigerant.

They inspect all your home’s fittings to find the signs of leakage or oil and suction line to see whether the fittings are correctly installed.

Our thorough air conditioning tune-ups also include checking units for isolation pads, checking loss of energy in ductwork, proper operation of service valves, and burned and pitted contactors.

Our well equipped and experienced professionals also inspect capacitors, safe installation, and proper rating of electrical disconnect box,  inspect electrical wirings and tighten them, fan blade, condenser coil.

They confirm the proper airflow and size of your home for installing an air conditioning system, inspect for the proper operation of safety devices and an indoor coil, and inspect for lubricating and wear downs.

Air conditioning tune-up professionals of Good Guys clean and remove debris from your existing air filters.

Here are the benefits that you can get after opting for well-qualified air conditioning tune-up professionals:-

Technicians with appropriate training: Although you can find an abundance of tips and information about Air conditioning tune-up, nothing can beat the technicians’ experience and extensive training from the certified institutions. Due to this extensive training, our technicians can tell you what to do first to save your money and time. They save you from costly repairs and inconvenience.

More comprehensive tune-ups:  Well trained technicians understand everything they need to address during the routine maintenance of air conditioning units. They have enough experience and knowledge to know what should be done to deal with the emergency. These technicians review everything comprehensively, like settings of the thermostat, level of refrigerant, other electrical components, and controls of your system.

Efficient tune-ups by experienced technicians can save you money in the long run: Professional technicians can even look into the potential issues and sort out them quickly. All these ultimately help you to save money in the long run. An adequately maintained tuned up air conditioning system will run more efficiently and help you save your energy bills.

How Often Should You Go For Air Conditioner Tune-Up

It would help if you got your air conditioning system tuned up once every year.  The regular air conditioning tune-ups should include proper cleaning of coils and the working of various motors. If these parts of your Air conditioner do not get the required attention from you, your air conditioner will start losing its efficiency. You will need to spend hundreds of dollars on purchasing and installing replacement parts.

Regular Air conditioner tune-ups can be a frivolous thing for the homeowners who are not aware of its benefits and importance. But, it is the best way to stop problems before it starts getting out of your hand. In the beginning, it may seem that you are paying extra money for your air conditioning tune-ups, but the truth is that you are saving your money on replacements, energy costs, and repairs.

Signs Indicating that your Air Conditioner Needs Tune-Ups

The air conditioning system in your home is not running or cooling your home adequately.

If your air conditioner is continuously running for long hours.

If the signs of freezing or icing are visible on outdoor coil or copper refrigerant tubing

Also, check if your air conditioner is turning off frequently.

Air Conditioning Tune-Up Schedule

Our professionals will help in handling all your problems related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. We are ready to give you emergency services and repairs all day, every day, 24/7.  Our air conditioning tune-up team has highly trained professionals who are hard-working, courteous, friendly, and knowledgeable. We arrive on time and are renowned for providing quality service at competitive prices.

If you are looking for air conditioning tune-up professionals, then call Good Guys experts at 602-762-8503 or visit our website to fill up the online request form to know more about Air conditioning repair, replacement, maintenance, and regular inspection.

Labeling the electrical panels may seem unnecessary, but it can help prevent many electrical dangers. It is advantageous everywhere, whether it be your home, office, or any other place. Labeling is a creative step toward making electricity control easier for every person around the home or workplace. During an electrical emergency, this act can be life-saving as any individual can quickly locate and turn off the circuit breaker that services a specific area.

Without indicating circuit breakers by proper labeling, it can be challenging to identify them when you need to shut them off. Labeling erases confusion in finding the right breaker and also saves time.

Safety labels can be used to warn people of potential dangers. These labels usually include a word of warning, symbol, or a safety message. On the other hand, identification labels can be used for clarifying the connections and the kind of electrical signal that is being used. Here is what you should know about electrical panel labels.

The first task before starting labeling

If your electrical panel is already labeled, you need to confirm the current indexing is working or out of date. In case the indexing is outdated, then clear all the labels and make the panel fresh ones. Avoid writing over existing labels as it can be confusing. Writing over previous labels by changing writing styles can lead to confusion. And remember that you are labeling to remove confusion, not for increasing frustration. So always consider new labels.

The basic requirements

If you are thinking of indexing your house’s electrical panel, you will have to consider some basic requirements. Indexing requires two people. You need to place one person at the main panel and another one should be in charge of testing switches and assisting the person who is at the main panel. They can contact each other through mobile phones when one is in the other room for testing devices. It is good to do labeling in the daytime as you have to turn off or on all circuits. Moreover, there are some basic things that you will need in labeling:

Electrical testers

Walkie talkie or mobile phones

Pen and paper

Sticky labels

Flashlight if needed

Felt tip marker

Follow this step by step guide to label an electrical panel:

After doing all the necessary tasks, you can move ahead. Now you have to assign all circuit breakers in the electrical panel a specific number. You can start with #1 at the top left. Let the numbering process go down. Write down each number with the felt tip marker on a square sticky note and place all labels close to the circuit breaker.

Use a piece of paper and make a diagram of the circuit. Write the numbers on the paper that you have written on the panel. Do not write the numbers close to each other and maintain a proper distance between them to describe each circuit. And it will be the real index that you will place on the panel.

In this step, you have to turn off all the circuit breakers and start testing. You need to test all lighting fixtures and outlets in the home to find the corresponding circuit breaker. You know lighting fixtures can be identified quickly by turning the switch. But to determine outlets, plug any electrical items. You can also use a test lamp. After confirming the first circuit’s devices, you have to move on to the next and so on.

Once you complete locating all circuits with the connected devices, you can move ahead.

Now you have to power the devices by turning on the specific breaker. You should note down the result. The electrical items around the home can have different circuits. However, a circuit can easily supply power to kitchen and bathroom lights. In the end, you should have outlets, switches, and their corresponding circuits when you complete this process. Remember that you also have to confirm outdoor outlets and fixtures.

When dealing with an electrical panel, you might have noticed that some breakers are available in sets of two. And all these dual breakers can control an appliance with 240-volt like a water heater, dryer, stove, etc. All you have to do is to count each set of breakers as one and assign only one number for it.

Now check each paired breaker and their connected appliances. Moreover, some single breakers control only a single appliance, including dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, etc. In that case, locate all these types of breakers and their connected appliances. If you have to test a water heater and its circuit breaker, open the control panel and use a voltage tester as the water heater takes time in showing the result.

Now we are at the final step. So you have to collect all results with a short description of every circuit. Then mention the description on the index in front of the corresponding number of breakers. In modern homes, all electrical items of each breaker can be located in a particular area of the house. But you will not get these things in older homes.

Describe particular places in the house on the index with a pencil to be updated easily. Paste the index inside the panel. Moreover, you can draw a plan for each area of the home to represent outlets, lights, and wired electronics. Also, you can use multiple colors to draw circuits so that one can distinguish the circuits easily.  

By following the simple steps mentioned above, you can easily label your electrical panel. If you need professional help, contact us.

We often express our concerns regarding the consequences of polluted outdoor air. But, we ignore the fact that even indoor air can be polluted 25 times more than outdoor air. Because most people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors doing various activities, the importance of pollutant-free indoor air can’t be ignored. Low quality of air inside your home can become detrimental to the health of your family. Older people, children, and family members with compromised immune systems or allergies are most susceptible to the adverse effects of the low quality indoor air. Such air can cause breathing problems, sinus problems, dizziness, viral infections, and flu.

It is almost impossible to avoid various household contaminants like mold spores, pet dander, bacteria, and pollens. While diligent cleaning of indoor air can help the homeowners reduce these contaminants. But the best way to combat these problems is the use of suitable air purification and filtration systems. It will further help you and your family to remain safe and healthy.

In addition to keeping you safe and your family healthy, sound air quality and filtration systems for your indoor air can help your HVAC equipment run at its optimum efficiency. Even if you think your furnace filter is of high quality and can prevent all types of dust and dirt from entering your system. You should then know that it can only prevent large objects from entering your system, leaving dirt, dust, and mold spores accumulating on the indoor blower and coil. This heavy dust and dirt build-up can force your equipment to work even harder to cool and heat your home, which can increase your utility bills.

Over time, you will need to spend more on repairing your equipment, and even then, its lifespan will continue to decrease. A good air quality & filtration system will help you keep your indoor coil free from dust and dirt. Also, it will reduce operating and maintenance costs over time. You can find pleated filters of 1 inch in many hardware stores that can filter the air sufficiently. Still, when you place them in the filter grill of standard size, these filters will start reducing the amount of recirculated air to your equipment, leaving it starved of air. When adequate airflow to your system is diminished, it will undoubtedly reduce your system’s capacity and efficiency. It may also damage the blower motor as the system needs to work much harder than before to move the air in the same amount as it was earlier.

In addition to keeping the inhabitants of your home healthy and safe and ensuring the smooth functioning of your HVAC system, investing in high-quality air purification and filtration systems can benefit you in many ways. Here are some of them:-

Protecting furniture and decor:

Good air quality and filtration services will help you keep your decor and furniture looking new and beautiful. Air filtration helps remove airborne dirt and dust, often leading to staining of different surfaces in your home. Moreover, homeowners will find that they have to wash blinds and pillows less frequently, thus increasing these things’ overall lifespan.

Extending the life of perishable items:

Removing germs and airborne bacteria will ultimately help extend the life of perishable food items. When your fruit, vegetables, and other products last longer after you leave them out from your refrigerator, it will help you save more and more money on groceries.

Reduction in Maintenance Costs:

When you install standard air filtration systems in your home, it will help you spend less on maintenance costs.

Some other benefits of air quality & filtration include eliminating fire hazards and removing lint accumulated in the ductwork.

In the end, indoor air contains a large number of pollutants that come from indoor activities and sources like cleaning, cooking, home furnishings, secondhand smoke, consumer products, and building materials. These indoor air pollutants can even contain volatile organic compounds. Common contaminants that you can find indoors include formaldehyde, pollen, mold, particulate matter, etc. Some researchers have proved that air filtration can be a useful supplement and the best way to source ventilation and control.

You can use a portable air cleaner in your central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system or in your furnace to improve the quality of your indoor air. Portable air cleaners are designed in a way that it can filter the sir of your single room effectively. In contrast, HVAC or central furnace air filters can purify the air of your home throughout.

Tips for Choosing a Furnace Filter, Portable Air Cleaner, or HVAC Filter

It would help if you chose portable air cleaners with a higher rate of clean air delivery rate. Portable cleaners with higher CADR will filter your indoor air to a large extent. To filter the harmful gases, you should choose a portable air cleaner with an activated air carbon filter. While selecting the furnace and HVAC filters, you should choose the filters with the minimum efficiency reporting value of 13.

If you are interested in improving the indoor air quality of your home, Call Good Guys at 602-762-8503. Our high-quality air quality and filtration services will make your home free from contaminants and pollutants present in your indoor air. Our air quality and filtration services professionals will also inspect your home thoroughly to know about the current quality of your indoor air and work accordingly to give you a pollution and contaminant-free safe atmosphere. Our experts have years of experience providing flawless air quality and filtration services to various clients, including households and commercial setups.

We use several types of outlets in our homes. Outlets are designed to provide a specific wattage and they are available in broad categories. They come in different sizes, shapes, and functionalities. We use outlets for powering electrical appliances, devices, and more. Some electrical items require specific outlets to work correctly. Sometimes due to lack of knowledge, you power electronics through the outlets that are incapable of carrying the required wattage, and as a result, outlets cause a shock circuit or even fire. And remember one thing that while dealing with electricity, you should be aware of electrical precautions. Without the proper knowledge, never deal with electricity and electrical appliances as it can be dangerous for you.

After all, here you will learn about the different types of outlets and their functionalities.

15A, 120-volt outlets ( Two-pronged and three-pronged outlets)

These types of outlets are commonly used in older houses. You might have used these outlets but have not noticed the amperage. They are two-pronged and three-pronged outlets used by most people. Two-prong outlets have two slots to power electrical items but lack a ground slot, and because of that, they are considered unsafe. If you want to upgrade them, your house’s electrical system should have ground wires.

Three-prong outlets have three connection holes in which the third hole is for grounding. They are available in many varieties which you will see in this list. These outlets are electrically safe as they have a grounding slot to prevent electric shock.

Moreover, these two types of outlets are affordable and are handy to use and install. But for ultimate electrical protection, you should upgrade to the newer versions.

20A, 125-volt outlets

These outlets are a secure variant of three slot outlets. Usually, 15A outlets are sufficient to power many electrical items, but 20 amps outlets can power most of the household electronics along with powering some heavy-duty equipment. They can carry more electrical loads than ordinary outlets. They are widely used in places where heavy-duty tools are used. You can identify these outlets by a horizontal slit located at one of the prongs.

20A, 250-volt outlets

If you have large electrical items such as air conditioners, compressors, and other appliances, you should install these types of outlets. For installing these heavy-duty outlets, you should have a proper electrical circuit and a double-pole circuit breaker in the main panel. Also, installation should be done by a professional electrician.

After all, you can easily choose the right outlet to power any type of electrical items by understanding the energy requirement of electronics.

Tamper-resistant receptacles

In many places, you have to install outlets according to building codes. So tamper-resistant outlets are suitable for this as they are designed to work with building codes in newly constructed buildings. They have physical barriers that help in keeping unnecessary objects outside. The protection barrier inside the outlet opens only when someone inserts a plug to power electronics. These outlets are a safe option to install in homes. If you have kids, they can’t insert any sharp object or metal pin inside the outlet because of the shutters. In that way, you and your family will remain safe.

Ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI outlets

GFCI outlets are ideal options for those places where water is used or the places which are near water. They are the safest outlets for your bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. These outlets regularly monitor the flow of current in the circuit and cut down the power supply if they find a surge of electricity. GFCI equipped outlets cut the power supply in a fraction of a second in the event of a power surge.

For example, while using the hairdryer in the bathroom, if it accidentally drops down in the tub, which is full of water, then, in that case, GFCI outlets will immediately cut down the power.

Arc fault circuit interrupter or AFCI outlets    

AFCI outlets offer similar safety as GFCIs, but they are designed to prevent electrical fires. If wires and extension cords cause spark and heat, then, in that case, an AFCI outlet immediately cuts the power supply to prevent fire. The National Electrical Code also recommends installing these outlets in bedrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. To install these outlets, you need to install a dedicated circuit breaker in the main electrical panel.

Switched outlets

If you have some appliances that you have to keep plugged in even when you are not using them, go with switched outlets. These outlets are a set of a switch and a socket. You can use the switch available in the outlet to control the connected devices without turning off the power from the main outlet.

USB outlets  

As the outlet’s name will give you an idea about benefits, these outlets come with USB slots, which means you can directly insert the USB cable to the outlet without using the actual charger. They are the best solution for today’s USB era. These outlets have more than one USB slot and also a plate with two or three-slot outlets. It is the most accessible outlet to power USB type devices such as smartphones, tablets, etc.

Smart outlets  

Smart outlets have features to monitor sudden power surges. They are equipped with an automatic switch off and on feature so that you can set the schedule as per your requirement. For example, to run sprinklers or coffee makers for a limited time, you can consider smart outlets. They also reduce your electricity bill by preventing power leakage, and make your home energy efficient.

Smart outlets also come with remote functionality and can be monitored remotely through phones and voice commands.  Hopefully, you have learned something new about outlets. Outlets come with two or three slots but in different variants based on power requirements. You can install specific outlets in different places in your home. If you want to use heavy-duty electronics, you can go with a 20A outlet. You can enhance your safety in wet places with GFCI outlets, and you can eliminate fire incidents with AFCI outlets. To make your home electrically safe and smart, you can contact us.

Best Professional Electrician, Phoenix AZ for Home Service

The filters, fins, and coils of the air conditioner require regular maintenance so that they can work efficiently and effectively for years and years. Neglecting the required maintenance that your air conditioner needs will lead to a steady decline in its performance while energy usage will steadily increase. At Goodguyshvac.com, we would like to recommend getting your air conditioner unit maintained and serviced once a year. Homeowners should do this in the spring so you can get the flawless service of your air conditioners during the hottest months of summer.

Here are more ways to help your air conditioner unit run efficiently throughout the year, improving your comfort and convenience.

Coils of Air Conditioners

The evaporator and condenser coils of the air conditioners collect dirt and dust over months. While the clean filters prevent the evaporator and condenser coils from frequent soiling; the coils still collect dirt over time. The continuous accumulation of dirt in the coils reduces the flow of air by insulating the coils. Further, it reduces its ability to absorb heat. Homeowners should check their loops and clean them every year to avoid such problems.

Homeowners should also take care of condenser coils that are outside. They should not allow these outside coils to get dirty as these can get dirty due to nearby foliage and dusty environment. Dirt collected on the outdoor condenser coils can be seen easily. Falling leaves, lawnmower, and dryer vents have the potential to make your coils dirty. You can trim the foliage, remove the debris and clean the area to allow for adequate airflow around your condenser.

Filters of Air Conditioners

The routine replacement or cleaning of your air conditioner filters will bring the most efficiency to your air conditioner unit. Clogged and dirty filters block the normal flow of air, thus reducing the efficiency of your system. With obstructed airflow, air bypassing the filter starts carrying dirt directly into the condenser and evaporator coils impairing their heat-absorbing capacity. When you replace a clogged, dirty filter with the clean one, then it helps you to reduce the consumption of energy by your air conditioner by 5 percent to 15 percent.

You can find the filters located along the length of the return duct in central air conditioners. The filters’ typical locations are in ceilings, walls, or furnaces and sometimes in the air conditioners itself. You can find the filters in the room air conditioners mounted in the grill and facing into your room. You can reuse some of the filters; however, some others need to be replaced. All these filters are available in a variety of efficiencies and types. Replace or clean the filters of your air conditioner every month. If you are using air conditioners continuously or are subjected to dusty and dirty conditions, it requires your frequent attention.

Condensate Drains

Clogged channels of drain prevent the air conditioners from reducing humidity. As a result, the excess moisture can discolor your carpets or walls.

Coil Fins

The aluminum fins on the condenser and evaporator coils bent quickly, thus blocking airflow through them. You can find the fin comb from the wholesalers of air conditioners to comb these coil fins and bring them back into their original condition.

Room Air Conditioners: Window Seals

When the cooling season starts, you can inspect the seal properly between the window frame and air conditioner to make sure whether it has made contact with the unit’s metal case. Moisture can cause damage to these window seals allowing cold air to escape from your home.

Prepare Your Device for Winters

You can either cover the air conditioner of your room or remove and store it. If you cover your central air conditioner’s outdoor unit, it will protect your unit from debris and winters.

Hire a Professional

There are occasions when your air conditioner may stop functioning all of a sudden. In such circumstances, it requires more than routine maintenance. You can immediately call an HVAC technician to find the reasons and get the immediate fix for your problems. A well equipped and qualified HVAC technician can adopt the below-given course of action:-

They use the leak detectors to check for any refrigerant leak and availability of enough refrigerant.

HVAC technicians don’t release the refrigerant to the atmosphere illegally; instead, they capture it and evacuate from your equipment.

They check for duct leakage and seal them in the central systems.

Also, these HVAC technicians measure the flow of air through the evaporator coils.

Apart from these, HVAC technicians check the thermostat’s accuracy, check oil motors and belts for wear and tightness, inspect the electrical terminals, tighten and clean the connections, and apply the required non-conductive coating. Also, they verify the correct sequence of electric control and the proper functioning of the cooling and heating system.

Air Conditioner Maintenance: Its Importance

Schedule checkup and routine maintenance extend the life of your equipment.

It reduces the possibility of costly and unexpected repairs.

It will also prevent undesirable damages in your air conditioner unit, avoiding the need for any emergency call.

Preventative maintenance keeps your equipment working at its optimum, thus conserving the energy.

Regular checks include the thorough cleaning of cooling coils, blades, and other components. Further, it enhances energy efficiency saving you money on utility bills.

You will need an HVAC professional to get all aspects of your air conditioner checked and make it well prepared for  Summer.

You can contact Good Guys HVAC professionals at 602-762-8503 to schedule routine maintenance for your air conditioner unit. Also, you can get the repair, replacement, and regular inspection of your air conditioner unit.

The electrical wiring of your home remains out of sight, and this is the biggest reason why homeowners set aside its regular repair,  required installations, and maintenance. Over time, these electrical wires suffer wear and tear, impacting your various equipment and appliances operating on these electrical circuits. All these circumstances eventually start causing several electrical problems in your home that can be dangerous. Ignoring electrical problems or any attempt to sort out these with little knowledge and do it yourself approach can put your life in danger. The best way to avoid electrical issues is to hire Good Guys electrical experts for repair and installation.

After you hire expert electricians, it becomes easy for you to get your property’s annual electrical inspection done. It requires specialized knowledge and extensive training that only the licensed and professional electricians have. Electrical problems are not something that you can handle yourself. It is best to leave these to professionals. Electrical repairs and installation through professionals will help you to reduce the future electrical problem and eliminate any hidden chance of fatalities. Good Guys provide both electrical repair and installation services to residential areas and commercial setups.

Electrical Repair Services

Our electrical repair services are designed with the sole idea of keeping the life and valuables of our customers safe from any electrical hazards. The electrical repair and installation experts at Good Guys can evaluate even the most complex electrical issues in a few hours and determine the best course of action from the beginning of work.  Homeowners can contact us with any electrical issues, which may include:-

Power loss in their home or some specific areas.

If the fuses are constantly tripping while using certain outlets.

To get the outlets replaced or repaired, which makes a continuous humming noise.

To get the damaged electrical boxes repaired or replaced.

Our electrical repair services include:-

Emergency repairs, general troubleshooting, and rewiring

Repairs for a code violation and cable faults

Switches replacement, MCB repair, house rewiring

Installation of Earthing system, repair, and reinstallation of appliances.

Electrical Installation Services

When it comes to electrical wiring, proper and accurate installation is essential to ensure the safety of your home, office, or building from any electrical hazard. You will get plenty of benefits by choosing Good Guys professionals for electrical installations;-

Sloppy electrical installations can cause hazards and decrease efficiency. Our electricians can complete electrical installations in the best possible way to eliminate safety issues and improve the efficiency of your electrical appliances.

If you leave the electrical installation of your home and commercial set-ups in the hands of inexperienced people, then they can damage the delicate pieces of your electrical system. Besides, they can even harm your electrical system’s costly parts through their improper techniques of installations. So, it would be better to hire professionals for electrical repairs and installations.

The electrical experts of Good Guys make the labeling of electrical switches and wires a priority, so you will not have any trouble finding the appropriate switches and wires.

Electrical Repairs and Installations: Benefits

Reduced Electrical Bills

The faulty and outdated electrical equipment and appliances use more power to run adequately and continuously. These faulty electrical appliances can drive up more electrical bills every month for you. If you allow electrical experts to visit your home and inspect your whole electrical system regularly, they will make your entire electrical system safe and efficient, lowering your electric bills.

Safety from Fire

Electrical incidents and faulty wirings can spark a fire in your home. Outdated fixtures, electrical systems, and wirings play a crucial role in causing electrical fires. So, an annual electrical inspection of your home’s power system will help you stay relaxed regarding the proper functioning of electrical wirings, power source, outlets, and electrical lines of your home.

Protection of Electrical Appliances

Homeowners often spend thousands of dollars on purchasing electrical appliances for their comfort and convenience. So, it is evident that they want to make the best use of these electrical appliances. But, all these electrical appliances need regular and minimal maintenance. When you hire electrical experts and call them for the annual electrical inspection, they thoroughly check these electrical appliances and suggest electrical repairs when they feel so. All these steps taken by the electrical experts extend the lifespan of your electrical appliances and make them much more efficient.

Continuous Efficiency and Productivity

If you want to maintain your home and business’s efficiency and productivity, then electrical repairs and installations, along with regular electrical inspections, can help you a lot. All your appliances like desktop, tablets, refrigerators, air conditioning systems, etc, whether it is in your home or business, run on electricity.  If these are damaged due to any electrical problem, in that case, it may take some days to make them functional, which can adversely impact your family members’ and employees’ productivity.

A licensed and well-qualified electrician is the best friend of homeowners when it comes to electrical repairs and installations. Good Guys electrical experts make sure to work according to provided building codes. Our electricians give affordable services and always remain ready to serve you 24/7, even in the most complex situations. Call us at 602-762-8503 and get the immediate electrical repair, inspection, maintenance, and installation.

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Good Guys Electrician, AZ offers services like Electrical Panel Maintenance and Repairs, Safety Inspections, Smoke Detectors & Lighting Installation.

Electricity has become a part of our daily life. We use lots of electrical appliances in our homes and workplaces. It illuminates our living spaces and also makes them warm. Most inventions of science and technology work on electricity. We can’t imagine a day in our life without it.

Undoubtedly electricity is advantageous everywhere in our life, but it doesn’t mean that it is safe. There are various risks and hazards associated with electricity. So it is essential to be aware of all the possible dangers of electricity. Follow this guide to learn electrical safety tips and educate your loved ones to use electricity safely.

Electrical hazards and risks

You know the human body is a great conductor of electricity. It wreaks havoc on our body when we come in contact with it. The electrical current causes four types of injuries, such as electrocution, shocks, burns, and falls. All these injuries occur in the following situations:

When we come in direct contact with an electrical circuit or conductor, electricity passes through the body. It disturbs the various electrical signals of our body. In that way, it harms the body organs like muscle, lung, heart, etc.

When we come in contact with electrical lines, it has a severe impact on our body’s organs. Also, blasts on electrical lines can cause several injuries like muscle pain, lung damage, etc.

Learn the legal aspects

Be aware of the legal aspects of electrical hazards. If any electrical incidents happen due to negligence of a concerned distribution company, then you are eligible to take appropriate legal actions against the company. Also, you are eligible to get a monetary claim for your losses.  

How to identify electrical dangers?

Most electrical troubles raise many signs before occurring. So you need to pay attention to any electrical disturbance at your home or workplace. Otherwise, you will put your and your family’s life at risk. However, there are some usual signs to identify electrical hazards:

Have you recently faced issues regarding power surges or flickering lights?

Do power breakers trip frequently at your home?

Are fuses blowing on any given day?  

Do you smell burning odor near electrical fixtures and outlets?

These are some signals that occur before a significant electrical hazard. But if you find any unusual things with your household electricity, then call a professional immediately. A licensed electrician can conduct an electrical inspection to find the cause behind electrical faults and recommend the required solution.

Electrical safety tips for household electricity

Keep switching off electrical devices or appliances when you are not using them

It seems a minor thing but plays a vital role in electrical safety. Always switch off any electrical items if you do not use them as they use power even if they are not actively used. It also improves the life of electrical items. It is good to check all electrical appliances before going to bed. Such small precautions can reduce the risks of electrical short circuit or fire.

Avoid overloading outlets

Every outlet only delivers a fixed amount of power. So do not overload outlets. If you do so, it can cause electrical faults and, ultimately, an explosion or a fire. If you want to plug more electrical items, consider a power strip.

Keep liquids away from electricity

If your body or hand is wet, then do not go closer to electrical outlets. Do not touch any electrical items with wet hands. If you need to plug or unplug appliances or devices, make sure that your hands are dry. It is also common in everyone’s homes that we keep water glasses or other liquids on the top of the refrigerator, microwave, etc. If liquid spills and goes inside those appliances, then a short circuit can occur. So, be aware of such things.  

Educate kids about electrical items

If you are a parent, teach your kids about electrical safety. Keep them away from outlets, switches, and appliances. Do not overlook wear and tear in wiring, faulty sockets, and damaged plugs as your kids can touch them when you are not present at home. So, change or fix them without any delay.  

Fix any electrical disturbance in your bathroom

If you see any electrical faults in your bathroom, never ignore them because you know that water and electricity do not mix. Also, avoid using electrical appliances inside the toilet; keep them out. However, some electrical appliances like hairdryers, electric toothbrushes, shavers, etc. may need to be used in the bathroom. For this, inspect the items carefully and check if they are designed for bathroom use.

Use gloves, special suits, and shoes

If you want to solve some minor electrical problems at home or anywhere, do not forget to wear gloves, special suits, and shoes. Also, advise your friends and family members to wear all safety suits, gloves, and shoes while dealing with electricity.  

Outdoor electrical safety tips

Maintain distance from downed power lines.

When working outdoors, use only weather-resistant heavy gauge extension cords marked “for outdoor use.”

If you crash your car into a power pole and the car has come into contact with a power line, then do not step out.

Do not let children play near power stations.

Do not let the children climb on electric poles or trees near transmission lines.

Do not let the children fly kites or drones near lines.

Electrical safety at workplaces

Do not plug electrical equipment forcefully. Consider portable options.

Ensure that you are knowledgeable about power switches so that you can turn them off in case of an emergency.

If you find electrical devices faulty, mark the ‘DO NOT USE’ sign and change their current location.

Unplug all electronics before cleaning them.

Change the damaged cables of the electrical items.

Hire a professional for the installation of electrical appliances.

Conduct a safety inspection frequently.

Here is everything to know about electrical safety. The best way to avoid potential electrical hazards is to schedule an electrical safety inspection to ensure that everything is perfect.

Read this complete guide and learn the safety measures. If you need professional help, do not hesitate to contact Good Guys Electricians.

To avoid electricity-related accidents, it is always good to go with electrical safety inspection. Electrical inspection plays a crucial role in maintaining your electrical system. A proper safety inspection helps maintain the electrical safety of your loved ones and reduces the risk of electrical hazards. It is a thorough examination of your entire electrical system, ensuring all electrical wires, systems, and appliances meet all safety standards.

You need to keep in mind a few crucial things regarding your household and electricity usage. In order to protect your family and loved ones, it is best to understand your home’s electrical panel. You should know which fuse or switch on your panel controls the corresponding light or outlet. If you have any doubts about your home’s safety, it is good to ask a licensed professional to conduct required and relevant checks.

When should you do an electrical safety inspection?

Homeowners should schedule an electrical safety inspection for some specific times. You should conduct a safety inspection at the following times:

If you are purchasing a new home, it is better to ensure that your new property is electrically safe.

If your home is 40 years or more, then an electrical inspection is required.

When adding an appliance to your home.

When you have done a significant renovation to your home.

Advantages of an electrical safety inspection

An electrical inspection is vital for the safety of your home and anything else. Getting your home’s electrical system checked offers you peace of mind by following benefits:

Ensures safe operation of your electrical appliances

Highlights common electrical mistakes made by a previous electrician and DIY homeowners

Identifies degraded electrical wiring and components

Finds oversized fuses or breakers that cause a fire

Helps to identify faulty wirings

Improves energy efficiency and reduces costs

Meets insurance risk assessment requirements

Lets you know your new home is safe or not

Some tips for a proper electrical safety inspection

Check wire for damage

You need to inspect your wiring as it may be the reason behind any short circuits or electrical shocks. Any damaged wiring can cause a short circuit or residential fires. It is a higher chance of wear and tears with older homes. So, it is highly risky to keep faulty wiring in your home.

Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

It is an integral part of an electrical safety inspection. Checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential parameters to your home’s safety. Sometimes, a detector doesn’t work to wake you and alert you of danger. To prevent this, you should test your smoke detectors to determine if batteries need to be replaced.

Inspect outlets and switches

As you rely on your outlets and switches all day, you should make sure that they are working at their best. If you feel they are hot on the touch or resulting in frequently blowing fuses, you need to call a professional electrician immediately. Maybe your outlets and switches will need replacement.

Be safe from electrical lines

If you want to do some outdoor work, you need to be careful of the placement of electrical lines and wires across your landscape. When using a ladder for electrical works, one wrong move can either damage the wiring or result in electrocution. So be careful from electrical lines.

Maintain a safe distance from fixtures

Keep your personal belongings and objects at a safe distance from electrical fixtures such as outlets and running appliances. It is especially risky if any of these objects are flammable. A minor spark from the outlet can lead flames to nearby objects.Also, keep your children at a safe distance to protect them from danger.

General checklist for a safety inspection

Are all conductors of a circuit grouped?

Check for wet and damp areas for the suitability of boxes and fittings.

Inspect wiring and bending space in cabinets and boxes.

Are all light fixtures working with diffusers?

Are the cords in good condition without any deterioration, bends, or wear and tear?

Do you use extension cords in place of permanent wiring?

Are the wiring methods suitable for the current use?

Check what grounding electrodes are available on the premises.

Make sure that the household is compliant with branch-circuit voltage limitations.

Safety becomes essential when you are dealing with electricity. In this article, you will learn the ways for a proper safety inspection. Whether you are a business owner or homeowner, a safety inspection is essential and beneficial for everyone. If you have not done any electrical inspection of your property yet, go and hire a professional right now.