Redmond, WA Electrical Tip: Electrical Improvements You Can Make This Spring

May 16th, 2013

It is common to hear homeowners talk about spring cleaning when the weather starts to warm up, but don’t think that you need to stop at cleaning out the garage when it comes to springtime home improvements. Sure, it’s great to clear out some of the old items that have accumulated and to get the lawn ready for summer. You may also want to consider upgrading your electrical system once spring arrives as well, though. This is a great way to add value to your home while also making it a safer, more efficient place to live. Contact the Redmond, WA electrical technicians at G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical, Inc. to learn more.

A very basic, but very beneficial, electrical upgrade that you can make throughout your house is to replace any old, two-pronged outlets with more modern GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets. These outlets will protect you from electric shocks should any current leak out. Protect yourself and your electrical equipment by installing grounded outlets this spring.

You may also want to consider upgrading your breaker box if it is getting older. If you still have an old fuse box in your home, you should definitely speak with an Redmond, WA electrician about upgrading to a circuit breaker. Older homes simply were not designed to meet the needs of the many different electronics and electrical appliances that we now use in our day to day lives. Do not let outdated equipment damage your devices or create an unsafe environment in your home. Give us a call to discuss upgrading your breaker box today.

If you have any concerns about the wiring in your home, spring is the perfect time to have your electrical system inspected. If there are any problems with your wiring, now is the time to schedule rewiring service with your professional electrician. Access to dependable electricity is one of the greatest luxuries we have. Make sure you are able to enjoy it safely in your home.

For more ideas about springtime electrical upgrades, contact G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical, Inc. today. We can help you make the right decisions about your electrical system. Call now to schedule Redmond, WA electrical services with a company you can count on.

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Shoreline WA Electrical Tip: Signs that Electrical Repairs are Needed

May 6th, 2013

Is it time to schedule professional electrical repairs in your home? Any problems with your Shoreline, WA electrical system need to be taken seriously. Ignoring issues with your electrical system and any of its components can create a potentially dangerous situation in your home. If you have any reason to believe that your electrical system needs to be repaired, contact G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical, Inc. today. Our licensed Shoreline, WA electricians will ensure that you are able to operate your electrical system safely and with total confidence. Call today to schedule service with our Shoreline, WA electrical technicians today. Here are some common signs that electrical repairs are needed.

While much of your electrical system is hidden away in the walls of your home, there are plenty of indicators that you can take not of that will inform you of the need for electrical repair services. If your lighting dims or flickers, for instance, when your air conditioner or refrigerator compressor kicks on, you should contact a Shoreline WA electrical professional right away. Overloading your electrical system can lead to serious issues in your home.

Also, while modern breaker boxes are much more convenient than old fuse boxes, you should not let that convenience convince you that it is no big deal to continually be tripping circuits. If you frequently find yourself at the breaker box, there is a problem somewhere that may be causing this issue. Just because it is easy to flip a switch does not mean that you should be content to do it constantly.

While some heat is going to be generated when electricity is used, it is also important to remember that enough heat can lead to fire. If your outlet covers or light switches feel hot to the touch, contact your Shoreline, WA electrical repair technician immediately. Do not wait for a problem to worsen before having it assessed and resolved by a qualified Shoreline, WA electrician.

For more information about signs that electrical repair is needed, call G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical today. We can make sure that your electrical system is in the great condition necessary to power your home safely. Call anytime to schedule service.

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Edmonds WA Electrical Tip: On the Benefits of a Whole-House Generator

April 30th, 2013

Storms, flooding, and grid outages pose serious threats to the comfort and safety of your homes. While many homeowners have a portable generator for emergencies, they are not necessarily an adequate solution. Not only do they require you to feed them fuel constantly, they are also inefficient and potentially dangerous, as they emit carbon monoxide during operation. They often cannot power the entire home, just a few essentials. If you’re looking for comprehensive home protection against electrical supply problems, you should consider a whole house generator. We’d like to share with you some of the benefits of such a system. When you’re ready to consider one for your home, call the Edmonds WA electrical experts at G & S Heating, Cooling & Electric today!

  • Preparedness. One of the major differences between an ordinary portable generator and a whole-house unit is the way the latter prepares your home for the worse. The truth is that you never know when an electrical outage might occur, even with the advances in meteorological forecasting. There is simply no better way to be prepared than by ensuring that your home has a standby or automatic standby generator ready to go to work.
  • Comprehensiveness. One of the drawbacks of portable systems is their lack of comprehensiveness. If you have a heating and cooling system, electronic gadgets, hot water heater, refrigerator and freezer, electric oven, microwave, among others, then you know how you have come to rely on electricity to operate your home. If you want to ensure that your lifestyle is unfazed by a power outage, a whole-house generator is the way to go.
  • Safety. The very young and elderly alike are prone to serious discomfort and health risks during power outages. Depending on the seriousness and duration of the outage, you may find it difficult to get by without the basics. You may have to leave your home to stay with a relative, or friends. A whole house generator is a great way to ensure that your home is safe, power or no power.

For comprehensive electrical services, including whole house generator installation, call G & S Heating, Cooling & Electric today!

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Lynnwood WA Electrical FAQ: Can I Install My Own Wiring?

April 23rd, 2013

In a word, no. Installing your own wiring is tantamount to inviting a fire hazard into your home. Not only is it dangerous, but electrical work should also be carried out by a certified professional. Only a trained and qualified Lynnwood, WA electrician can give you the confidence you need to operate electrical appliances and equipment in the comfort of your own home. DIY wiring is not recommended because it poses a fire hazard, but also because handling wires requires expert knowledge of how electricity works, and your local electrical regulations. For more information, or if you need Lynnwood WA electrical services, call the experts at G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!

Here are some reasons why installing your own wiring is not such a good idea:

  • Dangerous. Handling electrical wiring in and of itself is not necessarily dangerous, but when it is connected to an electrical supply, the results can be very hazardous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Spare yourself and the structure of your home the danger of a fire, and call a professional. Only someone with the proper training, knowledge, and skillset should wire your home.
  • Costly. Installing your own wiring is not only dangerous, but it may also cost you more money, and lots of your time. Electrical materials can be expensive, and electrical wiring is a highly regulated industry, dependent on local codes. If you have to call in an electrician because all of the wiring you installed is bogus, then you might pay him more to rip it out and find the errors than you would have had you called him in the first place.
  • Lack of confidence. Hiring an electrician also means trusting the craftsmanship of a trained professional. Nothing else can give you the same type of confidence. If you don’t have the qualifications necessary to perform an accurate wiring installation, it’s simply not worth having to worry about the future safety of your home.

Only hire a certified professional to perform any electrical service in your home. For excellent and trustworthy Lynnwood, WA electrical services, contact G & S Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!

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Kirkland WA Electrical Tip: Common Electrical Repair

April 15th, 2013

Our electrical system runs behind the walls and in our ceilings and floors. It is invisible, except for outlets and fixtures. Electricity is intrinsically counter-intuitive to think about. In fact, despite recent technological developments, we’ve only known how electricity works since the turn of the 20th century. So, you can be forgiven if even common residential electrics seem somewhat mysterious. Moreover, repairing these electrical systems requires the professional knowledge of a Kirkland electrician, who knows how to properly handle and harness electrical energy and run it safely through your home. In this post, we’d like to examine a few of the most common electrical repairs, so that you might be able to identify any problems and call for assistance.

For Kirkland WA electrical services, contact G & S Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!

  • Intermittent power. If your fixtures and powered appliances are drifting in and out of power, or seem to shut off for no apparent reason, then you have an intermittent power problem. This is often an issue with the integrity of the electrical wiring itself; your wires may be damaged or loose.
  • Power surges. Electrical overloading, commonly known as a power surge, can be caused by a variety of reasons: lightning strikes, use of high-powered devices, and others. They can quickly ruin the fine circuitry of expensive electronic devices, so while you may already have a portable surge protector bar for your computer or TV, you may also wish to consider installing whole-home surge protection, which integrates directly with your electrical box. It will not only be more comprehensive, but will also be able to protect a higher surge.
  • Dead outlet. If you find that one of your electrical outlets, also known as receptacles, stops working, there is probably a problem with the wiring between the outlet and the circuit supply. Make sure that such repairs are taken care of quickly, because it may evidence of a damaged wire within your walls.

Handling electrical wiring and devices is dangerous. Make sure you hire a certified Kirkland, WA electrician to perform any electrical repair, no matter how minor.

For more information about your Kirkland, WA electrical system, contact the pros at G & S Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!

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Lynnwood WA Electrical Tip: How To Read Your Electric Meter

April 8th, 2013

More and more we rely on electricity to power our appliances, computers, tablets, and various gadgets. While you pay your electric bill to your utility company every month, you may not know how to read your electric meter or how your electric consumption is calculated. It’s important to know how to read your electric meter so that you can keep an eye on any unprecedented or unexpected rise in usage. The more you understand how the infrastructure of your home works, the better your home energy efficiency will be. For more information about your electric meter, or to schedule a Lynnwood electrical service, call G & S Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!

Your electric meter measures your electrical energy consumption in terms of the kilowatt-hour (kWh). A single kWh is equivalent to 1000 watts over a period of one hour. It is a unit of power, meaning the rate of energy use over time. It is installed near to where the power lines enter the home. A utility representative checks it periodically to determine how much power your home is using and calculates the bill accordingly.

The most popular and widely used kind of electrical meter is relatively simple. It is comprised of an electrical induction motor that uses a set of geared wheels corresponding to quantities of kWh. It’s a bit like a clock. The speed of its various revolutions depends upon the current drawn into the home by your appliances and equipment. The speed at which they rotate is proportional to the quantity of electrical energy you are using.

In order to read your electric meter, begin by recording the numbers from right to left, as shown on the dials. If the pointer is directly on a number, look instead to the number on its right hand side. If the number is zero, record the next highest number (e.g. 9). If not, use the lower number.  It’s as simple as that.

We hope this helps you keep an eye on your electrical usage. For more tips on electrical meters, or how to save on your energy bills, contact the Lynnwood, WA electrical team at G & S Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!

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Redmond WA Electrical FAQ: Why Should I Get a Whole-Home Surge Protector?

April 1st, 2013

At G & S Heating, Cooling & Electric, we believe that all of our customers deserve the greatest convenience and comfort possible in their homes. Unfortunately, not every aspect of life can be controlled. It is these unforeseen events that really put our planning to the test. After all, just because we do not know when something may happen does not mean that we cannot prepare for it. That is why the Redmond, WA electrical technicians on our team recommend that homeowners invest in a whole-home surge protector. This is a great way to help protect your comfort and convenience at home.

When many people think of surge protectors, they picture the type that plugs into an outlet and can have multiple devices plugged into it. These power strips are fine for some applications, but to protect all of your electrical equipment in the event of a power surge, a whole-home surge protector is ideal. While smaller surge protectors at individual outlets throughout your home are a great way to protect your stereo, television or computer, a whole-home surge protector connect outside your breaker box and protects the major systems in your home, including your heating and air conditioning system, as well as appliances such as water heaters and refrigerators.

In the event of a major power surge spanning your home, your air conditioning system will be kept operational and you will not need to worry about spoiled food in your refrigerator. Because of the complexity and electrical work involved in the installation of a whole-home air conditioner, it is necessary that a professional Redmond, WA electrician handle the installation. Under no circumstances should anyone other than a skilled, certified electrician attempt to service any component of your electrical system. Doing so puts that individual at risk of injury, and improper electrical work can create a dangerous situation within your home.

For more information about the installation of a whole-home surge protector or how they work, contact G & S Heating, Cooling & Electric. We can answer any questions you may have. For all your Redmond electrical services, we are the company you can count on.

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Edmonds WA Electrical Tip: Why Replace Your Fuse Box

March 25th, 2013

The electricity in your home comes in from the street and connects to a main distribution hub: your fuse box or circuit breaker panel. From there it gets routed to all of the light switches and appliances in your home. If you have an older house then it could have a fuse box. While fuse boxes work well enough, they do have some pretty serious flaws. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of upgrading to a circuit breaker panel contact the Edmonds, WA electrical experts at G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical, Inc.  We wanted to put together some of the benefits that upgrading could have for your home. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to give us a call today.

How Fuse Boxes Work

Fuse boxes used to be the standard for homes that were built many years ago. Not only do fuse boxes distribute power throughout your home they also protect your home from power surges and fires. The more electricity that flows through the fuse box the hotter the wires get. If it gets too hot the fuse will melt and break the connection thus shutting off the flow of electricity. The fuse then needs to be removed and replaced with a new one. Contact the Edmonds, WA electrical technicians at G&S Heating, Cooling and Electrical to learn more about how we can set you up with a new circuit breaker.

Benefits of Upgrading

Not only is it a nuisance to have to replace your fuses when the blow but it can also be dangerous. When you remove the fuse, the two ends of your electrical mains are exposed. Also, if you don’t have an extra fuse on hand then you have to go to the hardware store to buy one. Circuit breakers use magnetic switches to protect your home from electrical issues. When they flipped all you have to do is go out and flip the switch back the other way.

Another terrific benefit of upgrading your fuse box to a circuit breaker is that they are usually more reliable and less sensitive. While this sensitivity can actually protect your home from electrical issues, it can actually get to be really annoying when your fuse box is always blowing fuses.

Give the Edmonds electrical professionals at G&S a call today to talk with us about upgrading your fuse box. Call G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical, Inc. today!

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Kirkland WA Heating Tip: Should I Be Concerned About My Indoor Air Quality?

March 18th, 2013

While we often hear various calls to action about the effect of pollutants on our outdoor air quality, and how important it is to reduce ozone-depletion and global warming, we hear much less about indoor air quality. But, in fact, poor indoor air quality is among the top 5 health hazards in this country. When we hear customers ask whether they should be concerned with their air quality, we always reply yes. We offer comprehensive indoor air quality services, from air cleaners to humidifiers and UV germicidal lights, we offer a host of options to homeowners looking to boost their indoor air quality. These are great auxiliary components that can be integrated with your existing heating system. For Kirkland heating service as well as air quality services, call G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!

Let’s take a look at some indications that you may have an air quality problem in your home:

  • Dry, uncomfortable air. Low humidity levels in your home often lead to dry skin irritation and increased recovery and healing times when you have the cold or flu. Installing a whole-home humidifier is a great way to solve this problem, but just be sure it integrates properly with your existing heating system and that it’s appropriately sized.
  • Mold. Increased moisture levels within your ductwork or throughout your home provides a breeding ground for microbial growth. Mold spores can quickly become airborne when circulated throughout your ductwork with your heated air. While you can eliminate visible mold in your home with various products and techniques, systemic mold issues need to be dealt with before that air reaches your ductwork. Ultraviolet germicidal lights destroy mold, and other pollutants at the source. They can be quickly integrated into your system.
  • Cracked or leaky ductwork. If you have leaky or improperly sealed ductwork, then they can begin to bring air from the attic or outside into your system without first passing through the air filter. This is not only an indoor air quality issue, but also dramatically impacts the energy efficiency of your heating system.

If you notice any of these warning signs for poor indoor air quality in your home, call your local Kirkland, WA heating professional at G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We offer a wide variety of heating and air quality solutions. Contact G&S Heating today!

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Kirkland Heating Tip: Should I Wait Until Fall to Replace my Heating System?

March 11th, 2013

At G&S, Inc., our Kirkland heating experts want to help our customers get the heating and cooling systems that match their needs. This means finding cost-effective solutions to their heating needs. If it is finally time to replace that old furnace or heat pump, deciding the best time to do this will involve a few factors, including making sure your home is properly insulated and sealed. We can help you out with most any heating service in Kirkland, WA, so call G & S any time.

Meanwhile, this week’s blog post should help you get started in thinking about the right time to replace your heater. While waiting until fall seems practical, you may also want to consider cost and whether or not you want to install a heat pump, which provides both heating and cooling. If this is the case, you may want to get installed in the spring, before the cooling season begins. This way you get more efficient cooling all summer long, and then you get the same savings when you switch to heat in the fall.

Another factor to consider is cost. Keep checking our monthly promotions on our website. We may have an installation promotion that matches exactly what you need, whether it’s a new heat pump, furnace, geothermal heat pump, ductless mini split, zone control, new thermostat, or an insulation service. While it may not be as straightforward as some decisions about home efficiency, installing a new high-efficiency heater is a sound decision if you’ve already made other improvements to your home in order to save energy and money on utility bills. Let us help you select the right one for your needs.

If you aren’t sure when the time is right for your next Kirkland, WA heating installation, call us and let us help you make the right choice. Call G & S, Inc today!

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