How to Safely Replace Bad Electrical Outlets in Your Home

Replacing faulty electrical outlets in your home might seem like a straightforward DIY project, but it’s important to proceed with caution. Electrical work carries inherent risks, including the potential for shock, fire hazards, and even serious injury if not handled correctly. However, with the right preparation, tools, and safety measures, you can replace a bad electrical outlet safely. For those who are not comfortable undertaking this task or encounter complex issues, professional services like Blessed are avaliable to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently! This article will guide you through replacing a faulty outlet while emphasizing safety.

Identifying a Bad Outlet

First, identify the signs of a bad outlet, which may include a burnt smell, discoloration, sparking, or an outlet that no longer holds a plug securely. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to consider replacing the outlet.

Safety Precautions

Before attempting to replace an outlet, take the following safety precautions to protect yourself and your home:

  1. Turn Off the Power: This is the most crucial step. Locate your home’s electrical panel and switch off the circuit breaker corresponding to the outlet you plan to replace. Use a voltage tester on the outlet to ensure there’s no electricity flowing to it before you start working.
  2. Use the Right Tools: Equip yourself with insulated tools designed for electrical work, including screwdrivers, wire strippers, and a voltage tester. These tools help minimize the risk of electrical shock.
  3. Wear Protective Gear: Rubber-soled shoes, safety goggles, and gloves can offer additional protection against electric shock and other injuries.

Steps to Replace the Outlet

With safety measures in place, follow these steps to replace the electrical outlet:

  1. Remove the Outlet Cover: Unscrew and remove the cover plate from the outlet. Next, utilize the screwdriver to loosen the screws that keep the outlet fixed, and carefully extract the outlet from the box to reveal the wires

Disconnect the Wires: 

  1. Examine the connections of the wires to the outlet. Generally, you will find a black (hot) wire, a white (neutral) wire, and either a green or bare copper (ground) wire. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws and disconnect the wires from the old outlet. It’s helpful to take a photo before disconnecting the wires for reference when connecting the new outlet.

Connect the New Outlet: Attach the wires to the new outlet in the same configuration as the old one. 

  1. Attach the black wire to the brass screw, link the white wire to the silver screw, and fasten the green or bare copper wire to the green grounding screw. Ensure the connections are tight and secure.

Secure the Outlet and Replace the Cover: 

  1. Gently maneuver the outlet back into the electrical box and fasten it securely using screws. Attach the cover plate, ensuring it’s aligned correctly.
  2. Restore Power and Test: Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the new outlet with a plug-in appliance or a voltage tester to ensure it’s working correctly.

When to Call a Professional

While many homeowners can successfully replace an outlet following these steps, there are situations where it’s best to call in a professional. If you encounter any of the following, consider reaching out to Blessed for assistance:

  • The wiring doesn’t match the expected configuration, suggesting non-standard or outdated wiring.
  • There’s visible damage to the wiring or the electrical box.
  • You feel uncomfortable or unsure at any point during the process.

When to Call a Professional

While many homeowners can successfully replace an outlet following these steps. There are situations where it’s best to call in a professional. If you encounter any of the following, consider reaching out to  for assistance:

  • The wiring doesn’t match the expected configuration, suggesting non-standard or outdated wiring.
  • There’s visible damage to the wiring or the electrical box.
  • You feel uncomfortable or unsure at any point during the process.

Conclusion

Replacing a bad electrical outlet can be a manageable DIY project with careful preparation and adherence to safety protocols. However, the risks associated with electrical work mean that caution cannot be overstated. For those who prefer the peace of mind that comes with professional expertise, or if you encounter any complications, Blessed offers experience electrical services to handle youur needs safely and efficiently. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when dealing with electricity in your home.

Is Your Home Ready for A Circuit Panel Upgrade?

Electrical breakers panel boxes provide the right amount of power to your home’s various rooms, and if they are outdated, you may need to replace them. Your home depends on these essential features to get electricity connected to the grid and to distribute it where needed. It is possible for homes to have serious electrical problems or even catch fire without them.

Although electrical panels are generally reliable and safe, they can start to show signs of wear and tear over time. In the event that strange smell or flickering lights have left you wondering whether you should upgrade your electrical panel, please review our list of warning signs to hire an electrician. 

Electric panel upgrades are dangerous and should only be handled by a professional electrician. Let’s take a look at some warning signs that you might need to upgrade your electrical panel.

Electrical Panels: What Do They Do?

Consider your electrical panel as a warehouse for electricity. The warehouse sends out the correct amount of electricity when your kitchen or living room “orders” it.

There are times, however, when an order comes in for too much electricity. As a result, shipments are temporarily stopped at the warehouse. 

This action protects your home from fire and other serious electrical hazards. As electricity demands increase, electrical panels can begin to struggle. It is common for a malfunctioning panel to emit warning signs. Here are some things to look out for.

Eight signs that it is time to upgrade your electrical panel: 

It’s Original to Your Home.

There is a 25- to 40-year average life expectancy for electrical panels. Is yours within this age range? 

If you do not notice any clear signs that your circuit breaker is having problems powering your home, it may be worth having a professional electrician check it out. An electrician can quickly determine if your home’s electrical system is damaged or worn out.

Breakers need to be flipped constantly.

Your electrical panel may trip when an area of your home draws too much power. If this happens, you must flip the affected breaker again to restore power. 

This action does not automatically indicate a problem. However, if you find yourself constantly flipping breakers, it’s likely time to hire an electrician to inspect your breaker.

Breakers are not used in your panel.

The flipping of breakers can indicate that it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel. However, you may not even have breakers on yours. Homes built before 1960 had fuse panels that directed electricity. 

Fuse panels are now fire hazards, and you should replace them with electrical panels. It’s time to upgrade if you have to change fuses rather than flip breaker switches.

There is rust or damage to your electrical panel.

If you spot water or rust on your electrical panel, call an electrician immediately. It’s a fire hazard to have rusted, broken, or corroded panels, so you need to repair or replace them.

There are not enough outlets.

To make up for the lack of electrical outlets throughout your house, do you often reach for a power strip? This is a sign that your electrical panel is not capable of coping with an increase in electricity. 

In case your panel is able to accommodate additional circuits, an electrician can install additional outlets. If it cannot, a replacement electrical panel is your best option.

There is a burning smell.

You should always be concerned when you smell something burning in your home. Immediately take action if you suspect your electrical panel is emitting a smell. The failure of a circuit breaker can soon result in a serious fire in the house. 

A burning plastic or wood smell is likely caused by the plastic jacket of an electrical wire melting. The problem may be in the walls of your home if you smell wood. An electrician may be able to fix the problem if the smell is subtle and disappears after a while. In case the smell is overwhelming and you’re worried that a fire has already started, evacuate your home and contact 911 immediately.

Electrical panel that is warm or hot.

Circuit breakers trip when they become overheated. Nevertheless, if your circuit breaker is warm or hot, this may indicate a severe malfunction. Get a qualified electrician out to inspect your panel right away.

When you plug things in, you see sparks. 

Although you may occasionally see tiny sparks when plugging something into an outlet, you should pay attention to the size and frequency of the sparks. An outlet that sparks repeatedly or in large amounts is a clear indication that something is wrong with your wiring. 

Whenever you see this warning sign, you should call an electrician to have it checked out. The cause might be a wiring or outlet issue.

Flickering or dimming lights when using an appliance.

When you start the dishwasher or microwave, do your overhead kitchen lights dim? In such a case, too much power is being drawn from a single circuit. 

It may be possible to add extra circuits, but a complete replacement may be the best solution. It is best to get advice from a professional electrician about which route to take.

In the event that you notice any of the above signs, it may be time to upgrade your circuit panel. For expert assistance in making these crucial decisions, turn to the professionals at DFW Electrician & HVAC, who can guide you through the process with expertise and care.

Electrical Tips for New Builds

Constructing a new home is an exciting journey full of decisions that shape its comfort, functionality, and safety. Among these considerations, the electrical system is paramount, as it will power every aspect of modern living within the space. Careful planning and expert guidance are essential to ensure that your new build meets current standards and anticipates future needs. For professional advice and installation services, DFW Electrician & HVAC stands as a reliable partner. Here are essential electrical tips for new builds to create a safe, efficient, and adaptable living environment.

Plan for Ample Outlets

One common regret among new homeowners is not having enough outlets. As you design your home, think about your lifestyle and where you’ll need power. Consider adding outlets in convenient locations such as kitchen islands, bathrooms, hallways, and outdoor living spaces. Also, plan for USB or smart outlets that can charge devices directly without needing bulky adapters.

Invest in Energy Efficiency

Incorporating energy-efficient solutions from the start can lead to significant savings. LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and programmable thermostats are just the beginning. Consider installing a home energy management system to monitor and control energy usage in real-time.. Energy-efficient designs not only reduce utility bills but also contribute to a more sustainable living environment.

Future-Proof with Smart Home Wiring

As technology evolves, so do our homes. Wiring your new build with smart home technology in mind can offer unparalleled convenience and security. Having the necessary infrastructure in place means you can easily incorporate smart technologies now or in the future, from lighting and thermostats to security systems and entertainment setups.

Ensure Adequate Lighting

Good lighting is about more than just placing fixtures in every room. It’s about creating ambiance, enhancing functionality, and ensuring safety. For a balanced and flexible lighting scheme, it’s important to combine ambient, task, and accent lighting. Don’t forget to include ample outdoor lighting for security and aesthetic appeal.

Include Surge Protection

Surge protection is often overlooked but crucial for protecting your home’s electronics from voltage spikes. It’s a good idea to install a whole-house surge protector to protect your entire electrical system from power surges. This will protect your appliances and electronics from sudden voltage spikes caused by electrical disturbances including lightning strikes and power outages. This is especially important in areas prone to lightning or where power surges are common.

Plan for EV Charging

With the growing use of electric vehicles (EVs), many people are interested in having their own EV charging station at home. Even if you don’t own an EV currently, pre-wiring your garage or driveway for an EV charger can increase your home’s value and future usability.

Consider the Location of Your Electrical Panel

The electrical panel serves as the central hub of your home’s electrical system, responsible for distributing power to all the circuits in your house. It should be easily accessible but out of the way of daily activities. Ensure it’s located in a dry, temperature-controlled area to prevent moisture damage or overheating. This also makes future upgrades or repairs more straightforward.

Work with Qualified Professionals

Perhaps the most important tip is to work with experienced and licensed electricians. Electrical work is complex and requires a thorough understanding of codes and standards. Professionals like those at DFW Electrician & HVAC can ensure that your electrical system is safely and efficiently designed and installed, providing peace of mind and compliance with local regulations.

Conclusion

Building a new home is an opportunity to tailor every aspect to your needs, including the electrical system. By planning for ample outlets, investing in energy efficiency, preparing for smart home technologies, and working with qualified professionals, you can create a safe, comfortable, and future-ready home. It’s important to remember that the decisions you make now will affect the functionality and comfort of your home for years to come. For expert assistance in making these crucial decisions, turn to the professionals at DFW Electrician & HVAC, who can guide you through the process with expertise and care.

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO START IN THE FALL

With the weather cooling, now is a good time to clean up summer messes and prepare your home
for the colder months. Take advantage of this time to complete fall maintenance and renovation
projects before they become too late.

1. Upgrade Your Furnace

It may be time to replace your furnace if it is more than 10 to 15 years old and is taking longer to
heat the house than usual. It is possible for you to save money by choosing a fuel that is energy
efficient, such as natural gas, by paying careful attention to the SEER ratings.

2. Check On Important Insulation

Make sure the weatherstripping around your doors, windows, and garage door is in good
condition. Sealing these openings with felt strips prevents drafts, but they can wear down over
time. Any faded weatherstripping should be replaced, as well as any other insulation tasks that
have been neglected.

3. Seal Any Air Leaks in the Attic

There may be air leaks (and pest entrances) in your attic if you see light shining through chinks.
Keep your house warm over the winter by sealing them off with foam insulation. Attic vents are
needed to remove humid air from your attic, so do not close them.

4. Clean Out Your Gutters

Over the fall and winter, your gutters work hard, and they need your help. Make sure they are
clean before the weather gets too cold. Keeping your gutters clean will prevent rain or snow from
overflowing and damaging your roof.

5. Replace Old Single-Pane Windows

Windows with single panes are inefficient insulators. Consider replacing your existing single-
pane windows with double-pane windows. Additionally, you can upgrade double-pane windows
to ones that are sealed with a neutral gas like argon to make them more energy-efficient.

6. Replace Missing Shingles

It is possible for rain, wind, and snow to damage your roof if it's not in good shape. If you see
any missing shingles or other signs of damage, replace them before they become serious leaks
that can cost you thousands of dollars.

7. Prepare Your Fireplace

Make sure to clean out wood fireplaces thoroughly, check the chimney, and have plenty of wood
on hand. A fireplace inspection before the winter season can also be beneficial for gas fireplaces
and electric fireplaces.

8. Switch Your Ceiling Fan Direction

During the colder months, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise so warm air is pushed back into
the room. In most fans, the direction can be reversed by simply switching the switch.

9. Hibernate Outdoor AC Units

Make sure your outdoor air conditioner is clean and covered so that it can be protected from rain
and snow. Note that heat pump models cannot be covered because they switch to a heating mode
in winter.

For professional diagnosis and repair, DFW Electrician & HVAC stands ready to assist.

Humidity Control in HVAC Systems: A Key Focus for East Texas

In East Texas, where the climate is both hot and humid for much of the year, proper humidity control in
HVAC systems is crucial. High humidity can cause discomfort, affect indoor air quality, and lead to mold
and mildew growth, which can cause structural damage. Maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor
environment is important, homeowners and businesses need HVAC systems designed to effectively
manage both temperature and humidity.

An efficient HVAC system in East Texas should include a dehumidification component, either integrated
into the system or as a standalone unit. The ideal indoor humidity level should be maintained between
30% and 50%, reducing excess moisture while ensuring comfort. Variable-speed air handlers and
properly sized systems also play a significant role in controlling humidity by preventing short cycling,
which can leave moisture in the air.

Additionally, regular maintenance, including coil cleaning and filter replacements, ensures optimal
system performance. For those in particularly humid areas, advanced solutions like whole-home
dehumidifiers can be a wise investment. With the right control strategy, East Texas residents
can enjoy cooler, drier, and healthier homes year-round, despite the region’s challenging climate
conditions.

For professional diagnosis and repair, DFW Electrician & HVAC stands ready to assist.

10 Tips to stay warm during the Winter

Winter is when your home should be a cozy haven away from the freezing temperatures. Thermostats can be an excellent way to warm your house, but they can also impact your energy bills.

Warming and weatherizing your home in the winter can help you keep your heating bill low without sacrificing comfort. You should install updated windows and inspect the insulation in your attic as permanent measures. If the skies are blue, you can let in warm air from the sun by purchasing a door draft stopper.

The following tricks will keep the cool air out of your home and the warm air in.

Warm and Cozy House

  1. Install Programable Thermostat
    1. Using a programmable thermostat gives you more control over the temperature in your home throughout the day so that it does not remain at 68°F throughout the day. During the day, keep your house warm, and then set your thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re away. If you arrive home or wake up in a cold place, schedule the temperature to return to normal before you step inside.
    2. The Home Depot sells intelligent thermostats that you can adjust from your phone even when you’re not home ($249, The Home Depot). Saving tons on heating costs is easy with this DIY upgrade.
    3. Intelligent learning thermostats automatically program based on your preferences and patterns while home based on your current temperature, and “The thermostat will adjust according to your patterns and settings as the weather outside changes,” According to Thumbtack’s Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and New Ventures, David Steckel. During the day, if the thermostat does not see any movement for a couple of hours, it will calculate that you are not home, so it won’t turn on the furnace. This will save you up to 10% on your heating bill.”
  2. Making sure heating vents are open and not blocked
    1. Blessed Electric and Air’s Jeff Robertson says closing vents does not save money because unused rooms are not heated. In Robertson’s opinion, the HVAC system at your home is vital to provide hot air in every room, regardless of how many open vents.
    2. Partially closing vents can help pump air into the right areas, but leave them open at least 25%. ” Your system will overwork if your ducts are fully closed, leading to higher energy bills and damage over time.
    3. Ensure your home’s warm-air vents, radiators, and other heaters are not blocked, so your heating system works as efficiently as possible. Ensure no obstructions to airflow, such as rugs, furniture, or curtains. To prevent dust buildup, make sure you regularly clean your furnace filter and clean these areas.
  3. Add Draft Door Stopper
    1. Doorways are easy entry points for cold air, but draft guards can keep it out. These handy objects are wrapped in fabric and weighted with sand to keep a chilled atmosphere from entering through the front door. Making your own is an option if you so desire. Make a doorway cover by cutting a length of fabric into a tube, sewing it together, then filling it with stuffing and closing it. Adding a draft stopper to the door will not stop the cool breeze from wafting in when you open it, but it will help when it is closed.
  4. Insulate windows with bubble wrap or plastic film.
    1. Bubble wrap and plastic film can insulate windows very quickly and cheaply. These window film insulation kits use transparent shrink film to create a protective barrier around drafty windows. Using a hairdryer, seal the plastic sheet to the adhesive tape after cutting it to the size of your window. The Wrap peels off cleanly at the end of the season.
    2. If you plan to use bubble wrap, choose a medium to large size ($15, Target). Small bubble wrap is too thin to block cold air and will not be as effective as oversized bubble wrap. Be sure to measure your windows before cutting the bubble wrap. Once that is done thoroughly, spray the window with a thin layer of water. The bubble wrap should be pressed to the window right after pouring, with the bubbles facing the glass. Bubble wrap will stick to the water and stay intact all winter long, keeping you warm.
  5. Seal your Windows
    1. Another good thing you can do is seal your windows. The best way to keep drafts out of your home is to replace old caulking and add weatherstripping, says Robertson. The first step in this process is to remove all corroding caulk from the frame. Remove the old caulk and use a caulk gun to apply a new layer. Apply a thin layer of caulk and smooth it out with your finger. In addition to sealing your windows’ exterior, you should close the interior.
    2. “In addition to updating your windows, this is an excellent time to switch to storm or insulated windows so that you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and stay warm this winter,” suggests Robertson.
  6. Open Curtains on a sunny day
    1. You can use this housewarming hack for free! Make sure you check the weather before you leave for the day. Let nature heat your home for free by opening the blinds and curtains around the house when the sun is out. Close all curtains at night to keep cold air out.
  7. Put your ceiling fans on reverse.
    1. Here’s a hack that usually goes unnoticed. According to Robertson, your ceiling fan operates clockwise during summer to pull warm air upward. During the winter, fans can also keep your home warm.

    2. “You can set them to run counterclockwise, which circulates the air and pushes warm air down,” Robertson says.

  8. Keep interior doors open.
    1. I am not referring to the outside doors in your home but to the gates surrounding the interior. There may seem to be some contradiction between closed doors to some rooms and the theory that they require less heating overall. It will help regulate the house’s temperature and keep your doors open. Robertson says this will allow air to circulate throughout the home.
    2. “Blocking off unconnected areas of the HVAC system, which have no purpose without it, makes sense,” Robertson says.”Where there are vents, heat will come out, and internal opening doors will circulate the [warm] air.”

  9. Boost insulation
    1. Checking your insulation as winter approaches can save you money, even if it is a little more involved. A thorough inspection of your insulation may be in order if you haven’t done so for a while. Added insulation to your home will help regulate the temperature and prevent energy loss through your basement and attic.
  10. Bake some treats
    1. Want to get warm fast? Here’s an idea. Turn on the oven to warm the house as you bake your favorite treat. Just a crack in the oven door, while it’s cooling is all you need to do when it has finished baking.

IMPORTANT: When the oven door has been open, turn it off. You can quickly and inexpensively heat your kitchen with heat. After all the heat has come out, close the door. If you have pets or small children, it is not advisable to do this.

Preventing Rodent’s

 

December will bring in those chilly temperatures. The cooler weather tends to drive unwanted outside visitors into our homes. Why is this important to note in relation to our electrical system? Well, rodents love to chew and seem to have a particular penchant for the insulation on your electrical work, which can damage your home systems and even cause a fire. Yes, rodents damage your electrical system! Here are a few tips on how to keep these furry pests away.

Signs to look out for that you may have an unwanted guest

  • LOOK: Rodents will leave signs that they are around. You just need to look

For them. The telltale sign that they are in our home is to see droppings.

Surely, you’ve seen them before they are a little black or grey and oval-shaped.

You may also spot nesting material in enclosed spaces. These materials can be

of numerous materials such as string, twine, insulation, leaves, or clothing.

 

  • LISTEN: You can tell if there is something crawling, scratching, or chewing on your

walls by listening for the noises

 

Winter is a good time to check your wiring!

  • Make sure your wiring is in good condition and hasn’t been chewed on periodically by inspecting the insulation. Of course, you will not be able to see what is behind your walls, but you will notice by looking around the house where you can see.
  • Pay attention to unexplained electrical problems. It’s possible that rodents are damaging your electrical system if you notice that some rooms or circuits do not have reliable power or if your breakers keep tripping without reason.

 

If you spot signs that a rodent or rodents are in your home, make sure to act promptly to remove them. The longer they stay housed inside, the more havoc they can cause.

  • Call a Professional
  • Combat the issue on your own using various traps and poisons available at the local store. Always read the instructions carefully to ensure the proper use of any method you decide to use. After all, safety in your home is the goal here.
  • Cats! They are a great deterrent for keeping rodents from damaging your electrical system and away from or out of your home.
  • The best way to avoid rodents from damaging your electrical system is to keep them out of your home. Caulk, foam spray, or other barriers can seal any cracks or holes around your home. Keep in mind that it is not uncommon for rodents to find tiny cracks or even chew their way in.

 

Remember, chewed wires in your home are a safety concern!

If you suspect rodents may have chewed through your electrical work, contact an expert DFW electrician immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            

 

9 Reasons Why Your HVAC System Has Airflow Issues

Most homeowners in Texas part with over $1,200 annually as energy bills. Unfortunately, many of them don’t really have to spend up to that. When your HVAC system develops airflow issues, it will consume more energy to deliver less output. Here’s one common mistake.

During the summer months, when the HVAC setting that used to produce adequately cool air begins to fall short, many homeowners will just increase the setting without delving into what could have caused the drop in the performance of their HVAC. They quickly assume that it’s because the weather is hotter. This is often not the case.

Most of the time, when your HVAC setting isn’t as cool as it once was, it may be because its airflow is clogged. You may want to watch out for them.

Here are some of the causes of airflow blockage of HVAC systems.

1. Old age

As an Arlington HVAC expert, we can tell you that when your air conditioning unit is getting close to its lifespan, poor airflow will become a constant problem. So, when your system is no longer as cool as it used to be, ask yourself how long you’ve been using the appliance. If it’s close to 15 years or more than that, this may be time to replace it.

2. Leaking refrigerant

When your refrigerant begins to leak, you won’t know until the refrigerant level of your air conditioning level drops below the appropriate threshold. This will take its toll on its airflow. The air it supplies will no longer be cool enough for you. This means that when you notice that your air conditioner no longer supplies cool air and it’s not close to its lifespan, you may want to check if the refrigerant is leaking or not.

3. Buildup of dust and debris

Since your unit pulls in fresh air from outside, dust and debris will gradually build up in it. When dust overwhelms the condenser, it will no longer supply cool air, and this will lead to poor airflow issue. This is why you should always hire an Arlington electrician to inspect and clean your HVAC system at least, once a year.

4. Oversized unit

The bigger the unit, the better the airflow, right? Yes. This is correct to an extent. If you install a unit that is too big for your apartment, you’ll get fantastic airflow, but the airflow will not last long. Why? It will quickly cool certain parts of your home and cut off temporarily, even before the cool air circulates. And this “vicious cycle” will continue.

In addition, it may also cause humidity issues for your home. This is why you need to install the right size of HVAC unit for your home. When you move into a bigger house, you’ll upgrade your unit. If you’re not sure of the right size of HVAC for your home, consult an Arlington HVAC service provider.

5. Too small unit

We have talked about oversized units as a problem. Now, we also have to talk about an undersized unit. When the air conditioner installed in your home is too small, there will be airflow issues too. However, this problem is different from the others. The airflow issue will begin from the first day of use.

So, if notice that the air dished out by your HVAC unit isn’t cool enough for you, it may be too small for your home. Consult an Arlington electrician for assessment. In fact, it’s better to seek the guidance of an Arlington HVAC specialist in the choice of unit to install. This will prevent you from mistakenly installing a unit that cannot cover your entire home.

6. Weak or damaged blower fans

When they are in good condition, blower fans push air through the ductwork at an ideal flow rate and the air will find its way into your living space. When the blower fans are old, weak, or damaged, the amount of air they push through the ducts will reduce. And this will result in low airflow. An Arlington HVAC specialist will help you remove the damaged blower and install newer ones.

7. Punctured ductwork

The ductwork is like a set of pipes through which air is transferred from the condenser to your living space. If your ductwork is riddled with holes, air will leak out before it gets into your house. When the hole is small, you may not feel the effect. However, the hole will get bigger with time, and it may reduce the airflow to your house. This problem will persist until you plug the holes in your ductwork or change the leaking pipes.

 8. Blogged air filters

The air filters trap dust and debris while your system pulls fresh air into your home. When the dust builds up on the air filters, it will reduce the amount of air that will be able to go into your system. This will also reduce the amount of air that goes into your home. Air filters should be washed or replaced periodically.

9. Blocked vents

No matter the amount of air pushed into your ductwork, when your vents are clogged, only very little air will make it into your rooms. This implies that vents also need to be cleaned.

Conclusion

You’re probably wondering how to keep track of all the components of your HVAC system to check. You think you have 9 issues to worry about. Not exactly! You only have one thing to worry about. You only need to worry about hiring the right Arlington HVAC specialist for maintenance. During maintenance, we will look out for all the issues mentioned above. In fact, we often detect and avert potential issues before they manifest. We will clean or replace clogged or damaged components. Hire Blessed Electric & air for the HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement of your HVAC system and leave the rest to us.

The Most Lucrative 8 Qualities in a Residential Electrician

You probably have some electrical works in your home and you’re looking to hire a good residential electrician. You want the best electrician in Texas, but you don’t know how to hire one. You’re definitely on the right page. You’ll learn what to look for in an electrician here.

Here are 8 things to consider when hiring a residential electrician:

1. Start by asking for reference

A good electrician is distinguished by their top-notch services. That’s why you should ask your friends, colleagues, family members, and anyone you know that recently used the service of an electrician. They should not only refer you to their electrician, but also let you know what they like about the service of the electrician.

This way, you’ll get the contacts of some good electricians. In other words, reference and positive reviews are some of the qualities to look for in an electrician. DFW electricians seem to be one of the best electricians in Texas, and we have wonderful reviews from clients. You may want to try us out.

2. Being licensed is important

Another thing to ask your electrician is their license. Even an unlicensed electrician will claim to have a license. This is why you should endeavor to see a copy of their license in your own interest. Remember, it is a crime to operate as an electrician without a license and it is also a crime to hire an electrician that is not licensed. With DFW electricians, you don’t have to worry about their licensure status because we are licensed to serve Texas.

3. Choose an insured electrician

For two reasons, you should hire only an insured electrician. If you’re being served by an insured electrician and an accident occurs, and one or some of the electricians get injured, their insurance company will foot the medical bills.  If you mistakenly hire an electrician that’s not insured, you’ll be liable for their medical bills.

Another reason to hire an insured electrician is that if any of your appliances or a part of your property gets damaged during electrical works, you’ll be duly compensated by the insurance company of your electrician. But if your electrician isn’t insured, you’ll be on your own. You may have to file a lawsuit to get the electrician to fix the damages. At this juncture, it is necessary to let you know that DFW electricians are fully insured. Hiring us will give you additional peace of mind.

4. Experience matters too

Only highly experienced electrical contractors can offer the best services. That’s why you should ask to know how experienced your electrician is. It is preferable to hire an electrician with at least 3 years’ experience gathered from serving Texas cities. It might interest you to find out that DFW HVAC technicians and DFW electricians have been offering top-notch services to the residents of Texas for several years. We are highly experienced.

5. Do they offer 24-hour services?

This matters too. You need an electrician or HVAC expert that is available 24 hours a day. What if your HVAC breaks down in the night? You don’t have to wait till morning to get it fixed. That’s why you need an electrician that provides 24-hour services. This is one of the hallmarks of DFW electricians and DFW HVAC technicians. Even if the electrical problem occurs at 2am, you can contact us immediately and we’ll hit the road instantly.

6.Knowledge of your electrical code

Every city has its electrical code. The electrical code is a set of regulations that must be followed in wiring and electrical installations. The main goal of an electrical code is the safety of all involved. And different communities have different electrical codes. So, you need an electrician that understands the electrical code in your community very well.

7. Great turnaround time

We all want the electrical problem in our homes fixed as quickly as possible. And this is understandable. Electricity is very important in homes. Most of the appliances that make our homes more homely are powered by electricity. Therefore, every electrical problem comes with a certain degree of discomfort. When it comes to fixing electrical problems, every second counts.

That’s why you must find out the average turnaround time of your electrician. That’s where we are head and shoulders above the rest. DFW electricians are trained to deliver speedy solutions. With our state-of-the-art equipment and wealth of experience, we can easily get to the root of every electrical problem and proffer the most cost-effective solutions.

8. Good reputation

It is also necessary to do your due diligence. When you decide on the electrician to hire, it’s necessary to search on Google for some reviews about them. Once you don’t find negative reviews about them, you’re good. On the other hand, if you see more than three bad reviews from different people, you may have to look for another electrician. We are proud to say you won’t find negative reviews about us – Blessed Electric & Air. We always put our customers first and we serve them with honesty. Most importantly, our rates are highly competitive.

Conclusion

We believe that the best time to search for an electrician is now. If a serious electrical problem arises in your home, you’ll be focused on getting it fixed as quickly as possible. You may not be able to check for all the qualities listed above. In fact, in that situation, you’re likely to hire the first electrician whose contact you stumble on. And you may end up in wrong hands. So, you should begin your search for a residential electrician now. In the alternative, since DFW electricians meet all the requirements discussed above, why not contact us today?

How to Find Affordable Electricians Near Dallas, Texas

Of course, there are numerous electricians in Dallas, but they offer varying charges and varying service qualities. And the Dallas electrician with the highest charges may not offer the best services. That’s why you need to apply the following

Tips to Hire Dallas HVAC Experts and Electricians

Ask for reference

You might need to ask friends, family, and/or colleagues at work who have enjoyed the services of a good Dallas electrician for reference. In addition, you could also do a simple Google search for Dallas electricians. With these two strategies, you’ll definitely end up with a long list of electricians in Dallas, Texas. You have to reduce the long list to about 4 or 5 electricians.

Contact the 4 of them

Having cut the list down to only 4 electricians in Dallas, Texas, you need to contact all of them to see what they offer before you make your final choice. You need to find out how long they’ve been in business. In addition, it is important to find out if they are licensed. This is necessary because it’s a crime to hire an unlicensed electrician in Texas. Don’t rely on word of mouth on this. You must seek proof of being licensed. After that, you can ask for the cost of the electrical works or repairs that you need.

Consider their charges

You need to consider the charges as well. While it is natural for your decision to tilt towards the electrician with the lowest charges, don’t base your choice on only low charges. You could end up with a poorly-done job and you’ll have to get another electrician to clean up the mess. Ask for the breakdown of the service they intend to render.

It is possible that the electrician with the lowest charges is the least experienced one and they do not offer any form of warranty for their service.  So, don’t just hire an electrician because of low charges.

Find out the turnaround time

Instead of looking for an electrician for the project on hand, it is better to hire an electrician that will continue to handle the electrical works in your home going forward. On that note, you need to know the average turnaround time of your chosen Dallas electrician. After paying upfront for an electrical service, you shouldn’t have to wait for days or weeks before it’s done. Most electrical works and repairs need to be done urgently.

24/7 availability matters too

When your HVAC suddenly packs up, you’ll need the services of a Dallas HVAC expert as quickly as possible, right? Imagine a situation in which your HVAC stops working on Friday night and you try to contact your electrical contractor but was told that you have to wait till Monday morning because the company does not work at weekends. What will you do?

No doubt, in that kind of situation, having to wait for two days will be frustrating and annoying. That’s why you should prevent such by hiring an electrician that is available and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365/366 days a year.

Conclusively, if you’re in need of a reputable and reliable Dallas electrician or a Dallas HVAC expert that works 24/7 and offers competitive charges, contact us right away.