electrical contractors in Fort Worth TX

Surge Protectors for Whole House, Drawbacks & Benefits

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Manager

When choosing between whole-house surge protectors and traditional ones, many focus on the big, scary lightning strikes. It’s true that these things can happen and can be protected.

Throughout the year, your home will likely experience dozens of smaller surges in voltage. When these mini-surges occur repeatedly, they can damage or destroy expensive electronic and appliance components. One day, for example, your two-year-old refrigerator may stop working. It’s called “death by a thousand cuts.” Fortunately, there are two ways to stop the bleeding.

Surge protector for power strips: This device protects all electronics connected—a surge protector in a home office or a room with critical electronic equipment. When you buy a handful, the economics change – but individually, they’re cheaper than the alternative.

An electrician installs a whole house surge protector in the home’s electric panel to protect all electronics downstream. It is more expensive and requires professional labor, but it may provide more cost-effective and resilient protection over time.

Surge protectors for the whole house: pros and cons
Do whole-house surge protectors have any advantages or disadvantages over traditional surge protectors? Is it worth it to invest in a whole-house surge protector? It would help to consider your surge protection goals when answering this question. The answer is yes for homes with many hard-wired appliances that power strip surge protectors cannot protect.

The following are three pros and cons to consider:

A whole home surge protector offers a high level of surge protection.
There is a cost difference between whole home surge protectors and traditional surge protectors.
An entire home surge protector provides peace of mind.

My goal in this blog post is to help you determine whether you need whole-house surge protection.

What is the purpose of a whole-house surge protector?

Let’s define a whole house surge protector before weighing the pros and cons. From a visual perspective, it doesn’t look exciting – it’s a gray box next to your home’s electrical panel. However, what it does is pretty cool. This device activates when it detects an irregular voltage – anything from a lightning strike to a minor flutter. Keeping your home’s electronics safe from spikes, it diverts excess voltage into the ground before it reaches them. Unlike power strip surge protectors, a licensed electrician is required to install whole-house surge protector.

Next, let’s discuss whole house surge protector pros and cons.

Pro: Surge protection for the whole house offers high protection against surges.

According to NEMA, up to 80% of surges originate inside buildings. A hair dryer or air conditioner may also cause these, although they are usually small and caused by loose wires, malfunctioning appliances, static electricity, or load shifting. Electronics can be damaged and shortened by seemingly small surges over time.

Despite being relatively rare, power surges and lightning strikes can cause immediate, significant damage to your home and electronics. It is also possible for a high-surge event to spark a fire, which can put everyone inside a house at risk.

In most power strips, surge protectors only provide low-level surge protection, so they won’t work during a high-surge situation. Meanwhile, whole-house surge protectors are effective at reducing both kinds of surges.

In some area’s with frequent severe storms or grid outages, you should install a whole-house surge protector to provide the highest level of protection for everything under your roof. Nevertheless, they will cost more, bringing us to our second point.

Con: Surge protectors for the whole house are more expensive.

Home surge protectors protect all connected electronics, while device-level surge protectors provide only device-level protection.

A surge protector will likely suffice if you are only concerned about protecting specific electronic devices, such as your home computer or television. It will provide the protection that you need for that particular device. Due to their plug-and-play nature, strip surge protectors don’t require installation. A surge protector typically costs between $15 – $50; remember, a quality power strip is well worth the investment.

Buying more than one of these strips in today’s connected world is probably necessary. You should have one in your home office. An entertainment center should have one. It’s the same with your bedroom TV. So you’re considering spending well over $100 – and then you wonder if it’s worth investing more in a whole house surge protector. You must pay between $200 and $700 to purchase and install a whole-house surge protector.

In addition, power strips won’t protect electronics directly wired to your electrical panel. There are several items that can cost well over five figures, including HVAC systems, electric stoves, ovens, range hoods, washers, and dryers. This is why they are often your house’s most expensive electronic components. The best way to protect these is by installing whole-house surge protection. In addition, a growing number of household appliances are now “smart” and connected, which makes them more expensive than they used to be. As a result, one high-surge event could destroy electronics worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Pro: There is a greater sense of security with whole-house surge protectors.

When weighing the pros and cons of whole-home surge protection versus traditional surge protectors, it shouldn’t just be about dollars and cents but also about emotions. Some of us worry, and others don’t. Some of us are willing to take on more risk.

The Bottom line: Is it worth buying surge protectors for the whole house?

Does it make sense to invest in surge protectors for the entire house? Generally, yes. If you consider the possibility of equipment damage costing more than $10,000, the average cost for whole-house surge protection and installation is between $200 and $700.

The need for whole-house surge protectors is growing as our homes become increasingly equipped with intelligent but sensitive electronics that power strips cannot protect. It is up to you to opt for strip surge protector and forego extra peace of mind.

To learn more about how surge protectors work and if they suit your home, contact Blessed Electric And Air Today!

Why You Shouldn’t Do Your Own Electric Work

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Manager

Many homeowners get excited to make the trip to the home improvement store, research some DIY tutorials on YouTubeTM, and roll up their sleeves to make their dream home come true due to the popularity of Do It Yourself (DIY) home improvement shows. Home improvement projects that include electrical work are rarely a positive experience for DIYers since DIY electrical work is never a good idea. The following are some reasons why:

Electrical DIY Can Be Dangerous
Performing electrical work wrong can result in electrocution of yourself or others within your home, which can be fatal. Suppose faulty wiring is combined with combustible materials like wood and drywall. In that case, severe fires can endanger you, your family, and your neighbors.
The long-term costs may exceed the short-term benefits
We commonly receive calls and emails from customers who have started a DIY electrical project to save money, only to run into problems. Licensed electricians will need to remove the incorrect wiring before troubleshooting begins. As a result, the project can take longer (and cost more) than it usually would.
DIY electrical does not comply with the electrical code
Electrical work is subject to stringent regulations. Our electricians are highly trained and knowledgeable about NFPA 70® and National Electrical Code® (NEC®). We consistently receive praise from inspectors about the quality of our work. In the future, if your DIY electrical work does not meet current electrical codes, you may have problems reselling your home and will not be able to get homeowner’s insurance.

It’s Dangerous to Do It Yourself

Electric systems are costly and dangerous to attempt to DIY. It is different for every DIY project. One of the most significant risks of DIY electrical projects is overheating circuits and catching fire. There is a possibility that circuit overheating, sparks, and fires can result from faulty connections, wire gauges, and other amateur mistakes.

Here’s the good news –Blessed Electric can help! No matter your electrical project size, we can provide you with a quote.

Are Your Breakers Protecting You!?

Posted on February 20, 2023April 6, 2023 by Manager

By: Blessed Electric and Air

Are you familiar with your breaker’s location? Most of us don’t think about it until our lights go out, and we must scramble to find it. Breakers, or electrical panels, distribute electricity throughout the home. Electrical wiring is connected to your home’s internal wiring through these connectors. Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to trip before circuit wires become dangerously hot. Your appliances and power sources may not work as a result.

The tripped circuit keeps your house safe by protecting the electrical wiring in your house when you use the toaster and microwave at the same time.

Electrical loads you send through your walls, not the number of appliances you have, make the power go out. If your circuit breaker trips or keeps tripping, there may be a problem with your home’s wiring.

That’s why it’s crucial to keep your systems up-to-date and secure or to upgrade them if necessary. Circuit breakers can be found in the following types:

Standard Breaker– The electrical flow is monitored from when the electricity enters the home to when it leaves through appliances and outlets.
GFCI Breaker– When an overload trips GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers, the power to the circuit is cut off.
AFCI Breaker– Electric discharges in cords or wiring can cause fires if they are not protected by AFCI breakers (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters). These breakers immediately disconnect the damaged circuit when the arc builds up enough heat.

Contact us if your breakers need special attention. Blessed Electric and Air.

10 Tips to stay warm during the Winter

Posted on February 3, 2023February 20, 2023 by wpadmin

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.

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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.

Smart Home Technology and Its Integration with HVAC Systems

Posted on January 23, 2023April 17, 2023 by Manager

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular, and its integration with HVAC systems is a great way to control and monitor these systems. Below are a few ways that smart home technology can be integrated with HVAC systems. DFW HVAC specialists can handle the integration for your home or office.

Remote Control

Smart thermostats and other HVAC control devices can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet app, which allows users to adjust the temperature, turn the system on or off, and set schedules from anywhere.

Automation

Innovative home technology can be used to automate HVAC systems so that the temperature and other settings are adjusted based on occupancy, time of day, and other factors.

Energy Management

Innovative home technology can be used to monitor energy usage and adjust HVAC settings to reduce energy consumption and costs.

Indoor Air Quality Monitoring

Innovative home technology can be used to monitor indoor air quality and make adjustments to the HVAC system to improve indoor air quality.

Voice Control

Innovative home technology can be integrated with voice control devices such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit, and other smart speakers, allowing users to adjust HVAC settings using voice commands.

Smart Scheduling

Innovative home technology can be integrated with HVAC systems to create a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature, such as lowering it when no one is home or raising it when someone is returning home.

Weather Forecast

Innovative home technology can integrate with weather forecasting services and adjust HVAC settings accordingly in anticipation of temperature changes.

Alerts and Notifications

Innovative home technology can be integrated with HVAC systems to send alerts and notifications when something is not working correctly or when maintenance is needed.

Users can enjoy improved control, monitoring, and energy efficiency by integrating innovative home technology with HVAC systems. This integration can help you save money on energy bills and make sure you have a comfortable home. However, all the benefits can only be possible if the integration is done by DFW HVAC integration specialists or other highly experienced HVAC experts. You can contact us for a free quote now.

How to Integrate Your Smart Home Technology with HVAC

Depending on the specific products and technologies involved, there are a few different ways to integrate an innovative home system with an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Here are a few examples.

Use a smart thermostat: Many smart thermostats can be integrated with innovative platforms like Amazon, Alexa, or Google Home. Allowing you to control your HVAC system using voice commands.

Connect to a smart home hub: In some cases, HVAC systems can be controlled using a smartphone application or through integration with other smart devices, using a smart home hub such as Samsung SmartThings or Apple HomeKit.

Use an Intelligent home app: Many HVAC manufacturers offer smart home apps that can be used to control their products. These apps may also be able to integrate with other smart devices in your home.

Use a 3rd party Integrator: Certain 3rd party integrators can connect any HVAC system with your smart home and give you complete control over your system.

It’s important to note that the options available depend on the model and brand of your HVAC system and smart home devices. The best way to determine how to integrate your specific HVAC system with your smart home is to consult the manufacturer’s documentation or contact the manufacturer for guidance or Blessed Electric and Air specialists for assistance.

Electrical Contractors in Dallas, Fort Worth, Burleson, and Surrounding Areas

Posted on June 23, 2022August 1, 2022 by wpadmin

At Blessed Electric and Air, we are one of the best electrical contractors in Fort Worth, TX, and we are not resting on our oars. We will continue to offer high-quality electrical services and also educate our current and prospective customers in Fort Worth, Dallas, Burleson, and surrounding areas. That’s why we have answered some of the questions we frequently get.

An electrical outlet that I don’t use suddenly stopped working. Do I need to fix it?

Whether you use the electrical outlet or not, you need to fix it. Usually, when an electrical outlet suddenly stops working, it is a result of a bigger underlying issue. If you ignore it, there are chances that some other outlets will also stop working. One major cause of this kind of issue is a wiring problem.

Your wires may have deteriorated and they need to be changed. Another possibility is that a rat may have bitten off some parts of the wires that supply the outlet. Whatever the problem is, you need to get to the bottom of it. If not, it may get worse.

My home was built in the thirties. Do I need to upgrade my wiring?

If your home was built in the thirties, the chances are good that your wiring system isn’t properly grounded. Also, your electrical panel may be obsolete. It is necessary to hire experienced electricians to inspect the entire electrical system in your home and upgrade it.

Your old wiring may not be able to power heavy appliances. Don’t wait until your wires begin to melt before you upgrade them. The installation of surge protectors is another reason to get your electrical system properly grounded. Surge protectors send excess voltages to the ground system, and this only works if your ground wiring is effective. So, you need to upgrade your entire wiring as soon as possible.

Do I need a standby generator?

This depends on two factors:

Do you have appliances that should never go off?
Is your location prone to storms or other natural disasters?

Appliances like sump pumps and medical equipment should never go off. So, if you have any appliances like that at home, you may want to invest in a generator. Also, if your city is prone to storms, you’ll already know that storms come with power outages that could last for days. While some areas encounter a storm at least once every two years, other areas have never witnessed any storm in the past ten years. So, if any of the two conditions holds true for you, it’ll be a good idea to install a standby generator.

Thankfully, we can install, service, and repair all kinds of generators. We’d like you to speak with us whenever you decide to purchase a generator.

Why do my lights go dim temporarily when I switch on an appliance?

One cause of this kind of electrical problem is the inappropriate electrical panel. When your electrical panel can no longer power all your appliances, your lights may dim up whenever you turn a powerful appliance on. Your breaker may also trip off.

Another cause of the problem is old wiring. This is a serious issue and we can’t proffer a solution until we are sure of the cause of the problem. Call the attention of your electricians to it, so they can get it fixed quickly.

Why do electrical fuses blow in my house often?

The only thing that can make an electrical fuse blow is overload. It means one or some of the circuits in your electrical system get overloaded too often. Maybe many of your heavy-duty units are plugged into a particular circuit when they should be distributed evenly.

Your electrician should inspect your electrical system, and re-plan its layout. Also, your electrical panel and wiring may need an upgrade.

Whenever you need reliable electrical panel upgrades in Dallas, TX we are just a call away from you. We can easily troubleshoot and fix any kind of electrical fault. We can also upgrade your wiring and electrical panel. Finally, we have the resources and wherewithal to install, service, and repair HVACs and air conditioners.

Things Electrical Contractors in Fort Worth Want You to know

Posted on June 23, 2022August 1, 2022 by wpadmin

As one of your mainelectrical contractors in Fort Worth, TX, and nearby cities, there are certain things we want you to know. If you act on these things, you’ll keep our job easier and straightforward. In this article, we will discuss the things one after the other. They are mostly precautionary tips.

1.Always turn small breakers off before the main one

If you need to troubleshoot or fix an electrical problem that requires you to switch off the breakers, don’t switch off the main one before the smaller ones. You could damage some electrical appliances that way. It is safer to turn off the smaller breakers first before the main breaker. You’ll have reduced the amount of current flowing into the main breaker tremendously before switching it off.

2.Don’t leave your appliances in standby mode

Many of our customers in Fort Worth had asked us to check for power leakage because of high energy bills. One of the causes of a spike in power consumption is leaving electrical appliances in a standby mode. Contrary to what you may have heard, electrical appliances consume power even in standby mode. And when you turn them on, they’ll consume another huge burst of energy to wake up.

On that note, you should always switch off appliances that are not in use. Don’t just switch them off, you need to unplug them from power outlets too.

3.Not every white wire is neutral

Ideally, every white wire should be neutral, while every black wire should be live. Unfortunately, it is not always like that in reality. Over the years, you’ve had different electricians work on your electrical system and the code may have been changed. So, don’t just assume that all the white wires are neutral. Test each of them before you conclude.

4.Overhead power lines are not insulated

Overhead power lines are usually not insulated. Avoid letting anything come in contact with them. The fact that birds perch on them does not mean they are insulated. A circuit cannot be completed on birds. That’s why they can stay on power lines without being electrocuted. Don’t copy them.

5.It is always smart to call an electrician for every electrical issue

Of course, we agree that there are small electrical faults that homeowners should be able to handle on their own without calling electricians. At the same time, it is better to call an electrician than engage in trial and error. Don’t let your friends or neighbors taunt you for calling an electrician for simple issues.

If you decide to handle it yourself and things go wrong, the same set of people will blame you for not calling a certified electrician. When it comes to electrical issues, do not take risks. A wrong move could cause an electrical fire or electrocution. There are several electricians and electrical contractors in Fort Worth that you can call.

6.Low voltages are dangerous too

We understand that low voltage isn’t as dangerous as high voltage, but it can sill wreak havoc. So, in your own interest, don’t take low-voltage appliances for granted. Approach it with care. Do you know that a mild shock from a low-voltage appliance can startle you and make you lose your balance and fall? What if it happens while you’re on a ladder? It could be a serious accident.

7.Know your limits

Although we encourage people to learn how to do some things themselves, but we also implore them to know their limits. Electricity is a dangerous water to navigate. Don’t go too far. Remember, every community in Texas has its electricity codes. Violating these codes could land you in jail, and ignorance is not an excuse.

8.Every electrical fault will get worse

No electrical fault will solve itself. When you notice any problem in your home, don’t sleep on it or wait it out. The problem is likely to have a bigger underlying issue that could get worse quickly. For instance, if you notice that a particular power outlet in your home isn’t working, get it fixed as soon as possible. It could be a wiring problem.

For any electrical problem, you can contact us immediately. If it is a simple issue, our in-house electricians will walk you through the resolution path on the phone. And if it is a more complex problem, we’ll hit the road immediately.

Tag: electrical contractors in Fort Worth TX