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How To Observe Electrical Safety Month This May

3 Ways To Practice Electrical Safety This Month (And Every Month)

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and there’s no better time for homeowners to improve the safety of their electrical systems. This can be done by updating and upgrading electrical equipment and following proper electrical safety practices.

In the United States, electrical hazards – from fires to electric shocks – claim hundreds of lives, cause thousands of injuries, and do around $1.3 billion worth of property damage yearly. To avoid becoming a statistic, every homeowner should do everything they can to ensure their electrical systems are safe and up to code. So this article will lay out a few simple tips for improving electrical safety!

Get the Home Up To Code With Electrical Safety Devices

The first electrical safety tip ensures the home’s electrical safety devices are in good shape and up to the latest codes. For instance, most modern homes have a main electrical panel full of circuit breakers, which turn off the flow of electricity to a circuit when the current exceeds the circuit’s amperage rating (i.e., a circuit overload). The circuit breakers and the electrical panel can get worn out over time, so it’s a good idea to keep them up to date.

Fuses are a little like circuit breakers in that they protect against overloads, but where breakers can simply be turned back on after they trip, fuses can only be used once. This is because they essentially self-destruct to cut off current flow (by design). Circuit breakers have largely replaced fuses in most homes due to their inefficiency and the increased risk of fire that they pose – so homeowners with fuse boxes should consider an upgrade!

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets and breakers are another safety device homed should have. This help prevents (or, at the very least, minimize) electric shock by shutting off the current flow when they detect even a tiny variation in the normal current. These are required near water fixtures and in outdoor settings.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

The next tip for a safer electrical system is to watch for overloaded circuits. This occurs when devices and appliances use more amperage than a circuit is designed to handle. A circuit overload can damage every device on the circuit and cause the components of the circuit itself – such as the circuit breaker, wiring, outlets, and light switches – to overheat. Overloaded circuits are among the most common causes of electrical fires in homes.

Signs of an overloaded circuit include flickering/dimming lights, smoke or crackling noises coming from outlets, outlets or plugs that are warm to the touch, and breakers repeatedly tripping. Fortunately, homeowners can avoid overloads by limiting the number of devices plugged into one circuit, making sure the amperage draw of the devices on a given circuit doesn’t exceed the circuit’s rating (usually 15-20 amps for most general-use circuits), and not crowding or daisy-chaining power strips.

Use Surge Protectors

Last but not least, homeowners can help make their home electrical systems safer by utilizing surge protectors. These devices protect electronics and appliances by shunting power surges and diverting the excess voltage to the home’s grounding pathway, where it can be safely discharged into the earth. Power surges are simply voltage spikes caused by everything from AC or fridge compressors kicking on to lightning strikes and downed power lines – but whether small or large, they can seriously damage the home’s electronics.

To keep electronics safe from power surges, homeowners would do well to use small portable surge protectors (those resembling power strips) for things like computers and entertainment systems, as well as a whole home surge protector (installed at the electrical service panel) to protect larger appliances and add more of a buffer against bigger surges (such as lightning strikes).

Suppose homeowners are unsure whether their systems are up to code or want input mapping out the home’s circuits and selecting surge protectors. In that case, they can contact their trusted local electrician to perform an electrical inspection and offer expert guidance on choosing the right electrical upgrades for their home!

About Doctor Home Experts

Since opening its doors in 2005, Doctor Home Experts has become one of Pasadena, TX’s most trusted and highly-rated home service companies. Their above-and-beyond commitment to every customer’s safety, comfort, convenience, and satisfaction has earned them numerous 5-star reviews, awards, and top ratings from sites like Expertise.com and HomeAdvisor. They offer same-day service, 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fees, a money-saving membership plan, and an unbeatable 10-year warranty on all services. So there’s no better choice for reliable electrical service in Pasadena, TX!

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Spring Cleaning Your House? Start With the Air Ducts

All About Air Duct Cleaning

Spring cleaning isn’t just about removing old, unwanted stuff around the house. For some, a thorough cleaning that involves even the areas of the house that don’t often get any attention may be beneficial, especially if this kind of deep cleaning is only conducted once a year. With this in mind, homeowners may consider putting their air ducts on a list of things to clean just in time for spring.

Importance of Cleaning Dirty Ducts

Everything gets dirty over time and eventually needs to be cleaned. Air ducts are no exception. During everyday use, air ducts gather dust and other particles, accumulating on surfaces and affecting airflow throughout the house. For this reason, homeowners may consider getting air duct cleaning services.

There are many benefits to this. Aside from the fact that fewer dust particles in the air ducts improve airflow efficiency, it also makes the living environment cleaner and more comfortable to breathe in by reducing allergens, eliminating contaminants, and removing bad odors. A clean air duct also helps HVAC systems run more efficiently, lowering energy costs, while homeowners who may have pest problems may be able to keep pests in check by eliminating spaces for them to live and thrive through air duct cleaning.

Signs That Duct Cleaning is Necessary

Dirty air ducts usually don’t come to mind when thinking about thorough spring cleaning, but homeowners who observe the following signs in their homes may want to consider it a necessity:

Vents clogged with debris – hair and other particles may be stopping up vents around the house, indicating further air blockage in the ducts.
Dust visibly floating in the air – dust floating in the air might mean air coming out of the ducts may be carrying the dust itself and that whatever filtration system is in place is no longer working to remove this debris from the air.
Dirty air filters – Dirty filters may mean that the air flowing in the house and in the ducts may be dirty and that duct cleaning may improve a home’s air quality. It would be good to change air filters regularly, especially during winter and summer, when HVAC systems typically run more often. Replacing filters at least once every 90 days is considered good practice.
The odor that won’t go away – persistent odors in the home may indicate that dirty air ducts retain unwanted smells that won’t go away with regular cleaning or spraying deodorizers.

How to Keep Air Ducts Clean

There are simple maintenance tasks that homeowners can do themselves to keep their air ducts clean, while professionals best perform other maintenance work. Easy do-it-yourself air duct cleaning tasks include regular air filter replacements, low dust levels, reducing humidity indoors, and keeping vents open to create good airflow.

More intensive maintenance work, on the other hand, requires the expertise of HVAC technicians. Tasks such as cleaning out the air ducts, which are not easily accessible, require professionals and their more sophisticated equipment to complete.

About Doctor Home Experts

Doctor Home Experts is a licensed and insured HVAC company serving the Pasadena, TX community since 2005. Their trustworthy technicians offer a full menu of electrical, heating, and cooling services while using the latest technology backed by 10-year service warranties. Upfront, transparent pricing and 24/7 emergency services make them the go-to HVAC contractors in the community. Call them today for all HVAC services in Pasadena, TX.

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Don’t Get Pinched By High Electric Bills

Three Tips to Save a Pot of Gold for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect day to celebrate those with heritage from the Emerald Isle. To commemorate this day, everyone bedecks themselves in green, representing the eponymous saint. In popular culture, the color green has also taken on extra meaning, and it never hurts to reflect on ways to go green during this time of year.

Consequently, going green can also call to mind another St. Patrick’s Day icon, the leprechaun with a pot of gold. Going green isn’t just a style; it is a great way to save money on monthly bills all year long. This year, take a moment amidst all that green and think of ways to reduce bills and energy usage. Here are three recommendations from local experts to help get everyone started.

Use the Ceiling Fans

Energy bills affect most homes from at least two sources, electricity for lighting and natural gas for heating. The first recommendation on the list can help reduce these bills with one simple change.

Most homes are already equipped with ceiling fans in the most occupied rooms. If not, installing ceiling fans to help lower energy bills can be worth the cost. The main problem with ceiling fans is that they aren’t properly utilized for energy savings. To maximize savings, ensure the fan turns counterclockwise in the winter and clockwise in the summer. This helps distribute conditioned air that pools near the ceiling making the room more comfortable for virtually no cost since fans are cheap to operate.

Turn Off Lights and Use Natural Light Instead

With the abundance of lighting in homes, it can be easy to forget that natural lighting is free simply because it isn’t quite as convenient as flipping a switch. However, designing routines and workspaces around natural lighting can greatly reduce energy usage, and it’s as simple as changing some habits. To decrease energy usage and increase the natural lighting in the home, try things like:

Turn off lights when not in use
Put appliances on powerstrips so they can be turned off to stop vampiric loads
Open the curtains
Trim trees and shrubs that block natural light

As a bonus, flooding the home with natural light in the winter helps stave off the winter blues and provides free passive heating, further reducing energy bills.

Make the Switch to LED Lights

Lighting is a big portion of monthly electric bills, so reducing energy in that one place can save a lot of money. To supercharge savings from the strategies listed above, switch to LED lights.

While most people have phased out incandescent bulbs, many still use CFLs or fluorescent lights. The truth is, LED lights are vastly superior to both of these for several reasons:

They use less energy than any other style of light
They last longer
They provide the exact spectrum of light needed to make a home feel cozy

Spending a little money this spring will earn that back quickly, so consider upgrading now.

About Doctor Home Experts

Doctor Home Experts help homeowners with all of their electrical and climate-control needs. Their qualified experts offer the best warranty and are available after hours for emergencies. Call today for highly-rated electric service in Pasadena, TX.

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Get Through the Cold, Dry Season With a Whole House Humidifier

3 Ways Humidifiers Can Benefit Every Household This Winter

Summers in Southeast Texas is notoriously hot and muggy, but the air can get uncomfortably dry and harsh when winter rolls around. This is because the colder air gets, the less moisture it can hold in water vapor. Then, when the home’s heater warms up the dry air, the heating process can remove even more moisture.

And when air’s humidity levels get low enough, it can start to have some pretty unpleasant effects – including respiratory issues, dry, itchy skin, and even damage to indoor plants. Fortunately, homeowners can help prevent these problems and stay comfy all winter with the help of a humidifier. Keep reading to learn how humidifiers can improve indoor air quality and keep the usual winter woes at bay!

Benefits of Respiratory Health

Just as too much humidity can reduce indoor air quality by encouraging mold growth and bacterial propagation, too little humidity can be dangerous in its own right. Dry air leeches moisture out of anything it contacts – including a person’s respiratory system. The nasal passages, sinuses, and throat can become chapped, resulting in coughing, chest/sinus congestion, and even nosebleeds.

Cold, dry air can even hinder the body’s immune system. The upper respiratory system contains mucous membranes that not only keep the surrounding tissue from becoming chapped but also serve to capture harmful particles before they can enter the lungs. When these membranes become dry, it hinders the body’s ability to ward off the flu, colds, and other viruses.

The general recommendation for preventing these issues is to keep the home’s relative humidity around 45% during the winter. Small, portable humidifiers can help with this, but they’re typically only effective for individual rooms. On the other hand, whole-home humidifiers can deliver moisture throughout the home through the existing ductwork, making them the most powerful option for maintaining a healthy indoor humidity level.

Benefits for Skincare

Ensuring that the home’s air contains adequate moisture isn’t just important for respiratory health – it’s also a vital part of everyday skincare. As the body’s biggest organ, the skin requires plenty of water to stay healthy and functional. But if it’s losing moisture to the dry winter air, it can become dried out, scaly, and tight. This can manifest in numerous ways, none of which are pleasant – chapped lips, itchy skin, flaky scalp, tightness around joints, etc. Without intervention, the skin can start to crack and bleed.

Applying lotion and lip balm can help keep dryness at bay when going out into the cold air, but there’s no reason homeowners should constantly fight against dry air in their homes. Keeping the home at a reasonable humidity level will allow the skin to repair itself and retain more moisture to look and feel great!

Protection for Houseplants

Another consequence (and telltale sign) of low humidity is dry, wilted houseplants. Plants release moisture into the air through their leaves through transpiration. The plant can lose too much water if the air is very dry, causing its leaves to wilt and dry out. To make matters worse, plants can also absorb a certain amount of moisture through their leaves, but if there’s barely any water vapor in the air, they’ll be further deprived of the water they need to produce food and oxygen.

Some houseplants, such as succulents and spider plants, do well in low humidity, but most common indoor plants require a more moisture-rich environment. So a humidifier can improve indoor air quality for every person, pet, and plant living in the home!

About Doctor Home Experts

Since its founding in 2005, Doctor Home Experts has quickly become Pasadena’s go-to resource for HVAC, electrical, and indoor air quality services. As a BBB A+ Rated local business passionate about customer service, they have won numerous awards and top ratings from HomeAdvisor, Expertise.com, and CityOf.com. They offer 24/7 emergency service, membership perks, an unbeatable 10-year services warranty, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee – so call the Doc today for humidifier installation in Pasadena, TX!

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Protecting A Home’s Electrical Wiring in 2023

3 Tips for Practicing Electrical Safety this Year

Everyone who has seen a lighting strike understands that electricity can be very dangerous. Still, people also understand that it can be controlled, and it is nearly impossible to function in the modern world without electricity. In this fortunate country, people take electricity for granted and may abuse their home’s electrical system without even being aware of it. This article will discuss the best ways to care for a home’s electrical system.

Tip #1: Avoid Overloading Circuits

When “home electricity” is mentioned, people likely think about outlets or lights first because they are the most often used. People plug things in every day. And with so much of today’s society running on electronics, it is easy to just keep plugging in and plugging in multiple things into the same outlet. Eventually, this will overload the circuit, and one of several things may happen. To overload circuits means too much electricity or energy is pulled through the circuit. Certain wires only have the capacity for a certain amount of energy, and exceeding that can be a serious problem. Here are the things that can happen with an overloaded circuit:

Throwing the Breaker: Instead of fuses needing to be replaced, breaker boxes have switches that automatically turn off if too much energy is detected. This is a safety measure as well as being simpler to fix. If a person throws a breaker switch, they have plugged too much into one circuit.
Destroying a Receptacle: If the breaker does not switch off, the overload may cause the outlet to burn out or melt. This can only be fixed when the outlet is replaced.
Electrical Fire: Overloading electrical outlets can also cause a fire which can devastate the entire house.

Tip #2: Schedule Electrical Inspections

One of the best ways to prevent electrical problems is to have a professional electrical technician inspect a home’s electrical wiring. They can tell the homeowner whether or not their wiring is up to code and what they need to do to make their home safe. They may also be able to advise on how to reduce the energy bill with proper electrical usage.

Tip #3: Replace Damaged Wiring and Receptacles

Another mistake people often make about their electricity is to ignore known issues. If an outlet has been damaged, it cannot be used and can be a hazard. Old wiring can easily be overloaded and will not conduct electricity as well as it should, or, even worse, it may have lost insulation and could cause arcing that can lead directly to fire. Here are a few tasks that homeowners can do and some that should be left to the professionals.

Changing light bulbs
Installing surge protectors for electronics
Inspecting wiring for damage
Replacing old wiring
Wiring an outlet

About Doctor Home Experts

Doctor Home Experts of Pasadena, TX offers 24-hour emergency service and a low-price membership maintenance plan. Call them today to discuss their electrical services and financing options.

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Give the Gift of Comfort With a Smart Thermostat!

Go High Tech When It’s Time to Replace the Thermostat

Though southern Texas is not known for winter weather, even this part of the country experiences a bit of a chill around this time of year. Temps are low, and energy usage is often high. Thermostats are vital to keeping the home comfortable, and adjusting them may become an issue for the whole household. Aside from wrestling for a favorite temperature, families can also find it difficult to agree on gifts to give each other. This article will solve that problem by suggesting a gift that can have something for the whole family: the smart thermostat.

Signs of a Failing Thermostat

Thermostats guide the home’s HVAC system like a rudder guides the direction of a large ship. It may be a small part, but the rest of the system will not work if it malfunctions. If a homeowner is considering thermostat replacement, then they should look for signs that their thermostat is giving out. These include the following:

Constant turning on and off (short-cycling)
Constant running
Not coming on at all
Spikes or drops in temperature
Settings don’t work
Programming doesn’t work
Actual temperature doesn’t match the thermostat temperature

Homeowners should consult with a professional for diagnosis as some symptoms listed can be problems with other parts of the HVAC system.

Why Choose a Smart Thermostat?

So if a home needs a new thermostat installation, why should a household spend the extra bit on a smart thermostat or wifi thermostat? There are many advantages to the smart thermostat. One of the biggest reasons to choose a smart thermostat is the reduction in energy bills that usually accompany it. The thermostat learns patterns and can figure out ways to save energy for the whole household. Another reason smart thermostats are a great gift consideration is that one can access them via a smartphone app to make adjustments on the go or in anticipation of an event.

Smart Extras

Going along with the benefits of smart thermostats are all the amenities that tend to come with them. Homeowners may be surprised by what they see on the following list:

Wifi Capability: Wifi thermostats connect to a home’s network so they can be accessed via a mobile app when the family is out and about. One can also control them via the app at home.
Compatible with Smart Devices: Apple and Amazon’s Alexa and Siri are often compatible with smart thermostats. They can be used to search the internet, stream music, and keep the home’s temperature constant.
Usage Reports: Smart thermostats keep track of energy usage and can create reports that the household can use to save money.
Weather Tracking: In case of storms or bad weather, the thermostat can alert the homeowner of potential problems.
Voice Control: Changing the temperature can be as easy as speaking.

About Doctor Home Experts

Since 2005, Doctor Home Experts has provided reliable 24/7 heating and AC service for Pasadena, TX and the surrounding areas. Call them today for on-time thermostat service from licensed professionals.

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Planning Holiday Lights and Decor Before the Christmas Rush

Decorating Early and Keeping Electrical Safety in Mind

If a homeowner is already filled with the holiday spirit and eager to begin decorating, then there is no reason to wait. Adding piece by piece, a holiday decorator can create a display that would make the Griswold family jealous. People don’t need to be stingy with their Christmas lights; they just need to place them strategically and safely. This article will detail strategies for types of lights, decorating safely, and saving money and the planet through green decorating choices.

Choosing Which Type of Lights and Christmas Yard Decor to Use

A wide variety of lighting choices and Christmas yard decor are available. A person can buy on a strict, small budget and have lovely twinkling lights or spend a small fortune covering their yard with a plethora of inflatable snow globes or caroling snowmen. Types of decoration depend on each household’s taste and budget, from classic icicle lights to giant bulbs hanging in the trees. Whimsical or sophisticated, holiday decorators can find something for everyone in their homes.

Electrical Safety Strategies

When working with lots of cords, plugs, and electrical wiring, there are many opportunities for injury and property damage. Safety should be a priority over aesthetics every single time. Below are a few ways to ensure family and guests’ safety.

Check wires and lights for damage before plugging them in
Don’t overload outlets
When decorating outdoors, use outdoor Christmas lights and lighting
Avoid putting lights near water sources such as sprinklers or pools
Use extension cords sparingly
Use GFCI outlets for all outdoor receptacles
Use surge protectors for indoor decorations

These strategies will keep people and property safe from shock and electrical fires.

Eco-Friendly Christmas Decor

Everyone can acknowledge that Christmas lights and other decorations use extra energy and that conservation is important for the planet. This does not mean a person should feel guilty about their holiday lights. As technology improves, lighting becomes less expensive and more efficient. There are many ways to have beautiful Christmas lights while striving to be green. This also saves money when a lot of spending is happening in other areas of the budget. Here are a few examples:

LED Christmas Lights: Most people nowadays are familiar with LEDs or light-emitting diodes. They use much less energy than a traditional light bulb to produce the same amount of light. They provide beautiful light and can be easily programmed to blink or change colors to music, making for a lovely display.
Solar Christmas Lights: Going solar is another excellent and ecologically friendly choice. There are many solar yard lights, and seasonal selections are also available.
Battery-Operated Christmas Lights: If the solar lights don’t fit the homeowner’s wants, they can still avoid using electricity from their home. Battery-powered lights with a battery pack and a switch may be the perfect solution.

About Doctor Home Experts

The licensed professionals of Doctor Home Experts have been serving the people of Pasadena, TX, and the surrounding communities for more than 15 years. With 24-hour emergency electrical services at no extra charge, they are the ones to call for affordability and reliability.

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Is the House Haunted, or Does the HVAC System Need Repairs?

Three Signs That the AC System Needs Repairs

The AC might work perfectly fine, keeping the home cool and maintaining a consistent temperature. However, some troubling signs could point to a deeper issue that needs immediate attention. One day, the AC could be fine, and the next, it could be out of commission entirely.

When a homeowner notices any of the following signs, they should consider contacting an AC professional:

Loud Sounds Coming from the Unit

It’s not unusual for the AC to hum while it’s on. However, certain sounds warrant professional help, such as:

Screeching. No, that’s not a ghoul trapped in the AC system. It’s likely a problem with the motor fan or belt.
Rattling sounds. Does it sound like a ghost is rattling its chains? Think again. There’s probably a component loose inside the AC system.
Clicking. It’s okay to hear a clicking noise when the AC system turns on. However, if one hears constant clicking, this could be a problem with the thermostat.
Hissing. This sound could have many causes. It may be time to replace the air filter. It could also mean there’s an air duct leak.
Bubbling. That’s not a cauldron brewing. There could be an issue with the system’s drainage pipe.

Like most AC-related problems, odd sounds from the unit do not resolve themselves. They will only worsen with time, eventually leading to the system’s breakdown.

The Thermostat Isn’t Functioning Properly

The thermostat does more than explain how hot or cold the home is. It’s a vital part of the HVAC system. It relies on sensors to regulate the home’s temperature. Signs that the thermostat isn’t working include:

Unusual or incorrect temperature readings
The AC unit quickly turns on and off
Energy bills are higher than usual
There isn’t a digital reading––even though the batteries have power
The home doesn’t remain the same temperature for long
It feels humid indoors

Most thermostats last about 10 years without having any issues. Beyond the 10-year mark, it could be time to consider a replacement. Many “smart” thermostats available on today’s market let homeowners have even more control over their house’s temperature settings.

Uneven Cooling Throughout the Home

With a functioning AC system, the home’s rooms should generally be the same temperature––or at least only differ by a few degrees. Uneven cooling could point to a problem with the AC system, such as:

An old air filter. EnergyStar notes that one should replace their AC’s system air filter at least once every three months. Doing so lets the system “breathe.”
Clogged air ducts. Air ducts are passageways that transfer cool air to different parts of the home. Clogged air ducts prevent air from flowing.
An old AC system. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the average AC system lasts about 10 to 20 years. Once a unit gets over the hill, it’s time to consider a replacement. Constant repairs can cost homeowners more money than just getting a new unit.

Nobody wants to deal with a broken air conditioner. If one suspects their AC system isn’t working as expected, they should consult a trained professional.

About Doctor Home Experts

The AC doctor is in! Doctor Home Experts has proudly served Pasadena homeowners for nearly 20 years. These professionals offer 24-hour service regarding heating, cooling, and everything else in between. These professionals offer more than countless five-star reviews; they have an A+ rating for the Better Business Bureau (BBB). For more information on AC service, one can call today to learn more.

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How to Find the Right Type of Outlet

Electrical Outlets Come with Safety Features

Grounded electrical outlets can last years. However, homeowners should know certain things when it’s time to replace one. For instance, what outlets come with safety features? Could the home benefit from “smart” plugs? And what about childproof plugs? Do some cost more money than others?

Here, homeowners can learn everything they need to know about the different types of outlets. One thing is certain: they should leave the installation to a trained professional. Working with electricity can cause serious injuries, and many people do not have the skill set to avoid such harm. Some counties also have strict laws on who can install outlets and what outlets can be installed.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

AFCIs prevent electrical fires. But how? Their inherent design combats the problems when cords bend or “arc.” A cord breaks down or arcs can increase the risk of fires and other incidents. These outlets also come with “test” and “reset” buttons, giving the homeowner even more control over the outlet.

AFCIs combat these issues:

Frayed cords
Nails accidentally driven into wires
Wires damaged by humidity and other conditions
Loose connections

AFCIs are ideal where outlets are most commonly used, such as in living rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, dens, and recreational areas.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

While AFCIs prevent electrical fires, GFCIs are ideal in areas with water. For instance, they’re ideal for use in bathrooms, wet bars, kitchens, pools, spas, and garages. These extra-sensitive outlets can detect interruptions in the flow of electricity, reducing the risk of electrocution.

It’s important to note that while many people have GFCIs in their kitchens, one shouldn’t use them to power refrigerators, freezers, and other large appliances. Doing so could cause burst fuses and “trip” the system. An electrician can examine the home’s power needs and determine the best outlets. They’ll assess the home’s electric consumption, square footage, and energy needs. More importantly, they’ll evaluate whether any electrical problems have happened in the past.

Childproof Outlets

Childproof outlets aim to minimize harm to children who may stick things in outlets. Sources note that more than 4,000 children suffer serious injuries yearly after sticking foreign objects into outlets. These objects include:

Hairpins
Keys
Paper clips
Toys
Kitchen utensils, such as knives
Jewelry
Other thin objects that conduct electricity

Many people recognize childproof outlets as everyday outlets with plastic inserts. However, childproof outlets go beyond that. They rely on spring-loaded receptacles. These require a certain amount of force to get plugged into the outlet. To a child, it’s difficult to stick objects inside. To an adult, however, they’ll see virtually no difference when powering on certain items. Childproof outlets offer some of the best electrical safety features.

These are just three outlets that homeowners can install in their residences. One should consult a trained professional for more information about the home’s energy care needs.

About Doctor Home Experts

The doctor’s always in when someone contacts Doctor Home Experts. These professionals are backed by the Better Business Bureau, which gives the company an A+ rating. These offer same-day repairs, outlet installation, and power outage help.

One can schedule an appointment online for more information about their suite of electrical home improvement services. Alternatively, if one wants to speak with a professional, they can call today.

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Indoor Air Quality Tips for National Wellness Month

Importance of Indoor Air Quality

The air that folks breathe has a big impact on their health. In this blog post, HVAC experts explain the importance of indoor air quality and list a few tips for improving air quality. People with allergies, children, and the elderly are more heavily impacted by poor indoor air quality.

Homeowners can protect their families from diseases and allergic reactions by investing in good indoor air quality. The home’s HVAC system can circulate many airborne pathogens and contaminants. Doing regular HVAC maintenance and investing in air purifiers can help prevent allergy attacks and respiratory illness.

Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants

Fatigue
Headaches
Dizziness
Asthma
Coughing
Sneezing
Itchy eyes

The most common health effects of indoor air pollutants are allergic reactions to contaminants in the air, such as dust or pet hair. The respiratory system becomes inflamed when exposed to poor indoor air quality, leading to coughing, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. Eyes may become red and irritated from exposure to dust and other contaminants in the air.

Airborne pollutants can harm human health, leading to long-term health effects such as heart disease and cancer. Examples of airborne pollutants that are very harmful include black mold or airborne bacteria. People with asthma are at an increased risk of serious reactions to poor indoor air quality. Chronic exposure to poor air quality can lead to permanent health problems.

Benefits of HVAC Maintenance

The best thing that homeowners can do to invest in their air quality at home is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance with an experienced technician. Most HVAC maintenance is best left up to a qualified professional, but homeowners can make sure to change the air filter every one to three months. Changing the air filter more often or investing in a heavy-duty air filter designed to filter out allergens can help improve indoor air quality.

Duct cleaning services are another indoor air quality service for homeowners to consider. Dust and debris can build up in the ductwork over time. Without duct cleaning services, dust will continue to recirculate throughout the home. Air filters are great for keeping the air clean, but duct cleaning is sometimes needed to prevent allergy attacks.

Benefits of Portable Air Cleaners

In addition to the filtration and ventilation that the HVAC unit provides, homeowners can invest in a portable air cleaner to improve their indoor air quality even more. Two examples of portable air cleaners include air purifiers and air sanitizers. Both of these devices clean the air in different ways.

An air purifier uses a filtration system to remove dust and other particles from the air. Air sanitizers, on the other hand, use UV light and other methods to kill bacteria and viruses in the air. Air purifiers are great for preventing allergy attacks, and air sanitizers are great for preventing airborne illnesses.

About Doctor Home Experts

Doctor Home Experts is here to help when Pasadena, TX homeowners need an HVAC expert! This local company proudly provides its community with top-of-the-line home services from experienced technicians. They are available 24/7 for emergency repairs. Call them today for indoor air quality services in Pasadena, TX!