There’s Life in the Old Fuse Box Yet.
However…
…is it still giving you all the electrical power you need? Here’s a look at why it might be time to switch from a fuse box to a circuit breaker panel.
For starters, fuses and circuit breakers are designed for the exact same purpose: to help prevent electrical fires caused by an excess of current running through a circuit.
Fuses stop the excess flow of electricity in its tracks, and then have to be replaced. Conversely, too much electrical current causes a circuit breaker to shut off automatically. Then, all you have to do is pull a lever, and on again comes the power.
So is that it? As in, is there no other advantage to a circuit breaker than the relative convenience of switching power back on vs. buying and replacing a fuse? The answer is a simple “no.” There are, in fact, additional reasons why you might want to consider upgrading to a circuit breaker system, no matter how long that old fuse box has safely and surely served your household power demands.
To make the best possible decision, start by taking a fresh look at your fuse box, especially if you’ve recently purchased your home. If your home has 60 amp power or less, and all you see are 30 or 20 amp fuses, chances are the original fuses were blowing frequently, and the previous owners opted to replace them with heavier fuses than are recommended or safe. There’s a case where you definitely need to upgrade to a circuit breaker system.
What’s more, circuit breakers offer double the protection of fuses. A fuse receiving too much power is designed to blow, thereby shutting down the current. But a breaker is designed to trip, and if that fails, there’s a "fuse-like" strip inside that will burn out.
Finally, fuse box systems were not designed to provide adequate power for today’s high tech home environment, especially larger homes with every kind of electronic gadget known to man. There are four basic types of circuit breaker installations, all of which provide a steadier and more reliable flow of power for your family’s growing needs. The first two are used for 220-volt service. One is double width and provides two wire connections. The other looks like a normal 110-volt breaker, although it’s actually two 110-volt breakers in one system with a connector so both wires are tripped together. The other two types are for 110V.
Bottom line, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your current electrical system, there are many possible solutions. Which one is right for you? That’s what the professionals at Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical are here to answer. At the same time, we invite you to use the attached $300 coupon toward a total home electrical system upgrade.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Go Green, save green.
Going green and saving green go hand-in-hand. When you cut energy costs, you’re saving money as well as the natural resources that create that energy. In fact, the US Department of Energy reports that the home sector uses approximately 66% of the electric energy in this country. What’s more, electrical energy consumption in the U.S. doubled between 1989 and 2005. You might be surprised at how many ways you can cut costs and energy consumption around your home. Here’s a list of effective measures to make a greener environment and make your wallet a little greener as well.
Shade management 1: Keep the shades open on the sunny side of the house to help heat it in winter. Shut the shades to help cool it in summer.
Shade management 2: Landscape so that in the summer, trees, vines and shrubs shade driveway pavement, courtyards, large windows, etc.
Cross-ventilate: Opening windows on just one side of the house isn’t effective – the air has no path to flow through. Open windows on opposite sides to create a breeze.
Use a reversible ceiling fan: It’s effective both in winter and summer, generating a direct breeze in the summer and redistributing rising hot air in the winter.
Use CFL lights: Replace your standard incandescent bulbs with long-life, energy efficient “compact fluorescent lights.” They come in a variety of shapes and applications.
Use dimmers and mood lighting: If you’ve got dimmers, use them! If not, have them installed. They create comfortable lighting and save energy.
Use task and tract lighting: It’s more efficient and reduces the glare of an overly lit room.
Clean or paint walls: Dingy walls don’t reflect light well and give the room a “dark” feeling. Brighten up!
Use outdoor sensor lights: Instead of leaving porch and yard lights on all night. They provide even more security, reacting to motion.
Differentiate the toilet from the waste basket: Don’t use the toilet for cigarettes, paper or an occasional nose tissue. You can save 200-300 gallons a month.
Install aerators: They’re easy to put on kitchen and bathroom faucets, reduce water consumption and still provide a refreshing flow.
Wash full Loads: Don’t use the dish and clothes washers until they’re full.
Fix leaks: One simple leak can waste 20 gallons a day.
Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator: Instead of running the tap water until it’s cold.
Don’t sprinkle, irrigate: An irrigation hose uses less water and makes it easier for your lawn to “swallow.” If the grass springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. Also, watering in the morning instead of dusk helps prevent fungus growth.
Use mulch: A layer around trees and plants slows down evaporation so you will need to water less.
Use a broom, not a hose: And get a little exercise sweeping the drive and sidewalks.
Capture tap water: While waiting for the water to heat up, capture the cool water and use it on your plants.
If replacing or adding appliances, consider:
· Energy Star ratings and recommendations
· Low flush toilets
· Programmable thermostats
· Heat pumps that distribute heat more efficiently
· Evaporative coolers
· Circulating hot water pumps for larger homes where faucets are far apart
Call us: We’ll give your home a green audit to save resources and money.
Shade management 1: Keep the shades open on the sunny side of the house to help heat it in winter. Shut the shades to help cool it in summer.
Shade management 2: Landscape so that in the summer, trees, vines and shrubs shade driveway pavement, courtyards, large windows, etc.
Cross-ventilate: Opening windows on just one side of the house isn’t effective – the air has no path to flow through. Open windows on opposite sides to create a breeze.
Use a reversible ceiling fan: It’s effective both in winter and summer, generating a direct breeze in the summer and redistributing rising hot air in the winter.
Use CFL lights: Replace your standard incandescent bulbs with long-life, energy efficient “compact fluorescent lights.” They come in a variety of shapes and applications.
Use dimmers and mood lighting: If you’ve got dimmers, use them! If not, have them installed. They create comfortable lighting and save energy.
Use task and tract lighting: It’s more efficient and reduces the glare of an overly lit room.
Clean or paint walls: Dingy walls don’t reflect light well and give the room a “dark” feeling. Brighten up!
Use outdoor sensor lights: Instead of leaving porch and yard lights on all night. They provide even more security, reacting to motion.
Differentiate the toilet from the waste basket: Don’t use the toilet for cigarettes, paper or an occasional nose tissue. You can save 200-300 gallons a month.
Install aerators: They’re easy to put on kitchen and bathroom faucets, reduce water consumption and still provide a refreshing flow.
Wash full Loads: Don’t use the dish and clothes washers until they’re full.
Fix leaks: One simple leak can waste 20 gallons a day.
Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator: Instead of running the tap water until it’s cold.
Don’t sprinkle, irrigate: An irrigation hose uses less water and makes it easier for your lawn to “swallow.” If the grass springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. Also, watering in the morning instead of dusk helps prevent fungus growth.
Use mulch: A layer around trees and plants slows down evaporation so you will need to water less.
Use a broom, not a hose: And get a little exercise sweeping the drive and sidewalks.
Capture tap water: While waiting for the water to heat up, capture the cool water and use it on your plants.
If replacing or adding appliances, consider:
· Energy Star ratings and recommendations
· Low flush toilets
· Programmable thermostats
· Heat pumps that distribute heat more efficiently
· Evaporative coolers
· Circulating hot water pumps for larger homes where faucets are far apart
Call us: We’ll give your home a green audit to save resources and money.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Hot spots, cold spots?
You are Now Entering “The Comfort Zone.”
At twilight or any time of day at all, you’ll heat your home more efficiently – and for less money – through zoning.
Picture this.
It’s a cold winter’s night. All the day’s chores and activities are completed, and it’s time to watch your favorite TV show. You have three TVs to choose from: so which one will it be? Chances are, the one where you feel the warmest and most comfortable.
Which is to say, certain areas of your home or office are likely to be more comfortable than others. The size of your rooms, the floor plan and many other factors result in uneven temperatures throughout your home. So what’s the answer?
Here’s one: by zoning your home you can customize the climate from one room to another. For example, you can keep your bedrooms cooler at night, adjust your living room temperature to account for large windows, or help control the temperature difference between floors. How we custom zone your home is up to you.
Zoning produces the greatest changes to indoor comfort and reduced energy bills when one or more of the following conditions exist:
· Multiple levels;
· Sprawling design (wings or “ranch” style);
· A room(s) with large expanses of windows;
· Large open areas (vaulted ceilings, foyer, atrium, solarium, etc.);
· Room(s) in a finished basement or attic;
· And so on.
With zoning, you can account for the fact that in the summer, the upper levels are the hottest, and the lower levels are the coolers. In the winter, the exact opposite is true.
So, in that instance, the solution might be to create one zone for every level.
If, on the other hand, your home is longer than it is tall, zoning can compensate for the poor airflow associated with long duct runs. And what about if you have a home-based business with lots of electronic equipment that tends to heat that space up, even when the added heat isn’t desired? Once again, it’s zoning to the rescue.
And now, Aux Mechanical is pleased to offer you a $50 discount toward custom zoning. At your request, we’ll evaluate your airflow, listen to your particular needs and concerns, and develop a plan you can live with, comfortably, for many years to come.
To receive your $50 discount, simply present the attached coupon to your Team Aux technician at the time service is provided.
At twilight or any time of day at all, you’ll heat your home more efficiently – and for less money – through zoning.
Picture this.
It’s a cold winter’s night. All the day’s chores and activities are completed, and it’s time to watch your favorite TV show. You have three TVs to choose from: so which one will it be? Chances are, the one where you feel the warmest and most comfortable.
Which is to say, certain areas of your home or office are likely to be more comfortable than others. The size of your rooms, the floor plan and many other factors result in uneven temperatures throughout your home. So what’s the answer?
Here’s one: by zoning your home you can customize the climate from one room to another. For example, you can keep your bedrooms cooler at night, adjust your living room temperature to account for large windows, or help control the temperature difference between floors. How we custom zone your home is up to you.
Zoning produces the greatest changes to indoor comfort and reduced energy bills when one or more of the following conditions exist:
· Multiple levels;
· Sprawling design (wings or “ranch” style);
· A room(s) with large expanses of windows;
· Large open areas (vaulted ceilings, foyer, atrium, solarium, etc.);
· Room(s) in a finished basement or attic;
· And so on.
With zoning, you can account for the fact that in the summer, the upper levels are the hottest, and the lower levels are the coolers. In the winter, the exact opposite is true.
So, in that instance, the solution might be to create one zone for every level.
If, on the other hand, your home is longer than it is tall, zoning can compensate for the poor airflow associated with long duct runs. And what about if you have a home-based business with lots of electronic equipment that tends to heat that space up, even when the added heat isn’t desired? Once again, it’s zoning to the rescue.
And now, Aux Mechanical is pleased to offer you a $50 discount toward custom zoning. At your request, we’ll evaluate your airflow, listen to your particular needs and concerns, and develop a plan you can live with, comfortably, for many years to come.
To receive your $50 discount, simply present the attached coupon to your Team Aux technician at the time service is provided.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
New Air Conditioner quotes and Questions
“How About A Hammock…Right Here in the Living Room!”
Forgotten what it feels like to be cool and comfortable in your own home? Then perhaps it’s time for a new or replacement central air conditioning system. But before you start stirring up the iced tea, here’s a guide to help you choose wisely.
There are lots of ways to “keep the cool” around your home.
Sitting on a block of ice, for example. Fast and sure relief, but a little inconvenient…
especially while mowing the lawn. Wait, how about an outdoor swimming pool? Wonderful to have, but not so wonderful when it comes to your home’s resale value. So let’s see now, what does that leave? Hmmm….
Central air conditioning, of course: the ultimate relief-giver in the warm months. And in some cases, a medical necessity for people with allergies and other health-related issues.
So whether you’re thinking new or replacement, here’s a guide to help you get the most system for your money in the shortest amount of time possible. For starters, if you already have central air and/or forced-air heating, a new system can be installed in less than a day with existing ductwork. A lot of that depends on just how well and evenly your ductwork now distributes air throughout your home…that’s something we’ll analyze for you.
You also should consider purchasing a combined, high-efficiency heating and cooling system, especially if your existing furnace or boiler is more than 10 years. You’ll pay a little more for the installation, but you’ll make back the difference -- and more – with increased energy savings. Not to mention a great big boost in your peace of mind.
Just how much cooling system do you need? That depends on several factors, including:
· Approximate square footage
· One or two stories
· When your home was built
· Number of openings (windows and doors)
· Extent of weather-stripping and insulation
When all is said and done, you can expect to purchase an AC system with about one ton (12,000 BTUs) of air conditioning per 1,000 square feet of house.
After determining the tonnage your home requires, it's then a matter of choosing a unit with the appropriate SEER rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. We also work hard to provide you with noise-free and draft-free operation
The number of doors and windows in your home also plays a role in choosing the right size and type of system. The more openings you have, the harder your system will have to work to maintain the desired temperature.
If central air has been on your mind lately, then Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical would like to help you get the most system for your money. Today’s blog includes a coupon featuring a $200 discount (off the regular price) that you can apply to the system of your choice. Give us a call, and we’ll start the estimating process right away.
Forgotten what it feels like to be cool and comfortable in your own home? Then perhaps it’s time for a new or replacement central air conditioning system. But before you start stirring up the iced tea, here’s a guide to help you choose wisely.
There are lots of ways to “keep the cool” around your home.
Sitting on a block of ice, for example. Fast and sure relief, but a little inconvenient…
especially while mowing the lawn. Wait, how about an outdoor swimming pool? Wonderful to have, but not so wonderful when it comes to your home’s resale value. So let’s see now, what does that leave? Hmmm….
Central air conditioning, of course: the ultimate relief-giver in the warm months. And in some cases, a medical necessity for people with allergies and other health-related issues.
So whether you’re thinking new or replacement, here’s a guide to help you get the most system for your money in the shortest amount of time possible. For starters, if you already have central air and/or forced-air heating, a new system can be installed in less than a day with existing ductwork. A lot of that depends on just how well and evenly your ductwork now distributes air throughout your home…that’s something we’ll analyze for you.
You also should consider purchasing a combined, high-efficiency heating and cooling system, especially if your existing furnace or boiler is more than 10 years. You’ll pay a little more for the installation, but you’ll make back the difference -- and more – with increased energy savings. Not to mention a great big boost in your peace of mind.
Just how much cooling system do you need? That depends on several factors, including:
· Approximate square footage
· One or two stories
· When your home was built
· Number of openings (windows and doors)
· Extent of weather-stripping and insulation
When all is said and done, you can expect to purchase an AC system with about one ton (12,000 BTUs) of air conditioning per 1,000 square feet of house.
After determining the tonnage your home requires, it's then a matter of choosing a unit with the appropriate SEER rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. We also work hard to provide you with noise-free and draft-free operation
The number of doors and windows in your home also plays a role in choosing the right size and type of system. The more openings you have, the harder your system will have to work to maintain the desired temperature.
If central air has been on your mind lately, then Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical would like to help you get the most system for your money. Today’s blog includes a coupon featuring a $200 discount (off the regular price) that you can apply to the system of your choice. Give us a call, and we’ll start the estimating process right away.
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