Planning Your Home Standby Generator Installation

As spring fast approaches, so too will the many storms we see on the west coast. When the power goes out it can be a real lifesaver to have a generator ready to go, helping to provide you with uninterrupted power. However, it is important to remember that having a generator ready to take over involves more than just being able to plug one in. The successful installation of a generator also requires proper planning, permits, and the assistance of an experienced, licensed electrician. Here are the steps to consider when setting you your home standby generator.

1. Interview Electricians

A great first step is to interview electricians and obtain quotes to do a price comparison. However, it is important to remember that sometimes spending a little bit extra can help you to hire an installer who knows exactly what he or she is doing. It is also important when interviewing an electrician that you determine whether or not they have extensive experience with home standby generator installation. You may also wish to request references to speak with past customers of theirs.

2. Obtain Permits

Do you need to acquire a permit? Well, it depends. To determine if you need one it is best to speak with someone at your local municipality. When you hire an installer though, they will obtain the permit on your behalf. Just keep in mind that the paperwork will take a few days to go through.

3. Select a Location

Before purchasing the generator, you must figure out a location for it where it will remain in compliance with all electrical codes and the manufacturer’s recommendations. You should install your generator in a safe location so that it poses no threat concerning carbon monoxide. A standby generator must usually be installed a minimum of two feet from the residence with a minimum of three feet on its front and sides. You can figure all of this out by speaking with an electrician. This works out because most areas require that an inspection be done to verify compliance. Having an electrician help with installation can also prove effective and cost-efficient. If you install your generator close to your gas meter it will increase fuel efficiency, which may help to bring down costs.

4. Prepare the Surface

When it comes to preparing the surface for your generator, it is important to keep in mind that small air-cooled standby generators usually have a composite base on their bottom so that a concrete pad underneath is not required. However, the surface underneath the generator must be flattened before being raised by at least four bags of level pea gravel. Small air-cooled standby generators are equipped with a composite base on the bottom, so you are not required to pour a concrete pad.

5. Receive the Delivery

While this may seem obvious, not everyone thinks about the difficulty of bringing a thousand-pound generator off of the back of a truck. That’s why it can be imperative that you order liftgate service, which allows the driver to safely lower the generator to the ground. Before signing for the delivery, be sure to inspect the package for any damage that could have occurred during delivery.

6. Installation of the Generator

After you have completed the above steps, you will be ready for installation. The job of installing the generator is often more complex than the basic knowledge that homeowners possess. This is why it can be extremely important to consult with an electrician who is experienced in installing residential standby generators. If you require a standby generator and want to ensure its safe and effective installation, the professionals at Adam Clendennen’s Electrical can help. With over 10 years in operation, our electricians are highly educated and experienced.

If you are looking for Standby Generator Installation in West Texas then please call (432) 210-7274 or complete our online request form.

Beautiful Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Focus On Home Safety And Security

When it comes to increasing your home’s safety and security, there’s nothing like making sure you light up the dark areas of your property. Outdoor lighting is no doubt one of the most beautiful ways to increase your home’s value and security.

With the right aesthetic upgrades, your outdoor lighting design can play other roles, including to increase your home security and safety. At the very least, it will make your backyard more enjoyable and your front yard safer for anyone visiting your home after dark.

As you make decisions about the different types of outdoor lighting you can install for the patio or exterior areas of your home, be sure to consider the following ideas.

Outdoor Lighting For Your Front Entry

Outdoor lighting installation on your front entryway or patio increases the safety and security of the area. Remember that the patio or entryway is where you need to see who is at the front door. Consider having your local electrician install motion sensor lights to light up the driveway area, as well as a bright front door light to illuminate the entryway. Some recessed lights under the patio ceiling could also help deter criminals.

Lights For Sidewalk Safety

Is there enough light for you to see well when you come home after dark? What about your guests, will they trip on the sidewalk or path? A series of low-voltage lights are a good idea if you need additional outdoor lighting. They’re beautiful, and they help light up the yard for your guests who need to make their way to the front door.

Don’t Forget The Back Patio Lights

Sitting on the patio in the dark without any type of visible light to see by isn’t fun, and it’s not always safe. Backyards are usually pretty dark, so some outdoor patio lights would be an excellent idea for both the front and back porch areas. After the install, you’ll be able to the outdoors after dark at any time. Plus, you’ll be able to see vermin or snakes if they’re headed toward the patio area.

Other Areas Good For Additional Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lights don’t just need to be confined to the front or back porch. Most homeowners also want to place outdoor lighting around their properties, such as along fence lines, near the garden shed, by the pool, and other areas. As long as they’re strategically placed in the darker areas, you’ll be able to enjoy the maximum illumination achieved while using the least amount of energy to power the outdoor lighting.

There are all different types of outdoor lighting to help you achieve this goal, including:

• Spotlights
• Motion-sensor lights
• Up-lights & down-lights
• Porch lights
• Lantern lights
• Curb lights
• Dusk-to-dawn lights
• Pole lights
• Pool lights
• Walkway lights
• Recessed lights

If you are looking for Outdoor/Indoor Lighting Professionals in West Texas then please call (432) 210-7274 or complete our online request form.

The Importance of Electrical Safety Inspections for Your West Texas Home

Hiring an electrician to check out your electrical wiring in West Texas may seem like a hassle at first, but scheduling electrical safety inspections is extremely important to the well-being of your home and family. The National Fire at West Texas affirms that electrical complications are responsible for more property damage resulting in fires than any other problem.

Hiring a trained electrician to inspect your wiring will alert you to the visible and hidden damage in your wiring, and repairs can be done to correct the problems discovered, preventing an electrical hazard in your home. Homeowners should schedule an electrical safety inspection at least every 10 years, but if they rent to tenants, an inspection should be done every 5 years.

During your electrical safety inspection, your electrician will perform many tasks, such as checking for DIY or outdated wiring, testing smoke alarms, searching for damage from rodents and other pests, scanning for weather damage, testing lights and outlets, looking for uncovered or exposed permanent wires, examining the power box and the main breaker’s amperage, and recommending repairs and replacements.

Don’t rely on your electrician alone. Conduct your own inspections regularly so that problems do not persist without your knowledge. Several hazards could be lurking in your wiring, including incorrect voltage that could damage your appliances, improper ventilation for your electrical devices, an improperly sized fuse box, or covered wires. Take care of your electrical wiring, and it should remain in good condition, eliminating your need to see your electrician before your next inspection.

Electricians advise people to schedule an inspection if the house is over 25 years old or if outdated or DIY wiring is present. You should also have the wiring inspected before you buy a house, after a major storm, and regularly. If you’re due for an electrical safety inspection, reach out to an experienced electrician like A.C.E.S at West Texas.

If you are looking for Electrical Safety Inspection Professionals in West Texas then please call (432) 210-7274 or complete our online request form.

Electrical Services to Turn Your Backyard into a Summer Paradise in West Texas

How Electrical Services Can Transform Your West Texas Backyard into a Summer Paradise

If you want to enjoy the summertime without having to endure the traffic and cost of getting to the beach or elsewhere, then you might consider just soaking in the sun right in your own backyard.

To fully enjoy the time you’ll spend in your backyard, you need to look to a source that might be somewhat unexpected: your electrician. After all, your electrician can help transform your West Texas home’s backyard into a summer paradise by providing the following services:

Landscape Lighting

The summer days may be long, but they don’t last forever. And nothing puts a damper on your outdoor summer fun like the nighttime can as it sends you, your guests, and the party indoors.

Luckily, you can keep the party going as long as you could want it to by calling your West Texas electrician for outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting will add beauty to your home while also ensuring that the fun doesn’t stop at sunset.

Hot Tub Wiring

Something about summer just seems to draw us to the water: the pool, the beach . . . and hot tubs, of course — always a fan favorite. But to use your hot tub, you’ll need more than just plumbing: You’ll also need electricity.

So, once again, that’s where your electrician comes in. If you want to enjoy the summertime water fun right in your very own backyard hot tub, then you’ll need to call your electrician to get that hot tub wired up for you.

Security Lighting

You can’t fully immerse yourself in the fun and enjoyment of summer if you’re not as safe and secure as possible. But if your backyard is dark and accommodating for prowlers, then you could be unsafe inside or out should an unsavory character sneak in for a visit.

If you want to continue partying your summer away worry-free, then take the unsafety out of your backyard by getting security lighting. Security lighting will help keep you aware of any potential prowlers, helping to keep you and yours safe while you enjoy the paradise that has become your backyard.

If you are looking for Outdoor/Indoor Lighting Professionals in West Texas then please call (432) 210-7274 or complete our online request form.

What Is a Level 2 Electrical Vehicle Charger?

Electric cars like Tesla are rapidly growing in popularity—more so than any type of car in the industry. At some point, it’s safe to assume that vehicles powered primarily by electricity will be the standard for the automotive industry, so the infrastructure in the United States. needs to change to support electric vehicles. Electric cars save energy, promote health, and are environmentally friendly, so they can offer several great benefits, if you’re considering purchasing an electric vehicle, you must prepare your home for the change.

At A.C.E.S, our professional electricians can provide you with a high-quality electrical vehicle charger installation. We have extensive training and experience working with you chargers for all sorts of vehicles on all sorts of properties, and we can help you choose the perfect charger for your vehicle.

When it comes to residential Tesla and other electric vehicle chargers, it’s generally recommended that you install a Level 2 charger. Here is some basic information about Level 2 charging devices:

Level 2 vs. Level 1 Chargers

Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are what most homeowners have access to. Level 1 electric vehicle chargers use standard household outlets, and it’s common for electric cars to come with Level 1 charging cords that can be directly plugged into your home’s outlets. The downside of Level 1 chargers is that they’re limited to about 120 volts, which means that they can take up to 22 hours to charge your car.

Level 1 chargers are probably not a feasible option unless your car is a plug-in hybrid.

Our professional recommend Level 2 chargers for residential electric vehicle charging. Level 2 chargers supply 240 volts of electricity to your car, so they can significantly reduce charging times. You’ll be able to fully charge your car in as few as three to four hours.

Installing Level 2 chargers will probably require some adjustments to your home’s electrical wiring, but our electricians will be able to handle the job.

Benefits of Level 2 Chargers

The primary benefit of a Level 2 charger is the significant reduction in charging time. You’ll be able to charge your car much more quickly, which gives you more flexibility when it comes to using your automobile. Your car can easily be fully charged overnight, or while you enjoy a meal and complete some household duties.

Level 2 chargers can also help you save money on your electrical expenses. They’ll allow you to charge your vehicle at strategic times when electrical demand is lower. You can take advantage of lower electricity costs during the night, which help maximize energy savings on an already efficient vehicle.

If you are looking for Electrical Vehicle Charger Installation in West Texas then please call (432) 210-7274 or complete our online request form.