3 Major Reasons Your AC Unit May Be Failing

Why Isn't Your HVAC System Keeping You Comfortable?

Everyone has AC issues once in a while. They're usually small and easily handled, like a dirty filter or dead batteries in the thermostat. But when they start to stack up, many homeowners are at a loss for what to check. A couple of the most common things to look for include debris or dirt in the outdoor unit, the unit's size, and a malfunctioning thermostat. Read on to discover how these issues impact a unit and what homeowners should do to fix them. 

Falling Leaves and Debris Collecting In or Around the Unit

Although it may not get too cold in Florida in the fall, there can still be seasonal issues that cause an AC unit to malfunction. The outdoor unit works to dispel warm air from the home using a fan, a condenser coil, and a compressor. When leaves fall into the system and pile up, it can start to drastically affect the system's efficiency. 

A couple of ways homeowners can prevent this is cleaning around the system regularly and inside the system once a year. It's also good to trim any overhanging branches that may be dropping leaves and other debris into the outdoor unit. This can extend the unit's lifespan, and can improve tree health too. 

Unit Is Not the Proper Size

hvac

Another often overlooked issue regarding HVAC units is their size. It's easy to guess why a too-small unit can cause issues, but units that are too big can cause issues, as well. The biggest small unit issue is longer run times. When the house's size outmatches the size and power of the AC, the until tends to run for longer and longer times, sending electric bills skyrocketing. Meanwhile, the house never actually gets cool enough. 

Too-large units can also be an issue. With a large unit, the AC tends to short cycle, blowing air out quickly into one part of the house, causing the thermostat to think that the whole home is cool when it's only one part. This also prevents the condenser coil from running long enough to effectively remove humidity from the home. Therefore, a too-large unit creates uneven temperatures and never really eliminates the humidity from the air. 

Thermostat Issues

Thermostat issues are often the hardest to figure out. Since the thermostat is the "brain" of the operation, it can cause all kinds of issues that may seem like mechanical problems at first. Homeowners should always check to make sure the thermostat has power when experiencing cooling or heating problems. If it does have power, it's worth shutting off the breaker to the thermostat and removing the cover to look for any buildup of dirt and grime, broken connections, or anything out of the ordinary. 

thermostat

On newer thermostats, there are often diagnostic programs that can help determine where the issue is. A trained professional should run these diagnostic programs because they require some know-how to perform. 

About Elite Electric & Air

For over 30 years Elite Electric & Air have been happy to serve homeowners. They are a local favorite due to their upfront pricing and excellent customer service. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and 24/7 service for HVAC and electric emergencies. Contact them for AC repair in Jupiter, FL today!   

Tips to maintain a comfortable temperature at home

A Comfy Home Is the Key To a Great Horror Movie Marathon

How To Maintain a Comfortable Temperature Throughout the Entire Home

The popcorn is popped, the lights are off, the doors are locked. The finest hair-raising titles, in the perfect order, have been carefully selected. The greatest fright-fest movie marathon of all time is about to begin. But there’s still one thing that can reach out from the shadows and wreck the fun like a villain in a B-horror flick - the dreaded HVAC failure! Goosebumps (and hot sweats) should be a product of what’s on the screen, not the temperature in the living room.

Always Start With the Thermostat

thermostat

Often, seemingly complex and mysterious problems with an HVAC system can actually be narrowed down to a relatively straightforward thermostat issue. This is why, if an air conditioner or heater isn’t working properly, it’s a good idea to investigate the thermostat first. The solution could be as simple as changing the batteries. Even if they don’t rely on batteries to function, most electric thermostats contain backup batteries that protect the settings and programming during a power loss. These should be checked regularly, as old batteries can corrode and leak, causing problems (and making a mess) inside the thermostat.

Older thermostats employ a mercury switch to toggle between modes. This is simply a small vial filled with mercury. If it isn’t completely level for any reason, it will cease to function correctly - and so will the unit. A torpedo level can be used to bring it back to its normal position.

The interior of a thermostat can also collect dust and grime over time, which may interfere with electrical components like the temperature sensor and switch contact points, which tell the unit what to do. These can be gently cleaned with an air duster or very soft brush. However, before removing the thermostat casing, replacing batteries, or attempting any cleaning, one should always consult the owner’s manual for detailed instructions.

Change the Air Filter Often

A dirty air filter is another common and deceptively simple cause of major HVAC issues. A filter that has become saturated with dirt, dust, and other debris will severely impede the unit’s air intake ability. Airflow throughout the house will then suffer as a result. Consequently, the blower motor and the unit as a whole will work harder than normal to meet the demands of the thermostat. Even with the extra energy output (which will eventually damage the unit), heated or conditioned air will fail to be delivered throughout the house, especially to the rooms furthest from the unit.

HVAC filters are inexpensive and very easy to replace. Putting in a fresh filter every month or two is a great way to ensure strong airflow, conserve energy, and keep the HVAC unit healthy. It also greatly improves the quality of a home’s indoor air by reducing airborne pollutants.

Never Underestimate the Power of Routine Maintenance

To be sure, the above actions will go a long way to ensure an optimal comfort level and the smooth operation of a home’s HVAC system. But the best thing any homeowner can do for their unit and their peace of mind is to schedule regular maintenance with a reputable HVAC professional. They can perform essential cleaning and tune-up tasks, give expert advice, and ensure no monster problems creep up unseen.

holding hvac tools

Even semi-annual visits can help keep a home comfortable through every season and every movie marathon.

About Elite Electric & Air

Elite Electric & Air has proudly served Jupiter, Florida and the Treasure Coast area since 1988. Their commitment to honesty, professionalism, and personalized care on every job is backed by numerous service awards and a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee. They arrive on time, provide up-front pricing, and are available for expert HVAC maintenance in Jupiter and the surrounding areas.

UV air sanitizers versus air purifiers

UV Air Sanitizers vs. Air Purifiers

Tips on Choosing Between Air Sanitizers and Purifiers 

With indoor air reported to have around five times as many contaminants and pollutants as the air outdoors, many homeowners are turning to household appliances that may help increase their indoor air quality. But when it comes down to UV air sanitizers versus air purifiers, homeowners can feel unsure which way to go. 

In this article, expert HVAC contractors share information about both and help homeowners decide which one to choose.

What Exactly Are UV Air Sanitizers and Air Purifiers?

air purifiers

Before discussing either system's benefits, it's important to define what UV air sanitizers and air purifiers are. 

UV air sanitizers use a special form of UV light called UV-C. It is one of the three different "types" of UV light produced by the sun, but here, the UV-C light is manufactured by the sanitizer. The UV-C light produced and utilized by UV air sanitizers reduces both the growth and development of the different microbiological organisms that can cause problems to humans if they're in the air (fungi, viruses, and bacteria). 

On the other hand, air purifiers don't kill the particles in the air but instead filter them out. This also includes other household air impurities like smoke, dust, pet dander, spores, and odors. They draw the air in and force it through an air filter made of fiberglass, mesh, or paper, capturing the unwanted particles and only letting pure air back through.

Is There a Benefit of One Over the Other?

drawing

It all comes down to personal preference. Some homeowners prefer the idea of having germs neutralized in the air, while others are happier with them being filtered out. 

There are air purifiers that also feature UV technology, combining the best of both worlds for those who can't decide. There does tend to be more research that shows that air purifiers are more proven to work than UV air sanitizers, but that's also because they featured newer technology, and not a lot of research has been done on them.

Reasons the Home Could Benefit From Either System

confused

In reality, any home can benefit from having an extra air sanitizer or purifier in it. However, homes that have members who have asthma or allergies, or who are immunocompromised for any reason, may find extra benefits in having cleaner air. It even improves sleep!

Also, having an additional device that helps clean the air helps the HVAC system not have to work as hard to either cool or heat the home. The less particulate matter that makes its way into the HVAC system, the less friction and resistance the system will have as it runs. 

However, it's important to remember that none of that matters without regular home maintenance and inspection. Filters will need to be changed regularly, and the HVAC system will need to be checked at least twice a year to make sure it is running efficiently and without problems.

About Elite Electric & Air

Elite Electric & Air has been located in Jupiter, Florida for more than 30 years. They offer 24 hours a day/7 days a week, 365 days a year emergency service. With on-time arrival and 100% satisfaction guaranteed, they are a completely dependable HVAC company. 

Elite Electric & Air light switch

Light Switch FAQs

Understanding Light Switch Needs

Much of what many homeowners self-diagnose as an electrical problem is actually a problem with the light switch. These issues can happen for various reasons, which local HVAC technicians and electricians will share today. Some problems can even be potential fire hazards, which is why any light switch issues should always be taken seriously.

Can a Broken Light Switch Cause a Fixture Problem?

an electrical fixture ready for repair

One of the leading reasons for problems with the light switch is a fixture problem. A flickering light can point to this.

Fixture problems are usually caused by a loose wire in the terminal screw or an issue with the wire connector at the switch. If the light is flickering, but the light switch is also hot, this could also be related to a corroded contactor. There is plenty of wiring required to reach from the light switch to the light fixture. This leaves a lot of room for problems to happen, which is why a licensed electrician should always diagnose any problems.

Any electrical component that feels warm or hot should be reported immediately to an electrician to avoid a potential fire hazard.

Can a Light Switch Be Related To a Broken Connection?

someone hearing the buzz of a broken connection

Another issue with light switches is a broken connection. Broken connections are often signaled by a “frying” or buzzing noise coming when the light switch is turned on.

These issues can happen for a few different reasons. Carbon buildup can occur inside of the light switch, which can lead to a corroded contactor. Without a solid connection, the light switch would be able to get the signal to turn on or off. Another common issue leading to a broken connection is a loose terminal screw.

With either of these light switch problems, the connection may still be able to work intermittently. It may even be a fire hazard and should be immediately evaluated by an electrician.

What is a Broken Toggle on a Light Switch?

Sometimes the problem with a light switch is a broken toggle. While most of the “old school” light switches are known as toggle switches, the toggle mechanism is actually located internally. 

a broken toggle on a brick wall

If the internal toggle breaks, the lever will either not be able to (or only sometimes) activate the contactors. This is usually a fairly easy problem to fix and can be diagnosed by feel. The light switch will feel extra unstable when being turned on or off like it’s sliding back and forth instead of just up and down.

Although this is not a complicated problem, there is always the risk of injury to the home or the homeowner when dealing with electricity. It’s best to avoid those potential problems by hiring a professional

About Elite Electric & Air

Elite Electric & Air is located in Port St. Lucie, Florida. They opened their doors in 1988 and have provided the local community with HVAC and electrical services ever since. Contact them today for expert help from experienced electricians. 

Ductless Mini Split for every home

Ductless Mini Splits: Are They Right for Every Home?

Ductless Mini Split System

Considering a Ductless Mini Split for the Home

Though most people love the warm, sunny days of summer, part of that love is often because they know there’s a way to escape the heat when they’ve had enough. Being out in the heat all day can be overwhelming at times, so knowing that there’s a comfortable, air-conditioned home to come back to helps establish peace of mind for spending so much time outdoors. But what happens when someone goes inside to cool off only to find that it is just as hot and humid inside as it was outside? Oh no...maybe the AC is broken and needs to be replaced or upgraded!

As homeowners consider which AC system is best for their own needs, they should consider ductless mini splits as an option. In this article, homeowners can learn more about ductless mini splits, how they work, and what maintenance is needed to keep them up and running.

Defining a Ductless Mini Split

Ductless Mini Split InstallationA ductless mini-split is simply another type of AC system. It essentially works the same way as a central AC system. It draws warm air from inside, sends it outside, cools it, and then sends the cool air back inside. However, there’s one component of the central AC system that a ductless mini-split doesn’t have: the ducts. While central AC systems blow cold air into the house through a network of air ducts, a ductless AC system will blow the cold air directly into the room where the system is located. 

No matter which AC system a homeowner chooses, they’ll likely run into similar challenges and issues. Therefore, fixing a ductless system doesn’t require any special needs. HVAC technicians can use the same tools, technologies, and methods for fixing a ductless AC system as they would a central AC system!

The Many Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioners

Benefits of a Ductless Mini Split SystemDuctless AC systems are quite popular among homeowners because of the many benefits that they hold.
  • Built-in zoning: With a ductless system, the temperature of each room is controlled individually. So if one room is always warmer because it’s in direct sunlight, homeowners can decrease the temperature of that room without impacting the other rooms in the house.
  • Greater efficiency: On average, homes with central AC systems will lose 20-30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. Therefore, a ductless system is more efficient in its energy usage and is more efficient financially from having lower energy bills.
  • Great for older homes: Many older homes don’t have existing ductwork, so having an AC system that doesn’t require ducts is a great option. Otherwise, installing ductwork can be quite expensive!

Despite the many benefits of ductless systems, some people will opt out of them because they aren’t aesthetically pleasing. Though they are sleeker than a window AC unit, they are hard to hide when they are hanging on the wall.

What Does AC Maintenance Look Like for Ductless Systems?

Ductless AC System Maintenance

As mentioned, a ductless system is essentially the same as a central AC system with the same components, other than the ducts. So cleaning and maintaining ductwork is one less thing for homeowners to worry about with a ductless system! 

Ductless ACs do still need to be properly maintained in other areas though, such as regularly switching out filters, inspecting the system for damage, and replacing any parts that have started to erode. Taking these precautions is the best way to extend the life of a ductless AC system and keep everyone in the household comfortable, even on the hottest of days. 

About Elite Electric & Air

For over 30 years, Elite Electric & Air has helped homeowners and business owners throughout Port St. Lucie, FL with their indoor maintenance needs. They strive to keep their customers’ heating, cooling, and electrical systems working flawlessly all year. From the tools and materials they use to their rigorous training regimen, they have built their business to excel in every way.

Fuse box safety information

Essential Fuse Box Questions Answered

Important Fuse Box Information

Fuse box problems can be extremely nerve-wracking. With many things that could go wrong, along with high voltage backing the problem, it can be frightening to try to fix the problem without the professionals helping.

Electrical services in society are essential due to this. Without them, many more accidents would occur with people trying to fix the problems by themselves. Additionally, without upgraded panel services, problems will continue to arise throughout the duration of having an old fuse box.

In this article, the essential information on fuse boxes will be discussed, as well as the right way to fix these issues. With this information, the next fuse box problem will not be seen as big and scary as before.

How to Remove Damaged Fuses

how to removeRemoving fuses can be extremely dangerous. It’s important to let the professionals handle these issues, as they are professionally trained. For safety reasons, DIY is not the way to go when tackling these problems. Professionals make this much easier, as well, as they will let the owner know exactly what the problem was, and then fix it on the spot.

To do this, professionals will use various sockets and wrenches to disassemble the box while always remembering to cut off the power supply first. Additionally, they will most likely label the wires in order to keep them straight and not forget which is which. Even professionals need to ensure they stay safe and not cross wires due to forgetfulness.

Depending on the type of fuse box and how old it is, some fuses may need to be changed, as well. This can be for a multitude of reasons, some being:

  • Switching off for No Reason
  • Corroded Wiring
  • Fire Hazards From Age

How to Fix Your Fuse Box Issues

Once the box has been disassembled, it’s important to look and see what is inside. Professionals will look at the wires, reroute them, and continue to fix problems that are found within the box, including the changing of fuses if needed. Depending on the issue, there will be different steps taken to resolve it.

how to fix

Professionals will assess this at the beginning of their service call, decide which actions need to be taken, and move forward with resolving it. For example, the type of fuse changes the steps that are taken to fix the problem. Some different fuses include:

  • Plug Fuses
  • Cartridge Fuses
  • Blade Fuses
  • Glass Tube Fuses

Without hiring a professional, fixing the box by an amateur can cause further damage that can be much more serious than the problem was prior to trying to fix it. Hiring a tech is much easier to deal with, and also promises that the issue will be fixed safely and securely.

Upgrading Fuse Boxes

upgrading a fuse boxIf the fuse box is old, it can be a safety hazard. The number one benefit of upgrading would be for safety reasons. Without it, overheating can lead to fires, or a multitude of other problems can arise. Additionally, there will be a better electrical flow within the house, and that will cause fewer problems.

The need for extension cords will also decrease. Lastly, there will be the addition of more circuits if desired. With an upgraded service, there will be less of a need to constantly fix the fuse box in the future.

Old fuse boxes will continue to see problems, such as blown fuses, and professionals will need to be called more and more often as the electrical system gets weaker. With an upgrade, the professionals will come once, and the benefits will be worth the cost of the service.

About Elite Electric & Air

Elite Electric & Air is an Electrical and HVAC service company that will fix problems quickly and efficiently. They have been in the industry for many years, and are equipped to handle multiple different problems and scenarios.

dry cough Elite Electric

Is the Cold Air From Your AC Causing That Dry Cough?

What’s Causing Your Cough?

dry cough Elite Electric

One of the well-known symptoms of viruses and respiratory infections is coughing. Add that to the fact that scientists think most viruses are spread by those without symptoms as well as those with. All this makes for a stressful time in itself, but doubly so, if you happen to have a cough. It’s hard to tell whether your cough is harmless or a part of a larger problem, like a virus.

You can follow all the guidelines to stay safe, practice social distancing, and even wear a mask in public, but a simple cough can send your mind reeling. The truth is that your causes for coughing could be your air conditioning system. In this article, experts offer some insight into the common causes of coughs and what you can do to limit its impact on your home and health.

Common Causes of Coughing

coughingThere are many different coughing causes. While this article is not intended to be medical advice, it can help you to determine the likely culprits for your cough. When it comes to your AC system, there may be a few different factors. The major ones are cold and dry air.

Since most AC systems simultaneously remove humidity and cool the air, they can be the cause of a persistent, dry cough. This tends to happen when some people are exposed to cold air, and it’s often called cough-variant asthma.

Even if you don’t have other forms of asthma or any other symptoms, you may be suffering from cough-variant asthma. If your cough is leading to congestion and less throat irritation, it could be excess humidity. Your air conditioning creates a delicate balance in your home, and any changes in that environment can easily affect your health.

The Best Home Temperature for Avoiding Coughs

home temperature

While there is no perfect temperature to set your thermostat to in order to get rid of your cold air cough, increasing the temperature a few degrees can help. The more the air conditioner runs, the more moisture is removed from the air, which can exacerbate the throat and lungs.

So if you can turn up the temperature to where you’re still comfortable, but the AC is running less, it may help your cough. In many cases, this is somewhere in the 72-75 degree area. Another remedy is moving to another room where the AC is not blowing directly on your or near you. Even closing the vents in the room you’re in can help a little bit.

Keep in mind that a cough can also be caused by pollen, mold, or dust in your AC system. Regular AC maintenance and filter changes can help prevent these kinds of contaminants from entering your home and your lungs. Clean filters, clean ducts, and a fully-functioning AC system make for clean air and peace of mind.

Humidifiers Work Wonders

humidifierIf you’re not familiar, a humidifier is an appliance that disperses water into the air as a mist. They are readily available online or at many different home appliance stores.

With a humidifier, you can keep your thermostat at a comfortable temperature while still keeping the air in your room from drying out. This often helps coughs caused by cold, dry air.

These are especially good to run at night because many people develop coughs as the temperature drops after the sun goes down. A humidifier in the room where you sleep can help ensure you get a good night’s sleep, uninterrupted by non-viral coughs.

Of course, if you need help finding the right unit for your home, it’s always important to work with a reputable air conditioning company. They can inspect your system and find the areas that may be affecting your health.

About Elite Electric & Air

Elite Electric & Air has been serving Port St. Lucie, Florida, proudly for 30 years. Their pricing is upfront and transparent, their technicians professional and courteous, and their workmanship is top-notch. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, 24/7 live-answer service, along with UV Air Sanitizer solutions for your home.

Electrical Panel Repair

When Does Your Electrical Panel Need Repair?

Signs of a Damaged Electrical Panel

Every home is equipped with an electrical panel. Just like your plumbing, it’s an essential part of your house and, without it, your home would not be able to function. The electrical panel serves to route all electricity flowing to your home safely to the various devices that are connected to the electrical grid, including your washer and dryer, lights, and HVAC.

If your electrical panel stops functioning properly, you are not only at risk for appliances malfunctioning, but you could be at risk of starting a fire, as well. The following tips will help you spot when it’s time to repair your electrical panel.

Old Electrical Panels Are a Risk

As with any part of your home, the electrical panel has a lifespan. Most can function anywhere from twenty-five to forty years. After that point, they’ll start showing signs of wear and tear, and their age will get the best of them. Once they get past the forty-year mark, they’ll need replacing entirely to maintain maximum safety for your home and those who live with you.

old panelWhat are the signs that your panel is getting old?
  • Switches are too loose or too tight when flipped.
  • The breaker trips unaccountably.
  • There are visible signs of rust.

If any of these signs are present, it’s important to have a professional electrician examine your panel for needed repairs or replacement. Any of the above issues can cause significant problems and should not be left unrepaired.

Don’t Ignore a Burning Smell

A serious sign that your electric panel needs to be inspected and likely replaced is if you ever experience a burning smell coming from the unit. Burning smells coming from your unit are typically due to wires shorting out. When wires begin to short out, they not only cause your appliances and lighting to stop working properly, but they pose a significant hazard.

burning smell

When wires short out, they are burning themselves and can easily start a fire within the walls of your home. Once you have a fire in your walls, it can be too late to save your home from significant damage.

If you smell any burning, shut off the electrical panel immediately and call an electrical technician to inspect your unit. Short-circuiting wires always result in needing to be replaced before the electricity can be turned back on.

Flickering or Dimming Lights Could Indicate Panel Issues

light bulbsIf you’ve ever experienced a flickering or dimming lightbulb, you might have thought it was the lightbulb itself that was going out. But if you changed your bulb and you still had it happen, then it’s not the lightbulb that is your problem, but the electric panel.

When the panel starts to wear out or wires become damaged, they aren’t able to conduct electricity as well as they used to. The reason why you have ebbing lights is that the electricity is not flowing consistently to your appliance.

When you experience this and you’ve determined that it’s not the lightbulb, it’s vital to call a professional electrician so the problem can get fixed. Not only will you save money by not replacing endless lightbulbs, but you can also save yourself from a potentially hazardous situation if your panel stops working properly altogether.

Professional, Dependable Electricians

Elite Electric & Air has provided HVAC and electrical services in Port St Lucie, FL, for over thirty years. They offer 24/7 emergency services, 100% satisfaction guarantee, on-time arrivals, and upfront pricing. You’ll receive personalized attention, professional solutions, and a job done right the first time.

Air Conditioning repair done right

Expert Tips for Helping Your Home With Air Conditioning Repairs

Air Conditioning Repair Done Right

When an air conditioning or HVAC pro comes to your house, there are numerous processes they go through when diagnosing any system issues. A few of these steps can be successfully accomplished by any homeowner before you call the pros.

By troubleshooting your system with the following tips, you could save yourself time and money in emergency HVAC repairs. Here are three tips form the pros to help you troubleshoot your air conditioning system.

First, Check Your Thermostat

thermostatsThis may sound like a simple troubleshooting item and you might even roll your eyes, but you’d be surprised by how many issues with the air conditioning units turn out to be problems with the thermostat. Check first to be sure your thermostat didn’t get flipped into the “off” position.

This can happen if it gets bumped or the system resets itself due to a power outage. The second thing to check is the batteries. If the power supply to your thermostat fails, the HVAC will be unable to function properly.

If your thermostat has no power even after you’ve changed the battery, check the wiring hooked up to the unit. If it comes detached or has been chewed through, your thermostat and your unit will function improperly. Finally, check to ensure all settings are where they should be and that the day and time is accurate.

Change Air Filter Frequently

A surprising source of air conditioning problems is the air filter in your unit. All HVAC units circulate air through a filter to clean the air you breathe. During the process, particles of dirt, dust, dander, mold, and allergens build up in the filter when they are removed from the air. Over time the dirt and debris build-up and eventually clog the air filter.

air filters

Air filters are made to last for thirty days before needing to be changed. If they are left too long and get clogged, your HVAC unit will have to work much harder to circulate air through your house. As a result, you may experience less cooling than you’re used to because of how hard the unit must work. To put less strain on your unit, change your air filter every month to ensure optimal working conditions.

Does Your AC Need Cleaning?

clean systemWhen your AC unit, such as the intake fan box outside, get covered by dirt and debris, your system will be unable to function properly. Gunky central AC systems are at risk of overheating, especially when they are already working hard during the hottest days of summer.

If you tried to run a marathon at the height of summer wearing a winter coat, you’d understand what it feels like for your HVAC unit to run during the summer when it’s covered in dirt and debris.

Frequently cleaning your system by hosing away dirt and removing large sticks and twigs is an important part of system maintenance.

Dependable, Professional HVAC Technicians

Elite Electric & Air has been serving Port St. Lucie, FL area residents for over thirty years. They offer 24/7 emergency service, have a 100% satisfaction guarantee with upfront pricing and on-time arrival. Elite offers a range of services from electrical installation to HVAC maintenance and repairs.

Lightbulbs flickering

It's Time For You to Stop Throwing Away Money on Lightbulbs!

Are Your New Lightbulbs Flickering?

When it comes to the lights in your home if they begin to flicker or show signs of burning out, one of the first responses is to replace the lightbulb with a new one. This is a common misconception, though. A lot of the time, when a light is flickering it isn’t because of the lightbulb, it is actually an electrical issue more often than not.

Knowing how to spot an electrical issue will end up saving you trips to the store, and money. Continue reading to learn more about spotting electrical problems while learning some indoor light tips.

Why Your Lights Are Going Out

So you walk into your bedroom and turn on the light and it flickers and turns off. Naturally, you want to replace the lightbulb, but then you remember that you just replaced it last week. Now, all you can think about are all the possible electrical problems it could be and how much they will be to fix. Sometimes, though, the answer is more simple than you think and doesn’t cost much, if anything, to fix.

indoor lighting problems

If you don’t have enough outlets and have overloaded a circuit, this will lead to lights seemingly burning out on you. Sags and dips, a.k.a. “Brown-outs” are electrical surges that cause flickering in your lights.

This is mainly caused by old or faulty wiring or the light is drawing too much power from an outdated electric panel. All in all, it is worth it to get the problem fixed sooner rather than later so you don’t waste money on lightbulbs every few months.

How the Professionals Fix the Problem

fixing electrical problemsIf you live in an older home, chances are the electrical wiring will need to be replaced at some point. After calling in an electrician to help get to the bottom of your electrical issue, it may result in you needing new wiring throughout your home.

Ultimately, this can feel like a burden, but wiring lasts many years and chances are you won’t have to do this again so it is absolutely worth it in the long run. Not to mention old and faulty wiring in a home is a safety hazard. Overpowering your circuits and electrical panel puts you and your home at risk for fire as well.

It is important not to have too many extension cords or power strips throughout your home, especially if you have an older circuit breaker or fuse box. The modern electronics are only getting hungrier for electricity too, so it is probably best to have your circuit breaker replaced with a new one if you know you will be pulling a lot of power most of the time.

The Best Ways to Prevent Burnt out Lights

The best ways to prevent light surges in the home also go hand-in-hand with safety precautions in regard to your electricity. It all comes down to taking care of your cords and wires. Do not rip cords out of the walls, keep them in plain sight when they are plugged in and do not run them underneath furniture. Most importantly, do not overload your outlets and circuit breaker.

preventing burnt out lights

If you have just moved into a home that is older, it is best to have an electrician come look things over before you start plugging in a bunch of electronics. Learn the home first.

Elite Electric & Air Will Keep You Safe

Elite Electric & Air is trusted with all of air issues and electrical services in Port St Lucie. The company offers same-day service and a 24/7 live chat on their website. Their expertly trained technicians care about you and your home, so you can trust the job will get done right the first time.