A Generac generator, like any other generator, requires regular inspections and service. Too often, these generators are installed by those who don’t specialize in servicing them. If they aren’t set to test weekly or annual inspections and maintenance go neglected, the generator’s lifespan will be shortened. Whether you are a new homeowner or have owned a home for many years, generator maintenance can be overwhelming. Here’s what you should know.
Essential Maintenance
Oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, and your generator’s oil needs standard maintenance. Maintenance kits for your specific Generac generator are available to buy so you don’t have to determine what kind of filters, spark plugs, and oil you might need. Of course, you can always opt to purchase parts individually. Maintaining your generator requires tools such as a screwdriver, ratchet, socket wrench, Allen wrench, pliers, spark plug gap gauge, funnel, and drip pan. Always look at the owner’s manual before performing maintenance and wear proper personal protection equipment.
Oil and Filters
When power outages call for running the generator for extended periods of time, oil levels should be checked daily. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to turn off the generator when checking the oil level. If it’s low on oil, top it off with the recommended type of oil, and be sure to change the oil filter. A filter catches the metal fragments and other impurities that can harm your generator. Reusing oil filters will shorten the unit’s lifespan and be costly in the long run. Some generators use fuel filters. Make sure to inspect the fuel filters to see if they appear brittle or dirty but they only need to be replaced as needed. All combustion engines use air filters though so don’t overlook inspecting them. A dirty air filter or one filled with debris may cause a generator to fail if it can’t take in air.
Spark Plugs & Beyond
Spark plugs play a critical role in providing the adequate spark needed to ignite the fuel source in combustion engines. At a minimum, inspect your generator’s spark plugs annually. A great time to check them is during an oil change. Inspect the spark plugs for carbon build-up, appropriate gapping, fractured tips, or other wear.
Other parts on your Generac unit that should be inspected, maintained, or replaced include the fuel regulator, battery, charger, coolant, radiator, alternator, and transfer switches. We don’t recommend making regular inspections or changes on your own. A qualified electrician understands appropriate safety techniques. They can also test the wattage output so the power the generator is generating is powering your home safely. Is it time for your generator to be replaced? Contact your friends at New England Electrical!
Should you replace your electrical panel? This isn’t something that comes up to most homeowners minds unless they’re having an electrical problem that affects day-to-day activities. But it’s always better to prevent problems before they start.
Electrical Panels 101
As you’re probably aware, the electrical panel is also known as a switch box, and is typically a metal box on the lower levels of your house. It houses a number of different switches that “trip” or turn off to protect electrical circuits when overloaded. It’s an important part of your overall electrical system, and you’ll usually find labels on the switches to indicate which portions of the panel are responsible for different areas of your home or commercial property.
How often should electrical panels be replaced?
Even though the electrical panel doesn’t have many moving parts and is very durable, most components of the electrical system will eventually need to be replaced, even if it’s only every 25 years or more. If you live in a newly-built property, it’s probable that you won’t need to worry about your electrical panel for quite a while. However, this question still comes up, so it’s good to know if you need a replacement or not, especially if you live in an older residence that hasn’t had a replacement since the 1990s or earlier.
Defective or old electrical panels are also among the most common causes of electrical fires, so making sure they’re operating well, in good condition, or replacing them with a new one can provide additional protection and peace of mind.
As always, if you’re unsure about whether or not you need to replace your electrical panel (or any electrical component in your home) the friendly and experienced team at NEEC is happy to assist you.
Should I replace my electrical panel myself?
The electrical panel is a central piece of your home’s electrical system. Although there are many DIY guides and YouTube videos on how to do it, we recommend that you only contract a licensed and experienced electrician to service, repair or replace your electrical panel. It’s the safest choice for you and all your appliances.
Can I upgrade my electrical panel?
Sure! Especially if your home or commercial energy needs have changed and you need more amperage for large machinery, appliances, sauna, pool, Tesla wall charger, etc. These new technologies might work better and more efficiently with a more recent model than one from the 70s.
Also, if your home needs more switches and the box is ‘full’ and there is no room for new or upgraded switches, you might find it necessary to upgrade.
How long does it take to replace an electrical panel?
Typically, most electrical panels can be replaced by an experienced and licensed electrician in one day, in four to eight hours. It also depends on some other factors of your particular installation, like if your electrician needs to get to any in-wall wiring to complete the electrical panel replacement. Get an accurate estimate when you get in contact with us to evaluate and consult your particular situation.
Get Electrical Panel Replacement Service Near You
Whether you need an electrical panel checkup, replacement or upgrade, our licensed and insured team of electricians is here to help. Get in touch with us today for quick and friendly service and maintenance!
It’s no secret that electricity is one of our most used utilities. And while electricity brings us some comfortable living, it can be expensive. Here are eight ways your electrician can help you save money:
1. Energy-efficient light bulbs:
Electricians can install LED or CFL blubs throughout your building. Not only do these bulbs use less energy than other lightbulbs, but they can also last ten times longer. Lower electricity bills and not needing to replace the bulbs often sounds like a win-win!
2. Occupancy sensors:
Say goodbye to forgetting to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Electricians can install occupancy sensors to turn the lights off for you. This results in reduced energy consumption and of course, lower electric bills.
3. Solar panels:
Although solar panels may be more expensive initially, they can save you money in the long run. Electricians can assist you in choosing and installing the right fit for your needs. Once installed, you can feel great knowing you’re using inexhaustible, renewable energy without worrying about releasing pollutants into the air.
4. Update your electrical panel:
An outdated electrical panel could increase your electric bills and be a potential fire hazard. This is something you want to leave to the pros. Electricians can ensure your electric panels are not overloaded and install a more energy-efficient model.
5. Programmable thermostats:
Programmable thermostats can set temperatures depending on the time of day. When you’re away or sleeping, you can set lower temperatures. Using an electrician during installation can save you money on heating and cooling costs.
6. Perform energy audits:
Conducting an energy audit is one way to identify ways to save energy and lower electric bills. Once an electrician performs an energy audit, they will be able to recommend how to increase energy efficiency on your property.
7. Seal leaks:
Weatherstripping prevents heat from escaping through crevices in your doors and windows. Using insulation is another way to protect against summer heat and cool winters. Additional air leaks in your building can let heat or cold air escape, driving up costs. Electricians know how to inspect your building to find and take care of leaks, saving you money on heating and cooling costs.
8. Updated appliances:
Older appliances tend to consume more energy resulting in higher costs. Electricians can install ENERGY STAR appliances that use less energy than traditional models to help lower those electric costs.
NEEC can recommend the best steps in your particular situation. Whether residential or commercial electrical work or installation is needed, we’re happy to help you find the solutions that work best for your property, year-round. Contact us today to get started.
You’ve found your perfect fixture to transform your room’s ambiance but did you choose the perfect lightbulb? There are four popular lightbulbs that come in various colors and shapes. Here’s how to choose the best lightbulbs for your needs.
Think about your location.
The four most popular types of lightbulbs are incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL), halogen, and light-emitting diode (LED). Each type has various strengths in different rooms.
LEDs emit a bright, directional light making them a great fit for task lighting. Since they also last up to 50,000 hours and are perfect for fixtures in inconvenient places.
CFLs: For illuminating large spaces such as basements and kitchens, CFLs work well. These energy-efficient bulbs emit a variety of colors and are less expensive than LEDs.
Halogen bulbs emit a white light similar to high-noon daylight. They are energy efficient and dimmable. However, they have a very short life span and warm quickly. It’s recommended to keep these bulbs away from fire-hazardous materials and to use gloves to change out the light. Halogen bulbs are great for recessed, pendant, and under cabinet lighting,
Incandescent: If you’re looking for an inexpensive option or a warm light to use with dimmer, incandescent bulbs are your best option. It’s good to note that even though they last longer than halogen bulbs they don’t last as long as CFL or LEDs nor are they as energy efficient.
Watt about Illumination?
All puns aside, the amount of energy a lightbulb uses is referred to as watts. To produce a brighter light, a bulb will need a higher wattage.
How many lumens does your space need? Lumens refer to the amount of light radiated. So similar to watts, the higher the lumen, the brighter the light. It’s recommended most rooms use 20 lumens per square foot for a well-lit area. Extra dark rooms or walls with dark paneling should have an additional 10 lumens per square foot. The total number of lumens can be spread across a few fixtures and one light doesn’t need to handle all of the illuminations on its own.
Whoever said you couldn’t have nice things neglected to think about a luxe feel often revolves around small aesthetic and quality of life changes. Here are seven little ways to make your home feel more luxurious when you don’t have a luxury-level bank account.
Towel Warmers
Ever feel like you’re freezing after a cold shower? It’s time to opt for a towel warmer. Warm, fluffy towels are a simple way to make you feel pampered, fighting off those post-shower shivers. Towel warmers are a great option even don’t live in an area with cold temperatures because they’ll keep your towels dry in a damp or humid environment.
Update your fixtures
Dated, builder-grade fixtures are out, and old, cracked, yellow light switches or outlet covers are really bringing down the vibes. To make your home feel more high-end, consider updating things like faucets and light fixtures. Think about spray painting fixtures to add gold accents to your home or installing touch-responsive faucets. Chandeliers or oversized pendant fixtures over a kitchen island, dining area, bedroom, or even a hallway are a great choice. Bedside table sconces hung on the wall usually always look chic. Installing such eye-catching personality pieces can serve as the main centerpiece in a room, saving you money by spending less on other decorations.
Layer the lighting
In luxe spaces, there’s not just one overhead light. The goal is to create focal points and pools of lights in areas of interest. Have you been to an art gallery and seen a light pointed at a painting? It really elevates the experience and makes the art look more expensive, right? Mix recessed lights, pendants, hidden strip lights, ambient lights, downlighting, uplighting, and so on. Use dimmers when possible and motion sensors if you opt for smart lights.
Landscape Lights
Don’t forget about the outside of your home. Landscape lights can enhance your yard structure and gardens by creating a resort-like feel to your outdoor living areas. They can really brighten up the overall look of your home, increasing your house’s value and reducing the risk of burglary.
Electric Fireplaces
An easy way to add luxury to your home is to get an electric fireplace. They are perfect for making your home feel warm and cozy. Electric fireplaces come in many different styles. You can decorate them to make them look even more elegant and sophisticated. The best part? You can enjoy your electric fireplace year-round.
Diffusers
Diffusers may be a very underrated element. Aromatherapy is huge in luxurious spaces, making them feel clean and expensive. Of course, some people may have sensitivities to certain scents but if you’re not one of those people, opt for essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Bergamot, Grapefruit, and Lavender.
Maintain what you have
Lastly, let’s not forget to maintain what you have. Generally, anything well maintained will feel more premium. That’s why new things always feel so nice. So don’t forget to dust your light fixtures, fix tile cracks, vacuum your carpet, and clean your mirrors!
While we’ve gone over a lot of little luxuries, you’ll notice that a lot of them need power! New England Electrical Contracting specializes in the installation and wiring of all these electric creature comforts and more! Get in touch for a free consultation and get your upgrade started!
