Category: Electrical

Electrical Outlet Safety

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Modern homes come with modern conveniences. But not everyone lives in a modern home, and many homes may not have the convenience of multiple electrical outlets where you need them. These days, with so many devices that need charging, it can be tempting to overload your outlets. And you might not even realize you’re doing it. In this post, we’ll discuss why that’s not a good idea, and how a licensed electrician from The Bosworth Company can help fix the problem.

OVERLOAD DANGERS

The big danger associated with overloading is the risk of starting a fire. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission reports more than 5,000 fires every year are started by overloaded electrical outlets. When too much energy is flowing through one outlet, it creates excess heat, which can be enough to spark a fire. To prevent this from happening, modern homes are equipped with circuit breakers that will blow a fuse if the temperature gets too hot.

A few quick tips on conserving energy and reducing the risk of overheating:

  • Major appliances that use a lot of energy should have their own outlet – don’t use a power strip for refrigerators, electric ovens, dishwashers, or other large appliances.
  • Be wary of running too much power from the same outlet at the same time (hint: your big screen TV uses A LOT of power!)
  • Energy-efficient light bulbs such as LEDs or CFLs can go a long way in keeping energy costs down.
  • Having plenty of outlets will always make your home safer!

 

CHECK CORDS

Another inconvenient thing about a lack of outlets is it can lead to cords being draped all over your home. More cords can lead to more problems, so make sure that cords are not worn or frayed. If you see exposed wires, they should be replaced right away. While you’re at it, check out the covers on all your outlets. If they’re cracked or chipped, replacing them helps to prevent fire hazards and also keeps your kids safe!

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company specializes in plumbing, HVAC, and yes, we have licensed electricians too! We can outfit your home with safe and convenient new outlets that serve your family’s needs. Need an extra outlet in the garage, kitchen, bathroom, or living area? Or perhaps even outdoors? The Bosworth Company can do it all. Make an appointment online, or give us a call at 432-570-5233. The Bosworth Company is Worth the Call. Always.

Kohler Generators For Your Home

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Backup generators are something you only need for a cabin, or somewhere where you’re likely to lose electricity regularly, right? Not so fast, my friend. As all Texans can attest, the February Freeze brought unprecedented temperatures and misery to the Lone Star State. Even in West Texas, the Midland International Air & Space Port recorded 221 straight hours of sub-freezing temperatures. If you were one of the 4.5 million households statewide that lost power, chances are you wish you would have had a generator.

POWER YOUR LIFE

Backup generators produce electricity when the power goes out. During the big freeze, HEAT was the most obvious benefit of a generator, but there are a lot of other things that electricity brings that you may not have thought of. If the power goes out in the summer, for example, you’ll need air conditioning, not heat. No electricity also means no oven or stove, no hot water, no freezer or refrigerator (food can spoil), and no outlets to plug in and recharge your cell phone, just to name a few.

GENERATOR TO THE RESCUE

When the power goes out, generators can kick on literally within seconds. If it wasn’t for your flashing digital clock, you may not even know it went out. You’ll be able to keep those phones charged, access WiFi, watch TV, turn on lights and heat, and all the other conveniences you and your family enjoy in modern life.

INSTALLATION

Once you choose to invest in a generator, The Bosworth Company has you covered. As proud dealers of Kohler Generators, we install the unit outside your home. Kohler Generators run on liquid propane or natural gas and require minimal maintenance with no exterior power cords. As mentioned, they will fire up and bring your home power within seconds of an outage. Ask us about Power Boost technology, which controls the amount of electricity being delivered to your home. We’ll make sure your generator is the proper size and strength to meet the needs of your home.

WORTH THE CALL

If it was up to us, we’d never experience a winter freeze and widespread power outages again! But losing power from time to time is inevitable, and it’s going to happen again. Prepare yourself today by calling The Bosworth Company at 432-570-5233 or scheduling an appointment online. We’ll help you find the generator for you and ensure you won’t be left in the cold!

Saving Money on Your Power Bill

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These days, a lot of us are focused on saving money on the electricity in our homes. But what if we could make comfort a priority while saving money at the same time? After a long, hot summer, we’re now in the depths of winter, and your HVAC unit is likely getting plenty of use. In this post, we’ll take a look at how investing in upgrading your HVAC can help you save money on your power bill and stay comfortable.

INCREASED EFFICIENCY

If your HVAC unit is more than 10-12 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade. As they age, efficiency decreases, making the unit work harder to keep you comfortable. For example, an older unit may need to run all day to maintain the set temperature, while a newer unit will reach and maintain that temperature much more efficiently – keeping you comfortable and saving money on your power bill.

Tune-ups to your heating and a/c are important, but frequent repairs can add-up. Upgrading to a new system can often be a better value. Not only have they not had the wear-and-tear of an old unit, but they are also state-of-the-art and made to be more efficient. Not only does this save you money, but it’s also good for the environment.

STAY HEALTHY

We talk about comfort and saving money, but a new HVAC unit can also keep you healthier. That’s because an upgraded, more efficient unit can help clean the air, filtering out dust, allergens, and other debris, all while keeping humidity levels safe. Changing your air filters are important, but a brand new unit will really help purify the air. 

You may even want to ask us about one of our new air purification units, that scientifically rid the air of contaminants.

GET IN THE ZONE

If you’re heating and cooling your whole house and only using two rooms, you’re wasting money. Newer HVAC units and thermostats offer features not found in older generations. One good example is room-by-room climate control, sometimes called “zoning.” 

WORTH THE CALL

As you can see, upgrading your HVAC system offers several advantages to your comfort. It can also save you money. The experts at The Bosworth Company can consult with you about the perfect solution for you and your home. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 432-570-5233 today. It’s Worth The Call. Always.

4 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Light Switch

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Let there be light. Hitting a switch to get instant light is one of many things we take for granted in the modern world. But how do you know when it’s time to switch your switch? If your light switch sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies every time you flip it, it’s probably time to take a look. In this post, we’ll investigate some of the telltale signs it’s time to make a change.

LIGHTS OUT

Like everything else in your home, light switches will eventually wear out. Connections get loose and parts break. At some point, you’ll screw in a new bulb and it won’t turn on. Here are some signs that the switch is in need of replacement:

  • Flickering: If the light works sometimes, but not always, and not immediately, there could be an issue with the switch. Flickering before turning on permanently is another sign of trouble.
  • Sparks: Problems with electrical wiring can cause a switch to “spark,’ typically when you turn the light off.  In some cases, you’ll even hear a pop, and in a serious case, you could even see smoke. Get this switch replaced ASAP!
  • Noisy: Any sort of snap, crackle, or pop from your switch is a warning that something’s wrong.
  • Heat: A dimmer switch may feel slightly warm if the light has been on for a while, but this should NOT be the case for a regular switch.

MULTIMETER TEST

A multimeter is a testing device that measures electrical voltage. While certified electricians should handle any electrical work, some homeowners may feel comfortable using a multimeter. Here’s how:

  1. Turn off the circuit breaker
  2. Uninstall light switch
  3. Turn on the multimeter (for continuity or ohms)
  4. Determine if you have a single-pole or three-way switch
    1. A single-pole will have two side terminal screws and a ground screw
      1. To test, touch one multimeter lead to each of the side terminals and flip the switch. You should get a reading of 1.
    2. A three-way will have a dark-colored screw, and two normal side terminals.
      1. To test, hold one multimeter lead to the common screw, and the other to one of the side terminals. Flip the switch to see if you get a reading of 1. Then test the other side terminal.
  5. If you don’t get that reading, it’s time to replace the switch!
  6. If installing a new switch, be sure to leave the circuit breaker off until you’re through!

WORTH THE CALL

Did you know The Bosworth Company has fully certified electricians? Make an appointment to fix a light switch, or for any of your electrical needs. Schedule your appointment online or call us at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always!

Installing Outdoor Lighting

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Yippee! Fall is officially here! And since it’s not 90 degrees at 8 PM anymore (at least on most days), you may want to begin spending some time enjoying your back patio! One thing you’ll need is acceptable (and fashionable) lighting. In this post, we’ll take a look at outdoor lighting, and how our electricians can help you create the perfect lighting for your outdoor spaces. This will not only make for more comfortable living, but it will increase safety and your home’s value.

TYPES OF LIGHTING

A light fixture that attaches directly to the wall is called a sconce. There are a variety of types of sconces available for outdoor lighting:

Electric sconces: Hard-wired into your home electric system.

Solar sconces: Cost-effective and easy to install. Many models will turn the lights on automatically after dark.

Battery-powered sconces: Also easy to install. Good for places where solar panels won’t work.

LIGHTING STYLES

There are many types of lamps to suit your style. Here are a few:

Flush wall sconces: These are a simple way to provide lighting along an outdoor wall.

Hanging lanterns: Lots of styles and options, but make sure you have enough room as these can take up a lot of space.

Torch lights: Depending on the style, torch lights can be similar to the lanterns. They are trendy and, depending on the bulb, can give the appearance of an actual flame.

Pendant lights: Another stylish option. There must be a place to hang the lights from.

INSTALLING SCONCE LIGHTING

Once you have your fixtures selected, it’s time to install.  As mentioned, battery and solar-powered lights are easy to install, so we’ll focus on those electrical lights.

First and most important: if the area where you’re wishing to install a light is not already wired for electricity, it’s critical that a certified electrician complete this initial service. Call The Bosworth Company to make an appointment.

Light installation could be a DIY job if you’re replacing existing outdoor fixtures. In that case, make sure to turn off the circuit breaker before making any adjustments. After disconnecting the old fixture, install the new one by reversing the steps. If you have any questions, or can’t seem to get the fixture to mount properly to the wall, please call us. Crossed or crushed wires could be a safety hazard.

WORTH THE CALL

Did you know The Bosworth Company has full-service electricians? Electrical contracting is just one of the many services we offer. Make an appointment today by scheduling it online or by calling 432-570-5233, and get starting on making your outdoor living space more livable! It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Installing a Bathroom Fan

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Mold and mildew are a scary sight in any bathroom. Not only is it ugly, it can also cause allergies and other serious health problems. An exhaust fan is a simple upgrade that can help get the air flowing in your bathroom and reduce the risk of dangerous mold. In this post, we’ll discuss installing or replacing your fan, and how The Bosworth Company can help.

CLEANING YOUR CURRENT BATHROOM FAN

The purpose of the fan is to capture the moist air in your bathroom and replace it with dry air. Like any vent, dirt and dust will accumulate in it and on it over time. You should occasionally check the fan itself to see if it’s dirty.

To do this, make sure to turn off the power to the bathroom first, then remove the fan cover. You can use a vacuum to clean up the fan and the area surrounding it, and rinse the cover with soap and water. Scrub down the fan blades to remove any excess dust. 

Replace the cover and turn the power back on. If it fires back up and works, you’re in great shape.

REPLACING THE FAN

The Bosworth Company has electricians that can perform a variety of tasks around your home – including installing bathroom fans. But if you want to try it yourself, here are a few steps:

  1. Turn off the power at the breaker.
  2. Remove the old fan. This requires some work, including removing some screws and disconnecting wires. This may require going into the attic to access some of the screws.
  3. Remove all dust from the area
  4. Make sure the vent is leading outside. An electrician can check this for you to make sure that it goes outside and not into the attic or another unseen area.
  5. If you’ve purchased a new fan, you’ll need to attach it the same way you took the old one off. That means you’ll possibly need to access the attic again. You’ll also need to make sure that the new duct leads outside, and that you use HVAC tape to secure it.
  6. Turn the breaker back on and test it out!

WORTH THE CALL

There are some things we recommend you try on your own. Though we described the process above, this isn’t one of them. Any time electrical work is involved, we recommend you call a professional. The Bosworth Company offers full electrician services to meet your needs. Make an appointment today by scheduling it online or by calling (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

The Danger of Loose Electrical Outlet Boxes

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The Bosworth Company has the experts for all your home needs. That includes plumbing, HVAC, water treatment, and electrical! If you consider yourself handy around the house, you can probably tackle some DIY projects on your own. However, electrical projects should really be left to the pros. In this post, we’ll discuss loose outlet boxes and how the Bosworth Company can help you get them fixed.

GET LOOSE

Every electrical outlet on the wall in your home is anchored in an outlet box into the drywall. These can eventually loosen, causing some potential hazards. This may seem like an easy fix, but it’s more than just tightening a few screws. That’s why it’s critical you get a licensed electrician to help.

WARNING SIGNS

If you pull a cord out of the socket, and it seems the whole panel wants to come out, that’s a sign of a loose electrical box. Or maybe the faceplate just won’t stay straight against the wall. That’s also a sign of a loose electrical box. That’s a sign that the wires attached to the outlet are also loose. They could also be damaged if the wires scraped against any edges inside the wall. Other issues caused by loose outlet boxes can include:

  • Cracked faceplate: This could expose live electrical wires. If that’s the case, don’t use the outlet until the faceplate has been fixed.
  • Inconsistent electricity: Does the outlet deliver a strong, fast charge at times, and a weak, slow charge at other times? Not only is that annoying, it could also be bad for the battery on the device you’re charging.
  • Plug and cord damage: You shouldn’t have to force the plug into the socket. That’s another sign of a problem that needs fixing.
  • Electric Shock: A loose electric box could lead to a shock. This would most likely happen when plugging or unplugging a cord and could be lethal for you or your family.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company is the place to call for electrical needs! If you have a loose electrical box or other issues, give our electricians a call today at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. It’s Worth The Call. Always.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

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In the age of renewable energy and green everything, there’s one concept that stands above the rest: saving money. Saving the planet is great, but for most consumers, what really matters is saving the green in their own pocket. One of the easiest ways to do this is through energy-efficient lighting. It’s the same amount of light for less money. You can’t beat that.

About 5% of your electric bill goes straight to the cost of lighting your home. Because of that, changing to energy-efficient lighting is the fastest and easiest way to save money on your bill. Replacing the bulbs you use the most will save you about $50 every year. 

New lighting options include halogen incandescent, CLF and LED light bulbs. Make sure to choose bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR to make sure you get the best efficiency possible.

HOW THEY WORK

The difference between the old and new technology is actually staggering. About 90% of the energy on your old incandescent bulbs was giving off heat, not producing light. That’s practically burning money! While these bulbs are still in many homes, they are no longer being manufactured. The new energy-saving light bulbs not only are vastly more efficient, but they also come in a wide variety of styles and colors to fit exactly the look you want.

LIGHTING OPTIONS

The most common types of energy-efficient bulbs are halogen incandescents, CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), and LEDs (light-emitting diodes). They can cost a little more than your traditional bulbs, but will save you money over their lifetime because they use less energy. Most home improvement stores carry a wide variety of styles, including options like timers and dimmers that can save you even more.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

You can save even more with high-efficiency bulbs by using them outside. Lighting that’s left on constantly can save you a lot, if it’s more efficient. For exterior use, bare spiral CFLs can be enclosed to protect them from the weather. Floodlights can be found as CFLs or LEDs.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company provides electrical contracting for the majority of electrical needs you may have. We can even offer more tips on becoming energy-efficient. To make an appointment, you can reach us at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Electrical Work: DIY or Call a Pro?

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We live in the information age. Sometimes that’s a good thing, sometimes not. With the advent of YouTube, almost everything around the house can seemingly be turned into a DIY project. But just because you found a video on how to do it yourself, does that really mean that you could, or even that you should? Those are important questions to ask, especially when it comes to electrical work.

Many homeowners elect to take the DIY route because it will save money. But is it worth it?

ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO DO ELECTRICAL WORK?

As mentioned above, electrical work is different than other home improvement projects. It takes at least some degree of expertise. You need to be able to diagnose your electrical set up and know how to get your desired result. Decide, realistically, if you are qualified.

JOBS YOU CAN PROBABLY DO

There are a handful of jobs that, if you are comfortable and take precautions, you can possibly do on your own. They include:

Installing a new light switch or fixture
Rewiring a broken fixture or lamp
Installing a new electrical outlet

If you have typical tools, some common sense, and (if necessary) the help of YouTube, you should be able to complete these tasks. Just remember these two critical safety tips:

ALWAYS TURN THE POWER OFF BEFORE WORKING WITH ELECTRICAL OUTLETS.
MAKE SURE ALL ELECTRICAL WIRES ARE SECURELY IN PLACE TO AVOID A FIRE HAZARD.

LEAVE THESE TO THE PROS

Most jobs not listed above should probably be left to the pros. In a worst-case scenario, improper electrical work could even void your insurance. Here are some jobs that you’ll definitely want to give The Bosworth Company a call for:

Anything involving your electrical panel or breaker box
Rewiring part of your home
Correcting electrical codes
Installing circuits or dedicated circuits.

If you decide the job is more than you can handle, we’re here to help. Give the Bosworth Company a call at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always!

Wiring for WiFi

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Even if you’re the type of person who doesn’t “keep up with the Joneses,” you have to admit that in 2019 (almost) everyone has WiFi. Even our parents have WiFi…and they have…for a while. But just having your internet provider come and set up your WiFi, doesn’t mean that the electrical setup is ideal.  In reality, many homes and businesses hard wire many of their devices, even if they use WiFi as well. Some devices may even require wiring for setup.

Hiring an Electrician for WiFi Wiring

When wiring a home for internet, it’s important to call a professional. The Bosworth Company’s team of professional electricians can provide wiring for all your telephone, cable, and internet-related needs. They’ll be able to map out a custom plan for your home or office that will maximize coverage while limiting the number of holes in walls or the ceiling. A certified electrician will also be able to bundle wires in a safe manner.

WiFi Router Placement and Boosting

If WiFi is the way to go, it’s important that your routers be placed in the correct location to maximize your service. This includes evaluating your floor plan and the rooms where you’ll most often use the internet. The router should be centrally located, keeping in mind that walls between you and your router can decrease the effectiveness of your WiFi. If your home is more than 1000 square feet, or multiple stories, you’ll likely need an additional router. Some secondary routers work like a booster, improving the signal strength of your primary router. Make sure you get the variety of router/booster that best fits the needs of your space. If a second router is necessary, it’s a good idea to contact an electrician, as rewiring is likely necessary.

Call The Bosworth Company

Setting up your internet on your own may seem like an easy task, but there are things that a professional electrician can do to make sure you maximize your internet’s effectiveness. Schedule an appointment with The Bosworth Company today by calling us at 432-570-5233 or scheduling online! Worth the call. Always.