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Common Signs of Electrical Problems in an Electrical System

Spotting Faulty Wiring

In every home and business, hundreds or thousands of feet of wiring carry electricity to the outlets and lighting used daily to power life. Just like a plumbing problem, electrical problems can occur at any point along the wiring and can often cause serious damage.

Learning to spot faulty wiring is essential to keeping a property running reliably and safely. By learning the signs of faulty wiring, owners can spot problems and call for repairs before the situation gets dangerous. Here is a quick article discussing three common signs of faulty wiring that require the attention of an expert.

Tripped Circuit Breakers and Blown Fuses

The wiring itself is one of an electrical system’s more durable and reliable components. Things often go awry at points of use for electricity or places where wiring is joined together as part of a circuit. When wires are improperly joined, or points of use like outlets are starting to wear out, the flow of electricity will change. On one hand, if the electricity slows down, heat can build up and cause a fire. On the other hand, if electricity travels too fast, it causes circuit breakers to trip or fuses to blow.

Circuit breakers and fuses shouldn’t trip or blow under normal circumstances. If tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses are a common problem on a property, it is a major indicator that something else is going wrong within the wiring. Call electricians to sniff out the problem so they can make repairs before problems get worse. This will not only protect the property; it will restore normal, convenient electrical function.

Hot or Smoky Electrical Outlets

While circuit breakers are used to stop the flow of electricity that is too much for wiring to handle, the devices used to stop electrical arcs aren’t widely deployed yet. Electrical arcs are what occur when connections between wiring or electrical components impede the flow of electricity. Newer electrical codes require devices that sense the resulting arcs and trip like a circuit breaker, but there is a better way to tell if problems are occurring at outlets.

Outlets are the most common site of wiring problems. Over time, they can wear out, or slight movements can cause damage to the wiring that could result in an arc. When arcs occur in outlets, they leave soot or scorch marks near the device. When these are spotted, repairs must be made quickly.

Buzzing Sound or Burning Smell Near Outlets or Appliances

The final sign of faulty wiring is similar to the second. When arcs occur, not only do they leave visible marks, but they can also make noise and put off a distinct odor. As owners make their way through their homes every day, they should be on the lookout for electrical odors or buzzing noises that indicate electrical arcs in switches, appliances, and outlets.

Repairs can be made quickly and often consist of replacing a wiring section or installing a new outlet. Never delay repairs when these signs are spotted since they can ignite fires or cause electrical shock.

About The Bosworth Company

The Bosworth Company employs a knowledgeable and friendly staff to handle electrical problems. Their experts can sniff out wiring problems in homes or businesses. Call today for quick electrical service in Midland, TX.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality for National Wellness Month

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality refers to the air quality in a home or building and how it impacts a household or building occupants’ health. This can include the temperature, humidity, ventilation amount, and mold or chemicals exposure. If a property has poor indoor air quality, it can negatively impact those inside the house or office. It can increase allergy and asthma symptoms, leading to respiratory illnesses.

During National Wellness Month – a month dedicated to people taking care of themselves – property owners need to improve indoor air quality and schedule indoor air quality services.

Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

If a house or building has poor indoor air quality, health symptoms might be some of the first signs property owners notice indicating they need repairs.

If exposed to poor indoor quality, family members or building occupants can suffer from respiratory issues. It can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, and wheezing. Those with allergies or asthma might experience heightened symptoms. Other issues people might experience are headaches, burning of the eyes, and even skin rashes.

Air Filter Replacement and Maintenance

One way to improve a home or office’s indoor air quality is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance and often change the air conditioner system’s air filters.

HVAC technicians recommend changing an AC unit’s air filters at least every three months. Dust, dander, and other debris can build up on filters. When this happens, the filters cannot successfully remove particles from the air. This can cause more debris to circulate in the air.

AC experts also suggest scheduling annual HVAC maintenance services to allow technicians to inspect the system. This will let them look for leaks that can cause refrigerant to leak out of the system or cause mold and mildew to form in the system. These can worsen the air quality in a home.

Air Cleaners and Filtration Systems

To improve a property’s indoor air quality, technicians may recommend installing an air cleaner or filtration system – such as an air purifier or a UV air sanitizer.

An air purifier removes particulate matter from the air through filtration. HEPA filters are commonly used, as well as ionic purifiers, to remove dust, allergens, and other particles from the air. Air sanitizers, on the other hand, use ultraviolet light to destroy pathogens and bacteria in the air.

While both work to improve indoor air quality, air purifiers tend to be used to reduce dust and pollen, and UV sanitizers are used to kill bacteria, mold, and viruses.

About The Bosworth Company

Since 1949, The Bosworth Company has provided reliable, quality plumbing services to the Midland area. They offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed and same-day services. Call them today for HVAC services in Midland, TX.

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Need Repiping? Watch For These 3 Signs

Symptoms You Need Repiping Services

It can be obvious when a home’s water heater needs to be replaced, as the household will likely be left without hot water. If a dishwasher malfunctions, it can leak or just stop working altogether. But how about a larger system – like pipes? How do property owners know when it’s time to have a home repiped?

Plumbing experts have several recommendations homeowners can look for when determining if they need to replace their pipes. Three of the most common signs can include leaks, low water pressure, or discoloration in their water.

Frequent Leaks and Pipe Repairs

One of the most obvious signs a property owner can watch for that can indicate they need pipe repairs is frequent leaking pipes.

While an occasional leak is expected and can be repaired, homeowners must be alert if they notice frequent leaks – or multiple leaks in different locations. If there are several leaks down the piping line, it can indicate a larger issue with the piping system. It can be that the pipes are aging or rusting. When this happens, home repiping is recommended. Not only is it safer for a household, but it can also be more cost-effective.

If property owners frequently schedule repairs on their pipes, the bills can increase. Instead of investing money in aging or faulty pipes, plumbers suggest spending the money on replacing the pipes.

Poor Water Pressure

Poor water pressure is another sign homeowners can watch for that can indicate repiping a house is needed. If the water pressure starts to decrease, it should signal to households that there’s an issue with their piping system – and may require repiping.

One of the main causes plumbers will look at when they arrive at a house is the condition of the home’s pipes. If the pipes start to deteriorate, they can corrode, leading to low water pressure. To repair the issue, the pipes will likely need to be replaced. Especially if a house is older, plumbers will examine the pipes to see what material they are made of. If they are galvanized steel or iron, they can be more susceptible to issues.

Experts will also check the age of the pipes and the size. If the pipes are older, they can corrode and restrict the water flow. In this case, plumbers may recommend replacing the pipes. They will also check the diameter of the pipes. If the pipes are too small for the household’s water demands, it can result in reduced water pressure. Plumbers will recommend repiping with larger pipes.

Other causes of reduced water flow plumbers will inspect are pipes leaks and clogs. While these issues may be able to be repaired, if they are severe, experts may recommend repiping.

The Color or Smell of the Water Has Changed

Plumbers also suggest homeowners pay attention to the color and smell of their water. If there is a tint to the water or an odd smell, it can indicate the home needs repiping services.

Discoloration of water can indicate there is rust or pipe corrosion. This can result in yellow or brown water. To resolve the issue, plumbers recommend replacing the pipes.

If homeowners notice a foul odor in their water, it can indicate the water is contaminated or that there are bacteria in it. Plumbers recommend whole-house repiping services to make the water safe.

About The Bosworth Company

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Create the Perfect Setting for Summer Fun in the Backyard!

Make Sure Outdoor Spaces Are Ready for Guests This Summer

Summer means outdoor parties, family BBQs, and time with friends. To create a welcoming outdoor space, homeowners might look for upgrades to their backyard – beyond planting new flowers and improving their landscaping.

Improving their lighting, ensuring power during severe Texas weather, and adding a pool or hot tub can make a property perfect for summer guests. These additions can also improve a home’s safety. Electricians provide backyard ideas on how to make these upgrades to outdoor living spaces and what to consider before the installation.

Add Exterior Lighting

Electricians recommend adding exterior lights outside a home to improve its ambiance and safety. Lights can provide mood lighting for parties and help guests see better in the dark, preventing slip-and-fall injuries.

There are numerous types of outdoor lighting homeowners can install throughout their property. Some of the most common ones electricians recommend are:

Step Lights: Placed on stairs, these outdoor lights illuminate the steps, making it easier for people to walk up and down staircases in the dark. These can prevent falls and injuries.
Security Lighting: These are typically the brightest form of yard light. They light up large, dark spaces to prevent intruders and pests from entering a property. These are typically installed above the garage or in eaves – high places – to cast a wide beam on the yard. A popular form of security lighting is motion-sensing floodlights. These will turn on if movement is detected in the yard. This gives intruders the impression that homeowners see them and just turn on the lights, adding another determent.
Path Lighting: These are installed on the ground, along walkways, to light up the path and make it easier for residents and guests to navigate a home’s walkways.
String Lighting: These are perfect for outdoor entertainment. As warm, intimate lighting, string lights provide a desirable look and feel for outdoor dinners and parties. They can be hung across a patio, deck, or wherever the party occurs.
Wall Lighting: These can be used for both safety and decor. Typically low-voltage lights can add light to a dark area of a yard. They can also be hung around a patio or deck to add ambiance for outdoor dining.
Lanterns: These soft lights are perfect accent lights for outdoor walls. They are typically installed near doors or by a window. They provide additional light for a space, as well as ambiance.
Spot Lighting: Also called up-lighting or landscape lighting, these lights shine beams upwards to showcase a feature in the yard. This can be shone on a tree, a statue, a pool feature, a water feature, or another area.

Get a Generator

Texas homes can be at risk of losing power frequently during the summer months. Between the extremely hot and humid temperatures and strong storms, homeowners can experience blackouts that can leave them without power for hours. To avoid this, electricians recommend installing whole-house generators.

Installing these can provide many benefits for property owners. The biggest advantage these offer is peace of mind for homeowners that they won’t be left without power during the next major storm. This assures that security systems will keep running, HVAC units will be able to provide comfort, and any medical devices will be able to be used during the power outage.

Generators can also provide cost savings to homeowners. If a blackout lasts for hours to days, residents will lose any perishable food items in their freezers or refrigerators. This can be expensive to replace. Any medications that are stored in the refrigerator will also need to be replaced. And perhaps one of the largest expenses is if a family is forced to evacuate their house and stay in a hotel until the power is restored. If the power outage goes on for days, a household may need to relocate to get comfort from the heat or have the power to perform other tasks – like work or school.

Electricians can help homeowners determine the right type of generator for their house to ensure they are installing a system that will benefit their household the most.

Add a Pool or Hot Tub

One of the best forms of summer entertainment can be pool parties. They are not only fun, but they provide relief from the hot temperatures. However, it’s also essential for homeowners to ensure their pools and hot tubs are following all current electrical codes and regulations to keep their families and guests safe.

Electricians recommend scheduling an annual inspection to check the electrical wiring around pools and hot tubs and ensure regulations are followed – including how close the pump is installed to the pool. They will also check the lights in and around the pool areas to ensure they are safe. Electricians also check GFCI outlets to ensure they are working properly and that the house is up to code by installing them in areas around the pool or hot tub.

A pool safety inspection will allow electricians to check all of these issues and will also let them provide homeowners with other safety tips, like how far away to keep electrical appliances and electronics from the water.

About The Bosworth Company

Proudly serving the Permian Basin for more than 70 years, The Bosworth Company is dedicated to providing comfort to its neighbors in Midland. They guarantee on-time delivery and satisfaction with every job! Call them today for Midland, TX plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services.

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Add the AC’s Coils to the Spring Cleaning List

Cleaning Dirty Condenser and Evaporator Coils Can Improve the Air Conditioner’s Performance

When performing spring cleaning tasks around the house, don’t overlook the importance of AC maintenance and cleaning key elements of the air conditioning system to prepare it for summer temperatures, including cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils.

If these coils are dirty, it can lead to AC system issues and even higher energy bills as the unit works harder to cool the house. Dirty coils can also lead to a more uncomfortable home, clogs in the drain line, frozen coils, and other AC problems. Homeowners can help prevent these issues with condenser and evaporator coil cleaning. This blog will discuss what these coils do and the benefits of cleaning them.

Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil can accumulate a lot of debris throughout the year – including dust and pet dander. These particles collect on it and make it dirty, making it harder for the coil to work correctly and help keep the house cool. Located in the indoor air conditioning unit, the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from indoors, warming the chilled refrigerant inside it.

The evaporator coil is an essential component of air conditioners because they remove heat from the indoors, so when this coil is dirty, it cannot perform its job correctly and limits the amount of heat that can be absorbed, causing inefficiency, raising energy bills, and can even cause moisture on the coil that can freeze if it gets cold enough. It can also affect the cooling capability of the AC, making the home more uncomfortable.

Condenser Coil

Condenser coils are located in outdoor air conditioning units, so wind and storms can cause them to get dirty with leaves, dirt, and other debris throughout the year. The condenser coil releases the heat outside that was absorbed from the indoor air by the evaporator coil, then recycles the refrigerant back to the evaporator coil to repeat the cycle until the home reaches the desired temperature.

Because this coil releases heat, moving the heat outside will be more challenging if debris is on the coil, leading to many issues. When the condenser coil gets dirty, the AC must work harder to function and use more energy, causing a loss of efficiency, higher energy bills, poor cooling performance, and may even cause a system failure.

Coil Cleaning and Maintenance

Scheduling coil maintenance and cleaning services will provide many benefits, including allowing the system to run more efficiently, lowering cooling costs, and extending the air conditioner’s lifespan by preventing premature failure. To keep the AC coils clean and prevent issues with the air conditioning, it’s essential to clean them regularly. Experts recommend performing AC coil cleaning and maintenance at least once a year or when homeowners notice them getting dirty.

When professionals come to clean the coils, they will first inspect them to look for any signs of damage to determine if they can be cleaned or need replacing. Next, they will remove any debris with a coil brush and may straighten the coil fins with a special fin comb if they are bent. Next, they will wet the coils and coat them with a coil cleaner. When finished, they will close the access panel and turn the AC unit back on to restore cooling and keep the home comfortable.

About The Bosworth Company

The Bosworth Company is a family-owned business serving Midland, TX, and the surrounding areas for over 70 years. They provide 24/7 live answering, financing, and the latest technology. Call them today for evaporator coil services in Midland, TX.