Have you ever seen the outlets that have buttons in the center? Or perhaps ones that have a little light that you take to indicate that it is working properly? Then you’ve seen a GFCI outlet.

GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter; this is indicative of the outlet’s ability to stop the current in the circuit if there is an imbalance between the hot side of the plug and the neutral side.

There are many different circumstances in which having GFCI outlets installed could be beneficial. In fact, there are several circumstances in which building codes require the installation of them by a certified electrician.

Say, for instance, that you’re using a hair dryer and for some reason it isn’t functioning properly. The electricity may want to try and take the shortest way to the ground versus continuing to flow through the circuit. This is one way an electrocution can happen. If the current starts shifting towards the person holding the appliance, a GFCI outlet will register that and trigger in less than one-thirtieth of a second, stopping the continuation of the electric current.

GFCI outlets should be installed by an electrician in places that could experience moisture such as around the kitchen counters, the bathroom, and for outdoor outlets. As we mentioned previously, some building codes require GFCI but any homeowner should consider installing GFCI outlets throughout the house to help prevent over two-thirds of electrocutions that happen.

Contact the Electrical Gurus today for more information about GFCI outlets and how we can eliminate the hassle of installation.

Home owners routinely call us with questions regarding attic fans. Do they really work? What is the difference between an attic fan and a whole house fan? Prior to home air conditioning and even after, home builders generally installed attic fans for the comfort of the residents. If you are a home owner who manages to get the first floor comfortable and then when you go upstairs for the evening it is stifling, an attic fan may be the answer for you.

Having an attic fan allows you to open one or more windows and the fan will suck in the cooler outside air and blow out the warmer interior air. When you have the proper fan, those times when you would be extremely warm and increase the output of your whole house A/C system, you may be surprised you need a light blanket with an attic fan.

Attic Fan vs. Whole House Fan

Are you confused? There is no reason to be. When you speak of a whole house fan it is a unit that is installed in the ceiling. It is designed to extract the hot air from your entire home and redirect it into the attic. The positive pressure in the attic will drive the warm air through roof vents. Then the negative pressure will bring in the cooler outside air.

A single attic fan is installed at the roof level and its purpose is to draw all the warm air out of the house. If you want fresh or cool air to be brought into the home, additional vents need to be installed.

Obviously there are many more advantages to a whole house fan, but the choice is yours. Many times you can use your whole house fan instead of your expensive air conditioning. Generally, an attic fan will run during the warmest time of the day hours to pump all the hot air out of your attic. However, a whole house fan will run in the coolest times like morning, evening and overnight to bring the fresh, cool air in.

Other benefits

While you may enjoy fishing and bringing your catch back for a family feast, you can still smell the fish fry the next morning and evening. An attic fan or whole house fan can rid your home of unwanted temporary odors in a heartbeat.

We will size your home and suggest a unit that will be able to cool within a three minute period. This is so much more efficient than turning down the A/C. You will see a huge reduction in your electric bill because these fans help your A/C run more efficiently and in some instances you do not need to run you’re A/C at all.

When you make the investment, a whole house fan is quiet and can last as long as 30 years. This is vastly difference from air conditioners. It does not pull damp, rainy air into your home.

Ask us for a free estimate.

Twas the Day before Christmas….a true story December 24, 2009 Garland, Texas As the temperature dropped, it had started to snow, The 100 Amp. Federal, just decided to Blow!……….. It arced and it sparked, sent my wife in a Panic, I felt like the captain, of the famous Titanic…. Kids coming for christmas, lots of food to prepare, No lights in the kitchen, on the brink of despair…. Her I-Phone still up, she went to the net, She Googled some words, and found the Best Bet…. We called and Nick answered, He got someone going, Jeremy from Mesquite, and soon—Power Flowing!!!! Mrs. Overbey and I sincerely thank the Family at ElectricMan for being there and saving our Christmas! God Bless and Merry Christmas, Val & Susan Overbey

Thank you Val & Susan!  It was a pleasure to do business with you!