As Sarasota’s electrical services professionals, we hear lots of questions from both residential and commercial customers. Most of these questions have relatively quick answers. So rather than trying to stretch out a single answer into a blog, we decided to tackle a few of these electrical questions and create a single source for some popular but varied concerns.
Do you have a question for us? Please feel free to comment and we will do our best to respond.
Electrical Questions & Answers
- Why are my electronic devices getting hot to the touch? Many electronics, such as your laptop or tablet, create heat when in use. The energy being produced by the device is transferred into heat, making it hot to the touch. If you put your hand on the back of your device under normal circumstances, you will most likely feel warmth. But if the machine begins to overheat, it can be dangerous and even damage your device. When an electronic device overheats, the damage is typically irreversible – but that may be the least of your problems. A device which fails due to overheating can cause burns, catch on fire or even explode. If your circuit breaker trips it is sure sign that there is too much energy flowing, and it is overloaded. This issue should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
- Who is responsible for damage to the electrical meter? Whether you have a smart meter or a standard meter, you may wonder who is responsible for repair or replacement if there is damage. There are different elements of the equipment, and as a customer it may fall upon you to take care of it. The utility company is typically only responsible for service damage that involves the electrical service wire and the meter itself. The homeowner is responsible for damage to the attachment between the utility company’s equipment and the their own property. Homeowners are also responsible for the entry point for the wires that connect to the meter, as well as the meter enclosure. If the homeowner causes any damage to underground services, they are typically required to pay fees related to cable repairs, reseeding and additional landscape damages.
- Are ceiling fans a good way to save energy? Fans come in diverse sizes and styles, along with various power settings. The type of fan, as well as how often it is in use, will determine the amount of electricity expended. Fans are often used in Florida properties during very warm days and nights – but are they costing us more money, or saving money? Sarasota homeowners should know that fans do not lower the air temperature in your home. Instead, they lower the body temperature of individuals in the room, keeping them cool by circulating air and creating a wind-chill effect. Therefore, ceiling fans allow you to save energy when you are in the room. The A/C unit can be set higher and does not have to work as hard to cool the room, saving energy. However, it does no good to run the fan in an empty house – it will not cool the room and is a waste of energy.
The master electricians at Promise Electric can provide a wealth of information on all of your electrical questions – just give us a call for a consultation. We can help you to assess your current usage, make recommendations for efficiency and savings, or help you to gain peace of mind by eliminating dangerous electrical situations. Whatever your electrical service need, we are here to help.
