D'Spain Sales and Service Blog

What Is an AFCI Outlet?

March 11th, 2015

Electrical outlets in homes and businesses have advanced a long way from the old style of two-prong outlets without grounding. Some homes still have these outdated types of outlet, and if your home is one of them, you should contact a professional electrician to put in updated outlets, such as GFCI and AFCI outlets. Both these outlets help provide safety in a home, but from two different types of electrical dangers. A GFCI outlet prevents sending high voltage electrical shocks into a person. We’ll explain below what the AFCI outlet does.

If you need to have upgrades for the outlets in your home, call the excellent electrical team at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. We offer comprehensive residential electrical services in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, from installing new outlets and circuit breaker panels to full safety inspections.

AFCI outlets: arc fault protection

When an appliance is plugged into an outlet, it can cause the heat to rise inside the outlet, a phenomenon known as arcing, when electricity is conducted through the air and converted into heat. An AFCI (“arc fault circuit interrupter”) outlet is designed to detect when arcing occurs and then immediately cut off the circuit inside the outlet and stop the flow of electricity and the arcing. Arc fault protection is not limited to outlets; it is often part of the electrical panel, so your home may already have arc fault protection even if it does not have specific AFCI outlets for it.

Currently, the National Electric Code (NEC) requires AFCI protection for wiring that serves bedrooms and other sleeping areas in a house, since these are locations where a fire could start in the outlet and catch someone by surprise. However, the NEC is not a federal law, only a set of guidelines, and all local jurisdictions select their own version of the code to enforce. A professional electrician will know what the local code requirements are for your area.

If you have doubts about the electrical safety of your home, or if you’re unsure if you have arc protection or not, please call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. We can provide an electrical inspection to determine what safety measures you may need. Afterwards, we can install GFCI and AFCI outlets, or place arc fault protection into your electrical panel. We will help see that your home has the best level of electrical safety to protect your family. Rely on us for any job you need that’s electrical in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX.

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Some Benefits of Improving Your Outdoor Lighting

March 4th, 2015

Does the outside of your home seem drab, gloomy, dim? Perhaps you should call for professional electricians to improve the outdoor lighting around your home. There are a number of excellent reasons to call the electricians at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. to work on your outdoor lighting in Bandera, TX. Here are a few of them:

Increased use of recreational areas

In a place with warm weather like Texas, you should be able to enjoy outdoor patios, verandas, balconies, and pools during most of the year. But unless you have excellent outdoor lighting, you will get significantly less enjoyment out of these areas, especially during periods of with short days. The fun shouldn’t stop when the sun goes down.

Safety

The walkways and stairs around the outside of your property can present potential hazards for residents and guests, who can suffer from injuries. If you have children and elderly people who require assistance living in your home, it is ever more important to see that your house’s exterior has quality lighting for its walkways.

Security

Studies have shown that criminals are far less likely to target a well-lit home than one with dim lighting. A well-designed lighting scheme from professionals that avoids harsh areas of darkness between lighted areas will also remove places where unwanted intruders can hide, helping to keep your home and family protected.

Increase Property Value

If you think that you may sell your home at some point in the future (possibly the far off future), improved outdoor lighting will do a tremendous amount to increase the home’s “curb appeal” and raise its market value. Better outdoor lighting is a less expensive way of giving your home a fresh outdoor appeal than a large scale remodeling.

Your home will simply look better

Finally, with an excellent outdoor lighting scheme, you will have a home that you will enjoy looking at and feel proud of. It’s a more subjective benefit, but it may be the most important one of all.

If you would like better outdoor lighting in Bandera, TX, you only have to let us know. D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. has the electrical services that you need for the best home lighting possible, and we can help you save energy as well with LED light installation. Call today to set up an appointment.

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How Ductless Heating Works

February 25th, 2015

People usually associate home heating with a network of ducts that are responsible for distributing the conditioned air from the heater throughout the rooms. However, this is not the only way to have central heating for a home. If you are interested in a heating installation for your home that doesn’t require ductwork, call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. today and ask about our services for ductless heating in Boerne, TX and the surrounding areas.

What exactly is ductless heating?

Ductless heating is a type of heat pump that operates through individual air handlers rather than a single central indoor unit connected to ductwork. A heat pump works in a manner similar to an air conditioner: it uses electricity to circulate refrigerant between indoor and outdoor coils, absorbing heat from one location and then releasing it in another. In a ductless heat pump (also known as a ductless mini split heat pump), the heat absorbed from the outdoor cabinet travels to the individual air handlers that are mounted in rooms throughout the house. Each air handler contains its own coil and blower fan, and they send the conditioned air directly into the rooms.

What are the advantages to a system like this?

Ductless heating is an excellent idea if you are planning on new home construction or major remodeling, since you don’t need to expend space on ductwork. You only have to plan on air handler placement. Ductless heating also works well for older homes that lack the room for ducts.

There are other benefits to going ductless as well. These systems are more energy-efficient because they do not suffer from any heat loss as the air travels along the ducts, and you won’t have to worry about duct repairs and regular duct cleaning. Ductless heat pumps will also help improve indoor air quality because they do not pick up the dust and debris that often collects inside ventilation systems. Since you can control the air handlers separately from one another, you can shut off heat to rooms that are unoccupied instead of heating the whole house at once, which will contribute to significant energy savings.

Finally, like all heat pumps, ductless heating also works as ductless cooling. You can switch a heat pump from heating mode to cooling mode and receive quality air conditioning during the summer. You have both your comfort concerns taken care of with one installation.

Call us to find out more about ductless heating

If you think that going ductless sounds like the right option for your home heating in Boerne, TX, you only have to give D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. a call. We install, repair, and maintain a variety of ductless mini split heat pumps for the area. You can arrange for service with us today.

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Furnace Parts You Need to Know

February 18th, 2015

When discussing any major home appliance, like the air conditioner or the furnace, it is greatly beneficial to have at least a working knowledge of its operation. That doesn’t mean that you need to be able to take it apart and put it back together, or even that you need to repair it on your own. Instead, having deeper knowledge of how your appliances work helps you identify when something goes wrong. The faster you can identify a problem, the faster you can get help and have it fixed. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the furnace parts that you need to know.

The Air Filter

The air filter is a part that is installed in the air handler of your furnace, covering the air return section of the ducts. It is responsible for capturing any particles, like dust or debris, which might blow in from the ducts. Such particles could cause damage to the furnace if allowed to infiltrate the system, and the air filter does an excellent job of protecting the furnace from their effects. However, if the air filter is not cleaned or replaced every few months it can become clogged to the point of restricting air flow. This restricted air flow can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. If you hear your furnace constantly turning on and off again, it is likely because the system is overheating every time it turns on.

The Air Handler

The air handler is the collection of parts that is responsible for circulating air throughout the house. The air handler motor, which is responsible for turning the fan, is the part that is put under the most strain while the furnace is operating. To compensate for this, the motor is equipped with a number of lubricated bearings, which lessen the amount of friction. These bearings can dry out over time, however, which will cause them to wear down. This will cause the friction on the motor to keep increasing until it overheats and burns out. If you hear a grinding sound coming from your furnace, call a professional right away. That’s the sound of the bearings wearing out. If you don’t act quickly, you may have to replace the entire motor instead of just a few bearings.

If you’d like to know more, call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. today to speak with one of our specialists. We provide professional furnace repair service in the Helotes area.

 

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Common Heating System Problems

February 16th, 2015

As a homeowner, it’s always good to have a basic understanding of what kinds of common problems can develop with your heating system. This isn’t so you embark on repairing your system yourself – that should be left to the experts – but so that you aren’t completely in the dark when your technician tells you what is going on should your heating system needs repair. Following are some examples of the common problems our D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. technicians encounter pretty frequently:

Thermostat Issues

Whenever you have a heating system problem, one of the first places your technician will check is the thermostat; this is because your thermostat controls the operation of your system, and if it is malfunctioning, your system won’t work as it should. Common issues with thermostats are dying or dead batteries, worn and/or corroded wiring, dusty instrumentation and calibration problems.

No/Low Heat

Depending on the type of system you have, there are several causes for low or no heat, and one of the easiest to diagnose and repair is a clogged air filter. Other reasons can be electrical issues, refrigerant leaks (heat pumps) and issues with the blower (forced air systems). Because there are a number of reasons that can cause a lack of heating for your home, it’s important to always hire a professional for repair.

Ignition Problems

If you have a combustion heating system, a number of problems can develop with the components that help ignite your burner. Systems with electronic ignition can have problems with the flame sensor, placement of the igniter and dirt and dust; systems with standing pilots may have an issue keeping the pilot lit. Ignition issues can be complex, so it isn’t advisable to try and repair an ignition problem on your own; instead, call for an expert.

Your heater is a mechanical device, so at some point it is likely that a problem will develop with the system. Only trained experts should work on a heating system, so if yours needs repair, call the professionals you can count on: D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. We provide quality heating repair in the Fair Oaks Ranch area.

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Valentine’s Day: Pagan Revelry, Clandestine Marriage, and 14th Century Poetry

February 14th, 2015

What do you think of when you think of Valentine’s Day? Perhaps rushing off to the stationary store after work to choose the perfect card with which to express your feelings towards a loved one? Dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant? Roses, dark chocolates, and other gifts and confections? Whatever Valentine’s Day may look like to you, chances are that it is a far cry from the history surrounding this holiday – or at least we hope so. Here are a few interesting facts about this most romantic of holidays, from your friends here at D’Spain Sales & Service.

The fact of the matter is that there is no definitive history as to how Valentine’s Day came to be. There are a few different saints with variations of the name Valentine, for example. One of the most prevalent legends, and one certainly in keeping with the romantic nature of the holiday as we know it today, pertains to a priest serving during the 3rd century in Rome. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, who believed that young men made for better soldiers if unfettered by marriage, it was illegal for young men to marry. A true believer in love, Valentine would marry young couples in secret. Until, at least, he was found out, and met a very unpleasant end for his crimes.

Like many of our modern holidays, Valentine’s Day can also be traced back to pagan ritual. Lupercalia, as the pagan festival is known, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, a god of agriculture. As is often the case with Roman celebrations, the details of this celebration are unfit to detail here. Suffice to say that, while there is certainly a touch of the amorous in the proceedings, the festival was a far cry from what we associate with Valentine’s Day today.

How, then, did our modern version of Valentine’s Day come to be? The answer may lie in, of all places, 14th century poetry; particularly, in the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer. Famed for his Canterbury Tales, Chaucer may well be the very first writer to associate Valentine’s Day with romantic love, in the manner of which we are familiar with it today. His The Parliament of Fowls details the dream-vision of a narrator consumed with the idea of romantic love and the natural order of finding a mate. Valentine’s Day is mentioned by name a number of times, as the narrator witnesses a parliament of eagles vying for the hand – or, perhaps more aptly, the wing – of a mate.

Whatever you may think of the holiday’s sordid and convoluted history, we here at D’Spain Sales & Service hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with the special someone in your life.

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Signs That You Should Consider a Humidifier

February 4th, 2015

You’ve heard people complain about humidity in the summer, often remarking about the hot and sticky feeling it leaves on the skin. Humidity is characterized by the amount of water in the air. We say that the relative humidity is high when the air contains a lot of water vapor (and the most it can contain is 100%). High humidity is problematic because when there is too much moisture in the air, sweat cannot easily evaporate from your skin, which makes you feel warmer even when the weather is otherwise temperate. Inside of your house, moisture can collect and may lead to dangerous levels of mold and mildew.

Luckily, air conditioners take care of some level of humidity, and you can install a dehumidifier in the home to offset the problem of excessive moisture in the air. But did you know that very little moisture in the air is often just as alarming for some homeowners? Low levels of humidity can cause a few different problems for your home and your health, but you can install a point-of-use or whole home humidifier when you experience any of these common issues.

  • Dry Skin and Chapped Lips: Dry air equates to dry skin, chapped lips, and even bloody noses. You may be spending a ton of money on balms and lotions, and feel exasperated by the discomfort you experience every day.
  • A Cold that Just Won’t Quit: If you have a cold that just won’t seem to end, the lack of moisture in the air certainly isn’t helping. When your sinuses are dried out, your body can’t recover from a cold as quickly as it should.
  • Cracked Furniture and Peeling Paint: One of the most surprising effects of low humidity is the possibility that your furniture, walls, or floors could be ruined. If you notice damage on wood floors and furniture, cracks on the wall, or peeling paint, humidity control may be vital.

At D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc., we recommend whole-home humidifiers over portable options so that your entire home and each family member is protected during a dry spell. Call our team of technicians today to schedule installation or repairs for your humidifier in Bandera.

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How a Thermostat Upgrade Will Help Your Heating

January 30th, 2015

It may not seem all that powerful compared to the size of your heater, but without it, your heater doesn’t start. What are we talking about? Your home’s thermostat. And if you are using an outdated one, you and your heating system may be missing out some important benefits. Today’s thermostats have come a long way since the dial or slide types, and can offer much more to you and your home than ever before. Professional installation ensures that your new thermostat will benefit your heating, so if you’ve held on to your current thermostat a little too long, call the experts at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. in Boerne, TX today.

Thermostat Options

There are four types of thermostat upgrades for your home:

  • Digital – a digital thermostat is the most basic of newer thermostats, but don’t think because they are basic that they aren’t effective. Unlike slide or dial thermostats, you can set a precise temperature with a digital thermostat, and they also have easy-to-use, intuitive buttons.
  • Programmable – a programmable thermostat is a digital thermostat that you can program for up to 7 days. You can set up to 4 program settings per day, which allows you to program for times of low- or no occupancy. If you have a set routine, you can loop your 7-day program indefinitely.
  • Wireless – a wireless thermostat is more of a system as it comes with a main receiver that takes the place of your wired thermostat, and this receiver communicates and works with the 3-4 wireless thermostats you can place anywhere in your home.
  • Smart – smart thermostat are the most advanced, offering you programmability, monitoring and tracking of your energy usage, all of which can be accessed remotely via a smart device.

Why Upgrade?

  • Better energy efficiency – with a thermostat that can offer precision and/or programming, you will have better control over your temperature settings and as a result, energy usage.
  • More convenient – with a programmable thermostat, there’s no more running back and forth to set and re-set the temperature; simply program it according to your needs and that’s it.
  • Less stress on your system – with your thermostat working more effectively, so does your heating system.

A thermostat upgrade is a fairly simple, straightforward way to improve the efficiency and operation of your heating. If you are ready to upgrade your home’s thermostat, call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. and schedule an appointment for our heating service in Boerne, TX today!

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Why You Should Have Carbon Monoxide Detectors Installed

January 21st, 2015

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that kills thousands of people a year worldwide. It is invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making it virtually undetectable to human senses. This is part of what makes it so dangerous. Unfortunately, it also happens to be far more common than you would think. The largest producers of carbon monoxide are natural gas burning furnaces, which also happen to be among the most common types of heating systems. Let’s take a look at how furnaces actually produce carbon monoxide, and why installing carbon monoxide detectors is the best way to keep you and your family safe.

Incomplete Combustion

Carbon monoxide is one of several kinds of toxic gases that are all produced as byproducts of what is called “incomplete combustion.” Incomplete combustion simply means that not all of the fuel burned is converted into heat. Regardless of the kind of fuel you’re burning, if you’re using a combustion system there will always be byproducts left over. Obviously, furnaces would not be viable heating systems if they vented deadly gas into the home every time they were turned on. Therefore, it became necessary to construct a part that could heat the air while venting combustion byproducts out of the house. This part is called the “heat exchanger.”

The Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is a tube that connects the furnace burner assembly to the exhaust flue. As the burner assembly creates heat, it also creates combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide, which rise up the heat exchanger. The heat radiates through the heat exchanger and into the air being circulated throughout the home. The combustion byproducts continue to the exhaust flue to be safely disposed of.

The problem is that, over time, the heat exchanger can develop cracks from the stress of being exposed to high temperatures. In some cases, the combustion gases can then travel through these cracks and enter the air in your home. There is no reliable way to test whether or not you have been exposed unless you begin to feel the symptoms, which include headaches, nausea, blurred vision, seizures, and unconsciousness. You don’t want to wait until you experience these symptoms before acting, which is why carbon monoxide detectors are your best bet.

If you’d like to know more or schedule a service, call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. today. Our professional electricians in Helotes, TX are standing by to help you answer all of your questions.

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Some Benefits of Heat Pump Installation

January 14th, 2015

Compared to other parts of the country, our weather stays fairly moderate during the winter months, making a heat pump heating installation a great option for homeowners in Fair Oaks Ranch. Why? Heat pumps have a number of benefits, and they work very well in temperate climates. Not sure what a heat pump can offer you? Let’s take a look.

2-in-1 Device

With the installation of a heat pump, you get both heating and cooling for your home in one device, eliminating the need for two separate whole-home systems. Heat pumps can do this because they have a component called a reversing valve that allows them to change the directional flow of the refrigerant.

Great Energy Efficiency

Heat pumps don’t generate hot or cool air; therefore, they don’t need any fossil fuels and the amount of electricity they need to operate is about a quarter of that used by a whole-home heating or cooling system.

Very Versatile

Heat pumps can be used with several kinds of systems, including geothermal, hybrid heating, ducted and ductless systems.

Long Lifespan

The average lifespan for a heat pump is 20-25 years, as compared to a combustion heating system, which is 15-20 years, and an air conditioning system, which is 10-12 years.

Quiet and Comfortable

Heat pumps blow air in a low-volume, gentle way, allowing for quiet and comfortable dispersal of air.

How Do They Work?

You may be wondering how a device can offer both heating and cooling without benefit of fossil fuels; it’s really quite simple. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one location to another; they use refrigerant to facilitate this transfer. In winter, the heat pump absorbs the heat that surrounds it, concentrates it and transfers the warm air into your home; in summer, it does the opposite. The reversing valve, mentioned above, allows the heat pump to change the way the refrigerant flows, which allows the heat pump to change from heating to cooling. As the homeowner, all you have to do to change modes is press a button on your thermostat.

If a heat pump sounds like the right heating system to install in your Fair Oaks Ranch home, call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. today and schedule an appointment with one of our installation experts.

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