D'Spain Sales and Service Blog

Benefits of Hiring an Electrician to Install Attic Fans

December 3rd, 2014

Heat naturally rises. This is a concept you’ve probably heard of before, but have you thought about what this means for your heating and air conditioning system? As heat moves into your home in the summer, it gathers in your attic, building up and having nowhere to vent so that it makes your home feel quite uncomfortable. And while running your air conditioner can help ease the discomfort, it won’t do much for all the heat trapped in your attic, which will make your home feel warmer soon after the AC shuts off.

Homeowners in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX often tend to choose attic fan installation in the summer months when looking for ways to cut cooling costs. An attic fan sits in the attic and vents warm air to the outside. This means your home will feel cooler and you won’t have to run your air conditioner for as long (or at all, in some cases), reducing the risk of repairs and cutting your energy bills.

But did you know that an attic fan can be just as useful in the winter? In the winter, the heat that collects in your attic can actually pose a health threat. As you run your heater, the warm air collects moisture from everyday activities like showering and cooking. This warm, humid air moves upwards, and can collect in the attic until mold or mildew form in the most hidden spaces of your home. This can cause allergies to act up as well as asthma, and may even lead to illness. However, an attic fan can move the trapped moist air back to the outdoors.

Why You Need Professional Service

The most important thing about attic fan installation is that you trust the job to a professional. Attic fan installation is not so simple as plugging in a fan and pressing a power button. You need your attic fan to be wired into your home’s electrical system so that it receives the right amount of power (and so that you can switch it on without climbing into the attic every day). In order to ensure safety, proper operation, and the greatest possible efficiency, be sure to schedule installation with a certified electrician in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, like the friendly expert at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. Give us a call today!

Tags: Electrician, Fair Oaks Ranch
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10 Facts You Should Know about Thanksgiving

November 26th, 2014

Thanksgiving has been celebrated as an official holiday in the United States for over 150 years, so you may think you understand all there is to know about this family feast. Most of us have heard the story of the pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving in 1621 after arriving in North America on the Mayflower. But did you know that only about half of the people on this ship were actually pilgrims? This fact is one of ten things that may actually surprise you about the Thanksgiving tradition!

Although we often consider Thanksgiving a holiday unique to the United States, many other countries and cultures celebrate their own set of harvest-time and thanksgiving traditions. In Korea, Chu-Sok (or “fall evening”) is put on in remembrance of forefathers on August 15^th of every year. Brazil celebrates a contemporary version of the U.S. holiday. Chinese, Roman, and Jewish cultures all have a history of harvest celebrations as well.
President Harry S. Truman began the tradition of a ceremony held before Thanksgiving during which the president receives a turkey. George H.W. Bush was the first to pardon the turkey instead of eating it.
In Minnesota alone, farmers raise over 40 million turkeys a year. In fact, U.S. farmers produce about one turkey for every one person in the country.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American will gain about one to two pounds every year during the holiday season.
On the other hand, turkey is naturally high in protein and has been known to support and boost immune systems to protect against illness and speed up healing. So feast on!
Abraham Lincoln issued a “Thanksgiving Proclamation” in 1863, but a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale can be credited with the idea. While Thanksgiving had been celebrated at different times of year in many areas of the U.S. for years, it was Hale, prominent magazine editor and author of the rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” who urged Lincoln to finally establish the national event.
President Franklin D Roosevelt once tried to change the date of Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of the month in order to extend the holiday shopping season and boost the economy.
Only about half of the people on the Mayflower were what we would consider today as “Pilgrims.” The other (approximately) 50 people were simply trying to find a way over to the New World.
Gobble, gobble! Click, click? While male turkeys make a gobbling noise, females (hens) do not; it’s often described as a clicking.
Even though we celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November, the month of June has been declared National Turkey Lovers’ Month by the National Turkey Federation so you can continue the celebration in the summer as well!

From our family here at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc., we’d like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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Options to Consider for Your Heating in Boerne This Winter

November 20th, 2014

There are a myriad of heating options available for your home these days. If you’re in the market for a new heating system, the sheer scope of your choices can be paralyzing. Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. We’ve outlined a few great options for you, along with some pros and cons to help you make a decision.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump is a forced air heating system that focuses on moving heat from one place to the other, instead of creating it through combustion of fuel. There are two primary parts to the heat pump, an interior unit and an exterior unit. When the heat pump is turned on, the exterior unit siphons heat from the air around it and sends it to the interior unit. There, it warms the air and circulates it throughout the house.

There are a number of benefits to this type of heating system. It is extremely energy efficient, since it doesn’t need to burn gas or any other kind of fuel to heat your home. By that same token, heat pumps are arguably safer for your health, as they do not produce toxic byproducts like carbon monoxide that could find a way into your home. On the downside, heat pumps rely on the air around them to provide heat. In extremely cold environments, a heat pump will not be as efficient.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the most common kind of heating system, and are widely used throughout the country. They typically burn either wood, propane, or natural gas, and have a reputation for being extremely reliable. A furnace produces heat by relying on burners, which consume the chosen fuel and funnel heat into the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger warms the air being circulated, while also venting combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide out of the house.

The advantages of a furnace system include long lifespans, ease of availability and repair, and high heat output. Disadvantages include occasionally inefficient heating and unhealthy combustion byproducts.

If you’d like to know more about our heating installation service in Boerne, call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. today to speak with one of our heating specialists or schedule a service appointment with us.

Tags: Boerne, Heating Installation
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Is Ductless Heating in Bandera a Good Choice?

November 19th, 2014

That all depends on what you’re looking for. There was a time, not too long ago, when ductless units were almost exclusively used in apartments and other living spaces that could not afford central heating. That time is long past, and now more and more people are using ductless units as their main method of heating their home. Let’s examine why you might want to choose a ductless heating system for your home.

What is a Ductless Heating System?

A ductless heating system is comprised of a single heater with two parts, an interior and an exterior. The interior part of the unit is installed inside the room that needs to be heated, usually on the wall or ceiling. The exterior section is installed on the outside of the house, usually on the other side of the wall from the interior unit. When the heat is turned on, the exterior unit siphons thermal energy from the air and sends it to the interior unit, where it is used to warm and circulate air in the room.

There are two main differences between this kind of heating and more traditional heating systems. The first is that, as the name implies, the unit eschews ducts completely. This means that a ductless unit can only heat the room in which it is installed. The second difference is that the ductless heater does not utilize combustion to generate heat, instead operating more like a heat pump to move heat from outside the home inside.

Advantages of Ductless Systems

So, why would you want to install a ductless system to heat your home? Well, ductless systems are a very energy efficient choice for heating. They don’t lose any of their heat to duct leaks, like other systems do, and they don’t burn fuel to create their heat. All they need is electricity to operate. This can save you a great deal of money on your heating bills. They also provide a lot of control over the climate in your home. Since each ductless system is installed with its own thermostat, multiple units throughout the house can allow each person to set the temperature however he or she wants.

If you’re thinking of installing a ductless heating system, call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. to set up a service appointment today. We provide quality heating service in the Bandera, TX area.

Tags: Bandera, Heating
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How Electronic Air Purifiers Work

November 12th, 2014

If you ask around about options for improving the air quality in your home, you’re likely to hear a lot about electronic air purifiers, or “ionizers.” These ionization filters are toted as a great way to remove a lot of contaminants from your air, but few homeowners actually understand how they work. Let’s examine what makes electronic air purifiers work, and why you might want one for your home.

What is an Electronic Air Purifier?

The purpose of any air purifier is to improve air quality by removing contaminants from the surrounding air, preventing them from circulating. An electronic air purifier does this by creating a static field around itself. As air molecules pass through this static field, they pick up extra electrons that give them a negative charge. They will then be attracted to any positively charged surface. Most ionizers have one or two metal plates in them for this purpose, to attract the charged air molecules and the particulates they are carrying. The plates can then be cleaned and the particulates disposed of.

What are the Benefits of Electronic Air Purifiers?

Electronic ionization purifiers have a few advantages over other air purification systems. Because they draw particles in with ionization rather than passively filtering them out of the air, they tend to capture many more particles than other systems. Both organic and inorganic pollutants can be removed in this way. They also tend to be used more as portable units, saving you the time and expense of installing them in the actual ductwork of the house. However, there are some things you should consider before buying one.

Though the negatively charged air molecules usually end up on the metal plates inside the purifier, they can also stick to the walls, floor, and furniture of a room. They are not circulating through the air, which is good. However, these clumps of particles can occasionally manifest as black spots which can stain the objects they land on. Electronic air purifiers can also produce ozone, a gas that is itself a pollutant according to the EPA.

If you’d like to know more about electronic air purifiers, call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. to schedule an appointment with us today. We professionally install air purifiers throughout Helotes.

Tags: Air Purifier, Helotes
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Signs You Need Heating Repair for Your Furnace

November 5th, 2014

Whole-home heating systems are designed to be durable, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be repair-free. Understanding the signs that it may be time for furnace repair helps both you and your system. It isn’t advisable for homeowners to work on heating systems themselves, so knowing when to call for heating repair in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX is necessary. The experienced technicians at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc., can assist with any heating repair, so call us today.

Signs It’s Time for Repair

No heat – clearly, if you have no heat, there’s an issue with your furnace. However, there can be multiple reasons why your system won’t work: a faulty thermostat, problems with ignition or even a dirty burner. Because there is such a wide range of possibilities, it’s best to let a professional find the cause and repair it.

Not enough heat – not feeling enough heat blowing into your home can be an indication of fan problems, such as a malfunctioning fan motor or worn belt; faulty ductwork, which is allowing too much air to escape; or an issue with the heat exchanger. Unless you have expert knowledge of your system, call a technician for assistance.

Strange noises – booming, banging, clicking – these are all sounds that shouldn’t emanate from your furnace. A booming sound can indicate delayed ignition, which can be a potentially dangerous situation; banging can indicate that loose parts are bouncing around your fan area; and clicking can indicate a pilot light issue. If you hear a noise, don’t ignore it, even if your system appears to still be working. Instead, call a trained technician to determine the cause of the sound.

Increased energy bills – are you seeing a big spike in your energy usage, but haven’t changed the way you use your heating system? Higher energy usage can be indicative of a system under stress. There can be several reasons for this, which is why it’s best to call a professional.

Repairs do not improve over time, and will most likely become worse. If you are in need of heating repair in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, call the people you can trust: D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc.

Tags: Fair Oaks Ranch, Heating Repair
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Some of Your Water Filtration Options

October 30th, 2014

A clean, potable water supply is important to every homeowner. Your family’s health is your top priority, which is why so many homeowners utilize water filtration systems to keep their drinking water free of contamination. Some homeowners choose to only filter their drinking water with a localized filter in the kitchen. But if your water supply contains contaminants, every portion of your plumbing is affected, and the safest choice is installing a whole-home water filtration system.

So how do you know which type of system to purchase? An expert will always test your water first to discover what specific contaminants affect your home. Then, the technician may recommend one of the following water filtration systems. For more information about water filtration systems in Boerne, contact the knowledgeable professionals at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc.

Chemical Feed Pump: A chemical feed pump is a system used exclusively to treat well water. Groundwater may be affected by pesticides, fuel leaks in the soil, or other environmental issues. A chemical feed pump can target the contaminants that are specific to your area to keep your water safe.
Whole-House Water Filters: A whole-house water filtration system can filter out common contaminants and some sediment, allowing few stray particles to pass through.
Iron Filter: You may choose to install an iron filter to specifically filter out iron, a mineral that can cause problems with your plumbing system, stain your dishes and laundry, and leave a poor taste in your mouth.
UV Water Treatment: A UV water treatment system uses an ultraviolet light to kill microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria.
Water Softener: A water softener is a safeguard against “hard water,” filtering out minerals like magnesium and calcium. These minerals can build up in the pipes over time, leading to reduced water pressure and eventually ruining your plumbing system.

Have you noticed that your water smells or tastes strange or spears an unusual color? Are you worried about the effects of hard water on your plumbing system? Do you want water testing to find out what types of contaminants may plague your pipes? Call the water treatment specialists at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. and ask about installing water filtration systems in Boerne.

Tags: Boerne, Water Filtration Systems
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What Is a GFCI Outlet and Why Are They a Good Idea?

October 29th, 2014

We all know that water and electricity don’t mix, and the risk of electrical shock is not worth taking a chance with your electrical appliances. However, water can come into contact with your electrical appliances even when you don’t expect it, and other electrical accidents may also occur. That’s why many bathrooms and kitchens contain GFCI outlets, which you may recognize from the “test” and “reset” buttons on the fixture.

GFCI outlets help protect you and your family members from the very real risk of electrical shock. In fact, some municipalities mandate the installation of GFCI outlets in certain areas of home, while most experts strongly recommend them. And some homeowners choose to install these outlets throughout the house for increased safety or to increase the property value.

When you need GFCI outlet installation, D’Spain Sales & Services, Inc. is an exceptional choice for a professional electrician in Bandera.

How It Works

There are three slots in any modern outlet. The larger left slot is known as “neutral” while the right slot is called “hot.” The hole at the bottom, which is non-existent in older outlets designed to accommodate two-pronged plugs, is called “ground.” The ground is meant to protect you from electrical shock from metal-encased appliances. But a ground-fault circuit interrupter provides even greater protection.

Normally, an electrical current flows from hot to neutral. Electricity flows from hot through the electrical appliance and back to the neutral slot. If something interrupts the circuit, such as water, the risk is that the current will flow to you instead, leading to electrical shock. A GFCI outlet senses any change in the current quickly, shutting off the power immediately.

Why Choose Professionals for Installation

Installing a GFCI outlet is only a job for a trained professional. This is mostly for safety reasons as a technician has the right tools for the job. A trained electrician can also let you know if additional areas of the home need protection as well, such as a laundry room or an outside outlet.

D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. is an outstanding choice when you need an electrician in Bandera. Call us today!

Tags: Boerne, Electrician, GFCI Outlet Installation
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Is It Time to Upgrade Your Service Panel?

October 22nd, 2014

The service panel, also known as the breaker box or electrical panel, is the steel box inside or outside of your house that controls how electricity is routed throughout your home. You need a breaker box to break up the power that reaches your home in order to distribute it to different areas and specific fixtures as needed. This panel contains various circuit breakers that allow you to quickly shut off power to the entire structure or to individual areas only. The breaker panel also trips as a safety measure when it senses an overcurrent or an electrical short in order to protect your home. For this reason, it’s important to make sure your service panel is only installed and serviced by skilled and certified technicians.

For quality electrical services in Helotes, trust the experts at D’Spain Sales & Services, Inc. whenever you need an electrician.

Reasons to Consider Upgrading Your Service Panel

Eventually, you may decide to upgrade the service panel for any of the following reasons.

You want to upgrade from fuses to circuit breakers. Breaker boxes are sometimes called “fuse boxes” because they once contained fuses instead of breakers. When the electrical current coming into the home was unsafe, the fuses would blow in order to protect your home from fire. Today’s service panels instead use circuit breakers that switch on and off, so you won’t need to replace a fuse every time. Many homeowners choose to upgrade to this modern feature.
You want to add new circuits but your panel has maxed out. Many service panels max out when the panel is installed and construction of the home is completed. If you want to add circuits for any reason, generally due to home renovations, you will need to upgrade your panel or add a sub panel along with your older one.
Your older service panel is of inferior quality. Finally, you may simply decide to upgrade because your older system is out of date or simply does not work as it should.

No matter what the reason for your upgrade, call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. for a reliable electrician in Helotes today!

Tags: Electrician, Helotes
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Advantages of a Solar Pump for Your Water Well

October 15th, 2014

Choosing the right pump for your water well depends on a variety of factors. First, you’ll need to make sure that the type of pump you choose works best for your home, whether it is a submersible pump or a jet pump. Then, you need a qualified professional to decide which size pump works best for your needs. And one further consideration could have a major impact on your satisfaction with your pump: deciding to go solar.

Using solar energy with your water well simply involves the use of PV (photovoltaic) panels in conjunction with your well pump. Solar energy has become more and more prevalent today, so it is not too difficult to add solar energy to more of the home conveniences you rely on every day.

Learn more about the advantages of solar pumps here, and be sure to schedule water well services in Boerne with D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc., serving the Texas Hill Country for over 40 years.

Cuts Energy Spending

Water wells offer advantages over public water supplies, as you won’t have to worry about paying for water usage with your utility bills. However, your pump consumes electricity, which could add up over the years. Using solar energy for one of the tasks around your property, such as the water well pump, may significantly reduce your spending every month.

Works with Any Type of Pump

Your well uses one of two types of pumps: a submersible pump or a jet pump. Jet pumps are the most common type used in homes, pulling water from above the well using a vacuum. A submersible pump, on the other hand, is submerged in the water, pushing water up into the pipe. In either case, a PV panel can provide an alternative power source for any size pump.

Professional Service for Every Step of the Process

If you hire an experienced professional for solar pump installation, you may get better pressure and need fewer repairs over time. A technician can install the pump and the PV panels and give you professional advice about maintaining your unit for years to come.

For professional water well services in Boerne, call the experts at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. today!

Tags: Boerne, Water Well Services
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