D'Spain Sales and Service Blog

Benefits of LED Lights for Your Outdoor Lighting

October 8th, 2014

Increasing the outdoor lighting for your home is an excellent way to make your home safer and more attractive, as well as to increase the hours you can enjoy outdoor recreational areas, such as pools and patios.

However, those outdoor lights will add up to an immense amount of wattage, making them potentially expensive to run. That’s why we recommend you have LED lights installed for your outdoor lighting in Boerne, TX. Our professionals at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. can help create a new energy-friendly lighting scheme for the outside of your home using LED light bulbs. You will notice the difference when you hire skilled electricians like those on our team.

The Advantages of Using LED Lights

Light emitting diodes (LED) provide light as powerful as that from incandescent and florescent lights, but they require significantly less energy to run. Here are some of the benefits that LED light bulbs provide:

Energy saving: Imagine using 80% less energy to power the lights outside your house. That’s a huge difference, and that is what LED lights do. They only lose 20% of the energy they use to heat, where standard bulbs lose 80%.
Longevity: The savings grow even larger when you consider the average lifespan of an LED light bulb is 10 times greater than a traditional bulb. The average LED bulb will burn for 100,000 hours, which means it could burn steadily for 11 straight years. You’ll receive 4 times the savings over 10 times the lifespan.
Less heat: Because of their high energy-efficiency, LED lights emit a small amount of heat. You won’t have to worry about the lights making summer nights too uncomfortable.
Good for the environment: LED lights do not contain harmful elements like mercury that could end up in landfills. And you will send far fewer bulbs to the landfills because of their long lifespans: you can expect to throw away 25 incandescent light bulbs for every one LED light bulb.

LED lights do cost more to purchase upfront than standard bulbs; however, this is a small price to pay when you consider their energy savings and immense lifespan. LED lights start to pay for themselves the moment they first come on. The LED lights now available for outdoor use have expanded from the older narrow-beam models, and they can now fill a variety of functions. Ask your electrical installer about ways to make the most out of your new outdoor lighting set-up with LED light bulbs.

At D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. we offer many different options for outdoor lighting in Boerne, TX and the rest of Texas Hill Country. Contact us today to learn more about our different lighting and electrical services, and the ways that we can help you conserve energy.

Tags: Boerne, Outdoor Lighting
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Why You Need a Whole House Surge Protector

October 1st, 2014

When people think of power surges (also known as voltage spikes), they usually imagine a lightning bolt striking an electrical cable, causing all the lights in a home to suddenly glow bright white and then go to black. This is a realistic scenario…but it is also not one of the more common causes for power surges in a home.

The voltage spikes that are more likely to affect your house on a routine basis are the smaller ones that happen because of power fluctuations along the electrical lines that occur when a large appliance (a refrigerator, air conditioner, heating system, etc.) make an increased demand on the power supply. The voltage imbalance causes a sudden increase in power flow to one or more of the outlets. This may not cause a light to burn out or a circuit breaker to trip, but it can damage precision appliances over time.

The best way to defend against both small and catastrophic power surges is with a whole-house surge protector installed into the electrical panel. You can contact D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. in Bandera, TX for electrical services that will hook up your home for comprehensive surge protection.

What Whole-House Surge Protection Does

You might wonder why you need a whole-house surge protector at all when you already have power strips on the outlets. Power strip are an effective level of defense against surges: they serve as a fuse that cuts off the power from an outlet when it rises above 120 volts, and this helps protect high-end devices like computer hard drives and entertainment systems that contain microprocessors susceptible to high voltage.

However, point-of-use power strips are rarely enough. To protect all of the appliances in your home, you would need power strips for every single outlet, and it would still not be enough since many appliances are hard-wired directly into the electrical system. Power strips are also insufficient defense against massive surges that can come from lightning strikes or utility company errors; these simply overwhelm the power strip and reach the appliance anyway. A whole-house surge protector can defend against these massive voltage spikes because it redirects the energy from the surge down into the grounding of the home.

Having a whole-house surge protector installed doesn’t mean you should throw away the power strips you use for computers and other equipment with microprocessors. It’s always wise to have added layers of protection for valuable appliances…just don’t depend on the power strips alone.

Only professional electricians should install a whole-house surge protector. The device must be wired into the electrical panel, and it must be the proper size for the electrical system. Call D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. when you need surge protection that goes beyond power strips: we are a leading provider in Bandera, TX of electrical services, and we offer quality surge protection throughout the Texas Hill Country area.

Tags: Bandera, Electrical
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When Is the Best Time for New Air Conditioning Installation?

September 24th, 2014

Your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life and you know it will soon need replacement. But if you think it may still be able to run for a little while longer, you may worry about spending money unnecessarily on a new unit. This is an understandable concern, and many homeowners are not quite sure when is the right time to say goodbye to their older air conditioner. In this guide, we’ll tell you some of the signs to look for when deciding whether to replace your system, and why these signs mean that now may be the perfect time for air conditioning installation.

Old Age: Unfortunately, any AC will fail at some point, and the best predictor is sometimes the age of the unit. Check with your manufacturer for the most accurate estimate of how long your unit is meant to last. In general, units over ten years old are far more likely to fail.
Frequent Repairs: If it seems like you’ve called a technician for repairs again and again, there is a chance that the components of your system are simply too worn to function as they should. This means you may end up replacing part after part, which will be more expensive than replacing your entire unit now.
High Energy Bills: A final indicator that it’s time for your unit to go is high bills. When your energy bills spike unexpectedly, it could mean wear and tear on your system is causing it to fail, particularly if you have an older unit.

If any of these signs lead you to believe it’s time for replacement, don’t wait to call a technician. Older air conditioners are inefficient and at a much higher risk of repairs and breakdowns. Besides, broken down units are often more costly to replace, and you don’t want to risk a sudden failure when you need it most.

The best way to determine whether or not your unit needs replacement is by talking to a specialist, like the friendly technicians at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. When you have questions about air conditioning in Helotes, TX don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and talk to one of our experts today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Helotes
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Upgrading Your Electrical System

September 15th, 2014

Unless you’re an electrician, electrical engineer or budding electronics enthusiast, you probably don’t spend too much of your time thinking about what courses through the various wiring and outlets in your home. But it’s important that you don’t take your electrical system for granted. At the very least, it’s important to make any necessary adjustments and upgrades to the system over time so that it remains compliant with the latest codes and that it remains safe to use for your entire family. Faulty or otherwise shoddy electrics should always be fixed immediately. But even if you don’t have an urgent problem, there are some good reasons to consider upgrading your electrical system.

Whether you want to add functionality, extend electricity to an addition on your home or property or improve the safety of your home, we offer a number of different electrical service upgrades. Let’s have a look:

Whole house surge protection. Sure, power strips have their place, but they simply cannot compare to whole house surge protection devices that integrate directly with your circuit breaker panel. These devices are excellent because they not only provider a much greater level of protection against the threat that internal and external surges present to your home, but they also provide coverage for your entire electrical system and everything that’s plugged in, including your HVAC system and other major appliances.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. When was the last time you had your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors tested? It’s important to make sure that they will be there for you when you need them most. It may be time to upgrade these safety devices and to ensure that they are hard-wired with battery back-ups.
Generator installation. Whether you opt for a portable or a whole house generator, it’s important to know what you can and cannot use it for. A portable model is good in a pinch, but it lacks the power, comprehensive coverage, and convenience of a whole-house generator. The latter can even run your HVAC system as well as various appliances.

These are just a few ways to upgrade your existing electrical system. Contact a professional on our team to learn more about our professional electrical services in Boerne, TX.

Tags: Boerne, Electrical
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How to Improve Your Well Water

September 8th, 2014

Well water is an ancient method of supplying your domicile with potable water for cooking, drinking and bathing. But it’s also a responsibility and at times, may even be a hassle. It’s important that you start off with a decent well, but there are various ways to improve your well water even after the hole is dug. You need to make sure that your well pump and water treatment systems work well. Here are some ways to improve your well water.

Soften your water. Many homes in our area are affected by hard water, which occurs as a result of high levels of calcium and magnesium in addition other trace minerals. The effects vary depending upon the mineral content of your hard water, but it can wreak havoc on your plumbing pipes in the long term. It can also affect the taste of your water as well as the way your water interacts with your skin and hair while bathing. A water softener may be just what you need to avoid such issues from taking place in your home.
Purify your water. When you get your water from a well, it’s your responsibility to ensure that it’s potable. The underground aquifer from which your well draws can be affected by a number of different environmental factors, including the mineral content in the area as well as any environmental damage nearby. There are a number of different water treatment options that can purge potentially harmful contaminants and pollutants from your well water. Water testing is the first step to knowing exactly what’s in your water supply.
Boost water pressure. One of the most common well water issues is deficient pressure. This is not just an inconvenience when taking a shower, but it can also potentially lead to backflow, which occurs when your wastewater and water supply cross-contaminate. There are plenty of ways to boost pressure, including water storage tanks and pressure tanks. You may also want to consider a booster pump.
Draw water efficiently. If you want to make sure that your well water system operates efficiently, then you may want to draw on renewable energy source such as the wind or sun. If your windmill needs some repair or you want to exchange your well pump for a solar model, then you can rely on our water well services.

Reach out to our professionals at any time to ensure that your water well services in Boerne, TX are taken care of properly. Call us today.

Tags: Boerne, Water Well
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The Whole-House Difference: Choosing the Right Generator

September 1st, 2014

Are you tired of going without the basics every time you lose power? Do you worry about adequate ventilation when operating your portable generator? Do you want backup power that you don’t have to lift a finger for? If you’re in the market for a generator, then you may want to consider making the jump to whole house models. There are a number of different systems that run on various fuels and they provide an unparalleled amount of power throughout the various parts of your living space. But all of this depends upon the quality of the generator installation, which is where professionals like us come in.

So, how do you know what type of generator is right for you home. You can begin by asking yourself a few questions.

How much power do you require? This is probably the greatest difference between portable generators and those at are permanently installed on your property. Whole house generators offer plenty of power for various parts of your electrical system, including major appliances and your HVAC system.
Do you look forward to filling up a portable generator every few hours, despite inclement weather while also making sure that it’s properly ventilated to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide? Portable generators certainly have their use, but if you want a system that involves a lot less effort and preparation, then a whole house system might be exactly what you need. Whether you opt for a diesel or a natural gas generator, it is vented properly outside its weatherproof casing to ensure that any exhaust fumes are dealt with properly.
What’s your stance on ease-of-use? For the ultimate in convenience, you may want to opt for an automatic standby generator, which contains a detector that allows it to turn on automatically as soon as it detects a drop in current from your utility line. That means you don’t have to be home to know that your home is fully secure.

Whatever type of generator you may need, we have a solution. We stock a diverse range of portable and whole house generators, and our electricians can make sure that you get the right one for you. Give us a call today to schedule your next generator service in Boerne,TX.

Tags: Boerne, Generators
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The History of Labor Day

September 1st, 2014

The official end of summer and the beginning of fall lands on September 23rd, which marks the Autumnal Equinox, when the plane of the Earth’s equator passes the center of the sun and the length of day and night are roughly equal. However, for most people in the U.S., the summer really concludes with Labor Day, the first Monday in September. Labor Day and Memorial Day (the last Monday of May) together serve as the bookends of the summer.

The Labor Day Holiday is a time that people in this country associate with a last summer blast: another reason for an outdoor picnic, a chance for a three-day vacation, family trips to amusement parks, and of course, taking advantage of numerous sales that retailers always offer. (Labor Day is often the second largest shopping day of the year after Black Friday in November.) It’s also the point when school traditionally goes back in session, although some schools start a week earlier and some a week later.

Labor Day’s origins lie in the 1880s. In 1882 Matthew Maguire, a machinist in New York City who was secretary of the Central Labor Union (CLU) at the time, and Peter J McGuire of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), first proposed a celebration of the hard working men and women of the United States. However, five years would pass before the first state made it an official holiday, Oregon. Other states quickly followed this example, although not all selected a date in September.

By 1894, thirty states had started Labor Day celebrations. President Grover Cleveland signed the law that made Labor Day a federal holiday only a week after Congress voted unanimously to approve the legislation. The date chosen for the holiday was the same one that Maguire and McGuire had originally proposed.

The U.S.A. is not the only country that celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of September. Canada observes the holiday as well, although they spell it “Labour” Day. In fact, Canada celebrated the occasion earlier than the U.S., and was an early inspiration in this country for the development of the holiday.

All of us here at D’Spain Sales & Service, Inc. hope you and your family—whether at work or at play—enjoy a relaxing and memorable Labor Day weekend and have a fantastic start to the fall.

Tags: Holiday
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How Air Conditioners Work

August 25th, 2014

Whether you own a heat pump, central air unit or ductless mini split, they all share a common purpose: to cool your indoor space. When you adjust the thermostat on a hot afternoon, you want to make sure that your cooling system responds. But how does it respond? Although you may have long enjoyed the comfort and convenience of your air conditioner, you may be wondering at where that cool air comes from, if not from a block of ice. The process is complicated but having a basic understanding of how air conditioners work is useful. It may help you catch a problem before it becomes a major issue.

The fundamental process behind many of the most popular refrigeration systems, from central air to walk-in coolers is more or less the same. It involves the transfer of thermal energy by means of a refrigerant cycle. Let’s start with a standard central air split system, so-called because it splits the system into an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. Packaged units (wherein all components are housed in the same quarters) are more popular in commercial applications. Let’s begin with the compressor, which is a pump located in the outdoor unit along with the condenser coil. It takes the low temperature, low pressure gas fresh from its interaction with your warm air in the evaporator coil and it pressurizes it. This radically increases the temperature and pressure of the gas so that it can disperse this thermal energy as it goes through the condenser.

As its name suggests, the condenser coil and blower fan work in tandem to cool this gas, thus turning it into a liquid. It has lost a significant amount of thermal energy originally taken out of your indoor air, but not enough to cool your air. In order to drop the temperature further, your liquid refrigerant enters an expansion valve where it is depressurized and cooled dramatically. It is now primed for cooling purposes. It heads indoors where it circulates through the evaporator coil. The interaction between the cold refrigerant in these coils and your warm indoor air extracted from your living space is the key to the cooling. The refrigerant absorbs the thermal energy of your air and cools the air in the process. Your cooled air is then distributed throughout your home.

If you’d like some more information about our air conditioning services in Boerne, TX, then don’t hesitate to give us a call today.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Boerne
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Common Cooling Problems in Boerne, TX

August 18th, 2014

Does your AC make a strange noise during operation all of a sudden? Have you noticed that your energy bills have never been higher? Does your AC fail to respond to the thermostat adjustments? There are a number of things that can go wrong with such a large and complex system, and only a professionally trained technician can ensure that your cooling system is diagnose thoroughly and then fixed properly. Still, there are some common cooling problems worth mentioning, if only to help you identify that you have a problem in the first place. As soon as you notice something wrong, make sure you alert a professional. Catching the problem early on its development is the best way to avoid serious damage.

Keep an eye out for the following issues.

Strange or loud noise. If your AC makes a sound that you’ve never heard before or it seems particularly loud all of a sudden, then there’s probably something wrong with it. Don’t hesitate to call on a professional to diagnose it. If it’s a grinding noise, your blower motor might have dried-out bearings; if it’s banging, then there could be a loose component somewhere within your air handler or ductwork.
High energy bills. A spike in your energy bills can occur for a number of different reasons, but it’s always cause for concern. If you find that your energy bills are much higher than normal, then you likely have an efficiency issue such as an air or refrigerant leak. Low refrigerant can cause problems all over, and airflow issues do not go away on their own.
AC fails to turn on. If you find that your AC fails to respond to your call for cooling, then it could be a problem with the capacitor, which is a small electric device responsible for jumpstarting your AC whenever you need to turn it on. You may also have a problem with your existing thermostat. Before you call, however, reset the circuit breaker and your thermostat to see if that takes care of the problem.

Cooling problems are a hassle, but solving them is easy when you rely on the technical expertise of our specialists. Call us today to schedule air conditioning repair in Boerne, TX with our staff.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Boerne
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How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

August 11th, 2014

It can be disappointing indeed to crank up your AC or heater only to find that the air coming out of the ductwork stinks, or to see a plume of dust circulate throughout the home. Whether you’re sensitive to allergies or not, there are several good reasons to improve your indoor air quality: health, comfort, and to avoid long-term damage to sensitive wood furnishings, flooring and painted walls. As a leading provider of AC services in Boerne, TX, we have a lot of experience when it comes to finding solutions to indoor air problems.

The first step to improving your indoor air quality is recognizing that there is a problem in the first place. There are some signs to look out for when it comes to spotting air quality issues. For example, take stock of how your air smells. If it smells funky or stale, then you may have excessive amounts of dust and other debris circulating throughout the home. If you notice that dust and other debris regularly accumulate on stationary objects, then you may want to consider an air filter or purifier. If you notice condensation on windows or in plumbed areas of the home such as the kitchen or bathroom, then you may want to think about tweaking your humidity levels to avoid moisture-related issues. The same goes for signs of low humidity, such as dry skin and nosebleeds.

Once you recognize the signs, now you can do something about it. While portable indoor air quality devices have their place, they simply cannot match the power and efficiency of whole house models. Airborne contaminants and pollutants are best dealt with by an air filtration system, electronic air purifier or UV air purifier, the latter of which uses ultraviolet light to destroy biological contaminants such as mold, mildew and bacteria. If you want to adjust your humidity levels, whether up or down, then a humidifier and/or a dehumidifier is your best bet. Such devices give you unprecedented control over the moisture content of your indoor air.

Let our indoor air quality specialists in Boerne, TX guide you every step of the way. We use only high quality equipment and we can make certain that your home has what it needs for excellent indoor air quality.

Tags: Boerne, Indoor Air Quality
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