Older houses have a charm and appeal for most homeowners. A hundred years ago, homes weren’t as modular as today’s building techniques but instead trim work, mantles and cabinetry were built according to the space available and the contractor’s ability. Antique carpentry can be a thing of beauty, but electric systems that aren’t up to date can be a nightmare.

Old Outlets

The first problem with older outlets is they don’t typically have the ground plug. Appliances at one time were independently grounded, whereas modern appliances are designed to rely on the external ground for safety. Adapters are available, but they’re really only intended as a quick fix, not long term usage.

Secondly, outlets in an antique house are likely well past their intended operating life. A worn out outlet can be frustrating at best if it only works intermittently, and can be a dangerous fire hazard at worst if it is overheating or causing a spark due to a loose connection. The good news is, outlets themselves are relatively simple and inexpensive to replace.

Choosing the right size depends on the level of energy independence that a renewable energy owner wants. It may simply boil down to what you can afford. These levels range from 100 percent or completely off the grid (the most costly), to a simple energy backup for emergencies.

100% energy independence or completely off the grid: this requires a huge investment in terms of generation and storage. In addition, it may require other power sources such as fossil fuels or wind generators.

High energy independence: This requires a solar system with enough batteries to last a few days or even through the winter. PV systems are sized to enable the owner to have surplus energy to store during summer and be self-sufficient through winter without relying too much on the grid. The customer will still rely on the grid for backup just in case there are prolonged days of bad weather.

Summertime independence: Customer installs just enough panels and storage capacity to get through a normal summer day but will have to draw power from the grid during the winter.

Peak time independence: Battery size should be large enough to supply power during peak times when electricity rates are highest.

Reduced reliance on the grid during peak times: Some customers cannot afford to install enough storage to cover their entire peak time usage. In such a case, some will install a system that will enable them to at least reduce part of their grid usage during these times.

Emergency power backup: This requires smaller energy storage, enough to cover a short power outage. Some customers use this together with fuel generators. Battery storage is only required for the short duration from the time grid power goes out, to when the alternative power becomes available.

Even though a solar energy system is a great investment that reduces your electricity bills, it is not possible to completely get off the grid without investing in large storage systems. However, adding modest battery storage to a grid connected to solar systems is a better way of increasing your independence from the grid without spending too much.

Most marketers have online tools that can help you get the right size battery based on various factors. However, it is advisable to consult professionals for the best advice.

Customers with solar systems are increasingly adding battery storage to reduce their electricity costs or become independent from the grid. With better technology and prices getting lower every day, battery storage is becoming an appealing component to many solar power system owners.

This type of storage allows the customer to charge their batteries during the day and then discharge them when there is no generation. This permits homeowners and businesses to have a backup power source and save on electricity bills. In addition, you can sail through cloudy periods or other times when power generation is low.

If you were to go back in time and tell someone living in the 1960s that aluminum wiring replacement in Fairfax, VA is the best choice they can make, they may be a little confused. Fifty years ago, aluminum wiring was in. Copper spiked in price and many new homes built during that time were equipped with aluminum wiring under the belief that it was the more cost-efficient option. However, cost-efficiency did not equal safety, as homes with aluminum wiring proved more at risk for electrical fires. Speed up fifty years and in a 2016 world, aluminum wiring is now incredibly unsafe.

Most people have air conditioning in their homes and though the temperatures don’t really drop too much even during winter here, there are definitely days on which there is a nip in the air, and if you have tiled flooring, it’s bound to get uncomfortably cold. While heating systems do help solve this problem, many homeowners are now transitioning to radiant heat. This provides very pleasant warmth to your body and feet as it warms the surface of the floor.

These under floor heating systems are suitable for hard floor surfaces such as living rooms, kitchens, entertaining areas, bathrooms etc. Since the air circulation is very gentle, there is a marked reduction in the amount of dust particles that get circulated, it’s a great relief for people that suffer from asthma and allergies.

When you are planning on getting this system installed, it’s important that you hire the services of a well-established and credible company; they will understand what your specific requirements are and then provide you the kind of solutions you need.

This type of heating uses heating cables that are well-embedded in the flooring concrete slab and it provides the right amount of heating. It essentially stores the heat during the night and then slowly releases it during the day and provides continuous warmth.

As you can see, there are a number of other advantages to getting underfloor heating systems installed. For more information, simply speak with the experts at Allround Electrical and take their advice on various aspects of power factor installation solutions. The number to call is – 1300 169 263. You can also write to us at this email address.

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