When should I consider upgrading my electrical panel?
You should upgrade your electrical panel if you experience frequent circuit breaker trips or the panel is over 25 years old. Other signs your panel needs to be replaced or upgraded may include:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Burning smells near the electrical panel or outlets
- Buzzing sounds from outlets or switches
- Warm or discolored outlet covers
An upgrade is also necessary when adding major appliances to your home, such as an EV charger or hot tub. You might also need to invest in a new panel if you recently put an addition on your home.
Older homes often need panel upgrades to handle modern electrical demands safely and efficiently. This is especially true if you're still using a fuse box.
What are the different types of EV chargers? How do I choose the right charger for my home?
EV chargers come in three levels:
- Level 1 chargers plug into standard 120V outlets but charge slowly. They are ideal for daily driving needs and overnight charging.
- Level 2 chargers require 240V power and professional installation but charge much faster than level 1 chargers. They're commonly found at public charging stations at places like parking garages, store parking lots, and rest stops.
- Level 3 chargers, or DC fast chargers, are mainly for commercial use.
For most homes, we recommend Level 2 chargers because they balance charging speed with practical installation requirements. Your choice should consider your vehicle's specifications, daily driving needs, and your home's electrical capacity.
What safety precautions should I take when using a generator?
- Never operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces, including garages.
- Keep generators at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents.
- Only operate them under dry conditions.
- Never refuel a hot generator.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home (check them monthly) and schedule regular maintenance.
- Always have a professional install permanent generators to ensure proper electrical connections and safety measures.
- Keep children and pets far away from the generator.
- Store generator fuel away from living areas and heat sources. Keep the fuel in an appropriate, sealable fuel container.
How often should your HVAC be serviced and what does that service include?
Your HVAC system needs professional maintenance twice yearly: in spring for cooling and fall for heating. During these visits, technicians clean or replace filters, check refrigerant levels, clean coils and condensers, verify electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, and complete other essential tasks.
Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns, extends system lifespan, improves efficiency, and preserves your warranty coverage.
What are some ways to lower energy bills and live greener?
One of the most proactive ways to reduce your energy bills is to schedule a home electrical audit. Doing this every 3-5 years will give you a good picture of your home’s electrical capacity and efficiency. This will allow you to see opportunities for improvement that could lower your monthly costs. It will also point out any safety concerns to be aware of.
In addition to an audit, following some simple everyday steps could help lower energy costs during the changing seasons.
Start with proper insulation and seal air leaks around windows and doors. Close window shades and curtains at night during winter to insulate your home. In the summer, pull the shades to block out sunlight during the day. Open windows in the evenings and early mornings when it's cool out to rely less on AC.
If you have a ceiling fan, make sure it spins in a counterclockwise motion during the summer and clockwise during winter.
Install a programmable thermostat and set temperatures lower when sleeping or away. Use LED bulbs, maintain clean HVAC filters, and consider upgrading your appliances. Use cold water for laundry and insulate your water heater and set it to 120 degrees.
Small changes like these can create noticeable savings over time.
Do I need an air quality filter system and how does it impact my health?
Air inside our homes can be much more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air quality systems remove allergens, dust, pet dander, and harmful particles that can trigger asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues. HVAC UV light systems even kill bacteria and viruses.
Air quality systems are especially valuable if you have family members with respiratory conditions, pets, or you're concerned about odors or mold growth.
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Schedule air duct cleaning every 2-4 years. You may need more frequent maintenance if:
- You have pets
- Recent construction was done on your home
- Members of your household smoke
- You have elderly family members or people with asthma or other respiratory issues in the home
How to unclog a garbage disposal and how to prevent clogs in the future
To unclog a disposal, never use chemical drain cleaners. Instead, disconnect power and use a wooden spoon or tongs to check for obvious blockages and try clearing it. You can also try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to dissolve clogs.
For prevention, always run cold water after operating the garbage disposal. Avoid putting things down the disposal that can damage the blades or cause clogs, like grease, fruit pits, peels, bones, etc.
Cut food into small pieces to avoid overloading the unit and feed it at a slow pace. Use a sink strainer to catch the majority of food waste.
Are there rebates and warranties I should be aware of?
All our installations include manufacturer warranties, and we offer extended warranty options for additional peace of mind.
Many manufacturers and utility companies offer rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. For Washington state energy rebates, Tacoma Public Utilities frequently provides incentives for energy-saving improvements. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Home Energy Rebates programs will offer rebates for energy-efficient and home electrical improvements in 2025.
Some examples of rebates and incentives include:
- Heat pump rebates for Washington state residents
- Washington EV rebates
- Electrical panel upgrade rebates
- Certain appliance rebates
- Water heater rebates for Washington homeowners
At Mercurio's, we help customers navigate available rebates and warranty registrations. Learn more about how we can help you get rebates for your home projects here.
What annual home services are recommended for Washington residents?
- Schedule HVAC maintenance in spring and fall
- Change your HVAC filters monthly or every 3-6 months, depending on the type of filter you use
- Set up annual generator service before storm season
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly
- Inspect your sump pump annually, ideally before the rainy season
- Schedule annual electrical safety inspections
- Water heater flush or descaling
Contact Us
Need more specific answers? Contact our experienced team at Mercurio's Heating & Air Conditioning for personalized solutions to your home service needs! We've been serving Tacoma, WA, with pride since 1992 and we'll be happy to address all of your concerns.