Latest News and Information - Got Watts Electric, Solar & HVAC

What is Electrification and Grid Independence?

Powering your home with self-supplied energy for the purpose of grid independence.

2 minutes

5 Reasons to Invest in Whole House Fan in East Bay Area

Living out along the East Bay has countless benefits, but it can get on the pricey side. Various home improvements can be made that will help knock down your monthly utilities out in San Fran and still keep your home cool and comfortable. One of the best options is having a whole house fan installed in your home, and here you'll find out why!

3 minutes

How to Deal with PG&E Cutoffs

It's not new news about the horrible fires that are currently ravaging parts of California. As those fires unfortunately spread, certain precautions must be made to make sure there isn't more damage done that can be avoided. For PG&E (a unit of Pacific Gas & Electric Co.), public safety is taken very seriously, and many shutoffs need to happen to protect the public during times of disaster (i.e., the notorious Camp Fire). This precautionary measure is going to affect millions of Californians across 34 counties, leaving them without power from hours to days. How does one deal with these cutoffs from PG&E? The following will help those who understand what to do before a scheduled cutoff of power takes place and what to expect during.

4 minutes

How to Sanitize High Touchpoints in Your Home

Unless you've just woken up from a two-month-long coma, your life has been sent into chaos because of the coronavirus. Washing our hands and disinfecting surfaces that could be contaminated has become a vital way to fight against this unseen enemy. Hand sanitizer, essential cleaning products, and for some reason, toilet paper are luxuries that not everyone can obtain. Now we are left scratching our heads on how to protect ourselves and our homes.

3 minutes

The Scoop on the 2020 California Solar Power Mandate

It is 2020 here in California, and that means that the 2020 California Solar Mandate is now in effect. So what is this new law, and what does it cover? Here are a few critical facts:

3 minutes

How to Deal With PG&E Electric Cutoffs

4 minutes

5 Reasons to Invest in a Whole House Fan in the East Bay Area

Living out along the East Bay has countless benefits, but it can get on the pricey side. Various home improvements can help knock down your monthly utilities out in San Fran and still keep your home cool and comfortable. One of the best options is having a whole house fan installed in your home, and here you'll find out why!

3 minutes

3 Levels of Home Electric Vehicle Charging Systems

So you are thinking of leaping to an all-electric vehicle or at the very least a plug-in hybrid. The world is slowly becoming more friendly to these vehicles and making it more convenient for EV owners to charge them. Depending on what kind of electric car you have, there are three levels of charging methods.

2 minutes

What Is a Home Standby Generator?

With all the storms going on, you never know when the power will go out. A power outage can cost you a lot of money and even be dangerous to some people if it is out for more than a few hours. More people are relying on stand by generators to save the day when the lights go out in their homes.

2 minutes

Whole House Fans

It's summer, and as the days get longer, the weather gets hotter. That means you're more than likely pulling out some spare fans or cranking up that a/c for more extended periods. Your house might feel cool, but your energy bill isn't going to be very cool at the end of the month. Thankfully there's a way to cool down your house without an army of fans or turning your rooms into iceboxes. A whole house fan could be the perfect new addition to drop the temperature inside your home!

3 minutes

3 Energy Savings Tip for the Bay Area

Summer is creeping up, and so are the hotter months of the year! The Bay area is no stranger to hot summer days and this year will be no different with temperatures predicting to be just a bit warmer than last summer. It's super tempting to stay indoors with the a/c on full blast to escape the heat but think of the power bill the following month! Fortunately, there are a few ways to save energy (and a little bit of money, too) on the west coast this summer and you'll find some of the best tips here!

2 minutes

Do Solar Panels Help Property Values?

Finding alternatives for energy consumption is a real hot topic right now. More than likely you've seen ads on social media or even alongside the highway to make the switch to solar power. What could be better than a completely renewable energy source that does not harm to the environment? Well, those miracle solar panels also come with a hefty price tag. So the real question is, is the cost of switching to solar worth it and does it help increase your home's property value in case you decide to move?

2 minutes

How do I know I am hiring a credible electrician?

When it comes to the safety and well being of your home and family, hiring an electrician isn't a decision that can be taken lightly. To avoid dangerous situations performed by under qualified, under-insured or unlicensed electrical contractors, it's important to take note of some vital points before allowing any electrician inside your home. Here, we cover the five main requirements you should investigate upfront: References, Qualifications, Accreditation, Insurance, Certification.

3 minutes

Are LED outlet covers really a thing?

There was a time when outlet covers were just flat pieces of plastic used to hid the metal housing and wiring to your outlets. Sometimes you could even find some stylish wooden covers or maybe even one with your favorite sports team's logo on it.

1 minute

How does a GFCI work and why do I need them?

One of the most deadly electricity-related dangers is those that occur by electric shock - primarily by a shock from a ground fault. When electricity escapes the usual confines of the wiring of an electrically powered appliance, power tools, or even light fixtures, the electricity takes a shortcut to the ground the result is what's called a ground fault.

3 minutes

Electrical Upgrades for EV Cars

Upgrading to an electric car is a big step in saving you money and helping the environment along the way. But what kind of upgrading will electric vehicles need and what is the purpose of the upgrade? Arguably the best part about an electric vehicle is its reliance on electricity to run, so a proper charge is vital to the motor of the electric car. The charging station for your EV purchase should be able to give it the best and longest charge possible. Plugging into a standard 120-volt electrical outlet can work, but if lights start to flicker and surge - you're in need of an upgraded system.

2 minutes

Does switching to solar power really save money in the long run?

For years you may have been told that switching to solar panels to run your electricity will save you money in the long run. Sure it helps protect the planet but is making the switch an excellent investment to help save you from skyrocketing energy cost?

2 minutes

Give your landscaping lights a makeover

When you’re ready to add a warm, twinkling glow to your landscaping, the possibilities are virtually endless. Landscaping lights add the perfect amount of ambiance and added safety. Here are just a few landscaping light makeover options:

2 minutes

When to upgrade your electrical panel

One of the essential items in a home isn’t even that big. The electrical panel in your home is the source of all the energy being supplied to the necessities of home, and it’s usually tucked out of sight in the house. Just like the appliances that rely on the electrical panel to function, the panel itself needs to be upgraded over time. But how can one tell when it’s time to update? Here you will see a few top tips for finding out if you’re overdue to switch out your electric panels.

2 minutes

Eichler Electrical Work

Housing trends come and go, sometimes they cycle back around, and others stay classic forever. A type of home that falls under that classic style is Eichler style homes. Along with a unique look, Eichler homes require unique attention to the inner workings of the house.

2 minutes

California may offer bigger rebates for electric car owners

The cost of plug-in electric vehicles at first glance may seem high. But, factor in the different rebates and tax credits available, and the cost becomes quite attractive. Search incentives by your zipcode and you may find even more programs that will save you money.

2 minutes

Solar for New Year

It’s a new year, so it’s time for some new changes! And what bigger difference than one that can save you tons of money every month and give you piece of mind that you’re helping save the earth, one house at a time. That would be thanks to switching to solar powering your home. Now it isn’t quite as easy as slapping a few solar panels on your roof, and you’re good to go, though that is a general idea. It takes the work of a solar professional to assess your home for the most optimal solar power set up.

2 minutes

What are the best extension cords for holiday decorations?

With all of the hustle and bustle around the holidays, too often safety gets ignored as a priority. This leaves opportunity for accidents or injuries (including burns) to occur. We all want to get the most out of our holiday season and for our family to feel safe and secure. Here are some tips to use extension cords safely this season:

2 minutes

Wildfires and Your Home's Electrical System

California is no stranger to fire danger, especially over the last few weeks. The state has seen its fair share of wildfires and so far this year alone, it’s been some of the most serious yet. Over a million acres have been affected, and 41 lives lost too date. Though the majority of the most recent wildfires spread out through California have been contained, some are still fighting and burning and causing excessive amounts of damage. Many cannot return to their homes, simply because it does not exist anymore. Those who are lucky enough to still have a place to come home to need to take some things into very serious consideration before living comfortably again; such as electrical systems in still-standing homes.

2 minutes

Gross but useful - Scientist are creating electricity from used toilet paper

Toilet paper isn’t often considered a very valuable asset given that most people prefer not to think about it much at all. Toilet paper is an entrepreneur’s dream because it is one of just a few raw materials with a negative cost. Treatment facilitiesactually pay per ton to get rid of it!

2 minutes

Simple tips to curb light pollution to enjoy the night sky

If you’ve ever viewed a map of a satellite in orbit, you’ve seen all the lights that are visible to the naked eye. So, why does it appear there are only a few stars to see when you look up at a night sky? How many are really hidden by light pollution? More people are beginning to ask that question as the problem of light pollution increases. One solution to this problem is “dark sky friendly lighting.”

2 minutes

DIY Electrical Work: Just Don't

The fact is, the biggest danger of DIY Electrical work is the simple fact that electricity is deadly and when not handled properly, the consequences are irreversible.

2 minutes

How to train your thermostat to work for you

Wi-Fi thermostats are an exciting evolution of heating and cooling control for your home or office. This state of the art technology builds upon the basic options of temperature control, scheduling and digital interfaces that existing programmable thermostats include, but with a much wider variety of added features.

5 minutes

Should I get a fully electric car or hybrid? Pros and cons of each.

Thinking of making the switch from gas to hybrid or electric? Well, we’ve scoured the internet to find the most in-depth coverage of each type of car, including their benefits and drawbacks. Read up on what the experts have to say at Autotrader:

4 minutes

I have an electrical panel in a closet! Do I have to move it if I need to upgrade it?

The short, safest and most efficient answer to this question is yes. According to the national code, with relation to electrical panels in closets: NEC 240.24D Overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitable materials, such as a clothes closet. However, there are a few issues to consider a bout the language of this code and how it applies to your specific situation.

2 minutes

Why a Home Battery Solution is Heads Above the Rest

Regardless of our station in life, we are all looking for ways to increase our savings and decrease our stress when it comes to the daily running of our home.

3 minutes

I want to install 3-prong receptacles in a 2-prong receptacles home... what do I do?

Two-prong outlets are not just inconvenient; they also pose a real safety hazard. The third prong on a plug is designed to give a fault path in the event of a short in the wire or device that is connected shorts out. Without a ground path, electrical shock or fire could occur. A metal light fixture, for example, could become energized on its exterior, making it dangerous to touch, and because there is no grounding, the breaker will not trip - a potentially deadly scenario.

2 minutes

Is Going Solar in the San Francisco Bay Area a Good Idea?

Not only is solar power as an alternative energy source rapidly becoming the most popular way to power a home, but San Francisco Bay homeowners are also in one of the most prime locations to take the most advantage of it. California holds the record for the most solar power usage over every other state in the nation. Because of the area’s fantastic access to sun exposure, many solar energy customers enjoy the benefits of relying solely on solar rather than the traditional power grid.

2 minutes

Top 5 Winter Energy Savings Tips of 2016

Energy Saver is the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) consumer resource on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies at home. This year, they have compiled a list of the most useful winter energy savings tips of 2016. Here are the top five:

2 minutes

Why You need an electrical safety inspection before the Holidays

If you or anyone you know was recently affected by Hurricane Matthew, we are glad you are safe, and we hope you and your friends and family caton restore your property quickly and smoothly.

2 minutes

Teaching Children About Electrical Safety

Kids are naturally curious and have a strong desire to explore the world around them. When it comes to electricity, however, seemingly innocent exploration can lead to highly dangerous consequences. While it’s important to teach children to respect electricity, it is also important for them to learn how to handle electrical situations responsibly.

1 minute

Solar Roadways: Paving The Way To Our Future

One of the most significantly UNDER-reported issues facing the our country today is our crumbling infrastructure of roadways and bridges. Countless lives have been lost from automobile accidents or simply crossing the street. Not only that, but many roads are poorly lit where the drivers can't see very far ahead of them increasing the risk of an accident. How many lives have been lost because of icy roads or wet roads with poor drainage?

3 minutes

Whole House Fans - Why do I need one?

True to its name, a whole house fan can significantly reduce the temperature in your entire home. However, the make and model of the fan must be suitable to the size of your home in order to be effective.

2 minutes

The Scoop on Knob and Tube Wiring

For a period of time from the late 1880s to the late 1930s, the most common design used in the electrical wiring of our homes and commercial property was called Knob and Tube wiring, also known as K&T Wiring. And this type of wiring is VERY common throughout the East Bay Area. With modern advances in electrical wiring, there are much safer and more efficient methods for electrical wiring and many benefits to upgrading or completely removing and replacing the knob and tube wiring in our homes and commercial properties.

2 minutes

Parking Lot Lighting: We have a boom lift!

Although it may seem they are just somewhat larger than an average light bulb, the light fixtures at the top of parking lot light poles and those that line city streets are a whole lot larger and heavier than most people imagine.

2 minutes

Important Clues it's Time to Update your Electrical Outlets

An important part of keeping your home maintained and safe is knowing what to look for when it comes to updating your electrical outlets. Since 2008, National Electrical Code requires that new and renovated dwellings have tamper-resistant receptacles, or TRRs. Designed to prevent children from inserting objects into outlets, TRRs have spring-loaded shutters that close off the receptacles’ contact openings (slots). When a plug is inserted straight into the receptacle, both springs are compressed and the shutters open. But, if someone attempts to insert an object into only one opening, the shutters do not open and there is no contact with electricity. source

2 minutes

El Nino and Electricity

According to the NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration), this year’s El Nino is one of the strongest ones on record. It has not only suppressed hurricanes in the Atlantic, but has also increased temperatures, warming up North America to record heat temperatures.

3 minutes

Static Electricity - the downside of colder weather

Cold weather brings so many good things with it. From cozy, warm sweaters to snuggling up next to a warm fire, the colder weather is a lot of people’s favorite time of year. But what about that pesky static electricity? You know the stuff. You get out of your warm car and bam! You’re shocked by the car door, or you walk across the room to give your aunt Betsy a hug and you shock each other, or the sweater pulled over your head makes your hair stand on end.

2 minutes

A Day in the Life of an Electrician

In order to understand how an electrician’s typical day goes, it’s important to know the differences between types of electricians. There are electricians who have completed trade school in both installation and maintenance, but more commonly an electrician specializes in either one or the other.

2 minutes

What you should know about Appliance Timers

In our homes today, appliance timers are proving useful for saving power by automatically turning off and on appliances when we need them. We use the timers to control anything from lighting, sprinklers, water heaters and coffee makers.

2 minutes

Early Warning Signs of Electrical Wiring Problems

As a homeowner or renter, keeping a close eye on what your electrical system is telling you is crucial to the safety of your home and family. Several internal issues could be lurking in your home that require immediate attention and if they are continually ignored, serious problems could occur.

3 minutes

Upgrading or Replacing Knob and Tube Wiring

From the late 1880s to the late 1930s, the most common method used in the electrical wiring in our homes was called Knob and Tube Wiring (also known as K&T Wiring). With modern advances in electrical wiring, there are much safer and more efficient methods for electrical wiring and many benefits to upgrading or completely removing and replacing the knob and tube wiring in our homes.

2 minutes

Myths about Electric Cars

As with anything new, there are opposing sides offering ways to talk you out of the idea. Electric Cars are no different. With information gathered from sierraclub.org (an environmental information resource) Here are 5 common myths about electrical cars debunked to help you make a more informed decision:

3 minutes

LED Outlet Covers

There was a time that outlet covers were just boring pieces of plastic that hid the metal housing and wiring of your outlets. Sometimes you could even find some ornate wooden covers or maybe even one with your favorite sports team’s logo emblazoned on it.

2 minutes

5 Common Electrical Hazards In Your Home

You have a lurking danger in your home, something you may not even think about. Almost everything in your home runs off of electricity, from your cell phone charger to your refrigerator. Without these items, how would you live your everyday life? Electricity is a blessing in the modern day home, however, it's also a large hazard if you're home isn't properly protected! Some of the most common hazards are also some of the most easily prevented!

2 minutes