FAQ

Today’s homes are equipped with a multitude of electronic devices that are vulnerable to damage from a power surge, so whole-house surge protection is a great way to ensure your home is protected during storms or electrical repairs that could cause a surge. Whole-house surge protectors react in fractions of a second, protecting everything from computers and televisions to electronically equipped washers and dryers.

Surge protection devices can be installed to project your entire main breaker panel or several circuits servicing your home. They work by turning away excess voltage. If you have an older home with knob & tube wiring, you may be even more vulnerable to unpredictable power surges, as K&T does not have a ground wire. In older homes, a surge protection device that does not require a ground wire is critical.

Ask the Villers Advanced Electric professionals about your options for protecting your home with a whole-house surge protection device.

If you are in the market for a home generator, it is likely because you have experienced a lengthy power outage due to a storm or you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages. Either way, a generator keeps your home habitable and your family comfortable, but the size you need will depend on how you plan to use it.

If you work from home or a family member relies on an electric powered medical device, you may need a larger generator that will power several rooms or even your entire home. If you simply want to be able to keep your refrigerator running and a couple of lights working, a smaller generator may be sufficient.

To choose a generator that provides the wattage you need, decide which appliances you will want to power and add up the wattage needed to start these items and keep them running. The Villers team can help you choose, purchase, and install a generator that works for your home or business.

The cost of repairing a generator will vary depending on the type and size of the generator and the repair needed. Cost for a professional repair can range from less than $100 for a small portable generator to more than $600 for a standby generator. You may be able to troubleshoot a failing basic generator by checking and cleaning filters and tightening spark plugs, but your best bet is to contact a professional for regular maintenance and any needed repairs to ensure your generator is always ready in an emergency.

Regular maintenance for your generator will lengthen its life and ensure it will operate when you need it. Consult your manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance suggestions for your make and model of generator, but as a rule, having any generator serviced every six to 12 months or every 500 hours of operation is best.

Your generator service will include checking and changing the oil and air filter. Portable generators also should have spark plugs changed every 100 hours of use. Both diesel and portable generators should be thoroughly checked for all major components every 1,000 to 2,000 hours of use.

To truly enjoy use of an electric vehicle, you must have access to public charging stations. Home charging stations, however, are worth the investment for several reasons.

• They provide the convenience of charging overnight and never having to wait in line.
• You can shop electric costs and quickly pay for the cost of installation.
• Home chargers are better for battery life, as rapid public charging stations can cause battery degradation.
• As EVs become more common, a home charging station will increase the value of your home.

If you are considering a home charging station for your electric vehicle, contact Villers Advanced Electric for a free consultation and estimate on installation.