Category: Uncategorized

When your household budget is tight, a heating and cooling maintenance plan can feel like an unnecessary and trivial expense. However, a plan comes with a lot of benefits – benefits you can’t ignore if you want your HVAC system to be in working order. The information below will make these benefits clear.

1. Peace of Mind

If you invest in a maintenance plan for your heating and cooling system, you will have one less thing to worry about throughout the year. You won’t have to lose sleep at night wondering if your heater will give out in the dead of winter. You can go about your day knowing your system will be working smoothly, leaving you free to focus on your family and friends.

2. Significant Discounts for Parts and Repairs

Should you find something wrong with your system, you can get special discounts on repairs, parts, labor, and so on. You might find the cost of the maintenance plan is a small price to pay.

3. Slash Energy Bill Costs

When an HVAC system receives attention on a regular basis, it’s less likely to wear down and work poorly when you need it most. It will maintain a high level of efficiency, and that means your utility bill will be smaller when it arrives in the mail.

4. Catch Problems Before They Get Worse

Finding an HVAC issue before it has a chance to worsen is exactly what you want. You will save yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars and avoid complicated repairs in the long run.

5. You’re A Priority

No more sitting by the front door and missing out on other things while you wait for someone to show up. With a maintenance plan, you’re at the top of the list.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553

The summer season is when you need your AC the most, but sometimes problems prevent the system from working properly. How do you address these issues and get everything back to the way it should be? The information below will make things clear.

1. My Energy Bills Are Higher When Summer Comes

Is your AC system 12 years old or older? If this is the case, it might come down to age. The older a system gets, the less efficiently it will run. It will waste energy. You need to have a regular maintenance schedule in place, and you should consider investing in a newer model as soon as your budget allows it.

2. The System Keeps Turning Itself On And Off

This can be frustrating, especially when the outside temperatures are at their highest. The first thing you need to do is consider where the thermostat sits. Is it located in an area that receives direct sunlight? If this is the case, the extra heat might be causing the AC to work harder and irregularly. It could also be ice on the coils or leaking refrigerant.

3. It Won’t Run No Matter What I Do

If the situation feels hopeless, there is another thing you can try. Look at your thermostat and see if it’s set to “cool.” If it is, see if the set temperature is lower than the temperature outside. Is the filter dirty? If so, clean it.

4. It’s Not Cooling As Well As It Should

Your home just isn’t feeling as cool as it did the year before. Should this be the case, make sure to inspect the filter and see if it looks dirty. You might need to clean it or exchange it for a new one. Check the outside unit and clear away any debris.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553

You might not like to think about it, but the coldest seasons of the year will soon arrive. You need to get your home ready if you want to make it through them comfortably, and the tips below will help.

1. Make Sure Your HVAC System Is In Working Order

An HVAC system keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the fall and winter. You need to make sure it’s functioning properly so you can avoid problems. You certainly don’t want the heater to stop working when the outside temperature is at its lowest. If you don’t already have one in place, start up a maintenance schedule and stick to it. If your system is at least 10 years old, it might be time to replace it with a more efficient model. Talk to someone you trust about the matter.

2. Clean Your Air Ducts

It doesn’t matter if your HVAC system is in top condition if your air ducts aren’t clean. The air ducts are what circulate the warm air through your home. It’s important to make sure they’re clear of debris – doing this will also ensure that the health of your family remains stable. You don’t want allergens getting trapped inside the ducts.

3. Clean Your Gutters

The gutters you left alone while you went to the beach and had backyard barbecues are now overflowing with leaves and other debris. If you leave this mess alone, you will end up with a serious problem. Water might get stuck in the gutters and leak into your home, causing water damage and much more. Get out a pair of thick gloves and get to work.

4. Insulate Doors and Windows

Don’t let warm air escape from your home. Check your doors and windows and make sure they’re properly insulated.

5. Invest In Lighting

With less daylight during the fall and winter, it’s important to be safe. Install outdoor lights so you can see what you’re doing when the sun goes down.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553

Many homeowners take for granted that everything on their property is running smoothly and working as they should. However, this isn’t always the case. Your well might not be giving you high-quality water, and this can spell disaster for your health. In the middle of a drought, your water level could decrease and eventually run dry, leaving you in the lurch.

What Are The Signs? 

What do you need to look out for to figure out if your well has actually run dry? Before you work yourself in a panic, check the information below and move forward accordingly.

• The water tastes funny when you drink it.
• It appears to be murky and dark in color.
• The spigots sputter when air moves through the system.

No matter what signs you notice, it’s a good idea to check the depth of your well. Don’t worry – the process is simple. All you have to do is remove the cap and drop an ice cube into the system. Pay attention to how long it takes the ice cube to get to the bottom. If it takes a long time, there could be issues.

How Do You Fix the Situation? 

Now that you know that your well is dry, it’s time to move on to figuring out how to deal with it. So what do you do? You don’t have to drill a new well and add extra stress to your plate. It could be that your water pump is in a bad place. It could also be that the well is old. The typical well has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Your water level might decline as a result of the buildup of minerals or sediments.

Water well deepening is one option. It can increase the yield of the well. When you deepen a well, you can find new fractures containing water. The deeper you go, the higher the chances are that you will find a fracture. However, it’s not a guarantee. Talk to someone you trust on the matter.

Hydrofracking is another technique worth considering. This injects high-pressure water into your well in order to increase water flow and force out any fractures that could be in surrounding rocks. If your well is on the older side, this one could work best for you.

What You Need To Consider 

When you do something to your well, you need to check the water after you complete the job to ensure stable water quality. You can do this with a test. It’s an excellent idea to keep documents about any work done so you can reference the information at a later time. For example, you might need to have them in the event that you wish to sell your home. In a number of states, it’s required to show potential buyers these documents. No matter how busy you are, make sure you keep the documents in a clean and safe place. Don’t stuff them in a drawer and forget about them.

Don’t Work Yourself into a Frenzy  

If something isn’t working correctly, you don’t need to worry yourself sick and let your quality of life suffer. You don’t need to grab your wallet and assume the worst. If you notice a change in your drinking water, the problem could sit with the electrical system that helps get water to the pressure tank or pump.

Don’t take your well for granted. You rely on it to provide your family with safe, clean water. If it dries up, you will be left in a dark place. The information above should help you make things right again.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553

The summer months can really work your air conditioner into the ground. The tips below will help you cut back on utility costs and increase efficiency at the same time.

1. It Might Be Time to Replace Your HVAC System

When your HVAC gets old, it will not run as well as it once did. With so many advances in the world of air conditioning, it’s a good idea to invest in an energy-efficient replacement. Make sure the one you want is the right size.

2. Check for Any And All Debris

In order to get adequate air flow, you should look for any debris that might be too close to your outdoor unit. Shrubs, plants, and other landscaping staples should be at least two feet away.

3. Let Your Fans Help

Do you have any ceiling fans in your home? Run them counterclockwise. This will help cool down a room, and running them for a few hours a day only costs $1.50 a month per fan.

4. Put Film on Your Windows

Place window film or tint on the inside of any windows. Your house will be warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer, a benefit you can’t ignore.

5. Seal Weak Spots and Weatherize

You don’t want to provide air conditioning for the entire neighborhood, do you? Keep cold air in and hot air out by sealing cracks and adding insulation.

6. Get a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

Smart automation is the future, and you can take advantage of this technology in your own home. Use a smart thermostat that you can control anywhere. If you forgot to set your thermostat before you left for work, a few taps on your smartphone will save the day. Programmable thermostats are also an excellent option.

7. Change Your Dialing Habits

If you dial your thermostat below 78 degrees, you increase your energy consumption.

8. Keep Appliances Away From the Thermostat

Don’t put heat-producing appliances near the thermostat. Televisions and lamps are a few examples.

9. Look at the Filters

Get into the habit of checking the air filter once a month. Replace it when necessary.

10. Make Sure Your A/C Is In the Shade

Shaded areas are cooler than other areas in the home, and the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553

Believe it or not, not everybody gets water from the city. In certain homes, well water is the liquid of choice. If you have a private well, you have the ability to enjoy fresh, clean water, but it comes with responsibilities. Should your faucets stop giving you water, you need to find the reason and fix it as soon as possible. Start with the well pump.

Know What a Well Pump Is

The first thing you should be aware of is what a well pump is. A well pump is a device used to extract water from a well so it can be brought into your home. If you have a submersible pump, it sits underwater. The moment you turn on a faucet to take a bath or wash dishes, the water pump receives a message and starts pumping water from the well.

Is There Something Wrong With The Pressure Tank?

You need a pressure tank as much as you need a well pump. These two have to work together in order to give you your well water. If one of them is on the fritz, the entire system will be thrown off until you address the problem. Before you do anything else, check to see if the pressure switch is on. This is important. If a significant amount of water is drawn from the pressure tank, the system might shut down. Why? This is supposed to be a safety feature in the event of a catastrophe. Look at the top of the feed line – this is where the switch should be located.

Do You Have A Pump That Is The Wrong Size?

The size of the pump you should have is usually determined by the size of your house. The amount of plumbing fixtures you have also play a role in this decision. A water pump used for domestic purposes can pump out 10 gallons per minute from a well. However, a larger pump may be necessary if you need to feed animals or run a business. Did you remodel your home and add an addition to your previously small space? This could be the culprit.

Was The Pump Placed In The Wrong Spot?

If you want your pump to work properly, it has to be in exactly the right spot. You can’t place it randomly and hope for the best. If a pump is installed the correct way, there should still be a good amount of water above the pump even when the well is being used. When water is drawn too close to the pump, only air will enter the system – this isn’t what you want. You need to lower the pump and inspect the depth of the water. Doing this will set things right again and save you from stress.

What about Dry Weather?

The problem with your well pump could also be the fault of dry weather. Drought conditions can cause your faucets to sputter and spit. If this doesn’t happen, you might notice that your water has taken on a dark or otherwise murky color. Droughts are known for making water unavailable for long periods. If your well has less water, this is something you have to consider. Check the water levels and reach your own conclusion.

If you don’t rely on city water to keep your family hydrated and healthy, it’s up to you to keep your well in excellent condition. If it’s not acting the way it should, the issue might sit with the well pump. The information above will help you pinpoint the culprit and make things right again.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553

When it’s as hot inside as it is outside, there might be a problem with your air conditioner. But how do you find out what is going on? What are you supposed to do to make things right again? Before you panic and worry about plowing through your household budget, look at the information below and follow the steps. You will find the solution before too long.

The Air Unit Keeps Turning Off And On

If the condenser unit is blocked or dirty, you will run into this issue. This scenario is also possible with a dirty evaporator. Remove any obstructions and give the entire unit a thorough cleaning. This action gets rid of the problem most of the time.

It Doesn’t Cool Well

If you find that your air conditioner isn’t keeping you cool when the weather heats up, check the thermostat first. If you have it set at the right temperature, move on to making sure the air handler filter is functional. Turn off the power to the unit, and then remove the door from the air handler cabinet. Clean the filter you find inside. If it looks beyond help, you might need to replace it. After this is done, look at the outdoor compressor and clean it. If it’s still not working, the compressor might be faulty, and further action will be necessary.

It’s Not Blowing Air

Not getting any air from your air conditioning unit? Start addressing the problem by turning off the power to the unit. Next, remove the door from the air handler cabinet. This will give you access to the blower. Do you see a belt? Write down the number that will be stamped on the belt. Go to a reputable source and get a replacement. It needs to be exactly the same one. Slip the new belt onto the motor pulley and make the necessary adjustments.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553

When the summer heat hits, people rely on their air conditioner to keep them cool and happy. If you want your air conditioner to function properly and run as efficiently as possible, the information below will help.

1. Keep Your House Closed Off

Some people open as many doors and windows as they can while the air conditioner is running. They assume this will make their home even cooler, but that is not the case. When you do this, your air conditioner has to work harder because hot air is coming inside. To keep cold air from escaping into the neighborhood, seal off potential leak spots.

2. Don’t Put Heat-Producing Devices near The Air Conditioner

It may seem strange, but when you put a lamp or television near your thermostat, you’re asking for trouble. These devices emanate heat, and your air conditioner will pick up on this. Find another place for your appliances. Let guests and family members know about this arrangement so they won’t make the same mistake.

3. Be Careful With Temperature Settings

When the temperature rises outside, it’s tempting to set the thermostat to Antarctic levels – don’t do this. Keep the temperature between 72 and 78 degrees. This will cut down on energy waste and save you money in the long run.

4. Don’t Use a Dehumidifier at the Same Time

Running a dehumidifier when your air conditioner is on won’t do you any favors. Actually, a dehumidifier will make it harder for your unit to do its job. Your utility bill will increase, and that is the last thing you want.

5. Clean the Coil

Clean your indoor and outdoor coils. An indoor coil is a dust magnet because it’s in a constantly wet state during the summer. This leads to poor efficiency. Have a busy schedule? Set time aside on your calendar.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553

When new homeowners decide they want to invest in an air conditioner, they sometimes rush through the buying process and don’t put any thought into long-term consequences. Don’t let this happen to you. The tips below will get you started on the right foot.

1. Don’t Rush Your Decision

Buying an air conditioning system isn’t the most exciting task in the world, so it’s understandable that you would want to get it done as fast as possible. However, this approach will only lead to regret. Unless you’re willing to pull it out and start over again, you will be stuck with what you chose for as long as you live in the house.

2. Be Careful About Where You Install the Unit

Don’t stick the unit in a random spot in your home. It’s important to be more selective and weigh your options before you make a final decision. For example, choosing an area where there is a significant amount of sunlight will force your air conditioner to work 10 percent harder.

3. Use Square Footage to Determine the Unit You Need

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know what to do, there is a process you can use to select your air conditioner. What is the square footage of the room you want cooled? This will determine the capacity (or British Thermal Units) the air conditioner should have. For example, a room that is 500 square feet will need a 12,000 BTU unit at the very least.

4. Realize You Probably Won’t Cut Your Energy Expenses in Half

While the world of air conditioning has greatly improved in the last 10 years, you shouldn’t go in expecting your system to cut your utility bill in half. Many manufacturers like to claim you can remove 50 percent from your bill when you invest in a new high efficiency system, but this isn’t the case. Few people cut more than 25 percent, and some never see any savings at all. The efficiency rating of a unit is determined in a controlled lab, not an average home. Keep this in mind.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553