The electricity you rely on daily to power nearly every part of your household also carries risks. That’s why the National Electrical Code requires homes to have specialized devices called AFCI and GFCI breakers. These residential electrical safety devices protect against two prevalent hazards: arc faults that can spark fires and ground faults that can cause dangerous shocks. What
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The holiday season means colorful lights and festive outdoor decorations that turn your house into a winter wonderland. But before you string up the sparkle, ensure your outdoor outlets are safe, secure and ready to carry the extra load.A-1 United’s licensed electricians share simple, practical holiday light safety tips to help you avoid electrical hazards and enjoy a worry-free season.Why
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Is your home feeling chilly despite your furnace running? Low heat from your furnace is one of the most common furnace problems homeowners face during winter months. There are several potential causes for this issue, including a clogged air filter, faulty thermostat or leaky ductwork. If you're experiencing inadequate heating, it's crucial to know the difference between something you
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In 2025, many common HVAC refrigerants are being phased out as the industry shifts toward more climate-friendly practices. Older refrigerants like R-410A are being replaced with new HVAC refrigerants in 2025 that have significantly lower environmental impact. If your home HVAC system was installed in the last few decades, there's a good chance it uses one of these now-outdated
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When making HVAC decisions for your home, it pays to do your research and be an informed consumer. For example, you can choose between a single-stage and a two-stage furnace for your heating needs. Both types offer unique benefits and operate differently to provide comfort. This guide breaks down the functionality, features, advantages and considerations of single-stage and two-stage furnaces
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Owning an older home comes with charm and character, but it can also mean outdated utilities that aren’t as efficient as modern designs. For homeowners looking to reduce energy use AND improve safety, upgrading the electrical system makes a big difference. From safer wiring to modern electrical panels and lighting, these projects are smart investments for older homes. But
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Home surge protection is crucial for safeguarding your electronic devices and home’s electrical system from damaging power surges. A home power surge can occur for many reasons, such as lightning strikes, faulty wiring or power grid issues. While you can't control power surges from happening, you can do something to protect your home and the valuable electronics it contains. By
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Although carbon monoxide poisoning is a preventable illness, it still manages to kill hundreds of Americans every year. In fact, the CDC reports that approximately 430 people across the United States suffer from fatal CO poisoning every year. What’s more, another approximately 50,000 end up in the emergency room because of poisoning symptoms. As winter weather and the heating
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Do you feel like you need a winter coat when you’re relaxing downstairs and a tank top when you go upstairs? While it may not be that extreme, many homeowners who live in multistory homes do experience distinct temperature fluctuations depending on what floor they’re on. In some cases, it boils down to simple science – heat rises, after
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As Nebraska and Iowa start showing off vibrant fall foliage and pumpkins show up on doorways, heating costs are rising. Luckily, better energy efficiency for your heating system isn’t far behind. New equipment can offer the same reliable heat while lowering your energy use. On June 13, 2022, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed a new furnace efficiency standards
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In some cases, it is the HVAC accessories that can offer enormous benefits. A smart thermostat is one such accessory. It improves how you use your HVAC system day to day, improving efficiency and lowering your monthly bill. Utility companies offer programs that can make getting a smart thermostat more affordable. We'll review what a smart thermostat is and
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With several weeks of summer still to go, you’ve probably thought about your air conditioning once or twice in the last few months. After all it’s the most important part of staying cool indoors, but is your current system the ideal solution? Or if your existing air conditioner is starting to fail, have you thought about a replacement system?
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Many homeowners use their garage for a lot more than keeping their cars out of the sun and rain. Some people like using their garages for extra household storage while others keep all their gardening or lawn care equipment safe. Some people even turn their garages into a workshop for carpentry, restoration or other hobbies. It can be a
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During the hot summer months, our air conditioners are one of the best tools for staying comfortable indoors. But even the best air conditioners can encounter problems now and then. These issues can lower energy efficiency, damage key components or result in other consequences. Trying to find out what’s wrong with your cooling isn’t exactly fun, but prompt diagnosis
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Staying cool is the first thing we think of when we think about an air conditioner, but a comfortable temperature isn’t the only aspect of comfort. Just like living next to a construction site, too much noise coming from your air conditioner can disrupt your sense of comfort. Many air conditioners will make some kind of noise, but this
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While we expect our plumbing or HVAC systems to be a little noisy, electrical systems are a little different. Whether you’re turning on a light or plugging something in, you don’t expect the electrical system itself to make any noise. In fact, when your wiring or electrical fixtures are making sound, it’s a sign you need a professional electrician. Rather
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A common problem many homeowners face in the summer is high humidity indoors. It’s bad enough when you can’t get comfortable outside during the day. When high humidity follows you home, staying cool might seem like an impossible goal. Fortunately, you don’t have to just deal with muggy, sweaty conditions all summer. A humidity control system like a whole-house
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It's no secret that Omaha summers can be brutally hot. As temperatures rise, air conditioners become a lifesaver for homeowners everywhere. But like any HVAC system, air conditioners require regular maintenance to keep them in great shape. If you don't service your air conditioner on a regular basis, it can lead to a number of problems, including decreased efficiency
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For those with allergies, asthma, or another respiratory condition, pollen can be frustrating to deal with. It can aggravate symptoms like coughing, eye irritation, sinus inflammation and more. It’s particularly annoying when pollen gets indoors and makes your own home less comfortable. Homeowners deserve relief, so where can they get it? Indoor air quality equipment can help. These types of
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A power outage is already frustrating to deal with. But what if you have something in your home that always needs electricity, like medical equipment? Whether you want another layer of protection or you’re just sick of pulling out the flashlights, a home generator can help. With natural gas or other fuels, it can provide much-needed electricity during storms and
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A comfortable home should be a safe home, free from worry about hazards to your health. One of the more difficult problems to detect is carbon monoxide. This gas is colorless, odorless and can accumulate in your home. Common sources are car exhaust, furnaces, fireplaces and stoves. Homes vent away this dangerous gas, but a small leak or crack can
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While electrical outages are uncommon, they’re a frustrating experience when they do happen. An outage can leave your home without power for hours or sometimes even days! This severely disrupts day-to-day life, so it’s important to take steps to protect your home. A whole-house generator is a great option, as they can reliably supply your home with electricity when you
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Every time you dry your clothes, excess heat and moisture is safely carried away by the dryer vent. This air duct connects to the rest of your home’s ventilation or to an exterior wall. As long as the dryer vent is securely attached and clean, it will ensure the dryer’s heat and humidity stays out of your home. But every
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The electrical panel in your home is crucial for powering appliances, lighting and outlets. It ensures that the right amount of electricity reaches each area. However, issues with the panel can disrupt numerous systems in your home. While most homeowners don’t think about their electrical panel unless a circuit breaker trips and needs to be reset, there could be signs
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Smoke alarms are an excellent layer of protection to have at home. They can notify you of the presence of smoke, most often from a fire. A fast response can minimize damage and allow enough time for people to safely exit their homes. New models of smoke detectors are taking advantage of smart home technology, becoming smart smoke detectors. These
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