FLIR Electrical Inspections ...what are they?

FLIR=Forward Looking Infra Red

Using infrared thermography (IRT) for inspecting electrical connections is possibly the most established application of thermography in the commercial, and increasingly in the residential sectors. We'll discuss the benefits of carrying out routine thermal imaging surveys, or predictive maintenance, together with the points that should be considered when using a contractor to carry out the inspection.

What is an Electrical Thermal Imaging Survey?
A thermographic, or FLIR, survey involves taking thermal images of electrical equipment
including fuses, contactors, switch boards, transformers, motors, battery banks, UPS's, control panels and other primary electrical connection points. With these thermal images, faults such as loose connections and over loaded circuits (the most common cause of electrical fires), transformer cooling faults, motor winding faults and induced currents, are all easily identified. The best part? This survey is being carried out whilst the equipment is in operation, causing little or no disruption to business/home operations. Following the survey, a report will be produced which will identify equipment found to be displaying faults. For each fault, a diagnosis will be given together with recommendations on how to repair. Also the report will provide an evaluation of fault severity which will enable the client to plan and prioritize any remedial work around their scheduled activities, thereby reducing operational down time.

The Benefits:

Unbeatable for electrical fault finding- There is no other technology that is able to identify such electrical faults as safely and as quickly as a FLIR or IRT survey. Plus it's completely non-intrusive!

Reduction in the cost of breakdowns- As faults are found before they cause equipment to fail, the associated cost of repairs is minimal compared to the cost of equipment failure. Depending on the type of equipment and its location, the cost of electrical failure can run into many hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repairs, lost production, injury claims, etc.

Insurance Premium Reductions - Increasingly, insurance companies are reducing their premiums to companies and homeowners who undertake annual surveys. Some insurance companies are now insisting on a thermal imaging survey prior to providing cover.

Reduction in Risk Management Contingency Budgets - Thermal surveys reduce the risk of equipment failure and the associated consequences, e.g. damage to other equipment and property, injury to inhabitants, operational downtime and damage to company reputation.

Points to consider when choosing a thermal imaging company.. There are many companies operating in the US. Some of which are better than others. If you are to maximize on the benefits discussed above, it is important to give consideration the points listed below when choosing a suitable thermal imaging company.

Suitably Qualified and Experienced
Check the company only employs technicians who are electrically qualified and are trained and certified under a suitable thermography training scheme e.g. (Snell Group etc.) Any report produced, must be authorized by a thermographer of at least Level 1 Status.

Review Quality Example Reports
Most companies will provide example reports if requested. Have a look at these reports to get an idea of the level of service you are likely to receive. Reports should be clearly laid out and written in plain English. Technical jargon and unnecessary analysis measurements while giving an air of authority, may only serve to confuse the reader.

Check out Thermal Imaging Camera Equipment Used The cost of thermal imaging cameras have come down markedly over the last few years. This has brought about an increase in companies trying to provide thermal imaging surveys. The cost of commercial thermal imaging cameras can range from $1500 for cameras intended for basic applications, up to $40,000 for cameras that are intended to be used exclusively by thermography professionals. However, ask yourself this question, is the quality, accuracy and level of service likely to be affected by the quality of the equipment that is used?

Insurance, Method Statements and Risk Assessments
Thermal imaging carried out correctly is extremely safe. However, any activity involving electricity in an industrial environment will present risk. It is therefore important to ensure the company you use is suitably insured and licensed by appropriate regulators, usually at the state level.

Fox Service Company is licensed and equipped to perform predictive thermographic electrical inspections for your home or business. If you'd like to find out more about this excellent service we provide, give us a call at (512) 442-6782 or visit our website: http://www.foxservice.com/

oh, and did we mention we offer a residential coupon for this???! Call us today!

Fox Decodes the Term 'HVAC'

Ever wondered what 'HVAC' is? Commonly referred to as Air Conditioning, all of us understand what HVAC stands for, however, because it’s not an everyday phrase; it is easy to forget what exactly it means. HVAC is an acronym that represents the phrases HEATING, VENTILATION, and AIR CONDITIONING. An HVAC system is one of the comforts which are treated with little consideration until it stops working correctly. While not 100% fail-safe, these widely accepted methods offer comfortable air to buildings of any dimension; special larger sized units are made specifically for medium to large office buildings and industrial structures.

Putting the H in HVAC!

The first element worth mentioning is heating. While we use it only occasionally in Austin, it is a widely enjoyed feature on most HVAC systems around the world. In this part of the HVAC application, the air is heated by a furnace, boiler or heat pump after which is forced throughout the building through duct work, pipes and/or radiators. Typically the heating component (boiler, furnace, heat pump etc.) is housed inside a mechanical room or attic that’s isolated from work/living areas because it tends to be the noisier portion of the assembly. The heating side of the unit is important to maintain year round as it can emit carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other deadly fumes. The heating side is responsible for maintaining comfortable temperatures during the cold winter time months. Additionally, the heating system supports the remainder of the building by preventing frozen pipes and other various problems that can occur whenever a heating method is inadequate.

Gimme a 'V'!
This next element of HVAC can be simply explained as 'Air Flow'. Ventilation is essential in the home, office structures, and industrial spaces. Stale or polluted air in a space can impact the general health of the occupant by contributing to acute respiratory illnesses which can even some time reach fatal levels in extreme circumstances. You are able to ventilate a space by two methods: mechanically or naturally. Mechanical ventilation uses machinery to force air to circulate. Additionally, fresh air is occasionally combined with the interior air to improve humidity and quality. This is actually the easiest way to decrease odors and humidity indoors. All-natural air flow is the alternative or complimentary procedure to mechanical, in that it freshens the air by using non-mechanical means. Surprisingly, this can often be as simple as opening windows to permit fresh air to circulate throughout the space.

AC Only!
Air conditioning, every Texan's best friend, is the last aspect described in this unassuming acronym. In warm months, air conditioning is essential for cooling the air and removing the humidity in the air. Sufficient cooling is important for keeping employees and customers comfortable on high temperature days. When temperatures rise, large structures can often over-heat inside, in an extremely fast manner. Having sufficient supply & return air is essential, but decreasing the humidity within the air is just as essential. Excess humidity isn’t only uncomfortable, it can cause serious and costly problems with mold and other contaminants that thrive on heat and dampness.

Home or business, contacting a licensed expert will be the best course of action whenever you need HVAC service or consultation. Fox Service Company is locally owned and has been operating in Central Texas since 1972. Trusted by both homeowners and businesses to handle their HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical problems, for over 40 years. Give us a call at (512) 442-6782 or visit our website.

Weatherization Works, Really!~

video courtesy of the DOE


Weatherization, ever increasing in importance, is shown here to vastly improve the living conditions for low income and elderly residents. Weatherization not only helps drastically reduce energy bills, but can also improve Indoor Air Quality which in turn can positively effect physical health of the dwelling's inhabitants. Weatherization is a large umbrella term, including Attic Insulation, Attic Ventilation, Duct Sealing/Replacement, Radiant Barrier, Solar Screens, and Weather Stripping. It is a proven fact that these measures, together with a newer model HVAC system (or replacement), can save as much as 20%* or more on your utility bills.

Fox Service Company is one of the largest providers of weatherization products and services in Central Texas. If you are interested in finding out more about our weatherization services, or our Free Energy Audit, which can help identify points of infiltration in your home for outdoor elements, call us at (512) 442 6782 or visit our website.


*figures based on specific equipment and weatherization procedures; simialr results not guranteed

The Death of the Incandescent

The incandescent light bulb is being phased out in the U.S. over the next 3 years. That marvelous invention by Thomas A. Edison has run its course. December 31, 2011 will mark the 132nd anniversary of the day that Edison flipped a switch at his Menlo Park laboratory and turned on the first electric light bulb. The electric light bulb would ultimately replace all gaslight systems. Thus began the age of electric lighting.

Beginning January 1, 2012, the 100-watt incandescent light bulb can no longer be manufactured for sale in the U.S. This is due to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which has mandated a phased out approach for bulbs that do not meet certain energy efficiency requirements. The State of California has implemented this mandate effective January 1, 2011. Retailers and distributors may still sell the 100-watt bulbs until exhausting their inventory. Light bulb manufacturers may also sell off their existing inventory. Of course, consumers can still use these bulbs until they burn out.

There are also exceptions. Specialty incandescent bulbs, such as appliance lights, three-way incandescent bulbs and incandescent bulbs for other niche applications are unaffected.

After the 100-watt bulb is gone, other incandescent wattages will no longer be manufactured for sale in the U.S. according to the following schedule:
By January 1, 2013, 75-watt bulbs
By January 1, 2014, 60-watt and 40-watt bulbs
Consumers will have no choice but to switch to more energy efficient halogen, compact fluorescent and LED bulbs. After the phase-out, the energy savings should be significant:
If the 200 million 100-watt incandescent bulbs sold annually in the U.S. today were replaced with the halogen light bulb, about 4.3 million tons of carbon dioxide from electricity production nationwide would be eliminated (equivalent to removing 750,000 cars from the road).*
If 50% choose halogen light bulbs and 50 percent choose compact fluorescent light bulbs as replacements, about 7.8 million tons of carbon dioxide would be eliminated (equivalent to removing nearly 1.4 million cars from the road).*
In less than three years, the popular incandescent light bulb will be history. It will be interesting to track the energy savings and environmental impact after the final bulb fades into darkness.

I wonder what Thomas Edison would be thinking?

*Source: Grainger Supply Link/ GE Lighting

How to Flush a Residential Water Heater

CAUTION: Flushing your water heater may put you at risk of being scalded by hot water. Please be careful when working on your water heater.

Sediment gathering inside the water heater can cause a number of problems. Once the sediment settles to the bottom of the tank, it can harden. In gas water heaters, this will create a buffer between the bottom of the tank that is heated by the gas burner and the water itself. The heater will not operate at its design efficiency and you may notice some rumbling noises. If enough sediment accumulates, it will eventually clog the drain valve. In electric water heaters, the same accumulation occurs. This sediment will stick to the heating elementsand form a whitish scale. The scale on the heating elements acts as the same buffer in the gas water heaters. The heat transfer from the elements to the water become less efficient as the scale build up becomes thicker. Like the gas water heater, if enough sediment accumulates at the bottom of the tank, the drain valve will become clogged. Accumulation of sediment in the bottom of your water heater can be controlled with periodic flushing. Flushing will not remove all traces of sediment; however a routine flushing regime will prevent excessive sediment build up inside your water heater.
CAUTION: THE WATER WILL BE HOT...........BE SURE NO ONE IS NEAR THE DRAIN HOSE OR THEY COULD GET SCALDED.

1. Turn to power OFF to the water heater at the circuit breaker (electric heater ) or main gas line (gas heater).
2. Fasten a length of garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. Put the other end of the garden hose in the nearest floor drain or snake it outside the home.
3. Close the shut off valve at the cold water inlet line.
4. Open the temperature and pressure relief valve at the top of the heater. Now open the drain valve and allow the water to drain. You will probably notice some small white particles (called scale or sediment) during the early stages of the flow.
5. When the water stops, close the drain valve and remove the hose. Also close the temperature and pressure relief valve at the top of the heater.
6. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the home. Open the shut off valve at the cold water inlet line. You will hear the heater start to fill.
7. When you have a steady stream of water from the open faucet, turn the faucet off.
8. Turn to power ON to the water heater at the circuit breaker (electric heater) or main gas line (gas heater). Allow the water heater to recover. Check the drain valve one more time to make sure it is tight.


Homeowners should flush their heaters at least every six months. Some areas of the country with hard water may need to be flushed more often. After flushing your heater a few times you will discover the schedule that is right for you. Some areas may require MONTHLY flushing due to the water conditions, thermostat setting and amount of hot water usage by the consumer. It is impossible to make a ‘one size fits all’ maintenance recommendation for every heater. Each water heater has its unique applications once it becomes installed in your home. Flushing your water heater of sediment should be a scheduled maintenance event.

For all water heater needs, contact Fox Service Company at (512) 442 - 6782

Material courtesy of Rheem Corporation




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AC & Heating Maintenance- Why worry?

Face it, your HVAC system is the unsung hero in your home. It is one of the few things that you don't notice working, until it isn't working anymore. Day in, day out, your HVAC system is running tirelessly to keep your living space comfortable. In fact it's so out of sight, you probably assume it just operates by itself.....

Let's start by asking a simple question: When the word 'maintenance' is mentioned by a service professional do you hear 'extra costs' or 'extra savings'? If you are like most folks, your immediate thought goes to "How much will this cost me?" Especially after an extensive repair, I know the last thing you want to do is shell out extra dollars for a maintenance program. The fact of the matter is that a comprehensive maintenance plan can in most cases help you AVOID those steep repair costs in the future. When that is considered along with the energy savings afforded by a properly operating system, the question almost becomes how can you afford not to? We'll come back to this in a moment.

So back to the original question: Why worry?

We liken HVAC maintenance to your car's maintenance. How worry free would you be driving cross country in a car that hadn't had an oil change in 9 months? Will it make it to your destination? Or will it leave you stranded in some remote location devoid of cell service or AAA? If you like gambling in Las Vegas, then perhaps you like these odds too? Gambling with the Texas weather can often provide similar results. Now don't get me wrong, Austin is the best place to live in the U.S. in my opinion, but we experience weather variations like no other! What place can you live in and have ice at night and 80+ temps during the day....in the middle of winter? Maybe the Sahara or Mojave deserts? Last year Austin experienced 90 days of 100+ weather....164 days of 90+ weather. That's almost half the year at 90 degrees or above!

Here's another little known fact: HVAC manufacturers test/design their units at a max of 100 degrees. So on any given day of 100+ degree weather, your unit may not operate at factory standards a.k.a. may not perform to it's fullest efficiency, and that's for a brand new unit. Add in age and usage factors; now consider no maintenance on top of these stresses to your unit. Starting to worry yet?

As with any machinery with moving parts, your HVAC system needs to be maintained on a regular basis if you expect it to last more than a few years under these conditions. Manufacturers recommend annual maintenance on both sides of your HVAC system (Heating & Cooling). During this maintenance the following checklist items should be observed and performed by a licensed technician:

AIR CONDITIONING
Check thermostat
Check for disconnects
Check for proper size breakers
Check filter
Purge condensate line
Check for overflow protection
Check door switch
Wash condenser coil
Remove leaves from unit
Lubricate applicable motors
Check wiring connections
Check contactor
Check voltage and amperages
Check refrigerant charge
Check superheat/sub-cooling
Tighten mechanical fittings
Test all pressure switches
GAS HEAT
Check thermostat
Check filter
Lubricate applicable motors
Check for proper combustion air
Check vent pipe
Check for gas leaks
Check carbon monoxide level
Inspect burners/adjust
Inspect heat exchanger
Inspect pilot assembly
Check gas pressure
Check for furnace disconnect
Check safeties and fan controls
Check door switch
HEAT PUMP/ELECTRIC HEAT
Check for disconnect
Check filter
Lubricate applicable motors
Check thermostat
Check wiring connections
Check operation of heat strips
Check Emergency heat
Check voltage and amperages
Test reversing valve
Test defrost operation
Tighten all mechanical fittings

A Quick Math Exercise:

• Average (equipment) cost of HVAC unit $4500 (installation not included)





• Average repair cost of $100-$500 per call





• HVAC systems account for as much as 45% of an average home's energy bill. ($1200/yr avg)

As you can see, this can add up quickly to thousands of dollars if your unit fails suddenly or repeatedly during a season. So I reiterate: when a service professional mentions "maintenance" it might be beneficial to instead hear the word "savings" especially where HVAC-in-Texas is concerned.

Fox Service Company is Austin's HVAC Maintenance experts with more than 40 years experience in Austin homes and businesses. We are fully licensed and insured for your protection and comfort. Rely on us today- (512) 442-6782 or visit our web page to find out more about our Priority One HVAC Maintenance Program.

The Hazards of Aluminum Wiring in Your Home

Copalum wiring repair can prevent fire hazards in homes....and Fox is one of the few companies in Texas with the equipment to do it right!

As Central Texans load-up their electrical outlets with faster and more advanced high-tech devices they may, unknowingly, be fanning the flames of an existing fire hazard in their homes. Despite efforts by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), local insurance agents and electrical trade service providers continue to see aluminum branch-circuit wiring in homes built in Austin, and across the country.

The danger of aluminum wiring translates into a real safety concern for homeowners. The CPSC’s research indicates homes wired with aluminum prior to 1972 pose a 55 times greater risk for starting a fire. Homes developed or renovated during the mid-1960s and early 1970s often were wired with aluminum due to soaring copper prices.

Electrical fires were a real danger for Austinites in 2007. While aluminum wiring-specific incidents are not categorized separately, the Austin Fire Department recorded 82 structural fires as a result of electrical problems. Nationwide electrical fires are a leading cause of fire-related fatalities, along with arson, candles and smoking. Experts are particularly concerned about electrical fires because they can go undetected longer than other types of fires occurring in the open.

The hazard is not in the aluminum wire itself, but in the connections where the splices are made. The aluminum wire expands and contracts, in time decreasing the stability of its connection with the copper rated device or connection. When the connection becomes less secure overheating, carbon build-up, gradual melting of the connection and smoldering of the wire insulation may occur. The issues can remain undetected for a period of years before a fire actually ignites. Due to this, a detailed evaluation by a licensed electrical contractor is necessary to ensure that the entire electrical system is safe.

While the danger is well documented, many homeowners live with the risk. Hanna Ogle, personal lines manager with Watkins Insurance Group, estimates their firm sees aluminum wiring in about 20 percent of Austin homes built during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Established neighborhoods, including Northwest Hills, Westlake, Quail Creek and many others, were built during this era. It’s also common to see the partial wiring of a home in aluminum due to renovations.

Buyers need to beware!

While rare, it’s possible that a partial or even complete wiring in aluminum could be overlooked at the time of purchase.

When aluminum wiring is found, the consequences are steep for homeowners; aluminum wiring can translate into a 25 to 50 percent increase in insurance premiums due to the risks. In fact, due to tighter restrictions in recent years, preferred carriers often do not cover homes with aluminum wiring, in part, because of the prevalence of electronic devices and increased demand on potentially unstable circuits.

The CPSC recommends COPALUM for repairs. The product, manufactured by TE Connectivity, attaches a copper wire to the aluminum wire leading to each junction box. The connection, made using extreme pressure, creates a safer electrical connection at outlets, switches, lights and circuit breakers.

However, the process can cost between $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the number of connections in a home. If repaired via the COPALUM method, there isn’t a need to have the connections inspected yearly to guarantee they are secure; unlike non-approved whole-house solutions that require annual inspections.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that your house is safe with repair solutions like COALR devices that only address switches and outlets. There are likely aluminum connections that need to be addressed behind each plug and switch. Appliances, fans, lights and built-ins also need to be treated with COPALUM. Be sure to use a reputable contractor that is certified by the manufacturer and doesn’t cut corners.

A far more expensive alternative is the total elimination of aluminum wiring. Rewiring is a relatively smart solution if renovations are planned in a home. However, rewiring when no renovations are slated is costly because replacement requires removing drywall to get to the wiring.

The best bet for homeowners is to be educated on the potential hazards and work with a credible electrician to assess options. If a homeowners suspects aluminum wiring and there are non-functioning outlets and switches in their home, they should immediately consult an electrician because it could be sign of a very serious problem.

Fox Service Company has proudly served the needs of Central Texas since 1972. If you suspect you have Aluminum Wiring in your home, and would like a professional opinion, we're here to help! Call (512) 442 6782 or Email Fox Electrical Service