April 22, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
With the coming of spring and the promise of spectacular summers to follow, Coloradans look forward to getting the most out of their outdoor spaces. And one of the favorites is their own back yard.
Show off your landscape with lighting for features like ponds, fountains, plantings, and…
March 29, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
We’re 100% behind the move toward electrification. It’s cleaner than coal, gas, and petroleum. New and emerging technologies are making it more efficient and sometimes even less expensive, especially as alternative sources of electricity become more available. And it’s reliable—usually.
But as we become more dependent on electricity…
March 28, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
There’s no season more seductive than springtime in the Rockies. It even inspired a hit song in the 30s from a movie of the same name. But like the flirt it is, spring can tempt with warm, sunny days followed by several inches of wet, heavy snow, causing…
March 11, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
Moving away from gas-fired appliances is a trend that’s building, and one that’s not likely to slow down anytime soon. It may be a matter of choosing to be more environmentally friendly, or it may be forced on you by your local government.
Cities like Denver, Boulder, and…
February 28, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
Many people shy away from electric vehicles (EVs) due to their shorter range than traditional gasoline powered options. Call it “range anxiety” and it’s very real if your work requires lots of daily driving or when going on long trips.
But what if you want the environmental friendliness…
February 26, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
The push for electrification and emission reduction keeps growing and heat pumps for heating and cooling are on the top of the list along with electric vehicles. Researchers, inventors, and manufacturers keep innovating, fueled by consumer demand and piles of government money to feed it. So the list…
February 19, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
Now that the holiday icicle lights are down (right?) it’s time to prevent the real things from wrecking your home.
Colorado is notorious for its freeze-and-thaw cycles. They play havoc with our roads and bridges, causing cracks and potholes. They crack our mountains, sending rocks and boulders tumbling…
January 30, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
Still on the fence about upgrading your electrical services? These added incentives from federal, state, and local governments and utilities can dramatically lower the cost, sometimes to zero!
The funds mainly come from federal programs, but much is distributed through local sources, so taking full advantage means looking…
January 23, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
Every now and then, Mother Nature reminds us of how cold it can get in Colorado. For the Denver area, the weekend of January 13-15 saw below-zero temperatures for over 33 consecutive hours. That same weekend, Chicago saw double-digits below zero and electric vehicle (EV) owners learned how…
January 15, 2024 | Mike McClanahan
Don’t overlook your home’s electrical system when it comes to making a list of New Year's resolutions. With the busy holiday season behind you and the weather trapping you indoors, now is a perfect time to look back on the things you noticed that you would have liked…
December 31, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
The push to cut carbon emissions has led to many government agencies and utilities to continue offering attractive incentives to switch to electric options in 2024. They range from federal and state tax credits to cash rebates for qualifying purchases. Here’s a look at what’s on tap for…
December 25, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Whether you’re taking your outdoor holiday lighting down right away or leaving it up through the National Western Stock Show—a Denver tradition—keep a lookout for ways to make your home’s exterior safer and more attractive by repairing and upgrading your exterior lighting.
Repairs and Maintenance
Broken globes and…
December 18, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
It’s never a good time to replace your heating and cooling system, but if yours is giving hints it’s about ready to go, or if it quits on you, there are more options than ever to replace it with updated technology and efficiency. More and more, these systems…
November 24, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Colorado has more lightning strikes than any other state but Florida. That’s why it’s important to have surge protection on your electrical system. In fact, it’s so important that the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires it in all new construction and upgrades, typically at the main panel…
November 24, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Each year we remind DIYers to play it safe when hanging lights outdoors for the holiday season. So if you’re planning to decorate over the long Thanksgiving weekend, review these tips and suggestions to keep your home and family safe while showing you’re ready to welcome the holidays.
…
October 30, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
It’s just a matter of weeks before the holidays arrive and kitchens across the country will be full of the tantalizing aromas we associate with them. Are you sure your kitchen will be ready for the extra workload?
Modern Appliances Can Overload Older Kitchens
Homes older than…
October 28, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
With Colorado’s history of lightning strikes, power line and transformer troubles, and the looming threat of brownouts as increasing demand is put on the electrical grid, a line voltage monitor should be part of any variable speed heat pump installation.
Most traditional HVAC equipment has only two speeds—on…
October 27, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
It’s a rare fall (or spring) when Coloradans don’t lose power. Heavy, wet fall and spring snowstorms wreak havoc on overhead power lines, from falling branches or simply their own weight. Many locals choose gasoline-powered portable generators to get them through the occasional weather woes, and those are…
September 28, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Now you can get the environmental benefits and cost savings of heat pumps in your laundry room. Heat pump clothes dryers make up half of the market in Europe but have only recently emerged in the US. But with 60-70% greater efficiency than traditional electric dryers, their popularity…
September 22, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Like other appliances, water heaters wear out. But unlike a broken vacuum or a dead microwave, when your water heater goes out, it’s a major problem. And if the tank fails due to corrosion or a faulty fitting, it can be a wet and destructive disaster.
Signs Your…
September 18, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
2023’s National Drive Electric Week starts on September 23 and runs through October 1st. It’s an annual nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.
Presented by Plug in America, the Electric Vehicle Association,…
August 31, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
The push toward switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources means even greater reliance on electricity to power everything from our cars to our kitchens. That means a massive expansion of generating capacity and the infrastructure to meet the demand on the grid.
It also means huge…
August 23, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Recent news accounts have shown that improperly installed and operated home electric vehicle chargers can result in catastrophic fires and explosions. In most, if not all, cases these tragedies are preventable with the right installation and attention to detail—both by the homeowner and the installer. And that’s…
August 09, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
In a recent article in the Denver Gazette, Xcel Energy area vice president for energy and sustainability policy Jeff Lyng was interviewed about the viability of heat pumps in Colorado’s high-altitude winters. The Xcel VP raised some legitimate concerns that suggest that homeowners considering purchasing a heat…
July 30, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
A recent report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado (NREL) points out challenges in achieving a charging network that will support the goal of having 50% of U.S. passenger car and light truck sales be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030.
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July 26, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Grandpa has left the building. And he may not be coming back.
Last year, the Colorado House of Representatives passed House Bill 22-1362 requiring all Colorado governmental agencies to develop a model electric and solar ready code on or before June 1, 2023. So they did, and…
July 17, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
This year has seen record amounts of rainfall throughout Colorado. Denver got more rainfall this spring than it gets in a typical year and summer promises even more. And while our lawns and lakes love it, heavy rains can cause hidden damage to a building’s electrical system.
At…
June 30, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Do you have a room (or two) that’s constantly hot or cold?
Trying to solve that problem with central heat or air certainly isn’t the answer. Industry sources peg heating and cooling costs at nearly 50% of a household’s annual energy costs. And cranking the thermostat up…
June 25, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Colorado ratepayers are already subsidizing investor-owned utilities with added costs for infrastructure. Now Xcel customers are about to be hit with another $1.7 billion tab to build 550 miles of power lines and at least four more substations to enable the governor’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction…
June 21, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Recent deals with Tesla by Ford and GM, along with expansion of the nation’s charging network, have made filling up your electric vehicle (EV) more convenient, but that convenience comes with a price.
Just like commercial gas stations need to make a profit in order to stay in…
May 28, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Electric rates are climbing with little prospect for relief. Even if generating costs come down, the massive infrastructure plans for utilities promise to add considerably to future bills.
So how do you keep control of your summer cooling costs? Fortunately, Colorado consumers have plenty of options.
Save Energy…
May 18, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Recent downpours and damaging winds serve as reminders that winter isn’t the only time that weather emergencies occur. Colorado has the second-highest number of lightning strikes in the nation, surpassed only by Florida. The state averages 234 hailstorms each year and had the highest per-capita loss from them…
April 29, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
If your pre-season air conditioner inspection shows it’s time to consider a replacement, take a look at a heat pump. That’s right, a heat pump.
Heat Pumps Aren’t Just for Heating
Heat pumps are suffering from an identity crisis. While they do, in fact, pump heat around, they…
April 27, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
As we transition from winter snow to spring and summer showers, the threat of power outages lurks in the darkening clouds. Unlike snow and ice storms, thunderstorms pack a punch that can cripple transmission lines across wide areas. They’re particularly dangerous in Colorado where lightning strikes more often…
April 24, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
With US electric vehicle (EV) sales growing—about 7% of new car sales this year—keeping them charged is causing many owners to worry.
According to a recent article in the Washington Post, people are finding that the public charging system is unreliable, inconvenient, and confusing. Calling the…
March 23, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Spring has finally sprung and Colorado residents are looking forward to enjoying their patios, decks, yards, and gardens when the warm weather settles in.
Now’s the time to plan ahead for adding to that enjoyment with electrical upgrades and maintenance.
Repairs and Maintenance
Winter can take a…
March 13, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
The signs are all around us. Daylight Saving Time is here and first day of spring is barely a week away.
Of course Coloradans know that the coming warmer weather will be interrupted with March and April snowstorms, but there will be plenty of opportunities to break…
February 28, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
In a press release on Monday, February 27, Denver building officials made it official: Starting in 2024 new building codes in Denver will ban natural gas furnaces and water heaters in new commercial and multifamily construction.
And by 2027, natural gas will not be permitted for any heating…
February 26, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
The City and County of Denver adopted a new set of building, fire, and “green” codes in 2022 as part of three planned updates scheduled through 2027. In discussing implementation of the new rules, the city council voted to delay requiring residents to electrify their homes…for the time…
February 16, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Did you get sticker shock when your last couple of utility bills arrived? If you did, you’re not alone.
Skyrocketing gas and electric rates have combined with a brutal winter to cause many Coloradans to look for ways to cut back on energy use without sacrificing comfort and…
January 30, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Power outages are a fact of life and as we get more dependent on the grid, the consequences can get more serious. Demand for electricity is growing as more homes and businesses switch to electric vehicles and all-electric appliances. Besides the ever present Colorado storms, power outages can…
January 16, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
Electrification is a hot topic this year, and not just for heating. We’ve seen the rise of rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and heat pumps, and now, in a throwback to the 1950s, the all-electric home is getting tons of publicity. And that’s making lots of home chefs who…
January 11, 2023 | Mike McClanahan
With all the attention on “going electric” in 2023, homeowners and businesses need to be sure that electrical upgrades are done safely. New demands on existing circuits may be more than they were designed to handle, risking annoying breaker trips...and worse. That’s when a service upgrade is called…
December 24, 2022 | Nancy Clark
Well, we posted a blog on the Allstar website 10 days ago reminding readers about the dangers of space heaters. We’ve written several over the years. It’s a subject worthy of repetition. Space heaters can be a serious threat…and Allstar can upgrade your outdated electrical system.
This particular…
December 20, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Between skyrocketing utility bills and record-breaking cold, Coloradans are seeking ways to manage their comfort without busting the budget. One way is by turning down the central heat and using space heaters to warm smaller areas.
Work-from-home surged during the COVID pandemic and is likely to remain an…
December 14, 2022 | Nancy Clark
When you think of electricity the name Edison might come to mind.
He’s the man credited with harnessing current (not as in “timely” but the science behind it) electricity in the manner to become widely used (over 70% of the market) and affordable. It was 1878 when Edison…
December 11, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
The push to cut carbon emissions has led to many government agencies and utilities to offer attractive incentives to switch from gas-fired appliances to electric ones. They range from federal and state tax credits to cash rebates for qualifying purchases. Here’s a look at what’s on tap for…
November 29, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
We can’t prevent bad food or family squabbles over the holidays, but we can help you prevent the greater tragedies of injuries and house fires due to faulty or misplaced electrical wiring and connections.
Here are a few holiday fire facts from the National Fire Prevention Association’ applied…
November 18, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
When it comes to cooling your home or office, a heat pump is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Why would you want to pump heat around during the summer? But what gets overlooked is that heat pumps work in two directions—they bring heat in,…
October 30, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Would you rather spend $100,000 (or more) on a 4-year college degree or earn twice that much in the same amount of time while making life simpler, safer, and more environmentally friendly for hundreds of families and workers?
Then a career as an electrician may be perfect for…
October 26, 2022 | Nancy Clark
Only hours ago, on24-October 2022, Denver temps fell to 31 degrees and a trace of snow was spotted on the ground at the official weather station at Denver International Airport. It was just five months to the day of the late spring snowstorm May 21 that left 210,000…
October 18, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
As we become ever more reliant on electrical and electronic devices the need for reliable electric power increases. While urban power outages tend to be brief, typically lasting only a few hours, major storms or disasters can bring interruptions of several days…or more. And in Colorado’s foothills and…
October 10, 2022 | Nancy Clark
On my kitchen counters I have a toaster, microwave, and coffee maker. I am not the norm.
Most people have lots of small appliances in their kitchen and they’re buying even more in 2022. The small kitchen appliance market is estimated to be $102.31 billion for this year…
September 29, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
It’s so simple that it’s often overlooked but your thermostat can be costing you more than you realize.
If your home is more than a few years old, chances are good that you have an older thermostat on you heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The oldest…
September 24, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Cold weather has a way of sneaking up in Colorado. One day it’s 90 degrees and the next it struggles to get out of the 50s. Can frost and snow be far behind?
If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to take a look at how prepared…
September 23, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
2022’s National Drive Electric Week starts on September 23 and runs through October 2nd. It’s a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.
Presented by Plug in America, the Electric Vehicle Association, the…
August 31, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is looking favorably on a $500 million hit to Xcel Energy’s Colorado ratepayers according to a June 2022 article in the Denver Post. Half a billion dollars. It’s to recover losses incurred during a bad patch of weather in…
August 25, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
As increasing numbers of electric vehicle (EV) choices come onto the market, you may be wondering which one is right for you.
As with other types of internal combustion and hybrid vehicles, things like style, passenger and cargo capacity, performance, and reliability are at the top of the…
August 18, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
There are plenty of hot days left and ceiling fans can be a great way to beat the heat without busting your budget. But did you know that the right ceiling fan in the right place can also save on your winter heating bills?
Here are some tips…
July 31, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average annual electricity consumption in 2020 for a U.S. residential utility customer was 10,715 kilowatt hours (kWh) or about 893 kWh per month. At 14,400 kWh per customer, Louisiana had the highest annual consumption and Hawaii had the lowest at…
July 30, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
If you see an electric vehicle (EV) in your future, there are some things you can do to lower the costs of installing a home charging station.
To get the best value from your charger, you’ll need what’s known as a Level 2…
June 29, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
A car or truck run by batteries doesn’t emit greenhouse gasses. That’s a fact. But it’s not the whole story. Owning and operating an electric vehicle isn’t as simple as it seems. Like most choices, it comes with trade-offs. Here’s a look at some of the most significant…
June 28, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Energy costs are rising faster than the summer temperatures. Combined with the worst inflation in 40 years, this double-whammy can really strain your family budget.
Since central air conditioning is one of the biggest users of electricity in the summer months, smart consumers are looking for ways to…
June 14, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Overall inflation is hitting 40-year highs with rates topping 8% every month this year. Bad as that is, electric rates are climbing even higher.
With bills jumping as much as 40% during the heaviest use summer months, cutting back energy use even a little can add up to…
May 29, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and this year pent-up vagabonds promise to make this the heaviest travel season in years. If you’re among the millions heading out this summer, keep your home safe and secure during your absence by following these tips before you leave…
May 23, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Electricity may be clean but it’s not free. Until a way is found to grab it out of the atmosphere, some energy source must be consumed to run the turbines that generate it. And in case you haven’t noticed, the main sources of that energy especially natural gas,…
May 10, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
To promote 2022’s Electrical Safety Month this May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is focusing on ways to work toward a “net neutral” energy profile for homes, businesses, and institutions through what they call Energy Resilience. It’s a particularly well-timed campaign for this year…
April 30, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
According to a recent article in Car and Driver magazine, all electric vehicles (EVs) can store enough energy to power a home for several days, at least in theory. The tricky part is converting that energy to usable AC…
April 28, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
As we emerge from the Old New Normal (COVID) to the New New Normal (inflation),we’re looking at cost increases the likes of which we haven’t seen in 40 years. We see it every day at places like the gas pump and grocery store, but what about your home…
April 27, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
As gasoline prices go up and electric vehicle (EV) prices come down (a little), more people are looking to add an EV to their personal transportation. But before you take the plunge, there are some things you need to know.
First, There’s the Economics
Electric vehicles aren’t…
March 31, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Have a house built in the 60s or 70s? Looking at a fixer-upper from that era? Chances are it may have aluminum wiring. And that could mean trouble.
But first, a little background.
The Aluminum Wiring Boom
Copper prices spiked beginning around 1964 causing many makers of…
March 20, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
If you’re juicing up your electric vehicle (EV) at a commercial charging station, you could be paying a lot. In fact, a recent article in the newsletter Torque News, a writer claimed that at a commercial DC fast charger (DCFC) he paid three times what it cost…
February 27, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
As if two years of the COVID business weren’t bad enough, the Denver area just went through one of the longest cold spells in recent memory. Temperatures stayed below freezing for over 120 straight hours. Nighttime readings fell to zero or below for three straight days. No wonder…
February 24, 2022 | Nancy Clark
3G, the 20-year-old wireless network standard, is shutting down in 2022. That means service for older Kindles, early iPads and Chromebooks (Classic) won’t be able to connect to the data networks anymore. It’s not an electricity thing, but it is going to be a thing for people who…
February 23, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
How good an investment is an electric vehicle (EV) charger for your home? Pretty good if you consider the return on your investment, regardless of whether you plan on staying put or selling.
Let’s look at both scenarios.
Home EV Chargers for Long-Term Savings
Electric vehicle…
January 31, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Porch pirates. Catalytic converter rip-offs. Burglaries. Car break-ins and thefts. It seems property crimes are mushrooming. Are they pandemic-related, a product of lifestyle changes, or both? Regardless of the reason, homeowners are paying a lot more attention to home security and theft prevention.
Thieves Gonna Thieve
A…
January 31, 2022 | Nancy Clark
According to RentCafe’s 2021 Year-End Report, Denver ranked 38 among the top 50 most sought-after rental markets nationwide. With occupancy rates at 95.4%, the average time on market was 27 days and 14 renters applied to every vacant apartment citywide.
While that’s considered a landlord’s market,…
January 31, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
Electric vehicles are here to stay. What used to be a niche market for urban commuters with limited needs has morphed into an ever-expanding variety of electric-powered vehicles from sport cars to semis. According to industry sources, 90% of commercial fleet managers believe electric vehicles are the wave…
January 23, 2022 | Mike McClanahan
There’s no doubt that electric vehicles (EVs) are on the upswing, but is one right for you? That probably depends on where you live and what kind of driving you do.
Electric Vehicles for Business and Commercial Use
According to industry sources, 90% of commercial fleet managers…
December 27, 2021 | Nancy Clark
This holiday season likely exponentially increased your electrical needs. Mine did. I got the Catch:2 Essentials multi-device wireless charging wrapped in designer-quality Belgian Linen that charges multiple devices at one time. It looks like art on my desk and, of course, it needs to plug in.
I also…
December 20, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
With a record run of snowless days, bright, sunny skies, and temperatures in the 60s, it’s easy to overlook winter’s arrival. But savvy Coloradans know that Mother Nature is full of surprises and has a way of evening things out. So if you haven’t done it already, it’s…
December 14, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
With relaxed travel and gathering restrictions this year, many of us are looking forward to more entertaining and overnight guests in our homes. Here are a few tips on how to keep your home both welcoming and safe throughout the holiday season.
- Don’t overload circuits
Typical…
November 30, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
Icicle lights may be pretty at holiday time, but if you have the real things, you may have a problem with ice dams.
Colorado is notorious for its wintertime freeze-and-thaw cycles. They play havoc with our roads and bridges, causing cracks and potholes. They crack our mountains, sending…
November 29, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
As Covid-19 restrictions ease this holiday season, festive outdoor lighting is a great way to celebrate long overdue gatherings. But just as we continue to take precautions against the pandemic, careful practices are called for in hanging your outdoor lights for the season.
Here are some tips…
November 23, 2021 | pcardenas
The holiday season brings gatherings of family and friends and with pandemic restrictions easing this year could mean plenty of extra mouths to feed. Will your kitchen stand up to the added demand for prep work, cooking, and serving?
An Abundance of Appliances
It seems that there’s an…
October 27, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
Your electrical service is vital to your mission, whether it’s manufacturing a product, providing a service, or making sure your family has safe, comfortable place to live. When it malfunctions, it can be annoying, troublesome, or downright disastrous.
Little can be done to prevent service outages or natural…
October 18, 2021 | Allstar Electrical Services, LLC
In 1604, Sir Edward Coke declared “the house of every one is to him as his Castle.” Time shortens all. The saying is today, “a man's home is his castle”.
Trending today in home “castles” are open floorplans. Very 2021. With expansive great rooms and living rooms. Houzz.com…
October 03, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
This image was made by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble)
Unlike incandescent and fluorescent bulbs that pass current through a filament or gas-filled tube, LED lights are devices that rely on several components to operate. And each of these pieces contribute to the performance and longevity of the bulb.
…
October 01, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
Your home’s outdoor lighting can add extra pleasure as the sun sets earlier and evenings move indoors. Here are some ideas for bringing added enjoyment and safety to your fall and winter nights.
Show Off Your Yard’s Beauty
The same trees and other features you highlight in…
October 01, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
Your home’s outdoor lighting can add extra pleasure as the sun sets earlier and evenings move indoors. Here are some ideas for bringing added enjoyment and safety to your fall and winter nights.
Show Off Your Yard’s Beauty
The same trees and other features you highlight in…
September 14, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
2021’s National Drive Electric Week runs from September 25 to October 3. It’s a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.
Driving is Becoming Electric
Two million drivers in the US have made the switch to…
August 31, 2021 | pcardenas
Electric power enters your home or commercial building at what’s known as the service entrance. That represents all the power your electrical system is able to deliver. In newer homes that’s usually 100-200 amps at 240 volts but older structures may have as little as 60-amp service and…
August 26, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
As we learned over the past year and a half, life can be full of surprises. And if you’ve lived in Colorado for any length of time, we don’t need a pandemic to be thrown a nasty curve, we have the weather to keep us on our toes.…
August 09, 2021 | pcardenas
While simplicity and sustainability are the principles of good design in 2021, it’s a mistake to think that simplicity means going short on the planning process. Topmost in planning genius is Design-Build, meaning that your interior designer and/or architect work hand-in-hand with the electrician. Allstar Electrical is a…
August 02, 2021 | pcardenas
Have this summer’s heat waves brought you to the boiling point? Before you commit to installing or replacing central air conditioning, consider a mini-split system.
Also known as ductless systems, mini-splits are just what the name implies—small components split into individual areas. They can be single-purpose heating…
June 29, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
Talk to long-term Coloradans and you’ll surely hear someone say, “Yon don’t need air conditioning in Colorado.” That may sound ridiculous given the recent run of 100°-plus days in the state, but a few days do not an air conditioning season make. Before you invest in a central…
June 18, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
There are two types of metal commonly used in wiring: copper and aluminum. They’re chosen for their efficiency, ease of use, and affordability. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and knowing those can help avoid problems that range from annoying to disastrous.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Wiring
June 07, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
Whether you’re a DIYer shopping at the home improvement store or homeowner discussing a project with a contractor, you’re bound to come across terms commonly used in the electrical world. You’ve probably heard most of them before but are you sure what they mean? Getting them right can…
June 03, 2021 | Nancy Clark
Home prices in Denver soared more in April 2021 than in an entire year—up 24.20%. In April 2021, Denver Metro listings were 2,594. That’s a two-week supply, according to Real Estate experts who call this a seller’s market.
But sellers beware. If you’ve performed updates to your home…
May 28, 2021 | Mike McClanahan
Are you tempted to use some of that extra government cash on DIY projects you’ve been putting off? It’s probably a good idea, but before you tackle any jobs that require electrical work, be sure you understand your local building and electrical codes. They change over time, so…