PME Green Services

The PEV (plug-in electric vehicle) has arrived.

It is estimated that in 2011 approximately 50,000 PEVs will be sold in the United States, increasing to almost 300,000 per year by 2015.

While the Nissan Leaf (which is building a dedicated plant in Tennessee) and the Chevrolet Volt have gotten the most attention, all other major manufacturers, such as Ford, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Audi, VW, Mercedes and Hyundai, are in the process of manufacturing an electrical vehicle.

It is estimated that the sales of EVSEs (commonly referred to as Charging Stations) will reach almost 325,000 units by 2015.

Residential charging stations will be either Level 1(120 volts/15 amps) which may take up to 8 hours to produce a full charge or Level 2 (240 volts/ 15-100 amps) which can reduce the charging time to less than 4 hours.

There are numerous manufacturers of charging stations, from smaller companies like Clipper Creek to the giants such as GE and Siemens.

Pat Murphy Electric, Inc. is not affiliated with any manufacturer, but we can help you determine the proper charging station for your home or business based on our investigation and 30 years of electrical experience.

We specialize in the residential and commercial installation of EVSE with cost and quality in mind based on our 30 years of electrical experience. Call for more information. 404-577-4191

Join us in this exciting effort to make our environment more livable.

Green Lifestyle Tips

There are many steps the Homeowner can take to be environmentally responsible and at the same time experience great savings.

For example:

1. Electricity
   • Dimmer Switches - use dimmer switches on regular incandescent and halogen lamp fixtures - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • Electrical Panel - install a transient voltage surge suppressor on your panel, it doesn't save energy but it does extend the life of electronics and lamps in your home - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • Light Bulbs - compact fluorescent or LED lamps on non-dimmer switched fixtures 4 to 20 watts versus 60 to 100 watts.
   • Low Voltage Transformers (cell phones, small electronics, etc.) - unplug while not in use or use power strip with an on/ off switch. - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • Switches - use motion sensing switches - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • Install the TED - to monitor power usage. - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • AC Thermostat- use electronic programmable thermostat with the following settings: 78 degrees during summer/ warm months and 68 degrees during winter/ cold months; use ceiling fans or fan only setting on your t-stat during summer months, reverse the ceiling fans direction during the winter months - We recommend having an HVAC contractor complete this task.
   • HVAC Unit - regular maintenance, clean strainer, and change filter quarterly; have duct work cleaned and seal duct leaks - We recommend having an HVAC contractor complete this task.
   • Water Heater Thermostat - set to energy saving/ recommended zone; tankless water heater - We recommend having a Plumbing contractor complete this task.
   • Refrigerator/Freezer Settings- set to energy saving/ recommended zones, a full refrigerator/ freezer is more efficient than a half full or less refrigerator/ freezer, pull out every six months and vacuum dust.
   • Dishwasher - only use dishwasher when full and during off peak hours (after 7PM and before 7AM), use air dry option instead of heat dry.
   • Oven/Stove Top - match the size of the pan to the stove eye, use timers and open the oven door less while cooking; ceramic, glass, and stainless cookware holds heat better.
   • Clothes Washer/Dryer - use during off peak hours (after 7PM and before 7AM).
   
   Insulation
   • Windows - UV window film (not tinted), draperies/ window treatments (remember per the condo docs must be white or off white from the outside) - We recommend an Insulation Contractor complete this task.
   • Water Heater - use an external water heater blanket/ insulation.
   • Cracks - turn every light on in the house and while it is dark walk around it noting where you have cracks to fill/ insulate. We recommend an Insulation Contractor complete this task.
   • Attic Insulation - Check the depth of your attic insulation with a tape measure - We recommend an Insulation Contractor complete this task.
   
   Water
   • Toilets - make sure water is not trickling in the bowl or the tank draws water periodically - We recommend having a Plumbing contractor complete this task.
   • Bathroom Sink - make sure the faucet has an air-raider screen, repair any periodic drips (typically hot handle gasket needs replacing ) - We recommend having a Plumbing contractor complete this task.
   • Shower Heads - use an aerated shower head.
   • Kitchen Sink - make sure the faucet has an air-raider screen, repair any periodic drips - We recommend having a Plumbing contractor complete this task.
   • Dishwasher - only use dishwasher when full
   • Ice Maker - use ice maker only when ice levels get low, then that raise the sensor bar to the off position.
   • Clothes Washer - make sure the washer water connects are not leaking and the unit is draining properly.
   • Water Heater - make sure the water heater is not leaking.

Now that you know what to look for, you’ll be better equipped to keep your energy bills and your budget under control.