Dunman Electric

Tag: electrician

  • FOOTBALL SEASON SPECIALS: Score Big With These Game Day Plays

    FOOTBALL SEASON SPECIALS: Score Big With These Game Day Plays

    Football season kicks off NEXT WEEK, and the countdown is on! Make sure your home entertainment setup is championship-ready before the big kick-off. Whether you’re hosting the big watch party or enjoying the games with family, Dunman Electric has the electrical solutions to transform your viewing experience so that you can cheer on your team (Even if it’s the Dallas Cowboys.)

    Game Day Ready Services:

    • TV Mounting & Setup: Get that perfect viewing angle with our professional TV mounting service! We’ll securely install your TV and hide those unsightly cables for a clean, professional look.
    • New Outlet Installation: Need power where your TV or entertainment center sits? We’ll install new outlets exactly where you need them – no more dangerous extension cords stretching across the room!
    • WiFi Booster Installation: Don’t miss a crucial play due to buffering! We’ll install and set up WiFi boosters to eliminate dead zones and ensure strong signals throughout your home.
    • Ethernet Cable Installation: For serious streamers and gamers, nothing beats a hardwired connection. We’ll run ethernet cables to your entertainment devices for the fastest, most reliable connection possible.
    • Surge Protection: Protect your valuable electronics from power surges with whole-home surge protection systems.

    🏈 FOOTBALL SEASON SPECIAL! 🏈

    Schedule ANY electrical service during the ENTIRE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER and get a flat $50 off TV mounting!

    Plus, mention “KICKOFF” when you call to receive a FREE in-home assessment of your entertainment setup.

    Don’t Miss a Single Game!

    With the season starting next week, our schedule is filling up fast. Contact us TODAY to ensure your home is ready for every touchdown, field goal, and heart-stopping play!

    (512) 280-8847 . becky@dunmanelectric.com . contact us

    Dunman Electric is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We serve Austin, Buda, Dripping Springs, Bastrop, Round Rock and surrounding areas.

  • Make Your Fan Work Harder (So Your AC Doesn’t)

    Make Your Fan Work Harder (So Your AC Doesn’t)

    We’re big fans of helping you beat the Texas heat. All month long, get $50 off any ceiling fan installation + with any service call in August, we’ll balance and check the direction of your existing fans for free!

    It’s August in Texas, and the AC is doing most of the heavy lifting to keep your home livable. A ceiling fan can make the difference between feeling comfortable and sweating through the night, but only if it’s set up and running the right way.

    1. Blade Direction Is Critical

    In summer, ceiling fan blades should spin counterclockwise when viewed from below. This pushes air downward, creating a wind chill effect that makes you feel cooler, even though the actual room temperature hasn’t changed.


    Quick check: stand under the fan. If you can feel a steady breeze hitting you, it’s turning the right way for summer. No breeze? Flip the direction switch on the motor housing.

    2. Balance Protects the Motor and Your Comfort

    A wobbling fan isn’t just noisy. It is slowly shaking itself apart. That vibration puts extra strain on the motor bearings, loosens blade screws, and can even cause wiring fatigue over time.


    Common causes of imbalance include
    • Dust buildup on one or more blades
    • Loose blade or mounting screws
    • Blade pitch slightly off between blades

    Balancing the fan keeps it running smoothly, moves air more efficiently, and helps the motor last longer.

    3. Excess Heat Is a Motor Killer

    A fan motor should feel warm, not dangerously hot or give off a burnt smell. If it’s running hotter than normal, one or more of these may be happening:


    • Overload: Worn bearings or unbalanced blades make the motor work harder, drawing more amps and generating more heat


    • Poor ventilation: Dust inside the motor housing traps heat


    • Voltage drop: Low voltage on an overloaded circuit forces the motor to work harder to maintain speed


    • Insulation breakdown: For every ~18 °F the motor runs above its rated temperature, insulation life is roughly cut in half

    If the motor housing is too hot to touch comfortably or you detect an electrical odor, that’s a sign of developing failure. Addressing it early can mean a quick fix instead of a full replacement.

    4. Fans Don’t Cool the Room They Cool You

    Ceiling fans don’t reduce the ambient temperature of the air in a room. Instead, moving air speeds evaporation of sweat and increases heat loss from your skin, so you feel cooler.
    That effect means you can raise your thermostat by around 4 °F while staying comfortable, which can reduce AC use by up to 30% during the cooling season. If nobody’s in the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy because it won’t have any cooling effect without someone there to feel it.

    5. When It’s Time to Replace

    If your fan is more than 10 to 12 years old, still wobbles after balancing, or has a grinding motor noise, it’s often more cost effective to replace it than repair it. Newer fans often have better blade pitch, improved motor efficiency, and quieter operation.

    Bottom line: In peak summer heat, a properly installed, balanced, and correctly set ceiling fan keeps you more comfortable, reduces strain on your AC, and prevents unnecessary wear on your equipment.

    August Special 

    All through August:
    • $50 off any ceiling fan installation
    • Free balancing and blade direction check add on with any service call!

    Whether you need a brand new fan installed or just want to make sure the ones you have are working at their best, we will make sure you’re set up for maximum comfort before the month is over.

    Offer ends August 31. Book now to lock in your savings.

    (512)280-8847 . becky@dunmanelectric.com . contact us

    To stay up to date with our latest offers, check out our website at www.dunmanelectric.com

  • GFCI vs AFCI: What They Do and How to Test Them

    GFCI vs AFCI: What They Do and How to Test Them

    by Craig Dunman, Master Electrician

    Most people don’t think twice about their electrical system until something stops working—or worse, someone gets shocked or a fire starts. As a master electrician with decades of experience in the field, I can tell you this: the small safety devices in your home matter. And if you don’t understand how GFCIs and AFCIs work—or why they’re different, you’re not alone. Most homeowners don’t. That’s why I’m laying it out plainly. Here’s what you need to know to keep your home and, most importantly, your family safe.

    What Is a GFCI?

    GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It’s a safety device designed to protect people from electric shock due to unintended current paths—specifically when electricity flows somewhere it shouldn’t, like through a conductive surface or a person.

    Here’s what that means in practice:
    The GFCI constantly monitors the flow of electrical current. Under normal conditions, the current flowing out through the hot (live) wire and back through the neutral wire should be equal. If there’s even a small difference—say, 5 milliamps—the GFCI cuts power in a fraction of a second. This prevents harm by stopping electricity from traveling through an unintended path, like through a wet countertop, a tool casing, or a person touching a grounded surface.

    Where You’ll Find Them:

    • Bathroom outlets
    • Kitchen counters (within 6 feet of the sink)
    • Garages
    • Outdoor outlets
    • Laundry rooms

    Modern code requires these in all wet or damp locations because moisture increases the risk of ground faults.

    What Is an AFCI?

    AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. This device is designed to prevent electrical fires caused by arcing—tiny, high-temperature sparks that can occur when wires are damaged, pinched, deteriorated, or loosely connected.

    Arcs can form between two points of wiring that are not supposed to be touching, and they can happen behind walls, in cords, or anywhere connections are degraded. These arcs often generate intense heat without drawing enough current to trip a standard breaker. That’s why AFCIs were created.

    The AFCI monitors the waveform of the current and detects irregularities characteristic of arc faults. When it senses this pattern, it cuts the power to stop the arc before it ignites surrounding materials like insulation or wood framing.

    Where You’ll Find Them:

    • Bedrooms
    • Living rooms
    • Hallways
    • Any general lighting or outlet circuit in newer homes

    Some homes now use combination devices that offer both GFCI and AFCI protection—particularly in areas like laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens where both moisture and arcing risks exist.

    The Difference Between GFCI and AFCI

    FunctionGFCIAFCI
    Main PurposeProtects people from shockPrevents electrical fires
    DetectsGround faults (current leaking to ground)Arc faults (damaged or sparking wires)
    Typical LocationNear water (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors)In the breaker panel protecting bedroom/living area circuits
    Visual ClueTest and Reset buttons on outletTest button on breaker (in panel only)

    To keep it simple: GFCI protects people. AFCI protects buildings. You need both.

    How to Test a GFCI (And What the Results Mean)

    You should test every GFCI outlet in your home once a month. It takes less than 30 seconds, and it could save your life.

    Here’s how:

    1. Plug in a lamp or nightlight.
    2. Turn it on so the light is visible.
    3. Press the TEST button on the GFCI outlet.
      • The light should turn off.
      • That means the GFCI tripped correctly.
    4. Press the RESET button.
      • The light should come back on.

    If it doesn’t work:

    • If the light stays on after pressing TEST, the GFCI isn’t working and needs replacement.
    • If the RESET button won’t stay in, your outlet may not have power or there may be a wiring issue.

    GFCIs can wear out over time. Just because the outlet still gives power doesn’t mean the safety function is still active. Test it to be sure.

    How to Test an AFCI Breaker

    This one requires a trip to your electrical panel. Here’s how to check it:

    1. Locate your breaker panel.
    2. Find any breaker labeled AFCI or Combination AFCI.
    3. Press the small TEST button on the breaker.
      • The breaker should immediately trip.
    4. Flip it fully to OFF, then back to ON to reset it.

    If it doesn’t trip:

    • The AFCI breaker may be defective and needs replacing.
    • A breaker that won’t reset may be responding to a real fault in the circuit—it’s doing its job.

    Some AFCI breakers run their own internal self-tests regularly. You might see the breaker flash or blink—this is normal. But if the breaker trips on its own during one of those checks, that means it detected a problem. Don’t just reset it. If an AFCI trips, especially more than once, it’s not a fluke—it’s catching something. You need a licensed electrician to evaluate the circuit.

    Never ignore a breaker that won’t stay on. It’s trying to tell you something.

    Common Misconceptions (That Can Get You Hurt)

    • “The outlet still works, so it’s fine.” Wrong. The safety mechanism can fail silently.
    • “I pressed the test button once years ago.” Not good enough. Test monthly.
    • “I have AFCIs, so I don’t need GFCIs.” Wrong again. They serve different functions.

    When to Call an Electrician

    You don’t need us for every little thing, but here’s when you should pick up the phone:

    • GFCIs or AFCIs that won’t reset
    • Outlets that feel warm to the touch
    • Frequent tripping of the same breaker
    • You’re not sure which outlets are protected (or none are labeled)
    • You’re remodeling or adding new appliances

    A licensed electrician can run a quick test on your system and verify your protection. It’s fast, it’s not expensive, and it’s one of the best ways to reduce your risk of shock or fire.

    GFCIs and AFCIs aren’t optional—they’re code for a reason. These devices have saved thousands of lives and prevented countless fires. But only if they’re working.

    If you’re not sure about your protection, we’re here to help. Give us a call or click here for our contact form, and we can come out and do an electrical inspection for you!

    (512)280-8847 . becky@dunmanelectric.com . contact us

    For more articles like this, check out our toolbox.

  • Texas Storm Prep 101

    Texas Storm Prep 101

    Protecting Your Electrical System

    Texas storms don’t play. One minute it’s sunny, next minute you’ve got tumultuous rain, lightning strikes, and the power’s out. Wind, water, blown transformers—your electrical system takes the hit. Here’s how to prep without overthinking it:

    1. Charge the Essentials — Now, Not Later

    Storm’s not here yet? Good. Plug in your phone, backup chargers, power banks, tablets…If you want it to work later, plug it in now! Make sure to unplug your electronics and countertop appliances when lightning starts.

    * Use power-saving mode on your phone just in case.

    * Keep battery-powered flashlights in your most-used rooms.

    * Stock fresh batteries in a known, dry place.

    2. Unplug What You Don’t Need

    Lightning surges can fry your electronics in seconds. If it doesn’t need to be running, unplug it.

    * Focus on TVs, computers, gaming consoles, routers, and countertop appliances.

    * Leave essentials like the fridge plugged in.

    * Don’t wait for the flicker—do it before the storm rolls in.

    3. Surge Protect Like You Mean It

    Not all power strips are surge protectors. Check your gear.

    * Look for the UL 1449 rating and a joule rating of at least 800.

    * Move critical devices (routers, modems, entertainment setups, office equipment) to real surge protectors—not $5 strips from the junk drawer.

    * If your surge protector’s older than five years or has taken a hit before, replace it!

    At Dunman Electric, we install whole-house surge protectors, so if you don’t want to worry about this step in the future, give us a call! (512)280-8847

    4. Know Your Breaker Panel

    Power cuts and lightning strikes can trip breakers. You need to know how to reset them safely. We have a guide to resetting your breakers here!

    * Never touch the panel with wet hands or while standing in water.

    * Keep a flashlight or battery lantern near the breaker at all times.

    * Reset breakers one at a time.

    * If one keeps tripping after reset, something’s wrong. Call a licensed electrician.

    5. Using a Generator? Know the Rules.

    If you’re running a generator, follow safety protocol.

    * Set it up outside— never in a garage or near vents.

    * Plug devices directly into the generator unless you have a transfer switch installed.

    * Let it cool fully before refueling. Hot engine +gas = explosion risk.

    6. After the Storm: Walk the House

    Once the storm has passed and lightning has not struck within 10 miles of your home for 30 minutes, do a walkthrough.

    * Sniff for weird smells.

    * Check for melted outlets, scorch marks, or anything that looks off.

    * Check your breaker panel again.

    * If something doesn’t look or smell right, or breakers keep tripping, stop and call a licensed electrician ASAP.

    You don’t have to be an expert. Just take simple steps, in the right order, before the storm hits. Taking these steps will save you time, money, and a potential electrical fire.

    Learn more about our Power & Protect Promo bundle to protect your home’s electrical system and gain peace of mind today!

    (512)280-8847 . becky@dunmanelectric.com . contact us

  • Meet Jeff P., Journeyman

    Meet Jeff P., Journeyman

    TEJE#667869 

    Jeff started at Dunman Electric as an apprentice 5 years ago, worked his way up to Journeyman, and is now one of our lead technicians, running his own crew daily. Jeff is especially skilled at troubleshooting tricky electrical issues, installing recessed can lighting (even in those high, hard-to-reach places that require a tall ladder), and handling Ethernet wiring with precision. He takes pride in making sure every project is done safely, efficiently, and up to code.

    When he’s not on the job, Jeff stays active. He’s a former pro skateboarder—check out some of his moves in this video—and now enjoys time at home with his young family and two dogs, Huck and Roper. The same focus and dedication he brings to his work show up in every part of his life, which is exactly why we’re proud to have him on our team!

    Loved your service with Jeff? Leave us a Google review and mention Jeff by name—technicians with standout reviews are eligible for bonuses!

  • Why Smoke Detectors Matter and How to Install Battery-Operated Models Yourself

    Why Smoke Detectors Matter and How to Install Battery-Operated Models Yourself

    by Craig Dunman, Master Electrician

    Smoke detectors are among the most important safety devices in your home. We at Dunman Electric want to empower homeowners with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and their families. In this article, I’ll explain why smoke detectors save lives, clarify the difference between battery-operated and hardwired alarms, and provide a clear, step-by-step guide to installing your own battery-operated smoke detectors safely.

    Smoke detectors detect the presence of smoke particles through ionization or photoelectric sensors. When smoke reaches the detector’s sensor, the device sounds a loud alarm to alert you and your family to potential danger.

    According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly 50%. Many tragic fires happen at night when people are asleep and unaware. A smoke alarm’s loud signal provides early warning, giving everyone more time to escape safely.

    Understanding Alarm Signals

    • Continuous Loud Alarm: This means smoke or fire has been detected. Immediately evacuate your home and call emergency services.
    • Intermittent Chirping: This signals low battery power or device malfunction. Replace the battery right away; don’t ignore the warning.
    • No Sound During Test: If the alarm doesn’t sound during testing, replace batteries or the unit itself.

    Battery-Operated vs. Hardwired Smoke Detectors: What’s the Difference?

    There are two common types of smoke detectors you’ll find in homes:

    Battery-Operated Smoke Detectors

    • Power Source: Run solely on batteries (usually 9V or AA).
    • Installation: Easy and quick—no wiring needed.
    • Function: Standalone units, meaning each detector works independently. If one detects smoke, only that unit will sound an alarm.
    • Maintenance: Batteries must be checked regularly and replaced at least once every 12 months. Some newer models come with sealed 10-year lithium batteries which allow for fewer battery replacements over time, but should still be tested monthly.
    • Best For: Homes without existing wiring or as additional detectors for enhanced coverage.

    Hardwired Smoke Detectors

    • Power Source: Connected to your home’s electrical system, typically on a 120V circuit, with a battery backup in case of power failure.
    • Installation: Requires electrical knowledge and proper wiring, best done by a licensed electrician.
    • Function: Usually interconnected—when one alarm sounds, all alarms in the home sound simultaneously. This provides quicker alerts throughout the house.
    • Maintenance: Battery backup needs periodic replacement; the main power supply is constant.
    • Best For: New construction or full home safety systems.

    Both types must meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards to ensure that they have passed rigorous safety and reliability testing.

    Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Battery-Operated Smoke Detectors

    If you choose battery-operated alarms, you can install them yourself with these straightforward steps.

    What You Need

    • UL-listed battery-operated smoke detectors (look for the UL label on packaging)
    • Appropriate batteries (usually 9V or AA; confirm with your unit’s instructions)
    • Screwdriver (typically Phillips (+) head)
    • Pencil
    • Drill and wall anchors (optional, for drywall installations)

    Installation Steps

    1. Select Proper Locations
      • Inside every bedroom
      • Outside each sleeping area (in hallways)
      • On every level of your home, including the basement
      • Avoid placing near windows, doors, or air vents where drafts can interfere
      • Mount on the ceiling or high on a wall (smoke rises)
    2. Mark the Mounting Holes
      Use the mounting bracket as a template. Hold it in place and mark the screw holes with a pencil.
    3. Drill Pilot Holes (if needed)
      For drywall or plaster, drill small holes or insert wall anchors to secure the screws firmly.
    4. Attach the Mounting Bracket
      Screw the bracket securely into the wall or ceiling.
    5. Insert Batteries
      Open the battery compartment and insert fresh batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
    6. Mount the Detector
      Attach the smoke detector to the bracket, usually by twisting or snapping it into place.
    7. Test the Detector
      Press the test button to verify the alarm sounds loudly. If it doesn’t, check the battery installation or replace batteries.
    8. Maintain Regularly
      • Test monthly to ensure operation.
      • Replace batteries at least once a year, or as soon as the low battery chirp sounds.
      • Replace the entire smoke detector every 10 years, as sensors can degrade over time. We recommend writing the date of install somewhere on the detector to ensure you know when to replace the unit.

    Important Safety Notes

    • Never disconnect a smoke detector to silence an alarm without investigating the cause.
    • Avoid painting over detectors or covering them, as this can impair function.
    • For homes with hardwired systems, consult a licensed electrician (like Dunman Electric) for installation or maintenance.

    Helpful Safety Resources

    For further safety guidance, visit these trusted sites:

    The Austin Fire Department has a free smoke alarm program for homeowners in the Austin area. For more information, visit their website here.

    Final Thoughts

    Smoke detectors are a simple, affordable, and essential part of home safety. Whether you install battery-operated models yourself or invest in hardwired systems, having properly functioning alarms can save lives. A detector that is installed incorrectly or does not work is as good as not having one at all.

    If you have any questions about your home’s electrical safety or want professional help installing or upgrading smoke detectors- give us a call, shoot us an email, or reach out through our contact form and schedule a checkup today! Your safety is always our priority.

    (512) 280-8847 . becky@dunmanelectric.com . contact us