This Holiday Season: Save Energy To Spend More

Saving Money With an HVAC System

HVAC systems do not have to be a costly issue each winter. Homeowners can save on future repairs, energy bills, and AC replacement by using a few energy-efficient tips. Even just a few months of extra care can save significant money for the holidays. 

A Thermostat Upgrade

thermostatThermostats that are over 10 years old should be replaced. If the thermostat is over 13 years old, it may be unable to properly work with the HVAC system. This means homes will feel colder than normal even though the thermostat reads the correct number.  

Smart thermostats range in price. Even the more expensive devices will eventually pay for themselves. Many of these thermostats can connect to a phone using Bluetooth. This allows homeowners to turn the heat on and off from wherever they’re located.

This is especially helpful if nobody is at home during the day. Using an app, homeowners can leave the heat off while at work and turn it back on fifteen minutes before they arrive home. Homeowners can turn the heat off even while driving if someone leaves the heat on by accident.

In addition to remote-controlled heating, a programmable thermostat allows homeowners to monitor their heating costs over an extended period. Depending on the type of thermostat, graphs can show which times of day the heating system is most expensive to run. It can also chart annual progress reports on how often the heat is used. 

Air Filter Replacement

air filter A disposable AC filter should be changed once every three months. This prevents blockages from occurring when there is excess particle buildup. If the filter is clogged, the HVAC unit must work twice as hard to push heat through the vents, which will cost more every month.

There are exceptions to the three-month rule. Larger houses with bigger households will need to change the air filter once per month. This is also true if there is more than one pet. Pet dander is one of the most common particles in clogged air filters.

Professionals do not need to change a dirty air filter. Disposable filters can be purchased at almost any hardware store, and washable filters are for sale online. On the edge of the air filter is a number. This measurement must be the same as the new air filter, or it will not be able to fit. Based on these measurements, hardware store clerks can help customers find the right one.

HVAC Maintenance

Annual heater and AC maintenance will save homeowners a substantial amount of money by preventing major problems within the system. Professionals are skilled at inspecting each part of the heater, including the ducts and the blower fan.

Homeowners can keep their HVAC unit running longer by replacing small parts when necessary. An HVAC system that is not properly maintained may only last 10 to 15 years, whereas a maintained heater can continue to work for 25 years. 

Additional air conditioner maintenance services include coil cleaning, debris removal, and thermostat inspection. A trained technician can calibrate or install any type of thermostat. If homeowners are interested in wifi thermostats, these can be connected to a homeowner’s mobile device or laptop. 

About Atlas Home Service

Atlas Home Service provides 18 months of interest-free financing for heating maintenance and professional HVAC services. To learn more about their $50 off coupon for first-time customers in Alexandria, LA, call Atlas Home Service today. 

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Avoid Electrical Scares This Halloween 

Tips to Catch and Avoid Electrical Hazards 

The most recent information from the U.S. Fire Administration reports that there were more than 24,000 electrical fires in a single calendar year. These incidents claimed the lives of 295 people, causing millions of dollars in property damage costs. When considering these statistics, one thing remains clear: homeowners should do everything possible to mitigate the possibility of electrical fires. 

This Halloween, instead of letting an electrical problem turn into a nightmare, homeowners should keep the following tips in mind.

Be Mindful of Electrical Holiday Decorations

It’s easy to get carried away with holiday decor. Yet, homeowners should be careful of what they plug in and how. For instance, they should: 

  • Check for fraying wires. If a homeowner can see an exposed electrical wire behind a decoration’s cord, they should be cautious and disregard the item. If they can’t stand to part with it, maybe they can hang it up but not plug it in. 
  • Check the voltage on holiday lights. Holiday lights typically have a low voltage, meaning they don’t require a lot of power to stay on. However (and as explained later), if too many lights are plugged in at once, this could increase the risk of electrical power. 
  • Monitor the outlets. If an outlet has things plugged in, but it gets too hot, this could mean that the circuit is overloaded. Homeowners should unplug something to avoid the risk of a fire. 

Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets 

overloaded outletsA homeowner may unintentionally overload electrical outlets during holiday lighting installation. During this process, they can avoid overloading an outlet by: 

  • Unplugging something when they smell something burning 
  • Monitoring the outlets for any scorch marks 
  • Limiting the overuse of extension cords 
  • Using outdoor extension cords when necessary 
  • Using LED lights (these pose a lower risk of burning and causing fires) 
  • Regularly replacing lights 
  • Following the manufacturer’s instructions 

Homeowners should also turn off holiday lights when they’re not in use. They should also avoid running cords under carpets or rugs. The heat can transfer from the wires to the material, elevating the risk of fire and property damage. 

Signs That Call for Electrical Repair Services 

signs of electrical troubleDuring holiday light installation, homeowners may come face-to-face with things that require an electrician’s attention. One should consult a professional if they: 

  • Smell burning from the outlet. This could mean the circuit is overloaded and a component needs replacing. 
  • Notice higher-than-average electric bills. Everyone should have a basic idea of how much their electric bills cost from month to month. If one notices a higher-than-average bill, this could point to wasted energy or another problem within the electrical system. 
  • Flickering lights. This could signal an issue with a fuse or a part of the house that needs rewiring. 
  • Dim lights. This could mean there isn’t enough power going from the electrical grid to the device, indicating a problem. 

About Altas Home Service 

Altas Home Service is known around Alexandria, LA, as “the phenomenal purple people.” Why? Because this family-owned company has come to garner countless five-star reviews, offering licensed and insured work with a smile. Call today for electrical services!

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Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About AC Filters

Air Filter 101

Tucked away within the many nooks and crannies of a home’s massive HVAC system, air filters are not at the forefront of home heating and cooling operations, but they are an integral part of it. But what exactly do they do, and why are they so essential to an HVAC system?

How An Air Filter Functions

An AC air filter is an HVAC system’s most crucial component. Suppose the HVAC is tasked with drawing in air from the room to regulate its temperature by heating or cooling it. In that case, it is an air filter’s task to ensure that whatever room air gets sucked into the system is free from particles large and small that may contaminate it. Its purpose? Clean the air by “filtering” it or removing any impurities before it is heated or cooled and returned to the room. These impurities could range from large particles such as dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens to small ones like viruses and bacteria. 

Replacing Filters Regularly

filterAn air filter starts clean, but as the HVAC constantly passes room air through it, the particles it removes from the air accumulate across its fine mesh screen, making it dirtier and dirtier with every use. At a certain point, when these contaminants have built up enough, the AC filter can no longer trap more impurities and is no longer cleaning the air for the HVAC as effectively.

This essentially does two things. For one, a dirty AC filter could allow dirt to pass through and accumulate in the heating and cooling system and the ductwork that distributes it all over the house. For another, a dirty air filter could make the AC work harder to pass the air through a dirty filter, making the whole heating and cooling process inefficient and, therefore, a more expensive, energy-consuming operation.

To prevent both of these things from happening, it is recommended that air filters be replaced at least once every 3 months. Air filter replacement should be done more frequently if the HVAC runs more frequently, such as at peak times during the summer and winter. This ensures that the AC runs efficiently and that the air it redistributes around the house is clean so that homeowners feel healthy and live free from allergies and other respiratory conditions.

Why Is It Important to Keep To The Replacement Schedule?

benefitsAsk any HVAC technician, and say that one of the best and easiest things homeowners can do to keep their HVAC systems and indoor air quality in great condition is to conduct AC filter replacement like clockwork throughout the year. The process is simple, easy, and can be done virtually hassle-free. By doing this, HVAC systems will save money by working as efficiently as possible and ensure that homes have comfortably breathable air provided by a machine that can carry on this process for a long time.

About Atlas Home Service

Atlas Home Service is a premier electrical services provider in Alexandria, specializing in generators, heating and cooling, and electrical and window services. This family-owned, woman-operated company employs fully licensed and insured technicians who are knowledgeable and friendly to customers and their precious pets. Call them today for HVAC services in Alexandria, LA.

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Be Proactive for Safety This National Wellness Month

Important Safety Factors in the Home 

August is National Wellness Month, and for many people, that means taking some personal time to focus on their health and well-being. For those with a home and a family, National Wellness Month will include some thought and concern for others and the home’s safety. 

There are a few important things to consider when it comes to keeping the home and its occupants safe. During this month, take some time and focus on smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and electrical safety. Doing so will not only prevent injuries and illness but can also provide a lot of peace of mind. 

Installing Smoke Detectors 

smoke detectorsSmoke detectors help give early warnings about fires by alerting people to smoke or fine particulates in the air with loud beeps or sirens. These devices are incredibly sensitive and can be the difference between life and death in a serious fire. Often smoke detectors are part of a home security system and are hard-wired into the home’s power. 

Smoke detectors are ubiquitous in every home, or they should be. According to fire codes, every single home should have multiple smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should be placed in every room and hallway except the kitchen and the bathroom. Homeowners should take time every month to test smoke detectors by pressing the “test” button. Every year the batteries should be replaced. Even if smoke detectors are hard-wired into the home, backup batteries should be replaced so protection remains even if the power goes out. 

Check the Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

detectorCarbon monoxide detectors are slightly different from smoke detectors. Some smoke detectors can sense carbon monoxide, but separate carbon monoxide detectors will need to be installed unless the function is explicitly stated. Often, separate detectors will be installed simply because the placement of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors is separate. 

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas resulting from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Symptoms of exposure can include: 

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision

Prolonged exposure can even lead to neurological problems and death. To stay safe from carbon monoxide, place detectors in living rooms, bedrooms, and near appliances that burn fossil fuels. 

Schedule Electrical Inspections 

Electricity is one of the best conveniences of modern living but is also one of the biggest threats. Electricity is the source of electrical shocks and fires in hundreds of homes and businesses every year. Most people need to learn that most of the problems associated with electricity are completely preventable with electrical inspections. 

Electrical systems in the home are designed to last for decades. This can give homeowners a false sense of security about their safety. However, electrical devices are used daily in the home, so certain components tend to wear out and present hazards. Allowing a professional to inspect the electrical system can help them locate and repair problems arising from overuse so the home stays safe. 

Some of the things an electrician will inspect are: 

About Atlas Home Service

Atlas Home Service offers unparalleled HVAC and electrical services to local homeowners. Licensed and insured technicians perform inspections and repairs. Call today for a smoke detector service in Alexandria, LA. 

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Get a Dehumidifier This Summer

What Is Humidity? 

Humidity is inevitable in the bayou, but that doesn’t mean homeowners must deal with it. Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. It’s what makes the air feel heavy after a thunderstorm, and it can make temperatures feel hotter than they are. If a home becomes too humid, it will feel uncomfortable and cause mold growth, appliance breakdowns, and high energy bills. 

Here, homeowners can learn about lowering indoor humidity by getting a whole-house dehumidifier. For help finding an energy-efficient dehumidifier, one can check out this resource from EnergyStar

What Is a Dehumidifier? How Does It Work? 

dehumidifierDehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, lowering temperatures and combating mold growth. Here’s a basic overview of how these appliances work: 

  • The dehumidifier draws air
  • It takes the air over coils filled with refrigerant, cooling it down
  • The difference in temperature causes water droplets to form and collect in a tray
  • The dehumidifier pushes the treated air back into the house

Many department stores sell dehumidifiers for around $120. Yet, these only devices only treat certain parts of the home. That’s why homeowners should consider getting whole-home dehumidifiers. These ensure comfort throughout all the rooms of the house, plus they offer additional features not included in portable models. 

When Should a Homeowner Get a Dehumidifier? 

moldOne should consider getting a dehumidifier if: 

  • The home constantly feels “muggy.” The more moisture in the air, the muggier a home may feel. 
  • Mold and mildew begin to form. These substances grow in moist, dark places. Not only can they cause property damage, but they can also cause respiratory problems. 
  • The home feels warmer than it should, despite the AC being on. Humidity doesn’t increase a home’s temperature but makes it feel hotter. Per the National Weather Service, if a home’s AC is set at 80 degrees, but there’s 80 percent humidity, it will feel like it’s 86 degrees. 

Condensation may also form on the windows when there’s high humidity. 

The Benefits of Getting a Dehumidifier 

There are many benefits to installing a dehumidifier. Within days, a homeowner will: 

  • Save money. Excessive humidity can lead to mold growth and other headaches that require a professional’s insight. Nobody wants to spend money on once-avoidable fixes. 
  • See lower energy bills. A home’s AC system might not work as hard if there’s less moisture in the air. Not only does this reduce wear and tear on the unit, but it can also save money on monthly utility bills. 
  • Feel comfortable. High humidity can make one feel like they’re sitting in a dryer. Yet, when a dehumidifier draws moisture from the air, one can finally turn off those box fans and enjoy their summer. 
  • Mold prevention. As noted, high humidity can cause mold growth. Removal can require extensive remediation, which comes with a hefty price tag. 
  • Breathe easier. Too much humidity can lead to respiratory problems in some people. With a dehumidifier, they could breathe easier. 

About Atlas Home Service 

And just who is Atlas Home Service? The phenomenal purple people, that’s who! These HVAC professionals proudly serve Alexandria, LA, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, trustworthy technicians, and honest advice. For more information or to schedule an appointment for dehumidifier service, call now. 

Gear Up For Tons of Summer Fun With These Amazing Backyard Upgrades

Create the Perfect Summer Vibe With These Outdoor Features

With the onset of summer ushering people outdoors, parties, get-togethers, and other small or big shindigs are also moving al fresco. For homeowners, this means looking for great backyard ideas that will transform their outdoor living spaces from ho-hum to Instagrammable to create the best possible backdrop for the perfect summer gathering. 

Set the Mood With Exterior Lighting

lightingNothing sets the mood quite like the perfect set of outdoor lights, and there is no shortage of options for the type of lighting a homeowner wants to achieve to properly illuminate different outdoor spaces. Because different home exterior areas have different lighting requirements, exterior lights come in various styles, sizes, and power sources. 

Homeowners can choose the type of outdoor lighting based on the purpose of each space. Pathways, and stairways or steps, for example, need to be lit with safety in mind, so the obvious choice would be pathway lights or step lights meant to give guests a sense of vertical or horizontal direction. Archways and gazebos may benefit from romantic fairy lights, while door frames can be lit with sconces and wall lanterns. On the other hand, patios, porches, and decks may benefit from ceiling and pendant lights that provide adequate illumination, while a lawn may need floodlights for security.

Keep a Generator on Standby

generatorAt the peak of summer, when a seemingly endless heat wave roils the country, most people will tap into the power grid to keep their air conditioners running. In some cases, blackouts do occur when there isn’t enough supply to meet that demand. Not only can this kill the party vibe quickly, but it’ll make everyone uncomfortable in the summer heat. 

This is where generators come in handy. Having a generator on standby in case of a power outage not only saves any gathering from becoming an utter failure, but it’ll be useful beyond one season. It can serve homeowners well into the summer and throughout winter, too, making it a worthwhile investment. 

Invest in a Pool or a Hot Tub

What’s an outdoor party in the summer without some form of water entertainment? Adding a pool or hot tub to a home’s backyard increases the fun exponentially and adds value to the home. Not to mention all the hours of fun it can provide for the family outside of social gatherings and the convenience of having it right outside the house. These reasons alone can cover the significant cash required to set up that pool or hot tub.

But for those who take that plunge, pools, and hot tubs are serious installations despite their reputation for fun. As such, these backyard additions must be wired safely by a professional electrician to comply with current electrical codes and regulations. Once all the Xs and O’s have been checked, everyone is free to enjoy these installations throughout summer, creating memories that will surely be unforgettable.

About Atlas Home Service

Atlas Home Service is a premier electrical services provider in Alexandria, specializing in generators, heating, cooling, and electrical and window services. This family-owned, woman-operated company employs fully licensed and insured technicians, who are knowledgeable and friendly, not just to customers but also to their precious pets. Call them today for electrical service in Alexandria, LA.

Add Coil Maintenance to the Spring Cleaning List

Save Money and Stay Cool with Coil Cleaning 

Summer is coming, and that means warm temperatures and high humidity. With stifling summers, the one reprieve is the cool, dry air in every home provided by the air conditioner. Unfortunately, to amend the weather conditions to make the indoors tolerable, bills can skyrocket, and all of that extra work on the part of the air conditioner can take a toll on the equipment causing mechanical problems. 

Luckily it’s not too late to add AC maintenance to the spring cleaning checklist. Most spring cleaning tasks aim to prepare the home for summer, and AC maintenance is no different. During maintenance, technicians will perform a task called “coil cleaning.” This indispensable service can help lower bills and keep the home more comfortable in the coming summer. Here is a quick guide to help owners understand the benefits of AC coil cleaning. 

What are Evaporator Coils? 

evaporator coilsThe evaporator coils in an AC do the work of providing the cooling power to the unit. Inside the evaporator coil, refrigerant is allowed to turn into a gas, rapidly removing heat from the air being pushed across the coil. Since this process is heavily dependent on heat transfer, the slightest buildup on the coil can have insulative effects that rob the unit of efficiency. 

During normal operation, the evaporator coil can accumulate dust and dander. Despite being protected by the air filter, small particles still slip through and cling to the evaporator coil. During evaporator coil cleaning, technicians carefully use chemicals to remove grime from the evaporator coil. This process makes the air conditioner far more efficient by allowing easy heat transfer. 

How do Condenser Coils get Dirty? 

condenser coilsOnce the refrigerant in the evaporator coil has expanded into a gas, it has to be compressed and condensed into a liquid again. This process generates heat in addition to the heat that the refrigerant absorbs in the evaporator coil. To dispel this heat, the condenser coil gets to work. 

The condenser coil in an air conditioner sits outside the home, subject to the whims of nature. Without the protection of filters, the condenser coils can capture a huge amount of dust and dirt from the surrounding environment. The dust and dirt inhibit heat transfer and reduce the air volume that can be moved across the coil to cool the refrigerant. This results in a loss of efficiency that can be easily restored with condenser coil cleaning. 

Cleaning and Maintenance Steps 

Cleaning both coils is simple and uses a similar process for each. In most cases, technicians will use powerful cleaners to remove grime from coils. These chemicals are foaming detergents that lift and wash away the dust and dirt that prevents effective heat transfer. The detergents are left on the evaporator coils, and the air conditioner is run. During normal operation, the humidity in the home will wash the coils clean. On the outdoor coil, water hoses are generally used to wash away detergents and grime. This allows homeowners to see a noticeable improvement in the performance of their air conditioners. 

About Atlas Home Service

Atlas Home Service is a woman-owned business that adds a personal touch to HVAC and electrical contracting. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff offers coil cleaning and memberships to take the hassle out of spring cleaning for the air conditioner. Call today for phenomenal AC service in Alexandria, LA. 

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Three Signs that Electrical Panel Repairs Are Needed

Recognizing Trouble with the Breaker Panel

Owning a home can be a chore. Keeping the home running smoothly involves a lot of chores over the years. To keep everything running as it should takes the help of a team of dedicated experts applying their skills. An electrician is one of the experts that every homeowner should have on their team. 

One of the things electricians can help with around the home is by advising about the age and condition of the electrical system inside the home. Over the years, parts of the electrical system will wear out or building codes will change, requiring updates from these qualified experts. One common thing that electricians can address in particular is the breaker panel. 

Over time, breaker panels succumb to problems that can reduce the electrical system’s reliability in the home or create a hazard. Here are a few things to look out for regarding electrical panels. If any of these occurrences are common, calling for help from an electrician is the prudent choice. 

Flickering Lights 

lightThe first and usually most recognizable sign that the breaker box needs some attention is flickering lights. Lights that flicker in the house caused by a breaker panel deficiency are due to a loss of power. This can occur because surfaces in the breaker box are corroded, impeding electrical flow, or poor connections cause lights to dim when large appliances turn on and steal current. 

Check the lightbulbs before calling a professional to rule out problems that masquerade as a bad electrical panel. In many cases, bad light bulbs display the same characteristics as problems in the breaker box. However, if the problem is noticeable in different rooms or across the home, the breaker panel is the likely problem. 

Smells Like Something is Burning 

The biggest threat that an outdated or aging electrical panel can pose is the threat of fires. Despite industry advancements and stringent building codes, electrical fires are still a common source of property damage, with many of them attributable to bad breaker panels. Any time there is a burning smell near the breaker panel or any electrical component, homeowners should call an electrician. Burning smells are always signs of a serious problem, and extreme caution should be taken when they are near the breaker box. 

Old Age 

old panelElectrical panel repair is probably one of the most neglected services electricians render, so problems tend to get ignored. Repairing or replacing electrical panels is a fairly invasive project and only needs to be done every 25 to 50 years. Between these two factors, most homeowners will forgo this valuable service, but they do so to their detriment. Aging electrical panels are more likely to cause problems and start fires. If the panel in a home is nearing 30 years old, it is usually best to plan and get the electrical panel inspected and replaced before serious problems occur. 

About Atlas Home Service

Atlas Home Service is a local provider of every home service a home could need. Their skilled electricians are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to solve any problem a home may have. Call today for superior electrical service in Alexandria, LA. 

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Women Have Made the HVAC Industry What It Is Today

Get To Know the Women Who Transformed the World of Heating & Cooling

March is Women’s History Month – a time to commemorate and reflect on the women who have positively changed society throughout history. The most famous examples are art, science, sports, government, and the equal rights movement. But the world of HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) also has female pioneers. So keep reading to learn about the women whose innovations in heating and cooling have had a profound and lasting impact on everyday life – and the HVAC industry itself!

Women In Today’s HVAC-R Industry

Today, women make up around 9% of the HVAC-R industry. While it may not seem like very much, that number is dramatically higher than it was just a couple of decades ago – and continues to rise. Discrimination and stereotypes have kept women out of the HVAC labor force for a long time. However, that’s slowly changing as companies actively reach out to young women to fill positions as technicians, installers, salespeople, engineers, and managers.

Some organizations, such as the renowned Women In HVACR, offer apprenticeship programs, scholarships, education, and other resources to help incentivize young women to begin careers in heating and cooling. With all of the growing support and opportunities, it’s no surprise that there are more and more women-owned HVAC companies each year!

Alice H. Parker and the Gas Furnace

aliceBefore the HVAC industry was even off the ground, there was Alice H. Parker. Born in 1895, Parker graduated with honors from Howard University Academy, a high school attached to the historically all-black university. In 1919, inspired by her fireplace’s inability to keep her home warm through the cold New Jersey winters, Parker devised a furnace that would revolutionize home heating systems forever.

Parker’s design was a central heating system that used natural gas rather than wood or coal, the prevailing fuel type at the time. Another key thing that set her gas furnace apart from other early designs was that it utilized multiple burners connected to separate ducts, each of which could be controlled independently. This paved the way for the “zone heating” systems used today.

While her patent never saw wide-scale production, it laid the foundation for modern gas furnaces. Making her achievement even more impressive is that Parker, a Black woman, filed her patent and became an influential figure long before the Civil Rights and Women’s Liberation movements.

Margaret Ingels and Her Impact On Air Conditioning

margaretAround the time of Parker’s patent, another young woman was coming into her own as an HVAC pioneer. Margaret Ingels was born in Kentucky in 1892 and developed an interest in science and engineering early on. In 1916, she graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, making her the first woman to earn an engineering degree at that university and the second to do so in America.

A few years later, Ingels got her Mechanical Engineering professional degree (another historic first for a woman) and began her career in HVAC. She worked in the American Society of Heating and Ventilation Engineers research lab for years, developing devices and methods for measuring indoor air quality in schools and other public buildings. She then worked for the Carrier-Lyle Corporation (now known as Carrier, one of the world’s largest HVAC manufacturers), where she helped pioneer the sling psychrometer – a device used to measure humidity levels – among other valuable contributions to air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Long after she died in 1971, Margaret Ingels continues to be a role model and inspiration for young women interested in pursuing careers in engineering and HVAC-R!

About Atlas Home Service

Founded in 2011, Atlas Home Service has quickly developed a reputation as one of Alexandria, LA’s most reliable and highly-rated HVAC companies. As a family-owned and woman-operated business, they proudly offer up-front pricing, membership perks, and emergency service when needed. Their friendly and punctual technicians are licensed, insured, background-checked, and drug-tested, so homeowners can rest easy when they call Atlas for HVAC repair and maintenance in Alexandria, Louisiana!

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Sparking Genius: Innovations by Black Visionaries in Home Electricity

Revolutionary Innovators of Modern Home Living

The modern home has undergone incredible transformations thanks to visionary inventors who have dedicated their time and expertise to making our lives easier and more secure. From Lewis Latimer and his carbon light bulb filament to James E. West and Gerhard Sessler’s electret condenser microphone, these inventors have left an indelible mark on the world. 

Their contributions have improved our daily lives and helped shape the future of technology. The home security system, for example, was revolutionized by Marie Van Brittan Brown, who created a rudimentary security system that paved the way for modern, sophisticated home security systems.

Lewis Latimer and the Carbon Light Bulb Filament

lewisLewis Latimer’s invention of the carbon light bulb filament was a game changer for the modern world. This technological advancement revolutionized lighting, bringing it from a luxury enjoyed by a few to a necessity for all. 

Light bulbs became brighter, longer lasting, and more efficient with the carbon filament. Latimer’s contribution to the lighting field paved the way for the widespread adoption of electric lighting in homes, businesses, and public spaces, transforming how people live, work, and play.

James E. West and the Electret Condenser Microphone

jamesJames E. West revolutionized modern technology with his invention of the Electret Condenser Microphone. This groundbreaking technology is now widely used in various devices, including smart home systems, cameras, and more. 

West shares credit for this invention with Gerhard Sessler, and they have greatly impacted the world of audio technology. With its superior sound quality and reliability, the Electret Condenser Microphone has become essential in many of today’s cutting-edge devices.

Marie Van Brittan Brown and the Home Security System

Marie Van Brittan Brown’s home security system revolutionized home safety. That invention involved peepholes, the camera, and a two-way microphone so homeowners could see and talk to their visitors before opening the front door.

Brown patented her design in 1969, paving the way for more advanced home security systems. Without it, homeowners couldn’t feel as safe in their own homes. But that’s not all she did; Brown was also a nurse and had plenty of experience with electrical engineering and criminal justice. If there’s ever been anyone homeowners underrate concerning their home systems, it’s Marie Van Brittan Brown!

About Atlas Home Service

Atlas Home Service in Alexandria, LA offers top-notch HVAC, electrical, and windows services that guarantee customer satisfaction. With a focus on quality, the company is dedicated to making homes more comfortable and energy-efficient. Their experienced technicians use the latest technology to provide reliable and efficient solutions for home service needs.