Electric vehicles, also sometimes referred to as EVs, are becoming more popular on the market as eco-friendly transportation methods. Rather than relying on gas or diesel, these vehicles run off an electrical charge, requiring owners to plug them in once their battery runs low. You can plug these cars into a charging port while you’re out and about, or you can charge your electric vehicle at home so they’re ready for you when you wake up and start your day.

If you’re a new owner of an electric vehicle or just thinking about buying one, you may have some questions about electric vehicle charging at home. This guide will help you understand the complexities of charging your vehicle at home and ensure it always has ample battery levels to get you where you need to go.

Different Types of EV Chargers

EV home charging time depends on your charging station level:

Level 1: These charging stations can handle up to 120 volts and can take more than 24 hours to charge an electric vehicle to 80 percent. They can also only handle one EV at a time. Level 1 charging stations are ideal in the home, where you can leave your car charging overnight. These charging stations are helpful during emergencies or roadside troubleshooting.

Level 2: These charging stations can help you charge your vehicles more quickly at home or in a private parking lot. Level 2 chargers can handle up to 240 volts and charge an electric car to 80 percent in four to five hours, which is significantly faster than a level 1 charger. A level 2 charger can help individuals save money and increase the reliability of their electric vehicles’ charges.

Level 3: Level 3 chargers, sometimes also referred to as fast-chargers, are the strongest and fastest available for electric vehicles. These charging stations can charge electric vehicles in 15 to 45 minutes. They’re also more expensive than the other two types of chargers due to their speed and components. Level 3 chargers are usually out of reach for most homeowners due to their price tag and availability. Most of these chargers are at public charging stations, particularly those that service heavy-duty electric vehicles.

Each of these charging stations has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to consider your charging needs before choosing a type to install in your home.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV at Home?

Your EV home charging time will vary based on which level charger you’re using, your vehicle’s model and the battery size. Level 3 or fast-charging stations can charge an electric car in as little as 30 minutes. Meanwhile, charging your vehicle on a level 1 charger may take over 24 hours, depending on how much of a charge you have left before you plug it in.

Some electric cars with a battery capacity under 14kWh can reach a full charge on a level 1 charger in about four hours. These batteries are considerably smaller than the batteries in other cars. For example, a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range has a battery capacity of 50kWh and can take almost an entire day to charge using a level 1 charging station. Switching to level 2 or 3 charging stations can significantly increase the speed your EV charges at home.

Installing a level 2 EV charger will give you the best and most affordable electric car home charging time, allowing you to charge your car quickly for a reasonable price.

What Do You Need for an EV Charger at Home?

If you want to charge your car at home for convenience, you’ll need to ensure you meet the requirements. What you need to charge an EV at home will depend on what level of charging station you plan on using.

Since it only requires 120 volts of power, a level 1 charger can usually function off your existing electrical grid. You’ll simply plug the charging cord into a regular wall outlet and let your vehicle battery charge. However, you may find that it takes too long, especially if you drive a significant amount each day and need a full charge when you wake up.

Level 2 chargers can charge your EV more quickly, but level 2 chargers won’t charge your vehicles using a regular wall outlet. If you don’t already have a 240-volt circuit, you’ll need an electrician to come into your home to install one. You may also need to upgrade multiple electrical services in or around the house to ensure you can use the charger. However, quickly charging your electric vehicle is more than worth it.

You can also use solar panels to charge your EV by installing them on your garage roof. While solar panels can be a costly investment, there is a federal solar investment tax credit to help reduce some expenses. Still, some individuals may find that upgrading their current electrical system is the easiest option.

How to Install an EV Charger at Home

It’s in your best interest to have a trained electrician come to your home and install your EV charger. Working with the electrical system in your home could pose a danger to you and your family if you don’t have the proper training. An improperly installed EV charger can create a long-term hazard, risking electrical shocks and fires. Other reasons to hire a trained electrician include:

You’ll get peace of mind: Hiring a professional allows you to rest easy knowing that your EV charger was installed correctly and will last longer than if you had installed it yourself. Professional electricians have the training to identify and repair problems easily, ensuring that your charger is working correctly from the start.

You could pay less: If you try installing an EV charger on your own, you may end up damaging the charger or your home’s electrical system. In that case, you’ll have to call an electrician anyway. If the damage is extensive enough, it could cost you more than you would’ve spent hiring a professional to install your EV charger.

You benefit from their expertise: Electricians must undergo extensive training to gain their certification. They have the knowledge and tools to deliver high-quality work that would be challenging to do on your own. Hiring a professional electrician ensures that your EV charger is installed correctly without damaging your vehicle or home electricity.

You may want to sell your home someday: If you decide to sell your home and you’ve installed your EV charger yourself, you’ll have to disclose that a licensed electrician didn’t do the work. Buyers will likely choose not to make an offer to avoid a potential safety risk. It’s essential to work with a licensed electrician so all electrical work, including the installation of your EV charger, has a permit.

You’ll limit your liability: If a licensed electrician is injured or damages your property while working on an electrical device in your home, their insurance will likely cover the costs. If you try to do the installation yourself and get electrocuted or damage your home’s electrical system, you’ll have to pay for any related expenses out of pocket.

While it can be tempting to attempt to install your EV charger on your own, you could put yourself, your family and your home at risk. You may also end up paying more anyway to repair the damage. You’re better off hiring an electrician who will install your EV charger correctly the first time, saving you time, money and headaches.

Benefits of EV Charging at Home

Some people don’t like the idea of installing an EV charger in their home, especially after spending so much on the vehicle itself. However, there are many benefits to installing an EV charger in your home, including:

Convenience and safety: Charging at home gives you control over your charging station and habits. You can plug your electric vehicle in as soon as you get home, giving you a full battery once you wake up. You also won’t have to wait to plug in your vehicle until someone else finishes charging. Since you won’t have to worry about parking your car in a deserted location, it’s safer to charge an EV at home. If it’s scorching hot or raining heavily, charging your vehicle at home allows you to stay comfortable inside instead of using a public charger.

Affordability: Public charging stations often require fees or memberships to charge your vehicle. Charging at home allows you to save on these costs and save even further by choosing a specific electricity plan focused on electric vehicles.

Predictability: Electricity tends to cost less during off-peak periods, such as during the night or over the weekend. However, other EV owners may also know to charge their vehicles during this time, forcing you to wait until the chargers in your area become available during peak hours. A charger in your home allows you to take advantage of off-peak hours whenever you want.

Battery health: Public chargers may work quickly, but they can also damage your battery’s health by keeping your vehicle outside. Extreme temperatures can cause a battery to degrade sooner. By charging your battery at home, where you can control the temperature, you can protect it from rapid degrading. Charging your EV overnight at home can help your battery last longer than relying on public chargers.

Longevity: A durable home EV charger can last a long time. Many of these chargers are compatible with different EV brands, meaning you can use the charger even if you replace your vehicle. You can even charge more than one type of vehicle if you own multiple electric cars, though you’d have to take turns on the charger.

Home value: Having an EV charger at home increases your home’s value, especially as more people turn to these vehicles as eco-friendly options. Electric vehicle owners will likely be willing to pay more for a home with an EV charger already installed. You may even be able to sell or rent your home sooner than you would without one.

Installing a home EV charger can help you save money, keep your vehicle charged when needed and prevent damage to your battery. Protect your investment by choosing a home EV charger!

Cost of a Home EV Charging Station

Hardware costs have come down about 11 percent from a few years ago and now they range anywhere from $400 to $700 depending on the model. Installation costs will vary based on the level of charger you plan on using in your home. For example, since a level 1  charger uses your existing electrical system, you can use an outlet in your garage. However, a level 2 charger will require some work, as you’ll need to upgrade your electrical system to a 240-volt circuit.

A basic single-port installation can range from $900 to $2,400 when accounting for material and labor costs. The price can increase if you’re trying to mount a station, install service paneling or add additional features. The costs also increase if you want to install 50-amp outlets or wiring. If you want more than the basic installation, your expenses will go up depending on what you’re planning on installing. A significant portion of these costs is related to electrical work since many electricians charge by the hour.

Once you get your EV charger installed, there are some other things to keep in mind. For one, using it to charge your vehicle each night will increase your electrical bill. Depending on where you live, electricity may be more expensive, and you may see a significant increase. The more miles you drive each month, the more often you’ll need to charge your vehicle and the more your bill will increase.

Yet, even with the increase in your electrical bill, using a home charger is generally cheaper than charging at public charging stations. These stations often require a membership or a fee for each use, which will quickly add up. You’ll also be paying extra for the convenience of a public charger. Using a home charger can help you save a significant amount on your vehicle, especially since you won’t have to rely on gas to power it.

Contact Penco to Install Your EV Charger

If you’re considering an EV charger for your home, choose Penco Electric & Generators as your trusted installer. We pride ourselves on our quality customer service and skill. Our knowledgeable staff can help you install an EV charger quickly and efficiently, allowing you to get on the road sooner. Our electricians will ensure your safety and comfort during the installation process, ensuring that you can enjoy your new charger from the moment installation is complete.

All of our electricians have also received rigorous training to ensure their service is of the best quality. Contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation if you’re ready to install an EV charger in your home!

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Once you’ve purchased your Generac generator from Penco Electric, you will be a part of our generator maintenance plan to ensure your unit is ready to run whenever it’s needed. Preventative maintenance through regular servicing reduces your chances of needing emergency generator services. Routinely running your unit and inspecting it for wear will help save you from expensive damages in the future and will make sure your power works during emergencies.

Why Perform Generator Maintenance?

Generator maintenance protects you from being without power during emergencies. Though it may seem easier to install a generator and wait to use it until a power outage, not regularly servicing your unit can mean costly damages or an unusable unit in the long run. Well-maintained generators will last for many years and will be ready to go whenever a power outage occurs.

Performing generator checks and routine maintenance can help:

• Increase generator efficiency: Clearing debris, animals and other blockages allows your unit to function exactly as intended, with maximum efficiency.
• Stop generator problems early: Catching minor issues early prevents problems from compounding later on and causing your generator to fail when you need it.
• Preventing engine seizing: If the engine oil and air intake are poor and fuel has difficulty reaching the engine, the machine can overheat and the pistons can melt or blow out. Seized engines typically make generators unusable.

In addition to these benefits, checking generators regularly prolongs the lifespan of the unit and will save you from spending money on a new generator too soon or on expensive replacements and fixes.

What Happens During Generator Maintenance

You will generally receive a generator maintenance schedule from the unit’s manufacturer — this will serve as a guide for roughly when generator maintenance should occur. To prevent safety hazards or damage, you should always contact a professional to perform proper generator maintenance, but you can take regular precautions with your generator to prevent any issues.

Weekly Generator Checks

For a generator, you can perform weekly checks to help spot any issues. For weekly checks, be sure the generator is clear of debris and do a visual check to watch for damage to the lines from animals. Also, make sure the circuit breaker is closed and the generator is in “auto” mode for easy start-up. If you see any problems with the generator or its components, call an expert to service your unit to prevent further damage.

If problems occur with the generator or its components during inspections, call a Penco technician to make the required repairs for your unit.

Bi-Annual and Annual Generator Maintenance

Along with your weekly inspections, you should call a technician to perform maintenance checks on your Generac generator. These services are much more in-depth than weekly looks and require professionals to maintain and handle the different inspections of the unit.

Bi-annual servicing for components that don’t need weekly checks includes:

• Checking for oil and fuel leans and inspecting system connectors and hoses.
• Inspecting coolant heater, lines and connections.
• Checking air cleaner units and cleaning if necessary.
• Evaluating muffler, exhaust system and exhaust pipe.
• Examining battery, battery cables and connections.
• Inspecting drive belts.
• Check air induction connections and piping.
• Inspecting AC accessories and wiring.
• Examining DC electrical system and control panel.

Annual servicing focuses on unit features that can go longer without maintenance and includes:

• Changing spark plugs.
• Performing load bank testing.
• Changing the fuel and air filters.
• Changing oil and filter.
• Flushing the coolant system.
• Checking coolant concentration.

How Often Should I Service My Generator?

Servicing units can vary based on a variety of factors, including frequency of use and the climate and conditions around the generator. Because generators require regular performance checks, it can be difficult to stay on top of all the necessary inspections. To help with this, consider implementing a quarterly, bi-annual or annual maintenance plan with a licensed technician to ensure your generator receives the care and service it needs.

Depending on whether your unit is an emergency generator, service checks will be different. For standby units, especially whole house generators, inspections should occur every six months to one year or every 400 hours, if you use them frequently. Technicians will perform a thorough servicing of the unit, looking for filters that need replacing, changing spark plugs and checking the parts for damages and leaks.

For emergency generators and other units you use less frequently, servicing can occur every two to three years. Professionals will check oil, replace seals and components and ensure the machine is functioning properly.

Generators wear down more quickly with frequent operation. Keep a maintenance log to track previous repairs and issues with your unit. Additionally, make sure you’re keeping up with generator servicing to get the most use out of your unit.

When well-maintained, a generator can last over 3,000 hours if regularly serviced. To get the best function and value out of your unit, set up a servicing plan with a generator technician.

Tips for Generator Maintenance

Inspecting generators takes time from your schedule. When checking unit functions, use these tips for convenient generator upkeep:

• Remove debris, plant growth, small creatures, snow and other obstructions from on and around the generator.
• Before you refuel, turn off gas generators and let them cool to reduce the chances of igniting the fuel.
• Always run the generator outside for safety.
• Properly house your generator to protect it from dirt and debris.
• Avoid overloading your unit to prevent damage.
• After a power outage, always visually inspect your generator for issues.
• Make sure the generator is set to “auto” for automatic start-up and check that the circuit breaker is closed.

Repair and Maintain Your Generators With Us Today

Ensure that your generator is always operational with Penco Electric & Generators. Our qualified Generac technicians will provide you with top-notch maintenance and repair. Don’t have a generator yet? We can help you choose and install the perfect, high-quality Generac generator for your home.

Interested in using innovative technology to improve your home? We offer smart home installation services to make your home more convenient at the touch of a button. Contact us today for questions about our services and pricing.

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Smart technology is undeniably becoming part of our lives, offering convenience and valuable insights to make our days easier. From phones to cars, smart technology has proven to be an effective innovation that’s only growing in popularity. With advancing technology like smart TVs, thermostats, refrigerators and locks, another trend has arrived — smart homes.

What Is Smart Home Automation?

Smart home automation refers to a system in a home that controls appliances on a network. Instead of manually flipping lights on or setting the thermostat at a certain temperature, you can access those appliances via a remote or phone and set schedules. For example, you can set your lights to turn off when you leave for work and to turn on when you arrive home. There are numerous other opportunities for implementing easy home automation, too.

Smart home automation offers the simplification of your daily routine, freeing you up to focus your energy on other tasks while your smart home follows your routines and tendencies.

How Do Smart Home Systems Work?

The operations of a smart home might seem complex, but the general idea is relatively straightforward. All of the smart devices in your home are connected to your home via a wireless network, and through that network, you can control your devices.

Since smart technology is set up via the internet, you’ll need a strong WiFi connection, smart products and a device — such as a phone, tablet or laptop — that lets you control those appliances with a tap of a button.

In most cases, the smart system is connected to a central console so you can access all appliances through one central network. The automation works together to give you a full picture of your home with the ability to control various aspects at any given time.

What Can I Automate in My Home?

Technological advancements have allowed nearly every appliance in a home to be automated. We often think of obvious examples like TVs, but smart technology has expanded to many different realms of the household.

Here are just a few systems you’ll be able to control and schedule in your smart home automation system:

• Thermostats: Set temperatures from your couch and create schedules to suit your daily routine via a smart thermostat. You’ll be able to make it colder when you go to bed and warmer when you wake up with a few taps on your smartphone. Smart systems can track your habits and cater to the temperatures you like at certain points in the day.
• Lighting: Schedule times for your lights to come on when you get home or turn them on before you walk in the door. In some cases, your smart system will know when you’re close to home and automatically turn the lights on.
• Locks: Smart technology lets you know if you remembered to lock the doors after leaving for work. Are you already comfy in bed about to fall asleep but forgot to lock the front door? Just pick up your phone and tell your smart system to do it.
• Audio systems: Do you like playing music throughout your house? Using a smart audio system makes entertaining even easier, whether you’re inside or outside.
• Smoke detectors: Smart technology can even enhance smoke detectors. No matter where you’re located, you can look at your phone to see notifications from your smoke detectors, whether they’re indicating a low battery or a fire.
• Security cameras: Check and see who has come and gone in your home and get alerts when someone comes to your door with a smart security camera.
• Blinds: Watch your blinds automatically open at sunrise and close at sunset.

A professional service can help with the smart home installation process and show you how to automate your house.

What Are the Benefits of a Smart Home?

Even before you look at how to automate a house, you could be curious about the advantages of a smart home, which include:

1. Convenience

Smart home automation offers you the ability to make your daily life much more convenient and specifically suited to how you live. Here are a couple of strategies that will let you get the full potential out of your smart home system:

• Set schedules: Schedule your thermostat, lighting and locks for certain actions throughout the day that will suit your needs. Automating simple but necessary actions will save you time and effort.
• Streamline your day: Forgetting to lock doors and turn off the lights can mean making extra trips and interrupting the flow of your day. Smart automation systems allow you to streamline tedious actions while removing stress and worry.

2. Safety

It’s easy to forget to lock up your home — smart technology recognizes that and lets you control the security of your home from afar. Use smart cameras to stay alert of anyone going in and out of your home and gain confidence in the protection of your house.

3. Energy Savings

In a smart home, appliances will be able to identify energy savings and ways to save you costs. The system will pick up on your daily routines and can turn lights off, lower temperatures and more necessary.

4. Home Insights

You’ll be able to gain useful knowledge about how you use your appliances and can find ways to save money or plan your day more effectively. With a full picture of your home’s appliances, it’ll be much easier to see how you can optimize for the best efficiency.

5. Control

As a homeowner, you can often feel like you’re falling behind on many of the daily tasks and maintenance your home requires. There’s a lot to keep track of, and a little help can go a long way.

A smart home gives you a sense of control, allowing you to keep track of various operational aspects with the press of a button. Stay better connected to energy usage, keep track of safety aspects and improve the flow of your day with some helpful insights from your smart home system.

It’s the organized, easy solution you need to gain some control over your daily routine and stay ahead of your to-do list.

Should I Get Home Automation?

After looking at all of the benefits of smart homes, you might be looking at automating your own house. If you want convenience, better security, energy savings and valuable home insights, then a smart home system is a great choice.

Automate Your Home With Us Today

Penco Electric & Generators can offer you easy home automation, showing you how to make your home a smart home and giving you everything you need to take advantage of modern technology.

We’ll design, install and integrate your smart home system using reliable and quality technology. Access your smart appliances through an easy-to-use app and start enjoying all the advantages of your smart home.

Contact us today!

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