Eichler Homes
In the 1950s and 1960s, real estate developer Joseph Eichler brought modern homes to the Bay Area. Using designs inspired by a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Eichler brought modern design to homes in California in droves. He built over 11,000 Eichler homes in the Greater SF Bay Area and Los Angeles, and many of his innovations are still used today.
But Eichler homes also present some unique challenges when it comes to electricity, heating, and cooling. Eichler homes were built without an attic, crawl space, or basement. Wiring was run under the concrete slab and over the flat roof, then down into the walls. After years of exposure to elements such as moisture from leaking pipes, roof drains, or sprinkler systems, the thin tubing around the wiring can corrode and develop grounding issues and failure.
Got Watts has extensive experience working with Eichler homes, and we can help bring your home's electrical and HVAC needs into the 21st century while keeping the Eichler charm you've come to love.
What We Offer
Electrical Inspections
Got Watts can thoroughly inspect your electrical system and give you a fair and honest estimate for needed upgrades and improvements. And if we don't think that your system needs any work done immediately, we will tell you that too.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
Eichler homes commonly use Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panels, deemed unsafe by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). In some cases, panel failures have led to fires either contained within the panel or in more serious cases, fires spread throughout the home. At a minimum, your electrical panel should be inspected by a licensed electrician familiar with Eichler Homes to determine if a panel upgrade is needed to ensure it’s safe and meets current codes.
Solar Power & Electrification
Electrification refers to the process of eliminating the need for fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and gas, and using renewable sources like solar and wind to generate electricity. As a licensed contractor, Got Watts can also design and install solar power (solar panels, battery backup, smart panel upgrades, etc.) and upgrade your HVAC system to include a high-efficiency heat pump for heating and cooling your Eichler home.
Unmatched Experience
The technicians at Got Watts have been working with Eichler homes in the Bay Area for years. We know their eccentric features and electrical systems, and how to properly approach needed repairs and upgrades.
If you are interested in the benefits of electrification and updating your Eichler home to meet current and future electrical needs, get in touch with Got Watts today.