From the lights illuminating our homes to the appliances we need daily, we often take efficiently, correctly operating electricity for granted. And because electricity is so integrated into our lives, electrical repairs and replacements can be detrimental to households, both in terms of costs, convenience, and safety. Fortunately, there are many early warning signs for faulty electrical systems, so you can try to catch problems before they’re too far gone. Here are some of the most common indicators of electrical problems to keep your eyes peeled for in your home.
Check Your Circuit Breaker
One telltale sign of electrical problems being present in your home is a trippy circuit breaker. According to The Spruce, there are a number of reasons your breaker may trip. Take an overload, when you have too many things plugged in or stopping normal power surges, which is its exact purpose. And it’s actually fairly common for it to happen every once in a while. You can always re-evaluate your cord placement and properly space them out. However, if your circuit breaker is tripping more than a couple of times a month, you may be dealing with more serious electrical problems instead. If that’s the case, it’s best to call an expert to evaluate the situation.
Hot, Vibrating Power Outlets
It’s normal for appliances to generate a certain amount of heat when running, as they’re operating for so long and so often in your household. But, the outlets that they are plugged into should not be. They also can slightly vibrate, which is another warning sign of underlying issues in your electrical system. You can easily check your outlets yourself by lightly touching the outside, avoiding any wires, and feeling for any heat or vibrations. If either is present, call an electrician to assess and repair if needed.
Flickering Lights and Unusual Odors
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to rewire a home can be up to $2,100; and that doesn’t include light switch repairs and installs at up to $200 a pop. But, because electrical wiring issues aren’t immediately visible, it can often be too late when they’re discovered. So, how can you tell and be proactive? By monitoring your surroundings for anything unusual. For example, if your lights or outlets buzz when on, or flicker when you use multiple appliances at once, your wiring may need to be looked at. You can also check for unusual or smoky odors originating from outlets, or appliances – as this could be a sign of burning happening behind your walls. If this is happening, do not try to fix it yourself! Electrical wiring is extremely dangerous and professionals are best equipped to safely stop the complication.
Work with B&D
At B&D Industries, we’ve been performing electrical construction for over 65 years. In fact, we originally started as B&D Electric back in 1955! Since then, we’ve been self-performing all phases of electrical construction for our clients, both industrial and residential. And our team has the experience and qualifications to complete low, medium, and high voltage electrical work depending on your needs.
And because electrical issues never rest, we have a 24-hour emergency service to help you whenever you need it. From simple consultations to panel repairs, our electrical services are delivered in a courteous, timely manner by a team of electrical repair technicians dedicated to making sure your home is up to code and functioning properly. Contact us to start working with our expert technicians today.
