3 Things You Should Always Call an Electrician For
What Does a Residential Electrician Do?
Residential electricians specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems in homes and other residential buildings, including townhomes, condominiums, apartments, duplexes, etc. Electricians who work in residential environments can handle various issues, from diagnosing faulty systems and making repairs to installing additional outlets and upgrading electrical panels. They can also install surge protectors, lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, and even home automation systems!
Another important service provided by residential electricians is electrical inspections. During routine electrical inspections, your electrician checks over your entire system, inside and out, inspecting light fixtures, outlets, circuit breakers, and even makes sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. In addition to ensuring that your system is functioning efficiently and safely, they also confirm that your electrical system is up to code, helping you make repairs and upgrades as needed.
So, when do you need to call an electrician? While you don’t need to call them for every tripped breaker and lightbulb change, there are some situations in which it is important that you work with a licensed electrician.
Keep reading to learn about three things you should always hire a licensed electrician for.
When Your Electrical Panel Needs Work
Your electrical panel is the power center of your home. It is where the main power line connects to your home and is distributed throughout your home’s various circuits. Typically, your electrical panel is either mounted outside or in a supply closet, basement, or garage. Inside the panel, you will find your various circuit breakers. This is where you go when a breaker gets tripped, and you need to turn it back on.
Your electrical panel needs to be inspected every few years to confirm that it is in good condition. Additionally, if your house is older, you are remodeling, or your power needs change, it may need to be upgraded, or an additional panel installed.
Because electrical panels have so much power running through them, the risk of electrical shock or electrical fire is high. Therefore, if your electrical panel is damaged or requires repair, you should always hire a licensed and insured electrician, like ours at A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical. Additionally, if your electrical panel ever needs an upgrade, you need to have an electrician perform the installation.
When Your Wiring Needs Repair or Replacement
Like your electrical panel, issues with your wiring have a high potential for electrical fire or shock. Consequently, it is always recommended that you call a residential electrician to take care of a wiring issue in your home. Though it is tempting to perform DIY repairs, and surely there are many how-to videos on the internet, it is never a good idea to work on wiring yourself. Because you never know what was previously done to your wiring, it can be difficult for the average homeowner to determine the problem you’re dealing with. Safety should be your number one priority when it comes to wiring issues. And the best way to safely resolve electrical issues is to work with an electrician!
Signs you need electrical repair include:
- Lights are flickering
- Your outlets are warm
- You see scorch marks around your outlets
- You hear a buzzing sound
- You smell electrical burning
You should also reach out to one of our electricians if you notice that your electrical bill has skyrocketed and you aren’t sure why. This can be a sign that there is something wrong with your electrical system.
Read our blog “The Dangers of DIY Electrical Repair” to learn more about why you should always call a licensed and insured electrician when dealing with an electrical problem.
When You Need Lighting or a Ceiling Fan Installed
If you’ve recently purchased a new lighting fixture or ceiling fan, you may be wondering if you can save a little money and install it yourself. While some homeowners are very adept at DIY projects, it’s always a good idea to have electrical appliances and fixtures installed by a professional.
The benefits of having a licensed electrician install your lighting or ceiling fan include:
- Peace of mind knowing that the installation was completed safely and correctly
- Assurance that your electrical system can handle the new installation
- Confidence that your new light or fan will work correctly
- The certainty that your lighting fixture and/or ceiling fan won’t be damaged during installation
Few things are as frustrating as a light wired to the wrong switch. However, this happens frequently, especially with DIY electrical projects. Another great benefit to working with an electrician for your ceiling fan or light fixture installation is that you can rest assured that your fixture and/or fan will be wired correctly and to the right switches.
Do you have an electrical project or repair you need help with? Call A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical to schedule an appointment with a highly-skilled, reliable electrician.