Some people say they miss “the good old days” when times were simpler. Today’s technology has us doing more faster, and it can be either overwhelming or exciting. There’s nothing simple about how much and how often we use electricity. An electrical inspection every year can tell you what your home needs today and even tomorrow.
Electrical Inspections for Safety, Upgrades
When buying a home, especially an older house, scheduling an electrical inspection is a good idea. A home’s wiring can and should last many years, but its insulation can crack with age and expose wires.
Electrical panels have an expiration date. If it’s between 20-40 years old, it’s time to plan an electrical panel replacement.
If you’re planning any major remodeling project, an electrical inspection can prevent hazards and pinpoint problem areas. Also, major renovations require permits, and your licensed electrician can make sure your wiring is installed safely as well as code-compliant. Remodeling is a good opportunity for updating and/or reconfiguring your home’s electricity.
Your home is probably your largest asset, so professional maintenance is a good investment. It not only increases your property value, but it can also give you a competitive edge in a buyers’ market. Routine electrical inspections in Arizona should be scheduled every year. Electrical maintenance can also save energy, which saves money by lowering your monthly utility bill.
3 Signs You Need an Electrical Inspection Now
Your electrical system is designed for protection. There are warning signs that indicate a problem, and some problems are more dangerous than others. Signs you need to schedule an electrical inspection right away include:
- Burning odor – A burning smell near any of your outlets, switches, or the circuit panel box is a major red flag. Your local electrician should be contacted immediately.
- Heat – If plug-in outlets, switches, or switch plates feel warm to the touch when you plug in or turn them on, there’s likely a wiring problem. If they feel warm when not in use, that’s an even bigger red flag. Schedule an electrical inspection as soon as possible.
- Noise – A humming, buzzing sound from any electrical outlet or switch indicates a loose connection or dangerous wiring problem.
Lesser issues that also pose dangers are flickering lights and a circuit breaker that frequently trips off and on. When you plug anything in, it’s not normal to see sparks. It could be the appliance or the outlet, but you need to have it checked out.
If you’re using extension cords in almost every room, that’s another red flag. It means you don’t have enough outlets to support your energy use. Extension cords are great as temporary fixes. But they also offer inconsistent connectivity and pose fall risks to family and visitors.
What Happens During an Electrical Inspection?
If you have noticed any problems during customary electrical usage, your local licensed electrician will examine those areas first. Other tasks during an electrical inspection may include checking for:
- Aged/deteriorating wiring
- DIY (do-it-yourself) wiring
- Electrical risks
- Exposed wires
- Light fixtures/sockets
- Outdated circuitry that doesn’t meet today’s codes
- Powerbox integrity
- Power points
- Safety switches
- Smoke alarms
- Sufficient service
- Uncovered wiring
- …and more
A reputable electrician is licensed. But thanks to the internet, you can spot electrical service companies’ red flags as easily as the ones in your home.
Look for 5-star Angi/HomeAdvisor ratings. Look for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified electrical professionals. And if you’re looking for knowledge, experience, and superior customer care, contact Turn It On Electric.
