5 Common Electrical Problems in Your Home You Need to Look For
Electrical problems can result in more than just a little inconvenience. They can cause serious damage to your home wiring and even worse, a hazardous electrical fire. Assessing the source of electrical failure is critical. Once you have identified the problem, or suspect that there is a problem, the next best course of action is to call a professional electrician to evaluate the problem and recommend and undertake repairs, replacement or upgrade.
Here are 5 common electrical problems you should look out for.
Burned Outlet
If an outlet sparks and pops a flare when you insert a plug, it's a sign that the wire insulation might be melted. After the spark, the flare can burn out the outlet and cause darkening around the plug. You should immediately stop using the outlet and contact an electrician fast so that an electrical fire doesn't cause much more damage.
Ever-Rising Energy Bills
With the cost of living being constantly on the rise, you want to save as much money as you can. Reducing your energy bills is one strategy. Some of the causes of high energy bills include poor insulation, poor home wiring, old furnaces, or the use of devices that are energy insufficient. If you notice that your energy bills are on the rise, contact a licensed electrician to evaluate your home's energy efficiency. Depending on the results, they may recommend repairs, replacements, or upgrades to get your monthly energy bills back to normal.
Electrical Shocks
Even though they are often pretty mild and could feel like a static shock, electric shocks should remind you how dangerous it is to work with malfunctioning electric systems. If you notice an electric shock when you touch your outlets or appliances, don't take it for granted. Contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
Warm Switches or Outlets
Warm outlets and switches are a serious safety concern. If you find that your outlets are warm to the touch, or have signs of burning causing them to darken, you may have a serious problem behind your walls. Whether it is a result of faulty wiring, worn-out outlets, or switch overload, these electrical problems need the attention of an electrician as soon as possible.
Flickering Lights
While this may not always be a cause for alarm, you should consult an electrician to make sure it's not part of a bigger electrical problem. It could be a result of loose wiring or one of your appliances using too much electricity. An electrician needs to test your electrical wiring to find out the source of the extra loading.
You should never ignore any electrical problems you find in your home. Further, you should not try to DIY them. For safety purposes, reach out to companies that can provide electrical repair services.