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Signs of Electrical Problems in Home

Signs of Electrical Problems in Home

There are electrical problems for every season, but one thing they all have in common is the danger they present to your family. Whether it’s blown fuses or appliances that start spewing smoke, you may be playing with fire when you address these issues without proper training. Some problems are minor and easy to fix, but many of them require professional help only. Here are the five common signs of electrical problems in homes, and how you should go about fixing them:

  1. Light bulbs burn out on a regular basis. When you have light bulbs going out, it is usually tied to the amount of power a fixture can handle. You may have gone above the standard capabilities when you tried to replace it, initiating a cycle of wasted bulbs. Look for information on wattage capacity, or try using less powerful bulbs. Energy efficiency is also a big issue. Fluorescent bulbs use less power — and last much longer — than traditional incandescent bulbs. Though they cost more than twice what traditional bulbs cost, fluorescent options give you more value in the long run, while they require less maintenance.
  2. Part or all of an outlet doesn’t work. It can be mystifying to find a top outlet working when a bottom outlet has stopped functioning, but this is one of the most common electrical problems for homeowners. Because the separate halves of an outlet both depend on solid connections and unique power sources (such as a wall switch), the solution could be as easy as flicking a switch. However, outlets that go down could have been the result of the dangers they present. A qualified electrician will be able to diagnose the problem so you can be assured there are no fire or safety hazards.
  3. You have to keep replacing fuses. Summer is when air conditioning units can lead to blown fuses. You might also find this problem originating from hair dryers or other appliances. It’s likely a sign you are trying to get too much power out of a single outlet, and the result is a blown fuse. This issue should be addressed by electricians who can recommend new outlets or other fixes for your home. Overloading outlets is one of the most common fire hazards in homes these days. Blown fuses are a warning sign.
  4. Sparks fly when you plug in an appliance. While there may be nothing wrong with a tiny, isolated spark emitting from an outlet, you’re letting another potential fire hazard go unaddressed if it happens regularly. As with frayed wires, smoking connections, and flickering lights, the presence of sparks hints at major electrical problems. Qualified electricians can tell you whether the solution demands immediate attention or simply a smarter use of appliances.
  5. The energy bill is getting higher. One of the most common electrical problems for Dunwoody homeowners is a higher monthly utility cost. In some cases, electrical issues such as a malfunctioning water heater are behind it. In other situations, old appliances and cooling systems are breaking down and raising your monthly energy costs. Talk to an experienced technician about making full-scale energy audits of your home to stop this trend in higher monthly costs.

Reliable Heating & Air has been sizing up electrical problems in homes for decades. Before you let faulty wiring or rising costs get the better of you, contact the Reliable team for a full inspection of the problem.