Do you know the panic you feel when the light flickers or, heaven forbid, the power goes out? Your evening plans, be it the dinner you are preparing or the work-from-home day you have scheduled, flash before your eyes. Our reliance on electricity is undoubtable, which is why it is the electrical system is one of the essential pieces of your home. As such, electric repair is a top priority for your household.
Here at Stapleton Electric, we are one of the first calls our clients make when they have electrical challenges. First, and foremost, our clients will check to see if there is a power outage in the neighbourhood that is impacting their home. Next, they call us.
As such, we have seen it all – and we have electric repair tips to share with you. We want to help you with repairs that only electricians can and should perform, but before we do, we want you to ensure that the answer to your problem is not right in front of you.
Here are 5 insider electric repair tips from the pros.
1. If a light is burned out, or a socket is not functional, check for overlamping
Overlamping can happen when you use a light bulb with a higher wattage than the light fixture allows for. When this happens, the insulation system and light socket is at risk of getting melted.
If your lamp is not working, or if you believe that the electrical outlet is not working, it is important to check for possible signs of overlamping.
2. Check the circuit breaker
Whether you live in a condo, townhome or single family dwelling, you will have a circuit breaker in an easy to access area. If there is a lamp, microwave, oven or other device that is not turning on, it is important to check the circuit breaker prior to calling an electrician. The switch for the device you are checking should be in the “on” position. If all of the switches are “on”, then you know it is time to call an electrician.
3. Schedule an annual electrical inspection
The old adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, doesn’t exactly work when it comes to your home’s electricity. While you may not have challenges in your home now, there are benefits to having an annual electrical inspection. Getting a complete and total picture of your home’s safety can make sure you are prepared for any upgrades or changes that need to happen within your dwelling.
Annual electrical inspections are especially important after any sort of DIY work, if you live in an older home, after any sort of storm, and other related home events. For home insurance purposes, you might also need to provide periodic inspections.
These electrical inspections can look for repairs or upgrades that could happen now, prior to them becoming a greater challenge.
4. Power surges in the Summer could be due to this factor
With the weather being warmer in the months of July and August, you might be experiencing power surges in your home. These could be due to a number of factors, though our first recommendation is to monitor your thermostat. If your air conditioning system is turned on automatically when the temperature reaches a certain Celsius, this system could be causing flickering or potential surges. Attempt to monitor what could be impacting these during the day.
5. Not all electricians are made equal
This is certainly true for any trade, though electricians are what we are, of course, focused on.
Not all electricians are made equal! Therefore, it is important to work with a business that has an excellent reputation. Look for companies with electricians that have a higher level skill set as it relates to codes, safety regulations, project management, and permits. Do not hesitate to ask your prospective electrician companies how they approach sourcing and hiring their electricians.
When looking at potential electric repair solutions in your home, consider these 5 tips. Knowing how to identify electric repair opportunities and solutions can help you determine when you need to call an electrician and when you can identify the repair on your own. For more tips, contact us here.
