When planning an electrical project, hiring a licensed electrician is crucial for safety and quality. They possess the necessary expertise and credentials to handle electrical work safely and according to regulations. This guide provides essential information for finding and hiring the right licensed electrician for your project, ensuring a safe and successful outcome.
Clear Signs You Need to Call an Electrician
While paying an electrician to come to do minor repairs in your home may seem like a hassle, it is something that can save you time, money and peace of mind in the long run. If you are wondering if you should call an electrician to do electrical repairs, then you probably should. Here are some tips on how to tell when to call an electrician.
Your Breakers Trip a Lot
Breakers are designed to trip and disconnect a circuit if there is more electricity going to it than it can handle. If a breaker trips frequently, it could be a sign of an overloaded circuit. It means that there is too much electricity needed in a certain part of your home, and you need to upgrade the electrical circuit’s capacity.
This frequent tripping can sometimes happen if you install a new appliance that generates a lot of heat or uses a lot of electricity. It can also happen if you live in an older home. Older electrical circuits were not designed to handle the electrical capacity required for modern living. Upgrading your circuit to a more modern one can solve the problem. This is an electrical repair that would need a trained professional.
Outlet Stops Working
If you notice that a certain outlet in your home has stopped working, the first thing to do is to check the breaker. If the breaker hasn’t been tripped, and the outlet isn’t working, it can be a sign that the outlet is worn out and in need of replacement.
To make sure the original outlet is safely removed and a new outlet is properly installed, it is best to contact an electrician. Although this may seem like a simple electrical repair, it’s better to leave it to a trained professional. If an installation goes wrong, it can impact your entire electrical system. So, rather than having to replace just the one outlet, you could end up having to fix an entire circuit if the original job is done incorrectly.
Flickering Lights
If your lights constantly flicker, first check to make sure the light bulb is properly installed. Make sure the light is off before touching the bulb. If you are still having problems, it is time to call an electrician to make some electrical repairs. Flickering lights can be a sign of an overloaded circuit. So, rather than the issue being the lights themselves, they are a warning sign of a bigger issue, as an overloaded circuit can affect the electrical flow of your entire home.
Age of the Home
Most electricians recommend having your home’s electrical system inspected every three to five years. It can help you discover minor issues before they become bigger issues, spot safety hazards and keep your home running efficiently. If your home is more than 25 years old, it is possible that the wiring system is outdated, meaning that your electrical system is running inefficiently, which could also be a safety hazard.
Homes designed today are equipped to handle a much larger amount of electricity because we use so much more now than we did, even just in the 80s and 90s. You could spend time and money fixing every little issue that springs up, but that’s like trying to plug the holes on a sinking ship. Electrical repairs are a key aspect of a home’s efficiency, and upgrading your home’s electrical system to something more modern will keep your home running safely.
Essential Electrical Services for Homeowners
Electricians provide a range of crucial services for homeowners.
Electrical Repairs
When electrical issues arise, timely repairs are essential. These services include troubleshooting and fixing problems like faulty wiring, circuit breaker issues, lighting malfunctions, and malfunctioning outlets and switches. Electricians will address these problems promptly to ensure the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system.
Electrical Installation and Upgrades
Electrical installation covers adding new circuits for appliances, setting up various types of lighting, upgrading outdated electrical panels to handle increased power demands, and installing wiring for renovations or additions. These services will ensure your electrical system can safely and efficiently support your lifestyle.
Safety Inspections and Code Compliance
Regular electrical safety inspections are crucial for identifying potential hazards before they become serious problems. Qualified electricians will assess your home’s wiring, grounding and safety devices to confirm they meet current electrical codes. Addressing any identified issues will support your family’s safety and protect your property from electrical fires and other dangers.
Specialty Services
Beyond the standard electrical needs, specialty services cater to unique requirements. These can include installing and maintaining backup generators for power outages, setting up smart home electrical systems, installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and providing wiring for specialized equipment or home theaters. These services offer customized electrical solutions to enhance convenience and functionality.
Emergency Services
Electrical emergencies can happen at any time and require immediate attention. Emergency services provide 24/7 support for urgent issues such as complete power loss, sparking wires, burning smells or any situation that poses an immediate safety risk. Prompt response from qualified electricians can mitigate damage and ensure the safety of your household.
Why Hire an Electrician With a License?
Electrical work may seem like an expensive job that you could do yourself. However, there are many reasons why you should hire a professional electrician. DIYing an electrical repair could lead to a lot of problems, including safety issues, long-term electrical problems and a small fix turning into something much bigger and more costly. Here are some reasons why you should let electrical professionals handle things:
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your electrical work is being done by a licensed and insured professional can provide peace of mind. You can trust that the work will be done correctly and safely, eliminating the worry of potential problems. Electricians often provide warranties on their work, giving you further assurance of quality and reliability.
- Safety: Electrical work is inherently dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or even death if not handled correctly. Electricians are trained to identify and mitigate electrical hazards, keeping you and your family safe. They have the tools and experience to do the job properly, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Expertise and experience: Electricians have the knowledge, skills and experience to handle various electrical tasks, from simple repairs to complex installations. They can diagnose problems accurately and efficiently, preventing unnecessary repairs or replacements. Their experience allows them to work faster and more efficiently than someone without the proper training.
- Time and money savings: Hiring an electrician can save you money in the long run by preventing costly mistakes and unnecessary repairs. Electricians can often diagnose and fix problems quickly, preventing them from escalating into larger, more expensive issues. They can also help you identify ways to improve energy efficiency and save money on your electricity bill.
How to Hire an Electrician
Maintaining a home can be expensive and stressful, but if you hire the right people for the job, it will save you time and money in the long run. It’s no fun when you finally check something off your To-Do List, only to find out a few months later that it was not a quality job. Electricity is a key component of any building, and it is important to know how to hire an electrician to keep your home running smoothly. Here are some tips on what you should know to hire an electrician.
Recommendations
One of the most reliable ways to find a good electrician is to ask around. Neighbors, friends or family members can recommend electricians for you who have done work for them, and warn you which electricians to steer clear of. Another option would be to contact a general contractor. They work closely with electricians on their projects and will be able to give you the names of a few. There are also home builders’ associations and electrical supply houses in most communities that can make recommendations.
When asking around, make sure that you know what type of work you need done because many electricians specialize. If you only need a few fixtures repaired, hiring someone who usually works in new construction might not be the best choice. Once you have made your decision, contact the electrician and ask for past customer references or look online so you can read previous customer reviews.
Keep Money in Mind
Another factor to consider when deciding how to hire an electrician is your budget. When choosing between electricians, ask for an estimate. The electrician will come to your house and survey the project, and then he or she can tell you what they think the total cost will be. If you are trying to narrow down your list of electricians, having estimates to compare will make your decision much easier.
When determining the estimate, make sure the electrician knows exactly what you want done, down to the types of fixtures being installed. Throughout the project, keep your own running tally of costs. An estimate of $600 might seem reasonable, but if you forget to include the two $50 fixtures you want installed, that makes a big difference in your total cost.
Keep It Legal and Safe
Going with the cheapest option doesn’t always save you money. It is important to know how to hire an electrician – not just an electrician, but a professional, licensed and insured electrician. A project poorly done will end up costing more in repairs than a cheaper option. Recommendations can help point you toward good electricians, but once you have chosen one, it is important to know how qualified the person is. There are two types of qualifications electricians can have.
- A master electrician is someone who has two years of experience in the field and has passed a standardized test. To pass this test, the electrician must be knowledgeable of the National Electrical Code, as well as anything particular to the state you live in. Master electricians are licensed to plan, design, install and maintain electrical systems.
- The second type is a journeyman electrician. This person has a state license, but not a national one. Depending on where you live, some states mandate that a journeyman electrician must work with a master electrician. Journeymen are allowed to install wiring and equipment using the plans of a master electrician, but they cannot design systems themselves. When meeting with your electrician, ask for their license and proof of insurance to be sure that they have formal training in their field, and if something does go wrong, they will be able to cover it through insurance.
Contact Asbury Electric for Professional Electrical Services
When it comes to your electrical needs, don’t settle for less than professional expertise. Licensed electricians like those at Asbury Electric offer the assurance of safety and quality workmanship. Whether you’re facing a minor repair or it’s time for a new installation, our knowledge and experience can make all the difference. Choosing us means choosing reliability and peace of mind. Contact us today to discuss your project and experience the benefits of professional electrical services.
