Your home’s electrical system consists of components and wiring that bring electricity from a main power source to your home’s outlets and fixtures. This important system is responsible for safely distributing the electricity that powers your HVAC system, appliances, and lights. When part of your home’s electrical system malfunctions, you need a professional electrician’s knowledge and expertise. Neglecting minor electrical issues can lead to serious safety hazards later on. Our professional electricians at Davis & Green can fix all your electrical problems so you can stay safe.
Warning Signs That Need a Pro
Many common electrical problems plague Richmond homeowners, and all of them need to be evaluated by an experienced professional for the sake of cost-effectiveness, health, and safety. Although you might be tempted to dismiss seemingly minor electrical issues, these small problems can snowball into much larger problems, which will also cost significantly more to address and may increase your risk of fire, electrical damage, and other potentially serious safety hazards. When you notice signs that your electrical system is malfunctioning, you should contact our electricians for electrical repair services.
Flickering Lights
When you’re watching TV or working on your computer, the last thing you need is a flickering light interfering with your view. Frequent flickering or dimming lights can indicate the presence of a faulty fixture, loose wire, or overloaded circuit. Before you dismiss flickering lights, you should call an electrician and schedule a thorough inspection. Our electricians will examine the wiring and fixtures to determine the cause of the problem and provide you with a road map for getting back on the right track. We’ll fix the problem expertly, safely, and cost-effectively.
Frequently Tripped Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers protect your home’s electrical system by preventing overheating, damage, and fires from excessive current flow. When a circuit becomes overloaded, the circuit breaker is designed to trip and shut off the current. This action protects the circuit, wiring, and any fixtures or appliances that are on that circuit. An occasional tripped circuit breaker is normal and may be due to power surges or other minor issues. If you notice this same circuit breaker tripping frequently, this is a warning sign of a larger electrical issue, such as an overloaded or short circuit. It could also indicate a malfunctioning breaker. A professional electrician can identify the cause of the tripped breaker. If the cause is an overloaded circuit, the electrician will upgrade the circuit to support the additional load. An electrician also can repair or replace malfunctioning breakers and circuits.
Warm or Hot Outlets or Switches
During normal operation, the outlets and switches on your wall should feel cool to the touch. If you feel heat when touching an outlet or switch, that indicates an electrical problem that requires immediate attention. Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits can cause your outlets or switches to feel hot. This heat is a sign of resistance that can cause an electrical fire. Richmond homeowners who notice this warning sign should schedule an electrical repair immediately. An electrician can replace faulty outlets or switches and repair any wires. These repairs should resolve the overheating.
Burning or Other Unusual Smells
If you smell smoke or burning near outlets or electrical panels, you likely have overheating wires or circuits. This smell hints at a serious electrical problem that requires emergency repair services. An experienced electrician will inspect the problem area and identify the smell’s source.
Buzzing or Other Unusual Sounds
If you hear buzzing or humming near outlets, switches, or electrical panels, you may have loose connections or other faulty components. Buzzing sounds indicate that you may have electrical arcing in your system. Damaged insulation and loose connections can leave gaps between electrical components. Electricity will jump across this gap, creating an arc. Electrical arcs generate heat and often create a buzzing sound. This heat can damage your electrical components and cause a fire. If you suspect this problem in your home, you need a professional electrician. An electrician can tighten connections and replace components to prevent arcing and other safety hazards.
Frequent Power Surges
An occasional power surge may not be a cause for alarm. If you notice power surges occurring frequently, you need the services of a professional electrician. Frequent power surges can have several causes including faulty wiring or malfunctioning appliances. Repeated power surges can damage your appliances and other electrical devices. An electrician can identify the source of the problem and make necessary repairs.
Problems Caused by Poor Repairs
One common cause of electrical problems is the well-meaning homeowner who tries to fix the problem themselves. Many homeowners attempt do-it-yourself repairs to save money. Replacing outlets, switches, light fixtures, or ceiling fans might look easy, but these DIY repairs can present a significant safety hazard. Poorly executed DIY repairs can lead to electrical shock, fire, and property damage. Richmond homeowners may spend more money to have a professional electrician correct a poor DIY repair. An experienced electrician can correct the problem and ensure your electrical system meets current building codes.
Old or Outdated Electrical Systems
If you live in an older home, your electrical system may be outdated. Today’s appliances, phones, and other electrical devices demand a lot of power to run properly. Some older homes may not have circuits that can deliver the required number of amps to power these devices. Older homes also may have outdated wiring that doesn’t meet current safety standards.
If you suspect that your home’s electrical system can’t support your current needs, our electricians at Davis & Green in Richmond can upgrade your system. These upgrades may include installing new circuits, GFCI outlets, arc-fault circuit interrupters, and tamper-resistant outlets. An electrician also can upgrade old wiring and insulation. We can identify potential areas of concern and make any necessary repairs or upgrades. If your home doesn’t meet current building codes for electrical systems, we can perform the necessary upgrades. You won’t have to worry about annoying or unsafe electrical problems. Instead, you and your family can focus on living comfortably in your home.
Professional Electricians in Richmond
At Davis & Green, we opened our doors to the Richmond community in 1982. Since then, we built a reputation for friendly, honest service. Our friends and neighbors rely on us for electrical repairs and upgrades as well as whole-house rewiring and EV charging station installations. Our team at Davis & Green can handle more than just electrical services. We can handle all of your HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation needs, too. Before the next major storm hits, ask our team about generator installation. You and your family can stay comfortable and safe, thanks to our reliable generators.
No matter what prompts you to call Davis & Green, we’re here to provide you with fast, friendly service. Contact our expert electricians at Davis & Green in Richmond to fix your electrical issues today!
