4 Reasons You Need a Residential Electrician

Don’t Wait for Sparks: Common Reasons You Need a Residential Electrician

Electricity is installed early in the construction process. After the homeowner closes on the property and receives the keys, little thought is given to the electrical system again. Fortunately, residential electrical systems are stout and stable, so the reputation is well deserved. However, there are some reasons for homeowners to need an electrician, and it is important to know when to make that call. After all, a damaged or ineffective electrical system poses a danger to people and property, dangers from potential shock and fire.

Identifying Residential Electrical Issues: Four Reasons You Need to Call an Electrician

1. Outdated materials. If a home was constructed before the mid-1970s, you are probably acquainted with an electrician. Construction technology introduced some materials that no longer meet building code requirements. Materials, such as aluminum wiring and knob and tube wiring, pose a hazard to homes and should be removed as soon as possible.

Outlets with two prongs were phased out of construction in the 1960s and no longer met building codes. The first two prongs always carry electricity back and forth. A third prong was introduced as a safety feature, to carry a potential short-circuit safely away. If your home has outlets with only two prongs, they will need to be replaced.

Vintage homes may also have electric service panels with fuses instead of circuit breakers. Replacing these panels might be a practical measure since household fuses are getting hard to find. Keeping a supply of the correct fuses is necessary, but is becoming increasingly difficult. We recommend calling our residential electrician team to make updates or changes to your service panel.

1. Right-sizing the electrical service panel. The number of electronic devices and the current these devices draw have increased dramatically over the last few decades. Some residential electrical systems are being overwhelmed by the increased need. If circuit breakers trip frequently at your home, the capacity of the service panel may need to be increased. A 100-amp service has been typical since the 1960s, but this may not be a large enough service. A 200-amp service is more typical of larger homes, homes with many devices in use, or homes with special electrical needs.
2. Extension cord nightmares. Another indication of trouble is an inadequate number of outlets available for devices that seem to multiply daily. Extension cords, power bars, and outlet extenders are supposed to be temporary measures. When they are permanent fixtures, they cause a tripping hazard and a potential fire hazard. Too many devices plugged into a single circuit can lead to an overloaded circuit. Outlets or extension cords that are hot to the touch are indications of a dangerous overload.

Adding a circuit to handle the extra devices sounds easy enough, but if the service panel cannot accept another circuit, it may require a new service panel. A professional residential electrician is needed to make this determination.

1. Additional heavy equipment. Most new appliances and devices are designed to use less energy, not more. However, some homeowners are adding equipment to their homes that demands upgrades to the electric service panel and technical assistance from a professional residential electrician.

Whole-house generators are in demand to compensate for weather-related power outages. Adding a generator to a home is a complex process, requiring a transfer switch and a permanent generator installation.

Whole-house surge protectors are also a frequent addition to homes for the same reason—volatile weather patterns that threaten the integrity of a home’s electrical network and appliances.

Electric vehicle charging stations are being installed in homes as an everyday charging option. Charging takes significant energy, a dedicated 220-volt circuit, and a potential upgrade to the electric service panel.

Why You Need to Call the Residential Electrician Team at AirPro Houston

Issues such as outdated wiring, insufficient outlets, and the need to upgrade electrical service panels for modern demands can pose safety hazards.

With our four decades of experience as a residential electrician, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge of Electrical Repair safety in your home and addresses any residential electrical repair issues that homeowners may encounter. Call our residential electrician team at 281-880-8805.