Electricity is among the most important inventions of all time, and one without which our modern society simply wouldn’t be able to exist. That being said, unlike many other technologies we depend on on a daily basis, faulty electrical systems can cause massive damage to our property and even lead to life-threatening injuries.
For this reason, homeowners in Fort Collins and across the US are strongly advised to refrain from attempting DIY repairs on their electrical systems and to instead always leave this task to professional electricians.
But how do you know when it’s time to call in an electrician? What are some telltale signs that the electrical systems in your home are in need of replacement or repair? These are the questions we’ll be answering in the following article. Read on.
How do I know if I have an electrical problem?
Failing to address electrical malfunctions in a timely manner can result in costly repairs and may even lead to an electrical fire. For this reason, familiarizing yourself with the early signs of electrical problems is important to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Never ignore these 6 signs of a malfunctioning electrical system:
1. One or more circuit breakers are tripping
It’s perfectly normal for a circuit breaker to trip occasionally. However, if this is happening all the time or as soon as you trip it back on, you may be overloading its safety capacity, or you may have a wiring issue on your hands.
2. Lamps are buzzing when you turn them on
Hearing a slight buzz or feeling a little shock whenever you turn on a lamp is an early sign of a severe electrical problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.
3. Electrical outlets are hot to the touch
An electrical outlet should never become physically hot. If this is the case at your home, stop using this outlet immediately and get in touch with an electrician. Not doing so runs a very real risk of an electrical fire.
4. Burning smells
If a burning odor is coming out of any outlet or switch, turn off the electrical panel right away and contact an electrician. Keep a close eye on the smelly switches and outlets, and keep your fire extinguisher on hand: you may be dealing with the onset of an electrical fire.
5. The electric bills are unusually high
Seeing an increase in your electric bills is normal during the cooling season when you have your air conditioner working around-the-clock. But if your electric bills have skyrocketed for no apparent reason, this may be a sign of a serious problem with your electrical systems.
6. Lights are dim or flickering
A flickering light typically means the light bulb is defective or loose in its socket. That being said, this can also occur as a result of faulty electrical wiring or loose fixture connections. If changing the bulb doesn’t fix the problem, call in a professional ASAP.
Where in Fort Collins can I hire reliable electricians?
Ever since residential electrical systems were first invented, scientists have been working on making them more reliable and 100% safe for general use. However, until science gets there, we’ll all need to rely on the services of professional electricians.
That’s where Handyman Connection of Fort Collins comes in! Our team consists of supremely qualified electricians, plumbers, builders, woodworkers, and more. Whether you live near the Gardens on Spring Creek or out at the edges of the city, you can count on experts to show up in a timely manner and meet your needs with maximum efficiency. Call us today!