9 Reasons Why Your Home Needs an Electrical Inspection

Did you know that electrical malfunctions cause 51,000 house fires each year? Most homeowners do not think of inspecting electrical systems until a problem occurs. However, regular electrical inspections can prevent most electrical issues from becoming worse.

A typical residential electrical system inspection involves an electrician examining all interior and exterior components of a house's electrical system. You may wonder why all that fuss is necessary. Discover nine reasons why your home needs an electrical inspection.

1. Burning Smell

A burning smell is a bad sign where electricity is involved. A burning smell from electrical outlets could indicate exposed or damaged electrical wiring. It could also indicate a foreign object in the outlet. If you detect a burning smell near your fuse box, sockets, or electrical appliances, do not ignore it. Contact your electrician immediately to conduct an inspection to identify the problem.

2. Odd Noises

Odd sounds coming from your electrical appliances often originate from fuse boxes or circuit breakers. These sounds usually indicate loose or faulty wiring, power surges, or other electrical issues. Only an electrician can diagnose the exact cause of any odd noises coming from your electrical outlets.

3. Flickering Lights

If the lights in your home flicker constantly or become dim when you switch on some appliances, you need an electrical inspection. While flickering or dimming lights are not electrical hazards, they may indicate a faulty appliance. An electrician will inspect all your appliances and suggest possible upgrades on any appliances causing electrical problems. 

4. Unexplained Heat From Switches and Sockets

Another reason you may need an electrical inspection is if your switches and sockets keep heating up unexpectedly. Switches and sockets often heat up gradually. But, if the amount of heat coming from them is greater than normal or if they heat up very fast, you may have an electrical issue.

5. House Renovation 

Getting an electrical inspection is essential if you renovated your house. While you may have repaired any electrical issues during the renovation, a post-work check will tell if the repairs suffice. Additionally, you may have made electrical additions to your home. In that case, an electrical inspection will confirm whether your electrical system can support the additions.

6. House Sale

Electrical issues such as frayed wiring can lower property value. So if you plan on selling your house, schedule an electrical inspection to identify areas that need maintenance work to avoid harming your property value. 

7. New House

If you are in the process of purchasing a house, an electrical inspection will help identify costly electrical issues you may have to fix after buying the property. You can use your findings to negotiate for a lower asking price.

8. Increased Electricity Bills

A sudden increase in electricity bills may indicate an inefficient electrical system. So, schedule an electrical inspection as soon as you realize you are paying higher-than-usual electricity bills. After a review, an electrician will advise you on upgrades to improve your electrical system. Additionally, an electrical inspection may result in lower energy costs.

9. Old House

Older homes often have outdated electrical technologies that do not work well with modern electrical appliances. Additionally, the outdated wiring in old homes may often fail, resulting in power failures. If you live in an older home, schedule an electrical inspection to identify any areas in your electrical system that need an upgrade. 

Regular electrical inspections will help you keep your home safe. So if you have not had an electrical inspection in a while, contact us today to schedule one. We look forward to helping you with all your electrical needs.