Everyone has safety concerns regarding their homes, but new homeowners often worry about electrical safety the most. You don’t know the electrical health of the property until you’ve lived in it for a while. However, inspecting before you move in can give you some idea of what to expect. It also offers peace of mind, especially if you address the highlighted concerns before moving in.
Here are six electrical fears that every new homeowner has:
Finding Reputable Electricians in The New Area
When moving into a new area, you have to make sure you know a qualified electrician who can handle any emergencies or electrical projects you may have. Not all electricians are created equal, do your research and ask for referrals before hiring anyone. When looking for an electrician here are some tips:
- Make sure they’re licensed and insured
- Check their online reviews
- See if they have any specialties
- Ask if they offer a warranty on their work
Also, check how long they’ve been in business, as this can give you an idea of their experience level. Does the company have enough equipment, workforce, and resources to handle your project?
Does the Electrical Panel Meet Your Electricity Demands?
You might move into a home only to realize your electricity consumption is way higher than the home’s electrical panel can handle. If this is the case, you’ll need to upgrade it as soon as possible to avoid overloading and causing an electrical fire. If you’re unsure if it can handle your electricity demands, it’s best to contact a qualified electrician in Hopkins, MN for an inspection. When you notice issues such as tripping circuit breakers, flickering lights, or outlets that don’t work, this is often a sign that your electrical panel needs replacing or upgrading.
Are the Outlets and Switches Grounded?
If your home was built before the 1950s, there’s a chance that the outlets and switches are not grounded. It means that if there’s a power surge, the electricity will have nowhere to go but into your home and appliances. This issue can cause severe damage and even start fires. If your outlets and switches are not grounded, have an electrician replace them. It’s a relatively simple and inexpensive fix that can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
Do You Need to Replace the Wiring?
The wiring might need replacing if your home is more than 40 years old. Homes built before this period often used aluminum wiring, which is more susceptible to fires. While trying to do this yourself is tempting, leaving it to the professionals is best. Signs its time to replace the wiring are:
- Outlets and switches feel hot to the touch
- Flickering lights
- Burning smells coming from outlets or switches
- Circuit breakers that trip frequently
Knob and Tube Wiring
If your home has knob and tube wiring, have it replaced as soon as possible. This type of wiring was common in homes built before the 1930s, but it’s no longer up to code and can be dangerous. While knob and tube wiring is not necessarily a fire hazard, it can degrade over time and cause electrical problems.
Are the Appliances Up to Code?
If you’re moving into an older home, the appliances might not be up to code. They might not be as energy-efficient as newer models and could cost you more money in the long run. Have an electrician inspect your appliances to see if they need replacing.
Have an Assessment Before Moving In
As a new homeowner, be aware of the potential electrical concerns that could cause grievous harm. Do regular checkups and if unsure of anything, hire a professional electrician to take a look for you. It’s best to have an inspection before moving in to address any issues quickly. Better still, have the assessment before committing to the property to not buy a home with underlying electrical problems.
