When was the last time you found yourself wondering when should you call an electrician? If so, you aren’t alone. People all over the country find themselves asking the exact same question every single day. The truth is that, depending on the type of electrical problems you are having, you may or may not need an electrician. However, it is always the safest option to check to make sure before attempting the job without a professional. Here are a few issues that you may come across in your home that will always warrant the answer of “yes” when you are facing the question: when should you call an electrician?
1. Wiring – Did you know that over half of all home fires (63%) are related to poor electrical wiring? If you have old or exposed wires that you are concerned about the best decision you can make is to call an electrician as soon as possible. Exposed wires can cause fires, injure children and pets, and put your home at risk in general. If you see an exposed wire in your home or the home of a loved one, don’t spend any time asking when should you call an electrician, just make the call.
2. Lighting Equipment – in the United States today, electrical fires alone cause over $1 billion in property damage each year. Many of those electrical fires begin with faulty, damaged, old, or poorly placed lighting equipment. That’s why it is smart to have a professional electrician come into your new home soon after you move in to assess your current lighting equipment and home energy efficiency. They may suggest that you move certain lighting equipment away from certain furniture or fabrics, and also give you advice on which type of light bulbs can save you money. Talk about a win-win!
3. Outlet Locations – Finding a professional to handle your residential electrical repairs is also great for when you are building a new home. Sure, you’ll be required to have inspections done by your local municipality, but what about smaller details like where you should and should not place your outlets? If you aren’t a professional electrician it may seem like a great idea to have several outlets in one room or one a single wall, but that may not be your safest option. Just another one of the reasons to use a professional electrician.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (also known as ESFI) recommends having an electrical inspection if your home is 40 years or older. This sort of inspection is meant to to diagnose potential hazards before they cause you injury or damage. Even if you are living in a newer home it’s never a bad idea to have an electrician take a look at your wiring, lighting equipment, and outlet locations. Having their blessing will give you peace of mind, save you money in the future, and keep your family safe.
