If you are like most homeowners, you likely take your electric system for granted and don’t think much about it. It’s a system that is hidden within the walls where the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” comes into play. As long as your lights turn on when you flip the switch, you probably don’t give it a second thought.
Because you rely on it so much, you want to do all that you can to keep this system functioning correctly. Even though it is a behind-the-scenes component of your home, your electrical system needs to be inspected periodically by a professional. Don’t wait until a problem arises to ask for help. Rather, be proactive about preventing problems in the first place. Our team of highly skilled electricians here at Crowe Electric can complete a full electrical inspection to put your mind at ease and ensure that your system is working properly and safely. Every home is different, so how often you should have the electrical system inspected can vary.
Why You Need an Electrical Inspection
The National Fire Protection Association states that house fires caused by electrical issues are the most common cause of property damage. This is why it is so important to have Crowe Electric do a thorough electrical safety inspection: it will keep you and your family safe. In addition, you’ve invested a lot of time and money into your home. Protect that investment by ensuring that the electrical system is functioning properly.
What Happens During an Electrical Inspection
When we do an electrical inspection, our skilled technicians will examine your entire electrical system. We make sure all appliances, electrical wiring, and all components meet legal safety standards and are working the way they should. Once our inspection is complete, we’ll give you a detailed account of what we find. We’ll point out any areas that may need attention and give you recommendations for any improvements or upgrades you may need. We might even discover ways to help you save on your monthly energy costs.
Electrical Inspections for New Homes
It is recommended that you have your electrical system inspected every 10 years at a minimum for newly constructed homes. Compared to older homes, a new house has advanced wiring that meets all of the current codes and safety regulations. During construction, a professional electrician will have installed current wiring that meets all current safety recommendations. Your routine inspection will simply ensure that it stays in good condition.
Older Homes and Rental Properties
It is recommended that older homes and rental properties undergo an electrical inspection every three to five years. This is especially important for homes that are 25 or more years old. These homes could have old-fashioned knob and tube wiring or sheathing that has crumbled. The time frame is less than for a new home because that older wiring deteriorates quickly. Electricity isn’t something you want to mess around with. You need to know it is up to date, safe, and reliable.
Landlords should have a complete electrical inspection before renting their property to anyone. This includes having it inspected between tenants. Not all tenants will report issues that they have noticed. Having an inspection ensures that the system is safe and working properly, and it puts everyone at ease.
These are just recommendations. We can do electrical inspections more frequently if any component of your system isn’t functioning correctly. Keep an eye out for signs that something could be going wrong.
Signs That You Should Schedule an Electrical Inspection Immediately
While routine inspections will keep your electrical system safe and help you avoid problems, there are signs you should look for between these inspections.
- Circuit breakers trip frequently
- Fuses blow frequently
- Outlets and switches don’t work properly
- Outlets are two-pronged instead of three-pronged
- Lights flicker when the furnace, air conditioner, or appliances turn on
- Sockets are hot
- There are strange odors or noises
If you notice any of these problems, contact Crowe Electric immediately for a full inspection. We can locate the root of the problem, diagnose the issue, and do all necessary repairs. Always have a professional electrician work on your electrical system. Do not try to do the work yourself.
Before Major Upgrades
If you’re planning any major upgrades to your home, have an electrical inspection down before the work begins. This includes any renovations or before you add on an addition to your home. Remodeling often involves adding new light fixtures and outlets. An inspection ensures that your electrical system can support all of these new items. It will also save you money if you do any upgrades to the electrical system during the remodel rather than waiting until later.
When a DIY Electrical Project Has Been Completed
While one should always hire a professional, people still try to do electrical work themselves. If you have ever had anyone that was not a professional electrician do work on your home, you need to have an electrical inspection. This will ensure that the work was done correctly and in accordance with all current safety regulations. Best of all, it brings you peace of mind.
Before Buying a New Home
Whether you are buying a newly constructed home or an older home, you should have a full electrical inspection done before deciding to buy. If you didn’t think to do this, it’s not too late. Have the electrical system inspected now. You’ll avoid future problems and know that your home’s wiring is safe and reliable.
After a Major Storm
Severe weather can permanently damage your home’s electrical system. The damage may not be apparent immediately. Only a professional inspection can’t catch issues. An inspection is crucial if the storm damage resulted in any type of water damage to a wired portion of the home, if a tree limb brought down the power lines, or if the house was struck by lightning.
Sudden or Re-Occurring Problems
Whether an issue arises unexpectedly or a problem persists, you’ll want to schedule an electrical inspection to pinpoint the problem. For example, if you notice bulbs burning out more often than normal, there could be an electrical problem. Your electrical inspection will uncover any underlying issues that are causing things to go wrong.
Home Insurance Requirements
Some homeowner’s insurance companies require you to submit periodic proof of an inspection of your home’s electrical system as well as all other major home systems. If you don’t do this or don’t have issues repaired, they can cancel your policy.
Count on the Professionals
Along with routine electrical inspections, Crowe Electric offers a variety of high-quality services. We do electrical repairs and provide 24/7 emergency service. We can install recessed lighting and help with any electrical upgrades you need. We offer help with generators, surge protection, and electric panel replacement too. We have been committed to providing exceptional residential and commercial services since 2017. Our fully trained and highly skilled team of expert electricians are here to help with all your electrical need. Contact Crowe Electric today to learn more.
Author Bio:
Andrew Crowe
Owner of Crowe Electric, 331 Forest St, Rockland, MA holds a Electrician license and 1 other license according to the Massachusetts license board. Their BuildZoom score of 104 ranks in the top 9% of 139,240 Massachusetts licensed contractors.
