Most likely, if you’re like most Nevada homeowners, you may not think much about your electrical system until a problem arises. Put simply, a residential electrical inspection is a comprehensive examination of everything in an electrical system, which includes wires, components, circuit breakers, air panels, conduits, electrical boxes and even electrical appliances. Here are eight reasons why you need an electrical inspection, along with the importance of hiring a highly qualified and licensed electrician. 

1. Living in an Older Home

One of the main reasons for scheduling an electrical inspection is if you live in an older home. While new homes are considered safer and usually need to have an electrical inspection after about ten years, older homes are more at risk. Consider that the wiring could be severely deteriorated. Furthermore, older homes often have tube and knob wiring and other outdated technologies that are incompatible with today’s appliances. Be aware that there could have been numerous attempts for improving the original wiring. However, the quality of these improvements may not be good. If you live in an old home, you need to contact a licensed electrician every three years. 

2. Buying or Selling a Home 

Are you in the process of buying a new home? If so, you should get an electrical inspection. You need to find out about any hazardous electrical conditions that could be extremely costly to fix once you’ve bought the property. Moreover, getting an electrical inspection can be helpful in negotiating a lower price when finding property defects.

If you’re selling your house, you’ll need an electrical inspection for determining what needs to be done to get your electrical system updated. If you fail to get an electrical inspection, it could lower the value of your property.

3. Remodeling Your Home

Even you’ve remodeled your home and repaired some damage, you still need to set up an electrical inspection after the work has been completed. Consider that many homeowners who remodel their homes make electrical additions, adding to their original electrical constructions. Besides letting you know if the work can be done safety, they can also suggest possible updates to electrical components so that your home is both safe and functional.

4. Unexpected Heated Switches and Electrical Outlets

Eventually, switches and electrical sockets can become warm with time. While having them heat up gradually is fine, be leery if you detect heat that isn’t expected coming from your switches. Another cause of concern is noticing sockets that are exceptionally hot. If this occurs, promptly switch off the primary breaker and call us.

5. Lights That Dim or Flicker  

If your lights flicker or dim, this may not be hazardous. However, it is a common sign showing multiple use of a circuit for another appliance that is being used at the same time. To ease your mind and ensure that your appliances are all working, contact an licensed electrician to discover the causes for the dimming or flickering lights. What’s more, your electrician can also do a thorough inspection of your appliances and suggest possible upgrades, along with informing you about an appliance’s lifespan.

6. A Burning Smell 

Any burning smell should always be immediately checked and especially if when they come from electrical appliances as well as a fuse box, sockets or switches. For any suspicious smells, contact an electrical professional who can conduct a thorough inspection around your home and property and discover the reason for the smell, besides fix the problem. 

7. Odd Sounds 

If you’ve heard any unusual sounds coming from your appliances or electrical devices, the source of the noise may be your fuse or circuit breaker. This could suggest issues, such as faulty wires, irregular power surges, loose connections or other problems. The only way to know for sure and have peace of mind is to let a highly trained and licensed electrician diagnose and fix the problem. 

8. An Unexplained Spike in Energy Costs 

Have you noticed an increase in your energy bills?  If so, you may need to get an electrical inspection. In fact, having your electrical system inspected can result in paying less in electric costs each month. During the inspection, your electrician can determine if your electrical unit is inefficient, which is making you pay more for electrical costs. If you live in an older home, it’s even more critical that you know if your current electrical system is costing you a lot of money. By getting your electrical wiring upgraded, you can pay less each month.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND WARNINGS

  • An electrician creates a detailed checklist, prioritizing any areas needing attention or service.
  • A typical inspection takes from one to three hours.
  • Sometimes, insurance providers require electrical inspections to ensure that a home is a low insurance risk.
  • Consider that the second top cause of home fires in the United States is electrical malfunctions or failures.

 CONTACT US 

For all your residential and commercial electrical needs, you can depend on Penny Electric. Contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, besides explain what’s involved in the pre-inspection electrical process.

Source

NFPA report – Home Electrical Fires