How Often Should I Have My Electrical System Inspected?

It's recommended to have a professional electrician inspect your electrical system every three to five years. Regular inspections help identify potential issues, ensuring the safety and reliability of your home or business. Our team at Electric City is well-versed in finding electrical issues during inspections.

What Are Signs That I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

Frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, and an outdated electrical panel are clear signs that an upgrade is necessary. These issues can indicate overload, wear, or obsolescence, compromising safety. Upgrading your electrical panel improves safety and efficiency in your home or business by meeting the needs of modern appliances and technologies.

Why Are My Lights Flickering & Should I Be Concerned?

Flickering lights may signal various issues, including loose bulbs, faulty wiring, or problems in the electrical system. While occasional flickering might be due to minor causes, persistent or severe flickering could indicate an underlying problem, potentially compromising safety. Have a professional electrician quickly assess the situation to identify the root cause and address potential hazards. Electric City provides inspections and repair services to ensure your lighting system operates safely.

How Can I Improve Energy Efficiency in My Home or Business?

Improving energy efficiency involves various strategies for both homes and businesses. Consider upgrading to LED lighting, using energy-efficient appliances, and installing programmable thermostats. Additionally, ensure proper insulation, seal air leaks, and schedule regular maintenance for HVAC systems. Electric City provides personalized energy-saving services to help you save energy, cut utility expenses, and support a greener environment.

What Should I Do During a Power Outage at My Home or Business?

During a power outage, prioritize safety by turning off major appliances to prevent overload when power is restored. Use flashlights instead of candles for lighting, and avoid opening the refrigerator to keep food cold longer. If the outage persists, unplug sensitive electronic devices to protect them from potential power surges when electricity returns. Consider having a backup power source, like a generator, for essential appliances. Electric City can assist you with standby generator installation, ensuring uninterrupted power during outages at your home or business.

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Home Electrical Improvements Everyone Should Make in 2022

Electricians in Katy, TX Provide Electrical Safety Tips for Homeowners

3 Ways Homeowners Can Improve Their Electrical Systems This Year

As homeowners get started on all those home improvement projects, they swore they’d tackle this year, there’s one item that too often gets overlooked – the electrical system. Although many people don’t realize it, a home’s electrical system requires its fair share of maintenance and upkeep to function properly over the long term.

Wiring and other components get worn or damaged over time, safety standards and codes change, equipment grows outdated, and improper usage opens the door for electrical hazards. So here are three pro tips to help homeowners keep their electrical systems safe and up to date in 2022!

Prevent Circuit Overloads

A circuit overload occurs when the devices plugged into a given circuit draw more power than the circuit is designed to handle. This usually results in a tripped breaker, but in some cases, it can cause wiring or outlets to heat up before the breaker can trip, creating a major fire hazard and potentially damaging electronics.

Aside from tripped breakers or blown fuses, signs of an overloaded circuit include dimming or flickering lights, strange sounds or smoke coming from light switches and outlets, and switches or outlets that are warm to the touch.

To avoid overloading circuits, homeowners can spread their devices across multiple circuits – especially those that require more power, such as microwaves and space heaters. Overburdened power strips are a common cause of overloads, so it pays to be mindful of how many devices are plugged into a strip, and the power usage of each device. It also helps to know which outlets are on which circuits – this isn’t always intuitive, so it may be a good idea to enlist the help of an electrician to map out each circuit and even install new circuits if need be.

Schedule an Inspection of Wiring and Outlets

One of the best things anyone can do for their home is to hire a professional to perform an electrical safety inspection. Such inspections are usually a prerequisite for selling a home or taking out a new insurance policy. Still, it’s a good idea to have it done periodically for multiple reasons – especially for those living in older homes.

A thorough inspection will reveal potential electrical hazards the home may have. Without regular inspections, these hazards often go undetected until it’s too late. A trained electrician can spot areas where electrical efficiency can be improved, allowing homeowners to cut energy costs. Routine electrical inspections are the only way to ensure the home complies with national and local electrical codes.

Replace Damaged or Outdated Wires

In many homes – especially older ones – an electrical inspection may reveal old or damaged components. After all, as mentioned above, electrical systems are not immune to wear and tear. Frayed wires, deteriorated wire casings, loose contact terminals, and obsolete equipment are just a few common problems that plague aging electrical systems.

Even in newer homes, things like stray nails, nibbling rodents, or amateur electrical repairs can create all sorts of hazards that all too often result in electric shock or devastating house fires. So, it’s imperative to repair or replace any outdated or damaged electrical components as soon as possible. And for the sake of safety and peace of mind, whether it’s an outlet replacement or a whole home rewiring, this kind of home improvement project is best left to a licensed and insured electrical service company!

About Electric City

Electric City has been serving the Katy community with pride since 2008. They offer up-front pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and unbeatable warranties. Electric City guarantees on-time arrival and 100% satisfaction on every job, so call them today for electrical services in Katy, TX!