Snellville Electricians Near You

There are electrical problems for every season, but a feature they share is that they all present a danger to your family. Whether it's blown fuses or appliances that start spewing smoke, you may be playing with fire if you address these issues without proper training. Some problems are minor and easy to fix, but many require professional help.

Here are the five common signs of electrical problems in homes, what to expect when troubleshooting, and how you should go about fixing them:

1. Light bulbs burn out on a regular basis. When light bulbs go out regularly, it is usually tied to the amount of power and voltage a fixture can handle. You may have exceeded the standard capabilities when you tried to replace it, initiating a cycle of wasted bulbs. Look for information on wattage capacity, or try using less powerful bulbs. Energy efficiency is also a big issue. Fluorescent bulbs use less power — and last much longer — than traditional incandescent bulbs. Though they cost more than twice than traditional bulbs, fluorescent options give you more value in the long run, while they require less maintenance.
2. Part or all of an outlet doesn't work. It can be mystifying to find the top outlet working normally while the bottom outlet stops functioning, but this is one of the most common electrical problems for homeowners. Because the separate halves of an outlet both depend on solid connections and unique power sources (such as a wall switch), the solution could be as easy as flicking a switch. However, outlets that go down could be a result of the dangers they present. A qualified electrician can troubleshoot and diagnose the problem and ensure code compliance, so you can rest assured there are no fire or safety hazards.
3. You have to keep replacing fuses. Summer is when air conditioning units can lead to blown fuses. You might also find this problem originating from hair dryers or other appliances. It's likely a sign you are trying to get too much power and amperage from a single outlet, resulting in a blown fuse. This should be addressed by trained and skilled electricians who can assess your electrical system, identify the root cause, and recommend new outlets or other fixes for your home. Overloading outlets is one of the most common fire hazards in homes these days. Blown fuses are a warning sign.
4. Sparks fly when you plug in an appliance. While there may be nothing wrong with a tiny, isolated spark emitting from an outlet, you're letting another potential fire hazard go unaddressed if it is a regular occurrence. As with frayed wires, smoking connections, and flickering lights, the presence of sparks suggests major electrical problems. Qualified electricians can tell you whether the issue demands immediate attention or simply smarter use of appliances, and can install GFCI outlets for added safety protection.
5. The energy bill is getting higher. One of the most common electrical problems for Dunwoody homeowners is a higher monthly utility cost. In some cases, electrical issues such as a malfunctioning water heater are behind it. In other situations, old appliances and cooling systems are breaking down and raising your monthly energy costs. Talk to an experienced technician about full-scale home energy audits, so you can stop this trend of higher monthly costs.

Reliable Heating & Air has been sizing up electrical problems in homes for decades. Before you let faulty wiring or rising costs get the better of you, contact the Reliable team for a full inspection. Our prompt and courteous electricians provide free estimates and transparent service.