As a homeowner, you’re likely to experience electric problems at some point in your life. Want to know what the most common ones are so you have a better idea of what to look out for? Keep reading to find out!
The most common electric problems in Dayton, OH
Excessive Power Surges
Power surges can be caused by lightning or other forms of bad weather (look at you, tornadoes). That being said, the most common way surges happen is because of high-draw appliances. Something as simple as a hair dryer can cause this if it’s not on a dedicated circuit.
It’s certainly not uncommon or worrisome if you face the occasional power surge. The problem comes when these surges happen frequently. This can be avoided by:
- Making sure your home’s wiring is up to date
- Having your high-draw appliances on dedicated circuits
- Using appliances that compatible with your home’s electrical systems
If you’re facing a lot of power surges, the best option is to talk to an experienced electrician to help identify what exactly is causing the problem. Not only will this help alleviate the headache of dealing with the power surges, it will also ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
Overloading electrical circuits
As mentioned above, your homes electrical circuits can get overloaded by the amount of appliances and electrical devices you’re using or have plugged in. Your circuits are designed to handle a specific load before your breaker trips. If your breaker is constantly tripping, this can lead to extensive electrical damage to your system and your appliances and devices. Avoid overloading outlets by:
- Making sure you have an adequate number of outlets for your electrical needs (if you need more installed, talk to an electrician)
- Don’t use extension cords as a long term solution
- Avoid chaining extension cords or power strips
Outdated wiring
A problem homeowners face, especially those in older homes, is out of date wiring. This can cause a number of annoying electrical issues but also more hazardous ones, like electrical fires, shock, and electrocution.
If you don’t know if your wiring is up to date, have an electrician come in to inspect it. Most electricians are more than happy to provide a free or affordable assessment of your wiring and can give you a good estimate of what to expect if you decide not to get your home updated.
Lighting issues
Flickering or dimming lights are signs that your electrical system is acting up or failing. Usually the light bulbs aren’t to blame, instead it could be a bad breaker, inadequate wattage, or not enough grounding wires.
Old electrical panels
Nowadays, we use a lot more appliances, lights, and more complicated HVAC systems to maintain comfort in our homes. This means that if you’re using a breaker panel that was designed for what was used 20 years ago, it’s out of date. This can lead to frequent breaker trips, light and appliance issues, and sometimes more hazardous results. A local electrician can help you identify how old your breaker panel is and provide you a quote for a more updated model.
Need electrical help in your home? Call A-Abel electric for any questions or concerns. Our local, licensed electricians are standing by to provide you with the quality service you deserve for your electric problems.
