Carrying out regular electrical inspections in your home maintains a safe environment. You can also prevent costly repairs and legal repercussions. A professional electrician can advise you when to have one done, but generally, it is a good idea to have an inspection done once a year.
Note that electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires. However, a routine inspection can detect issues leading to timely solutions. Besides regular inspections, here are seven instances you should have an electrical inspection done.
Buying a New House
Because you don’t know the history of a new house, have an electrical inspection done before buying or moving into a new house. Doing so identifies possible problems avoiding nasty surprises later.
During the inspection, electricians check the safety of installations and possible risks. They also advise on required upgrades to increase security. They can also check the lighting installation, sockets, and electrical appliances.
Selling Your Home
Before selling your house, have an electrical inspection. A thorough inspection identifies any issues that may affect a sale. Note that buyers often request a professional electrical report with their contract to ensure the house is safe. They’re likely to offer a lower price if it doesn’t meet electrical standards.
A Home Renovation
Before starting a renovation, get an inspection to identify any electrical faults that could cause damage. Home renovations increase hazards, so have experts monitor the activity.
A professional can fulfill electrical needs for the renovation and advise on the work required to meet current standards. After completing the project, have another inspection to ensure everything is satisfactory.
Note that electrical problems can affect your insurance. Know the state of all the installations and rectify issues before calling the insurance company for coverage.
When Living in an Older Home
Electricity standards change over time, which means older homes may not meet the latest specifications. Some older houses have knob and tube wiring, which is outdated. The wiring poses a shock risk, especially if tampered with.
Older homes also have aluminum wiring that may breach current codes and not meet your electricity needs adequately. A qualified electrician can identify the type of wiring in your home and recommend upgrading or replacement where required.
Old wiring can lead to overloaded circuits posing a shock risk, but upgrading ensures your safety. Another issue is that older homes often come with inadequate light fixtures and switches, so consider updating these as well.
After a Huge Storm
After a massive hurricane or storm, have an inspection. Tornadoes and high winds can cause extensive damage that may go unnoticed. In addition, downed power lines and debris pose a risk of shock and injury. In such events, you should not go near any downed lines or anything that looks like it may be an electrical hazard.
When You Suspect a Fault
You should also get an inspection when you suspect a fault. This prevents the unpleasant discovery of problems after an accident has occurred. Make sure you hire a professional electrician to avoid risk to your family and property.
When Your Energy Bill Is Too High
Get an inspection if you have a sharp unexplained increase in your energy bills. The professional will determine if problems with your electrical system are causing the high usage, or if your appliances are faulty or broken.
Overloaded circuits are another possible cause of high energy usage. A technician can help you correct faulty appliances and improve your electrical system to ensure safe use and lowered bills.
Regular Inspections Increase Security
Prioritize regular inspections to maintain safety and avoid problems. Electricians check the system for any faults and ensure it’s compatible with your current and future needs. Never ignore problems, even when they seem minor, as they can lead to costly repairs or replacements down the road.
