Overview

Electrical issues, however seemingly minor at first, should never be ignored. They can escalate quickly, leading to significant inconvenience, costly repairs, and, most alarmingly, hazardous situations like electrical fires. Recognizing the early warning signs is crucial for maintaining a safe and functional home. In this blog post, AArdvark Electric Service, Inc. explores the tell-tale signs that your home needs electrical repairs.

Highlights

Introduction

Can you spot minor electrical issues before they turn into big problems? You might be able to recognize a few of the early indicators, but not all of them. Thankfully, AArdvark Electric Service, Inc. is here to help.

In this blog post, we walk you through common indicators that your home’s electrical system is in need of professional attention. Understanding these signs can empower you to take proactive steps, safeguarding your property and ensuring the well-being of your loved ones.

Reach out to us at (630) 789-1949 if you have any questions or comments.

Frequent Circuit Breaker Interruptions

Circuit breakers are the unsung heroes of your electrical system. Their primary function is to act as safety valves, automatically interrupting the flow of electricity when a circuit becomes overloaded or a fault occurs. This prevents wires from overheating, which is the leading cause of electrical fires.

While an occasional circuit breaker trip might seem like a minor annoyance—perhaps you plugged in too many appliances at once—frequent and unexplained tripping is a clear signal that something more serious is amiss.

Let’s break down some of the most common reasons why circuit breakers trip repeatedly and what you can do about them.

Overloaded Circuits: The Strain of Too Many Devices

One of the most common reasons for a breaker to trip is circuit overload. This happens when too many electrical devices or appliances are running on the same circuit, demanding more power than the wiring can handle. Imagine plugging in a space heater, a hair dryer, and a microwave all at once—the system gets overwhelmed, and the breaker flips to prevent overheating.

Ground Faults: When Electricity Takes an Unexpected Route

A ground fault occurs when electricity strays from its intended path and makes contact with the ground or a grounded part of your electrical system. This is particularly dangerous in areas with moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor outlets. It can increase the risk of electric shock, which is why modern homes have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in these locations.

Faulty Appliances: When Your Devices Become the Problem

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your home’s wiring but with a malfunctioning appliance. An internal fault within an appliance can draw excessive current or create a short circuit, leading to breaker trips.

If you notice a particular appliance seems to trigger the breaker consistently, it’s likely the source of the problem.

Flickering and Dimming Lights

Have you noticed your lights flickering unexpectedly or dimming when other appliances turn on? While a momentary flicker might occur occasionally, persistent or frequent fluctuations in your lighting are more than just an aesthetic nuisance. This can be a subtle yet significant indicator of underlying electrical problems.

Common causes include:

  • Loose or faulty wiring
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Aging electrical panels

Beyond these common culprits, a flickering or dimming light could also point to a failing electrical connection somewhere within your home’s wiring. This might be in a junction box, behind a switch, or even within the light fixture itself. These deteriorating connections can create resistance to the flow of electricity, leading to the visible fluctuations in your lights.

Luckily, a licensed electrician has the expertise and tools to diagnose the root cause of the problem and perform the necessary repairs to ensure a stable and safe electrical supply.

Buzzing, Crackling, or Humming Sounds

Electricity is designed to flow silently. When your electrical system starts making unusual noises—buzzing, crackling, or humming—it’s a sign that something is not operating correctly. These sounds often indicate loose connections, faulty wiring, or an overloaded system struggling to cope with the electrical demand.

Pay attention to the following:

  • Buzzing outlets
  • Humming breaker box
  • Crackling sounds

Frequent Power Surges and Voltage Fluctuations

Power surges are sudden spikes in electrical voltage that can damage sensitive electronic devices, shorten the lifespan of appliances, and compromise the overall safety of your electrical system.

While occasional surges caused by external factors like lightning strikes are sometimes unavoidable, frequent power surges or noticeable voltage fluctuations within your home point to an underlying issue within your electrical infrastructure.

Power surges may be caused by:

  • Faulty wiring: Defective or improperly installed wiring can create inconsistencies in the flow of electricity, leading to voltage fluctuations and surges.
  • Damaged power strips or surge protectors: While surge protectors are designed to safeguard your electronics, they can become damaged or overloaded over time, rendering them ineffective and potentially contributing to power fluctuations.
  • A failing electrical panel: A malfunctioning or aging electrical panel may not be able to regulate and distribute power effectively, leading to surges and fluctuations throughout your home.

Investing in whole-home surge protection, which is installed at your electrical panel, can provide a comprehensive shield against these damaging spikes. Additionally, addressing any underlying wiring issues or upgrading an outdated electrical panel will improve the stability and reliability of your home’s electrical supply.

High Electric Bills Without a Clear Explanation

Have you noticed a significant and unexplained increase in your monthly electric bills, despite no changes in your energy consumption habits? This could be a sign that your electrical system is operating inefficiently or that there’s a hidden energy drain somewhere in your home.

Understanding Normal Fluctuations vs. Irregular Spikes

Electric bills naturally fluctuate throughout the year due to seasonal energy demands.

For instance, during the summer, higher air conditioning use can cause electricity bills to rise by 20 to 50%. During the winter, increased use of electric heating, space heaters, or holiday lighting can also lead to noticeable spikes. Meanwhile, during spring and fall, typically, electricity use stabilizes, leading to lower monthly costs.

While these variations are expected, a sharp or unexplained increase in electricity costs—outside of these normal seasonal shifts—can indicate hidden electrical problems. Investing in electrical repairs can put these problems to rest, ensuring a new level of energy efficiency.

Signs of Rodent Interference

Our homes provide shelter us, but sometimes the household can also become a safe haven for unwelcome guests like rodents. Mice and rats have a notorious habit of gnawing on electrical wires, which can lead to a range of problems, from short circuits and power outages to exposed conductors and a heightened risk of house fires.

Signs that rodents might be compromising your electrical system include:

  • Unexplained power outages in specific areas
  • Visible chewed wires in basements, attics, or crawl spaces
  • Frequent breaker trips without an apparent reason

When you suspect rodent damage to your electrical wiring, it’s crucial to have an electrician inspect and repair the affected areas. They can also advise you on preventative measures to deter rodents from accessing your home’s wiring in the future, as well.

An Outdated Electrical Panel

The electrical panel is the central hub of your home’s electrical system, responsible for distributing power safely to all the circuits. If your home still has an old fuse box or an outdated electrical panel with insufficient capacity, it may not be able to handle the electrical demands of modern living safely and efficiently.

The reason? Older homes often have electrical panels rated for 60 or 100 amps, which may not be enough for today’s high-energy appliances and devices. Modern homes typically require at least 200 amps to safely power everything from HVAC systems to smart home technology. It’s easy to understand why when you consider that older homes were outfitted with only a fraction of today’s standard appliances and devices.

Consider Upgrading Your Panel

If you’re adding high-power appliances like an electric stove, EV charger, or central air conditioning, or planning a home renovation, your existing panel simply may not have enough capacity. Upgrading to a higher-amp panel ensures your system can safely handle the increased electrical load.

Let AArdvark Electric Service, Inc. Handle the Electrical Repairs

Electrical problems, no matter how seemingly insignificant, should never be taken lightly. Ignoring the warning signs outlined in this guide can lead to costly repairs, inconvenient power outages, and, most importantly, dangerous electrical hazards. By being vigilant and recognizing these tell-tale signs, you can take proactive steps to protect your home and your family.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signals in your home, we can help. Our experienced electricians are experts in diagnosing and repairing a wide range of residential electrical issues. Whether you require a simple outlet replacement, troubleshooting for flickering lights, or a complete electrical panel upgrade, we’re committed to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and peace of mind of valued clients like you. Contact AArdvark Electric Service, Inc. today to schedule your electrical repairs. We’re available at (630) 789-1949.