For no apparent reason your lights will flicker. Outlets are warm when you put a hand to them, or there is a faint burning smell about the house. Do not write these off as minor inconveniences. They are telling you there is a serious electrical problem on the horizon that could endanger your property and family.
Bumble Bee Home Services has been in the business of serving homeowners in Glendale and all of Greater Phoenix since 2011. Should you see any of what is described below, make a call to (602) 641-3431 and have one of our licensed professionals come by.
Left alone, electrical problems do not have a way of resolving themselves; indeed, they become costlier and more perilous with time. Most will, however, put out clear signals before it is an emergency. Be aware of them for the peace of mind it affords.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Replace the bulb if it is just one that is acting up. When you switch on an appliance and lights in several rooms dim or flicker, you have something more to contend with. It may be a loose connection in the wiring or the system cannot meet the demand. In an older Phoenix home you will find this more often as things wear in.
Warm or Discolored Outlets and Switches
There should be no warmth to an outlet or switch plate. If there is, or you see some browning or blackening around it, put that outlet out of service at once. Loose wiring or a circuit under too much load can be the cause and a fire the result. A fishy or burning smell in the vicinity is a red flag of the first order.
Frequently Tripping Breakers
The breaker is meant to trip if the circuit is overdrawn. But constant tripping is indicative of trouble. Some of the usual suspects are:
- An undersized panel for the home
- Too many devices on a single circuit
- Ground faults (kitchens and bathrooms are common sites)
- A short in the wiring
- An appliance on its last legs
- Wiring too old for the loads of today
An occasional trip is to be expected, but a breaker that will not stay put requires a professional to look at it.
Buzzing or Humming Sounds
Your home’s electricity ought to be quiet. Strange sounds from the panel or an outlet, like a hum or crackle, mean something is arcing or has come loose. Arcing is a prime culprit in house fires so do not dismiss it.
Burning Smells
Perhaps the most pressing of all the signs is a burning odor with no explanation. The insulation on the wiring is likely overheating. Put the power to the area off if it is safe to do so and get some assistance. Too many homeowners put off dealing with it.
Frequent Bulb Burnouts
When bulbs go out in short order it is not always the bulb to blame. Excess voltage, poor or loose wiring will cut the life of a fixture short. Have it seen to if it is a recurring matter in one spot.
Mild Shocks From Outlets or Appliances
A little zap from an appliance or when plugging in is not normal. That tingle is a fault in the grounding or wiring and would be well to have it inspected before it escalates.
Why You Should Not Wait
One cannot afford to guess at electrical work. Without proper training a repair attempt is likely to do more harm or worse yet injure someone. Trust a team that is insured and licensed.
With an A+ from the BBB and 4.9 stars in over 4,000 Google reviews, Bumble Bee Home Services is the name to know. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are on hand 24/7 for those times when waiting is not an option.
Do not put it off if you have found any of the above in your Glendale or Greater Phoenix home. Our electricians are here day or night to make sure your home is safe. Call us at (602) 641-3431.
