How Do I Know I Have an Electrical Problem?

When the weather outside your Milwaukee home is clear and sunny, the last thing you’d expect is flickering lights or a power outage. In fact, it doesn’t always take a thunderstorm or harsh winter conditions to trigger electrical events in your home.

Understanding the basics of your home’s electrical systems is essential because it can save you from expensive and disruptive emergencies down the road. To help you spot potential problems before they escalate, we’ve compiled a list of some simple indicators that you may have an electrical problem.

Signs of Potential Electrical Problems

1. Flickering and Dimming Lights: Do your lights dim or flicker when you turn on a large appliance? This is a clue that your electrical system is struggling to handle the load. This often happens when appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, or microwaves start. Installing a load capacitor might be a solution to balance the energy pull and keep your lights steady.
2. Loose Outlets and Switches: Loose light switches and outlets aren’t just a minor inconvenience; they can actually pose a safety risk. These issues often arise from normal wear and tear and should be addressed to prevent potential hazards.
3. Water Damage and Humidity: Milwaukee’s weather can be tough on homes. If you have water damage in your basement or high humidity, this could affect your breaker box, leading to malfunctions or short circuits.
4. Outdoor Concerns: Broken covers on outdoor outlets? That’s a definite no-go. Always ensure these are intact to avoid moisture entering the system, which can lead to serious problems.
5. Breakers Tripping: Frequent breaker trips, or ‘nuisance tripping’, can be annoying but they’re often a sign your home’s electrical system is protecting you from a potential overload. Consider installing GFCI outlets and arc fault breakers to enhance your home’s safety.
6. High-Power Appliances: Items that draw significant power, like space heaters or window AC units, should ideally have their own circuit to prevent overloading. This is a common problem that our expert electricians can fix!
7. Yellowing or Beeping Smoke Detectors: Are your smoke detectors yellowing or beeping? This is a sign that they may need attention. Modern homes have smoke detectors wired directly into the electrical system, and it’s wise to replace them every ten years. Our electricians ensure you have a smoke detector on each floor, in every bedroom, and one at least every 25 feet.

Your Home’s Safety is Our Priority

If you’re noticing any of these issues in your home, give us a call. At Capital, we offer a complete range of electrical services to address all your home’s needs.

Whether it’s upgrading your electrical panel to handle more modern appliances, installing dedicated circuits for heavy-duty equipment, or ensuring safety with the latest GFCI outlets, our expert team is equipped to help.

Remember, early detection can save you from costly repairs down the line. Capital cares about your safety and comfort, ensuring every visit addresses your home’s unique needs with the utmost care and expertise. Let’s keep your home safe and sound together!