The Electrician Is Indispensable | Myrtle Beach, SC
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The internet is full of DIY tutorials for everything. Many homeowners enjoy handling maintenance, repairs, and renovations on their own. However, some things, such as electricity, should be left to professionals. Modern life depends on electricity, and most of us couldn’t keep our homes in working order without some level of help from electricians.
When the electricity in residential homes first became available, people had lights and a few small appliances. That changed as refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves became commonplace, but the number of appliances, devices, and fixtures running on electricity in the average home has grown rapidly in the past 20 years. Professionals have very specific education and skill-set that can’t be matched by amateurs. Every homeowner in Myrtle Beach, SC, should get to know a trusted local electrician to handle routine maintenance and call on in case of emergency.
Smart Homes
Smart homes are a recent technological development. Plenty of devices we use every day are now connected to phones and other personal devices that let people access almost anything in their homes instantly. We can scan the fridge and freezer and compile grocery shopping lists, adjust thermostats, and even lock doors without being anywhere near our homes. Older homes may not have adequate electrical systems to handle such a large number of appliances and devices with almost constant communication between them. If you’re interested in a smart home, you need to make sure your electrical system can handle it. An electrician can inspect your home and make necessary upgrades. You can streamline the process by planning ahead. Mark all the parts of your home where you’d like extra outlets, speakers, modems, or other fixtures
Circuit Breakers
Most circuit breakers are designed to work for decades. However, circuit breakers function ceaselessly for years and they may wear out sooner than expected. You’re more likely to need a replacement if your circuit breaker is more than 10 years old. Sometimes tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses are minor issues that can be fixed by unplugging a few things or spreading the electrical load evenly. However, frequent tripping and other issues may be more serious. Watch for warning signs indicating your circuit breaker could be on its last legs. A circuit breaker that won’t stay on for any length of time may be failing. An electrician can check the breaker and the entire circuit to make sure the wiring isn’t damaged.
A circuit breaker responsible for an entire house can be overwhelmed by too much electricity. If a breaker trips when you use specific appliances, such as a microwave or coffee maker, it could mean that your circuit breaker is failing. Your electrician can evaluate the situation and determine whether the problem is a deteriorating breaker or simply a lack of capacity. Sometimes adding another circuit will fix the situation. Shut off the electricity and call an electrical company immediately if you notice a burning smell around an electrical panel. Don’t ever disregard smoke, heat, or burning odors anywhere near the panel. It could start a fire in a very short time.
Burn marks, scratches, gouges, and other signs of physical damage around the circuit breaker should be investigated by a professional. Someone may have tampered with it or attempted to repair or upgrade the breaker without professional assistance at some point. This scenario is more likely in a home with a history of multiple owners. Scratches and scorch marks around outlets, loose outlets, old appliances, and stripped or split wires may be the result of DIY repairs by previous occupants. Contact an electrician in Myrtle Beach, SC, to inspect your home’s wiring and other electrical components to make sure the home is safe.
Power Surges
Power surges are a fairly common problem that can have consequences ranging from mild inconvenience to damaged appliances or lost data. The possibility of lightning-induced electrical surges gets a lot of attention, but most power surges have nothing to do with lightning. In fact, actions within the home are the main causes of surges. Plugging too many devices into an outlet is a good way to lose power, at least in a limited sense.
Internal power surges are more likely to occur in the kitchen or bathroom than in any other room. In many households, almost everyone needs to use the bathroom to prepare for the day within hours of each other. Sometimes everyone has to get out the door at the same time. The situation in the kitchen is similar, and both rooms tend to have a wide range of devices and appliances. If this is a problem in your home, ask your electrician about installing extra outlets and any other necessary changes to avoid the stress and chaos of a power outage.
Energy Efficiency
Hiring a professional electrician can also help you use electricity more efficiently. An improperly installed light can short-circuit and may even cause a fire hazard. Choosing the wrong bulb or using a faulty socket can lead to lights that burn out more quickly than they should. Even the position of lights in your home affects energy use. Maximize the benefit of light from each fixture by planning ahead and placing lights strategically. Dimmer switches and layouts that let you turn lights on or off by section can be even more useful. You can use lights in different sections depending on the position and quantity of natural sunlight at any given time of day.
The licensed electricians at Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach are always available when you need them. Schedule an appointment to discuss future plans for a smart home or any other home improvement project. In addition to repairs and scheduled services, Mister Sparky also offers emergency services for situations that require immediate professional attention.