Is there any particular reason your lights are flickering? Will the circuit breaker trip if you put on the coffee maker and have the microwave going? Lately, has a faint burning smell by an outlet had you concerned?
Then we can be of assistance. We at We Care A/C, Plumbing, & Electric are here to help you put an end to what could become a serious hazard by identifying the early warning signs. Our service area is all of the Florida Panhandle, including Niceville. Give our team a ring at (850) 820-6710.
One does not get much of a heads up from electrical problems; they are not loud about it. It is a case of a warm outlet or a flicker now and then. Weeks or months may go by before a homeowner realises something is amiss and the problem has taken hold. But with a little forethought as to what to look for, you will be able to nip trouble in the bud for the safety of your home and family.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
An occasional light flicker is nothing out of the ordinary. Yet when they dim or do so on a regular basis upon turning on an appliance, it is indicative of a loose connection or an overburdened circuit. Loose connections in the home are a leading cause of electrical fires.
Take note of the circumstances. Should the flickering be in more than one room, you are likely looking at an issue with the electrical panel itself and not just a fixture.
Circuit Breakers That Trip Often
It is what a breaker is made for, to cut power and protect the house from a circuit drawing excessive current. However, one that is always tripping is putting you on notice. Most often there is a fault in the wiring or the circuit is being asked to do more than it was put together for.
You are not fixing anything by resetting it time after time; it is a cue to have the circuit looked at.
Warm Outlets, Switches, or Discoloration
A switch plate or outlet ought to be cool. If it is not, or you see some browning or yellowing about an outlet, put it out of commission and make a call. Heat is the precursor to fire and these are indications of it building up behind the wall.
Homeowners will overlook a warm outlet because it still works, but that is no guarantee of safety.
Burning Smells or Buzzing Sounds
There should be no sound or odour from your electrical system. Arcing electricity will make a panel, switch or outlet buzz or crackle. An overheating of the wiring insulation is what produces a fishy or burning smell.
Consider it an emergency if you detect burning near an outlet or the panel. Safely shut off the power to the area and get a licensed electrician on the phone.
Signs You Should Not Ignore
When to have a professional come out:
- Regular dimming or flickering of lights, appliances in use
- A breaker that is more than occasionally tripping
- Warmth from outlets or switch plates
- Melting, scorch marks or discoloration in the vicinity of an outlet
- Any smoky, burning or fishy smell around the panel or wiring
- Humming, buzzing or crackling from switches and outlets
- A tingling or mild shock from an appliance or switch
If you have two or more of these, there is no point in waiting.
Why Panhandle Homes Face Extra Risk
The climate in this part of Florida is hard on an electrical system. Between the humidity and salt air of the coast and the strain of running the air conditioning through the summer, panels and wiring are tested. In Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Escambia, Bay and Washington Counties you will find older homes with panels not suited to the demands of modern appliances.
An inspection from time to time is the way to go. It is safer to put right a minor matter than to contend with a failure down the road.
Call the Team You Can Trust
You cannot afford to take chances with electrical work. The electricians of We Care A/C, Plumbing, & Electric are licensed and insured and we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on everything we do. From Springfield and Chipley to Fort Walton Beach and Navarre we are at your service around the clock.
Do not delay if you have seen any of the above. Let us ensure your home is safe, call (850) 820-6710.