Home Generators: What You Need to Know

Major power outages are inconvenient, annoying, and sometimes dangerous - particularly during hurricane season in Port St. Lucie. While no electricity for 15 minutes can be a minor annoyance, if you've ever lost power for an extended time, you realize that you're in a dangerous, possibly life-threatening situation.

Having a home backup generator is an essential investment as a homeowner, but navigating through the various options can be confusing, and it's certainly not a decision you want to make in a panic in anticipation of a major storm.

Here is everything you need to know about buying the right home generator so that when inclement weather hits, you can keep the lights on.

Choosing Between Standby & Portable Generators

While there are plenty of options for generators out there, and brands too, with Honda and Generac generators as options, when it comes down to it, your main deciding factors are standby or portable.

Portable Generator

As the name suggests, portable generators can be moved and transported more easily, but they can only power designated zones or appliances in your home.

Also, because they run on gasoline, you'll need to safely store an adequate supply of gas and be sure to properly maintain the unit to avoid damaging it when it's not in use.

And because of that gas, they shouldn't be operated within 20 feet of your home due to the risk of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. This limits your options during possible emergencies.

Standby Generator

Whole-home generators are larger and typically produce more power than portable generators, and are tied directly into your home's power grid.

Most importantly, they're automatically activated in the event of a power outage, which ensures you always have electricity even during a storm, adding serious value to your home as well.

They're called "whole-home" generators because, as the name suggests, they provide enough power to supply your entire home, instead of having to determine and designate certain zones.

These are ideal for homeowners that can't risk an interruption in the electricity supply in their home under any circumstances. For example, people who are on ventilators or those who depend on medication that must be refrigerated will especially benefit from standby generators.

Also, unlike portable units, whole-home generators can be powered by propane or natural gas. This allows you to easily integrate them into your home's utilities and eliminating the need to stock up on gas, which can be tough after a storm.

Determining the Right Size

So, you may be asking yourself now, “what size whole home generator do I need?” A generator's output is measured in wattage, and determining the right size for your home is an integral part of the selection process. While you don't want to purchase a generator that's too small getting one that’s too large is also a problem.

So, what are your options?

It all starts by making a list of the wattage used by every appliance in your home and choosing the ones you plan on running in the event of a power outage. Remember to include essentials like your refrigerator, HVAC system, and miscellaneous electronics like your TVs and laptops.

Determine the "starting wattage" for each appliance by multiplying the running wattage by three. Add up the starting wattage for each appliance, and the total number is the wattage requirement you need to use as a minimum standard when selecting a generator.

If you're not feeling confident, your best bet is always to consult with a professional electrician who can help you make the correct selection.

The Installation Process

Whole-home or standby generators must be installed by licensed electricians with the requisite knowledge and expertise to get the job done right. This will give you peace of mind when you need it most.

The installation process generally includes preparing the outside area where the unit will reside, installing all the natural gas lines needed to power your new generator, and then integrating that system into your home's power grid with a transfer switch. This allows your home to "switch" to the generator in the event of a power outage.

Poorly installed generators can be hazardous. They can damage your home's electrical system - from the wiring to the appliances - and can even pose a fire risk. It's never worth it to risk putting your home, your life, and the lives of others in a dangerous situation.

Luckily, for homeowners in and around the Port St. Lucie area, Elite Electric & Air is here to help. From choosing the right generator for your budget and needs to expert installation, you can call us at (772) 905-3527 for a stress-free experience this hurricane season.

Avoid Electrical Disasters by Checking Your Panels

A rubber band wrapped around the sink hose, food coloring in toothpaste, and flipping the breaker switch for a fake power outage, funny and harmless pranks are plentiful on April Fools' Day.

While the first day of April and all its pranks have come and gone, there are still many ways in which we can be a fool when it comes to the maintenance of our home. Many homeowners forget one of the most important components of their home, the electrical panel.

The electrical panel is responsible for bringing comfort and convenience to your home through the form of electricity. Remember that joke of flipping the breaker switch to fake a power outage? Without routine maintenance and proper care from a trained technician, that awful prank could become an expensive reality.

Electrical Safety is No Joke

The electrical panel is the heartbeat of your home. Would you want to perform open heart surgery if you were unknowledgeable of proper techniques? The same thought process is true when it comes to electrical safety and touching a panel without experience and knowledge.

Your electrical panel is the box that controls the electrical current throughout your home and provides you with that reliable source of energy. If it’s damaged in any way, you’ll be unable to power your favorite things like electronics and even your AC.

Before you try to add or repair any electrical circuits in a home, you should be familiar with the layout of the main panel and subpanels that feed power to your house. You should never be working in a live electrical panel no matter what the situation.

It takes two seconds to turn off the main breaker, however, that does not guarantee complete electrical safety. There are tons of cords and subpanels that can cause significant harm and even death. Instead of saving time and money, save your life and call a professional at Elite Electric and Air.

Avoiding an Inconvenient Power Shutdown

For your safety, and the safety of your home, it’s important to understand what circuit breakers and fuses are and what they are used for. Both serve the same purpose of protecting electrical panels and circuits from overloads that can lead to a power shutdown or even cause fires.

Both interrupt the flow of electricity, but a fuse is made of metal that melts when overheated and circuit breakers feature internal switch mechanisms that are tripped by unsafe surges of electricity. For example, if the power goes out in one section of your home, it’s likely that it’s a tripped circuit breaker.

A malfunctioning electrical panel can cause a power shutdown to your entire home. Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to alert during an overload. By shutting off the electrical supply, the break prevents wires for overheating and causing a fire. Anytime a break is tripped, a professional should be alerted to examine any unseen issues.

Fire Safety is Not a Laughing Matter

You flip a switch and expect lights to come on, you turn on the computer and expect high-speed internet. Electricity is a vital staple for this generation and without it, we’re lost. However, being without power is not a worst-case scenario.

Having a fire engulf your beautiful, loving home and pose a threat to your family is the worst-case scenario when electrical panels are not properly maintained and updated. If you own an older home that was built before 1990, you may have outdated, unsafe electric panels in your home that pose a fire safety threat.

Many Port St. Lucie-area homes have older, outdated panels that leave them vulnerable to house fires. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels, Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania panels, split-bus electrical panels, and fuse boxes are all types of unsafe panels you should consider replacing.

We can laugh at April Fools' Day pranks and jokes for years to come, but when it comes to electrical panels and safety, electricity is no laughing matter. If you notice an issue with your electricity, such as the circuit breaker tripping often, call our trained professionals at Elite Electric and Air at (772) 905-3527. We’re standing by ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to make sure your home stays safe and comfortable.

The 7 Dangers of DIY Electrical Repairs

As any homeowner can attest to, saving money is always a top priority, but not at the cost of your safety. Electrical repairs are one of those situations where the work is always better left to a professional.

Not only are the services complex, but also they can put your home and health at risk. Electrical sparks are one the leading causes of house fires across the country, and in many cases, it stems from faulty repairs or installations.

While you may be able to do minor fixes around your home, your electrical system may be well beyond your skills. It’s important to understand the dangers of these repairs, so you can better protect your home and family.

What’s an Electrical Hazard?

When you consider the risks associated with an electrical repair, you’ll often think about sparks or shock. While some can be small enough to startle you, under certain conditions, an electrical spark can be large enough to lead to a visit to the hospital. Seven other electrical hazards include:

• Dead or hot outlets.
• Fried electronics including computers, TVs, and more.
• Overloaded electrical panel.
• Fire damage.
• Damaged appliances.
• Roof damage from ceiling fans.
• Fluctuating power levels and lighting issues.

Usually, an issue can start small, like flickering lights, but can progressively get worse. For some homeowners, this can be a serious as damaged appliances ranging from an oven to your fire and carbon monoxide detectors, creating a dangerous storm in the event of a fire.

Additionally, when working with electrical systems, you always run the risk of self-harm. Without the right equipment, you can come in direct contact with high voltage electricity, which is always a cause for concern. For your own peace of mind, you should always work with a trusted professional electrician.

The Tools of The Trade: Electrical Safety Equipment

Another important reason to work with a professional is because they have the necessary tools to perform detailed and accurate repairs in your home.

This can range anywhere from wire locators, which can limit the amount of drywall damage needed to access wires, to a voltage meter to determine which wires, if any, are live. This protects the contractor and also your personal belongings.

It’s also common for professionals to use insulated gloves, safety glasses, and fire retardant clothing, in the event that something does go wrong. Many of these supplies are available at your local hardware store, and should definitely be used if you plan to perform any work on your own.

As a general rule of thumb, you should at the very least have a voltage meter, which can warn you whether or not a wire is live before you start working on it. Working with a professional electrician not only provides you with peace of mind but also it guarantees that your services are done to the highest standard and in compliance with any local codes or restrictions.

At Elite Electric & Air we are your Port St. Lucie electrical experts. With highly skilled and trained staff, fully stocked trucks, and professionals that take the time to explain any work done in your home, you’ll have top-quality work you can count on. So before you try your next DIY project, consider this blog, and be sure to send it to your friends and family so they also avoid any mishaps in their home.

Get a Grip on Your Emotions With Color Light Therapy

If you've been contemplating a lighting upgrade for your home, you should consider incorporating color light therapy into your home's lighting system. Chromotherapy is the science of combining light and color to balance body vibrations to frequencies, resulting in physical and emotional healing and harmony.

We already know how important sunlight is for our health. Sunlight consists of a color spectrum. When any of those colors are not in alignment, we can experience physical and emotional distress. Color light therapy balances your body with all the lights of the rainbow.

Healers and other alternative medicine practitioners have been using light and color for thousands of years. It has roots in Indian medicine and early Egyptian culture and traditional Chinese healing. This blog talks about color light therapy, also known as chromatherapy, and how it can improve your quality of life.

Chromatherapy at Home

Color light therapy is already used by medical practitioners and hospitals to heal emotions and physical pain.

Imagine if you could have color light therapy in your own home. Want to light up your bath water with an innovative chemotherapeutic tub? Check.

Want to soothe aches and muscle stiffness away? Check. A built-in color light system can turn an ordinary bath into a soothing spa therapy at home. Check.

Colors arouse emotion and restore balance. Each has a unique vibration, with frequencies that can mold and shape our emotions and how we feel inside. Here are some of the more common colors used in color light therapy:

• Green - calming, provides calmness and enhances sleep.
• Orange - soothes tiredness and lifts depression.
• Yellow - energy, stimulates enthusiasm, improves muscle tone.
• Red - elevates blood pressure and increases the breathing rate.
• Magenta - boosts vitality and energy.
• Blue - tranquillity, produces a feeling of peace and reduces muscle tension.
• Indigo - encourages inspiration and creativity.
• Purple - activates your imagination.

How Biophotonic RED Light Regenerates Cell Growth

Biophotonic RED Light is a type of light technology that uses red light therapeutically. Biophotonic RED light boosts blood circulation and decreases joint and muscle pain.

Red light therapy has many healing benefits, including:

• Stimulates stem cell growth.
• Regenerates new skin and blood cells.
• Alleviates arthritis and inflammation.
• Accelerates cell immune response.

Biophotonic BLUE Light And Depression

Just like natural sunlight, Biophotonic BLUE light therapy lifts your mood, eases anxiety and reduces weight gain due to the dark days of winter.

Blue light therapy restores the melatonin and serotonin levels in the brain and is used to treat symptoms of clinical depression.

Blue light therapy is becoming more popular in the medical field because of its many uses and benefits:

• Used as a sleep aid.
• Can prevent certain types of cancer.
• Used in hospitals to treat newborns with jaundice.
• Effective in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) due to lack of sunshine.

Lighting Upgrade For Health And Harmony

You don’t have to go to the hospital or see a specialist to receive color light therapy. Thanks to today’s high technology, you can have color light therapy right at home.

All it takes is a lighting upgrade. Color light therapy inside the home will keep your mind and body balanced and rejuvenated.

Call the experts at Elite Electric & Air in Port St. Lucie, FL can help set up a color light system in your home for your chromotherapy sessions. Call us today at 772-905-3527 for all your lighting, plumbing and other electrical needs in Port St. Lucie.

Still Looking For an Electrician Near You?

If you have an electrical problem in your home, don’t try to fix it yourself. Electrical work is complicated and should be done by a licensed professional. Today’s homes are smarter than ever before, so choose an electrician who is specially trained and is licensed. Ask who will be doing the work and if that person is also specially trained.

Carefully research the electrician you choose to work in your home and above all make sure that they are licensed, bonded and insured. Also, listen to your better judgment. Sometimes it literally pays to follow your gut.

Research... Right Now!

Search Google for electricians near you. Go to their website. Take a look at the services they provide. Do they specialize in any one thing? Many electricians do. So be sure that they are a good fit for the type of electrical work you need to get done.

Go to the State Contractors Board online to see if they are licensed, insured and bonded. Also, check with your local building authorities to see if there have been any complaints filed against them. This will ensure that if anything goes wrong you are covered. Ask about their warranty and how long does it last.

Neighbors and friends can be a good source of reference. Ask who they have used in the past and verify their credentials. Ask them if they are happy with the work the electrician did and if it was completed on time. Also, check the Better Business Bureau and their customer reviews.

Other online sources such as Google+ Local, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, and Yelp can also help. They will have a list of recommended electricians near you.

Ask a Lot of Questions

Ask questions. A quality electrician will be happy to answer all your questions. If not, move on. Some questions to ask are:

• Are you and your staff licensed, bonded and insured?
• Will you or someone else be doing the work?
• Ask for references.
• How much will it cost?
• Do you offer a warranty and for how long?

Call the references they have provided, if any. Ask them if they would use the same electrician again.

Get Estimates

A reputable electrical contractor will provide you with a detailed estimate for the work you need to get done. Some high-quality electricians will provide you with a written guarantee as well as a written estimate.

Some even offer satisfaction guarantees to ensure the job is properly done according to city code and building standards. This is important so there won’t be any surprises at the end of the job.

You should gather at least three to five quotes, but don’t go with the cheapest one. Compare prices as well as experience. Above all, don’t go with the lowest estimate. If it is too good to be true, it probably is. It is better to focus on their experience and training rather than their quote.

Cost is important but so is the timeframe. A high-quality contractor will guarantee same day service as well as a timely repair, so you can get back to your normal routine. Quality electricians will offer 24/7 emergency service for when you need help right away.

Call Elite Electric & Air in Port St. Lucie, FL the next time you need electrical work in your home. They will be more than happy to discuss your issue and to answer all of your questions.

The Ultimate Cheats For Concealing Your Electrical Panel

Unfortunately, some contractors don’t have the best discretion when choosing where to place an electrical panel, and sometimes it ends up being placed in a high-traffic or highly visible area.

This means that you may have an eyesore staring back at you when trying to relax in your favorite room or while doing daily chores. Understandably, you may wish to move it, but that could be a costly project.

The next best option is to conceal it. This might take a little creativity, but it is possible and you might even be glad the panel is there after trying these methods.

Using Decorative Wallpaper

This is a little more complicated than it sounds, but it is well worth it! Wallpapering over your electrical panel has to be done carefully because at some point or another you WILL need access to it.

If you just cover it up with some pretty paper, you’ll be kicking yourself when an emergency strikes. So, the easiest way to do this would be to find a thin board or piece of wood. Cut the wood to exactly cover your electrical panel and cover it with your chosen wallpaper.

Flip the board or wood (or whatever you’re using) over and apply heavy-duty magnets near the corners. Allow your paper to dry or set (depending on what was used) and place the covering over the panel.

Make Sure to Hide Cables Safely

Before we go too much further, let’s talk safety! The thing about cable wires is that they’re there for a reason. Cable wires are hardly what most people would call attractive and your first thought might be to bend them, twist them, and otherwise get them out of the way.

Please don’t do this. Call an electrician to help hide them. Cables carry an electrical current that can cause fires if not handled properly. Hiding your panel does no good if the cables attached to it burn your house down.

Single Cabinets are a Great Hack!

This hack might require a bit more hardware but it is definitely worth it! You can either opt to purchase and install a faux cabinet that just covers the electrical panel, or you can choose to install a fully-functional cabinet.

Most people prefer just the faux cabinet because it takes up less space and covers the electrical panel beautifully. While a functional cabinet can be used to store items, again, you’ll run into having to remove them in the event of an emergency.

Finally, for the Hardware Challenged…

Okay, so these tips are great for people that like DIY projects, but these probably aren’t the best idea for busy parents or hardware challenged people.

With this said, there are two options… the first one being that you can accept the electrical panel where it is and make the most of it, or you can go with the second option and call a professional.

Elite Electrical and Air has a full staff of professional electricians with the skills needed to easily relocate your electrical panel for a stress-free experience!

If covering your electrical panel in magnets doesn’t really appeal to you, consider calling Elite Electrical and Air at 722-905-3572 for reliable services today!

New Ways to Start Conserving Electricity

As the topic of energy conservation and preserving the environment becomes more popular among homeowners, we develop new and creative ways of achieving these goals. It goes beyond buying energy-efficient products.

There are a handful of non-traditional ways Port St. Lucie, FL residents can cut down energy use at home. Here are some new ways you can start conserving electricity.

BBQ More Often

This suggestion is great if you love to barbecue. Cooking food outside instead of in your kitchen offers a variety of ways to conserve electricity. It burns coals or propane with a grill instead of using energy via your oven or stove.

Also, no additional heat is being produced inside your home so your air conditioner won't be working overtime to maintain cool temperatures. One more energy-saving tip we recommend is when heating up food in a microwave instead of a stovetop or oven.

Keep Doors Shut

Something we should do more often is ensure that the entrances to our homes are properly closed and sealed. This precaution can reduce the amount of air coming in from outside, which is forcing the HVAC unit to work harder to cool or heat the interior.

Practice this measure in both summer and winter. Another thing to consider is installing a door draft stopper beneath each entrance to ensure air doesn't enter or escape through the underside of each door. If you're trying to save even more energy by limiting the number of rooms that receive heat or AC, close the vents and doors for those rooms.

Plant the Right Trees

Do you think your home could use a bit of outdoor vegetation? One method of saving energy that can also make your property more beautiful is by planting trees in strategic spots to help with cooling and heating, depending on the season.

To help keep cool during summer, plant deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in the winter, on both sides of your home to give you a bit of shade.

As for winter, plant rows of evergreen trees, which retain their leaves all year long, on the northern and western sides to help block cold winds. Doing this will help support your HVAC system in regulating temperatures throughout the year.

Install Low-Emissivity Windows

Low-emissivity, or Low-E, glass is an innovative product designed to reflect infrared and ultraviolet light while allowing the same amount of light to shine through as regular glass would.

These types of windows have a microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat. This technology keeps the temperature in your home consistent, which means your HVAC devices won't have to work as hard or long to maintain the climate.

A Day Without Electricity: What Would Happen?

Something modern society definitely takes for granted these days it's the constant presence of home electricity. It's so integrated into our lives we don't even notice it. Consider how many devices Port St. Lucie, FL residents make use of at any point on any given day. There's almost no part of our lives where we're not handling or focused on something powered by electricity. Monitors, clocks, music players, radios ... you name it.

But what would happen if all of a sudden there was no electricity? Think about how much our daily routines would change and the adjustments we would have to make. Power is a utility human beings rely on so much, even though it's not actually critical to our survival. Let's go through a thought exercise. What would it be like to go a day without electricity?

No HVAC System

No power would mean no way to control our climate. We'd be at the mercy of the weather, which means thing could get nippy or scorching hot depending on the time of day and season.

If the temperature is cool, you can wear multiple layers and bundle up beneath a series of blankets to stay warm. You can even light a fire if you have the right tools and space.

If the weather is warm, well, there are only so many clothes you can peel off. It would also be a good idea to try finding a nice spot of shade in order to stay out of the sun. Since there are a number of health risks associated with extreme weather, it should be a top priority finding a way to regulate body temperature.

Forget About Hot Showers

Plumbing isn't affected too much by a lack of electricity, except in one key area. Without power, there's no warm water, and without warm water, there's no hot showers.

This is fine if you're cool with skipping a shower session for a single day. Some people, however, rely on the feel-good power of a sizzling hot shower to start their day.

Those people would be out of luck, but they say cold showers build character. Now's the perfect time to put that theory to the test.

Dealing With No Lights

Lights are everywhere these days, which is why the absence of light would probably be the most apparent thing missing.

No sources of synthetic light at night would make it difficult to navigate anywhere, be it the streets or your own home. Once the sun goes down visibility quickly plummets.

At this point, it's time to break out the emergency kit. Every home should be equipped with candles and battery-powered flashlights for just such an occasion. These can't replace electric lights, but they're enough to get you through one night in a dark building. Just be careful while walking.

Stay Safe with these Electrical Safety Practices

Working with electrical components should always be taken seriously. All electrical systems have the potential to cause harm if a person comes into contact with live parts, whether directly or indirectly via conduction.

Electricity can cause shocks, burns, and death. Even shocks can cause severe and permanent injury, and faulty appliances can lead to fires which can lead to property damage.

Homeowners in Port St. Lucie, FL could be subject to the consequences of faulty electric work and should be made aware of the risks and danger signs of electrical problems. Here are some safe electrical practices you should practice.

Dial Back the DIY Experiments

Before you take on a do-it-yourself electrical project, ask yourself, is it worth risking my life or a loved one to save a few dollars?

Every project of this kind comes with a certain level of risk. You may be putting yourself and your property in harm's way while also jeopardizing your home's insurance policy.

Any major damage to your household could be accompanied by significant financial and emotional cost. There's also the possibility of making a mistake and ending up with a shoddy performance that's unsafe when completed.

Always think twice, even if you're confident in what you're doing, before starting a job. It may be worth hiring the services of a professional. After all, the consequences of not doing so could be fatal.

Always Inspect Plugs and Wires

It's always a good idea to inspect an electrical appliance's plugs and wires before beginning a project. Taking a moment to ensure everything is in order is crucial to building safety. Any damage could pose a serious hazard. Here are some things you should look out for:

• Ensure chords are free of kinks
• Check for exposed wires or cracks
• Inspect wall outlets for breaks or loose pins
• Plugs should be fully inserted with no part of the prongs exposed
• Make sure appliances are properly grounded
• One cord should be used per outlet to avoid overloading
• Cords should be far away from water sources
• Cords should be kept away or protected from foot traffic

If any plugs or wires don't meet with the above standards, you should pause the project immediately and conduct repairs or secure replacements.

Water and Electricity Don't Mix

It may seem obvious, but you should be very careful when working on electrical appliances near sources of water, such as swimming pools and wet areas. Water is a very good conductor, and you come into contact with a wet surface that is exposed to a live wire, the current can pass through your body causing shock.

If you must work near water, however, be sure that any equipment you use has a safety switch and secure anything else that's not designed to work in wet conditions. Cords and other appliances must also be kept out of the water.

It's always better to be safe than sorry when handling electrical projects. Homeowners who are ever unsure about what they're doing should always consult a specialist before starting a project.

Are Your Appliances Impacting Your Electrical System? Find Out How It’s Possible Today

Modern appliances are one of the best things about today’s technology, because they make daily chores so simple and easy to carry out. After all, can you imagine if you still had to wash all your family’s laundry by hand?

Despite how wonderful appliances are, however, there are still things that all homeowners should be aware of regarding these handy devices, namely how they can contribute to potentially dangerous internal power surges.

Today we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about appliances and power surges, as well as signs and symptoms to watch for, and things you can do to prevent hazards and damage in your Port St. Lucie, FL home.

Appliances and Your Electrical System: Internal Surges

You’ve probably heard of power surges before, and have likely even experienced one or two that were strong enough to be noticeable. A power surge happens when the electrical current in your house spikes. This is often caused by external forces like lightning, but there are also internal power surges that can be caused by appliances.

Here's how it works: when a high-powered appliance comes on, it draws a great deal of power very quickly, and this causes a surge. There are many appliances that can cause this type of internal surge, including:

• Hair dryers
• Air conditioners
• Power tools
• Space heaters
• Refrigerators

Fires and the Other Dangers of Power Surges

The major problem with power surges is that they can cause a great deal of damage, particularly because they can melt plastic parts, melt metal, and cause fires.

Fortunately, most of the major damage caused by surges happens with external surges, which tend to be much stronger than internal ones. Nonetheless, internal surges can still cause problems, including damaging or destroying your appliances.

For one thing, anything that contains a microprocessor—such as a computer or television—is susceptible to major damage from even just a minor power fluctuation, so many of your gadgets and devices are at risk. Furthermore, repeated surges can degrade the circuitry of your appliances and the circuitry throughout your home.

Symptoms to Watch For

There are many things that can cause electrical problems in your house, and regular power surges are one of them. The good news is that there are many symptoms that can alert you to electrical problems, including:

• Frequent shocks when you touch an appliance or light fixture
• Frequent circuit breaker trips
• Flickering lights or hot light fixtures
• Burning smell coming from switches or outlets
• Warm receptacles or electrical cords
• Large or frequent sparking

The Smart Way to Protect Your Home and Family

Although electrical problems can be damaging and even dangerous, there are ways you can protect your family and your home.

One of the simplest solutions to protect your appliances, your home, and your wiring is a whole-home surge protector, which will guard against external surges and prevent the internal ones that can cause damage over time.

Depending on the age of your home, you may also want to consider a panel upgrade to modernize your home’s electrical capabilities. Electricity and household appliances are some of the best things about modern living, but these systems and devices still require maintenance and attention, and there are things you can do to ensure you get the longest life possible from them.

Appliances that cause regular internal surges can damage the appliances themselves, especially if they are smart devices with microprocessors. External surges can cause major damage and even fires, but surge protection devices will keep your home and family safe from these consequences.