Signs You Need A Whole Home Rewire
How To Tell When Your Longview, WA
Home Needs A Whole Home Rewire
Don’t Settle For Tripped Breakers
And Overloaded Circuits
If you’re like most homeowners, your home’s electrical system can seem like it’s shrouded in mystery. After all, most people aren’t licensed electricians. So, when you need a whole home rewire in Longview, WA, how can you tell?
It’s important to know the various signs that your home’s wiring is outdated so that you can take prompt action. The sooner you have your rewiring project completed, the faster you can eliminate the risks of electrical fires, shorts, and shocks.
At Emerge Electrical, we like to empower our homeowners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Look for these crucial signs that you need a whole home rewire.
The Lights In Your Cowlitz County
Home Frequently Flicker Or Dim
Flickering and dimming lights are a tell-tale sign that your wiring needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Lighting circuits operate on a lower wattage than outlets, so they’re typically the first to let you know when there’s a problem.
When too much voltage passes through the circuit, the lights will brighten. They dim when that voltage isn’t enough.
If the problem is restricted to one light fixture, it could be the bulb. However, if you see this occurring across multiple rooms, it’s time to call a licensed electrician to investigate the problem.
Your Home Has Aluminum Electrical
Wiring In Poor Condition
Older homes built between 1965 and 1973 often have outdated aluminum wiring. Over time, aluminum wiring can deteriorate, increasing the risk of electrical fires in your Longview, WA home.
If you notice that you have aluminum wiring, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician to determine if it’s unsafe. Depending on their findings, you may need a whole home rewire.
Your Electrical System Is Knob And Tube Wiring
Older homes were built with a different type of wiring called knob and tube. This type of wiring is open and lacks grounding, which means you cannot use any plugs with three prongs.
Unfortunately, this dramatically increases the risk of electrical fires and shocks. Knob and tube wiring should be evaluated by a licensed electrician who will determine the best course of action, which will likely be a whole home rewire.
You’re Spending More Money On Light
Bulbs For Your Longview, WA Home
Do you find yourself changing your light bulbs more frequently? If it seems like your light bulbs burn out every time you use a lamp, it’s a sign of an outdated electrical system.
This burnout is caused by voltage fluctuations, signally a major problem with your home’s electrical. It’s crucial to have a licensed electrician evaluate the situation as soon as possible.
Sparking Or Discolored Outlets And Switches
Throughout Your Cowlitz County Home
Occasionally, an outlet may emit a small spark when you plug in an appliance or device. In most cases, this is nothing to worry about. However, continual sparking can be a sign of something much worse.
Short-circuiting outlets can cause excessive overheating inside the outlet. This leads to melted insulation and electrical fires.
When the sparking is significant enough, it can cause your outlets and switches to become discolored or charred. If you notice this, it is important to call a licensed electrician immediately, as these markings indicate a small electrical fire has occurred.
You Never Have Enough Outlets Where You
Need Them In Your Longview, WA Home
If you’re constantly looking for an outlet only to have to reach for an extension cord, it’s likely time for a whole home rewire. Not having enough outlets can lead to a greater dependence on power strips, which can put too much load on a circuit.
Instead of plugging too many devices or appliances into a single outlet, you can increase the number of available outlets throughout your home. In turn, you’ll reduce the risk of electrical fire and tripped circuit breakers.
Tripping Circuit Breakers Or Porcelain Fuses
Frequently tripping circuit breakers are another indication that your current electrical system cannot keep up with your power demands. While it may seem like an inconvenience to continually go to the electrical panel to reset the breakers, it’s a sign of a much bigger problem.
Another thing to look for is the presence of porcelain fuses. These were used in older construction homes and have largely been replaced with circuit breakers. If you have these fuses, your home is noncompliant with current electrical codes and should be updated as soon as possible.
If you need a reliable licensed electrician for a whole home rewire in Longview, WA, turn to the team at Emerge Electrical. Call us today at (360) 771-3869 for a free quote.