Electrical Issues Around The Home You Shouldn’t Ignore

Some electrical problems around the house are okay to ignore. For example, if a light in your garage isn’t working and you rarely use your garage, it’s probably fine to put off getting it repaired/replaced. However, other electrical problems can be dangerous or costly if you don’t get them fixed. Below are just some of the electrical problems around the home that you should never ignore.

Flickering lights

A single flickering light could be a sign that the bulb is about to die. If all the lights in your home are flickering, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. It’s possible that there is an unhealthy fluctuation in voltage in your home caused by a faulty outlet or appliance. Spikes in voltage could lead to electrical fires breaking out around your home. This is why you should always call out an electrician if you notice lights randomly flickering or dimming. 

Burning smells

Burning smells are never a good sign. Such odours can have many sources from overcooked food to candles left close to curtains. If the smell is coming from an outlet or an appliance, then it’s possible an electrical fire is imminent. Turn off your electricity at the mains if you notice burning smells (especially if you see smoke or outlets look charred) and call out an electrician. 

Strange noises

If electrical appliances are making strange noises – particularly unusual grinding or buzzing sounds – it could be a sign of a dangerous electrical problem. A common sign that you need HVAC repairs is unusual sounds. Similarly, faulty extractor fans will usually make unwanted sounds. Buzzing sockets or light fittings could even be a sign of a wiring problem. Call out an electrician or specialised appliance technician to diagnose the sound. 

Loose wiring

Visible loose wiring can be a danger if someone touches it or trips on it. This is why wiring is typically tucked away within walls or cable trunks. Sometimes wiring can come loose due to wear over time. When this happens, make sure to fix the wiring so that it’s not a hazard. 

Frequent circuit breaker trips

Circuit breakers are designed to cut off the flow of electricity when short circuits occur or when circuits are overloaded. If circuit breakers keep tripping, it’s a sign that there is an electrical issue in your home. In many cases, it’s possible to identify the source – if the circuit breaker trips whenever you use a certain appliance or flick a certain light switch, that appliance or light is the likely source. In other cases, it may not be possible to find the source. An electrician may be worth hiring to help you work out what is tripping your electrics. 

High electricity bills

Finally, it’s worth being wary of high electricity bills. If your electric bill seems unusually high, you may have an ‘electricity leak’ caused by a short circuit or faulty appliance. This is something that an electrician may need to solve. Fixing this as soon as you can could prevent you from continuing to pay out huge amounts of money on your bills

Josie Smith