Most of us don’t think too much about our home’s electrical system until something stops working. But just like your car needs regular check-ups, so does the wiring behind your walls.
Everyone is busy trying to make ends meet, so finding time for an electrical schedule might be a struggle, but regular electrical maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home safe and accident-free.
So, how often do you need residential electrical maintenance done in your home? Read on:
Why Electrical Inspections Are So Important
You can think of an electrical inspection as a health check for your home. A licensed electrician will look at your wiring, outlets, breaker panel, grounding, and overall system to make sure everything is working safely and efficiently.
Electrical issues are one of the causes of house fires. Regular inspections can help you discover hidden problems before they turn into dangerous and expensive problems, such as faulty wiring or outdated smoke alarms. Plus, a well maintained system can save you money in the long run by improving energy efficiency and preventing bigger repairs.
General Inspection Frequency Guidelines
If your home is a new house and you haven’t had any electrical issues, a good rule of thumb is to schedule an inspection every three to five years. This gives your electrician the chance to find out wear and tear, outdated components or anything that might be out of compliance with safety codes.
And whether you’re buying or selling a house, the perfect time is to inspect the house is before you buy it. You don’t want to discover faulty wiring after moving in.
Signs You Shouldn’t Wait Too Long
Sometimes, when you notice any of these electrical issues in your house, don’t hesitate before you call an electrician:
- Circuit breakers tripping frequently
- Outlets that feel warm to the touch
- Burning smells near outlets
- Lights flickering or dimming
- Buzzing sounds from switches or panels
And if your house is over 30 years old and hasn’t had an inspection recently, you might just be sitting on a time bomb.
Special Circumstances That Call for Inspections
There are also a few circumstances where you should schedule an inspection regardless of how long it’s been:
- After a major storm, flood, or lightning strike
- If you’re adding a big appliance (like a hot tub or EV charging system)
- When doing major renovations
- If your home has aluminum wiring or an outdated breaker panel
- For rental properties, landlords should consider annual checks to guarantee the tenants safety.
Conclusion
It’s easy to ignore your home’s electrical system until it becomes a problem you can no longer ignore. But with regular inspections, you can detect these issues before they become big, dangerous and costly.
If it’s been a while you had an inspection or you’ve noticed some warning signs, calling a licensed electrician and scheduling an inspection wou