The Residential Energy Consumption Survey analyzes energy consumption for these eight purposes: air conditioning, clothes drying, lighting, cooking, water heating, space heating, hot tubs, and swimming pools.
There is no doubt that electricity demand is increasing rapidly. On average, residents consume 867 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity a month. However, this amount can fluctuate greatly as several factors can impact consumption. (e.g., geographic location and climate, home and household size, type and a number of electronic devices, etc.).
Any system’s goal should be not only optimal performance but also safe operation, so as demand increases, the need for greater responsibility also increases. Protect your home by avoiding overloaded sockets and watching for red flags. Electrical failures and malfunctions are one of the top leading causes of U.S. home fires.
These four red flags necessitate contacting a licensed electrician in Conroe.
Hot Outlets
It is important to keep electrical wiring safe even if there are a variety of appliances that generate heat. Heat should never extend to the outlet or wall plate, meaning the outlet or wall plate must never feel uncomfortably hot to the touch. Hot spots, or worse, scorch marks are common indicators of unsafe electrical wiring. Immediately discontinue using that outlet, unplugging any appliances or electronics, until a licensed electrician can troubleshoot and repair the problem.
Flickering Lights
A flickering light on Halloween is one thing, but if your ordinary light is flickering or dimming, it may be an issue with a loose connection. If the flicking happens only at one light fixture, then the issue probably lies with a loose bulb, faulty light switch, or voltage fluctuation. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to call an electrician to evaluate your home’s electrical wiring.
Buzzing Noises
Buzzing, crackling, or other types of noise are signs of electrical malfunction. If your outlets are making noise, there is something wrong. Noise is often a symptom of a more serious problem and a potential fire hazard – this requires calling an electrician. In the meantime, stop using the outlet until it can be serviced.
Tripping Circuit Breakers
It is the job of circuit breakers to prevent overloading. They will also trip in an instant if a short circuit occurs or a power surge takes place. They are one of the most important aspects of electrical safety. If plugging in a small appliance causes the circuit breaker to continuously shut off, the circuit is probably overloaded, preventing that and other appliances/electronics from being irreparably damaged. A licensed electrician can rectify this issue by connecting new circuits and redistributing electrical loads.
Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe
A&H Electric Co. has over thirty years of experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. We offer a full suite of services, not limited to electrical safety inspections and whole home rewiring, with all work performed by experienced technicians. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment anytime you need a certified electrician in Conroe to service your home or business, even if it’s after hours, as we offer 24-hour emergency repairs.