For many homeowners, the start of a new year prompts the review of annual home maintenance checklists. But do you include an annual electrical inspection as part of your home maintenance routine?
For Home Maintenance, Don’t Forget Your 2018 Annual Electrical Inspection
Most standard home inspections will check a home for structural defects, as well as plumbing, and mechanical problems, but rarely provide an in-depth electrical inspection. It’s one area that homeowners often neglect.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, a separate and comprehensive electrical inspection is necessary for home purchases, and should be part of an annual activity for every homeowner. They recommend that any home over 40 years old, or homes with major appliances over 10 years old, get a comprehensive electrical inspection.
What’s Included
What included in an annual electrical inspection? The process typically includes a thorough inspection, looking for loose-fitting outlets, checking the fuse boxes, circuit breakers and even fixtures. Everything electrical is tested and double-checked to ensure the safety of your home.
Why should you bother? Faulty electrical circuits can lead to fire hazards. There are more than 165,000 electrical-related home fires in any given year. On average, nearly 900 people loose their lives to these fires each year.
Walk with Your Electrician
As with a property inspection, be an active participant in the review of your 2018 annual electrical inspection. Ask questions. The information can help you in the maintenance of your home’s electrical system. For example, how many of us know why a breaker keeps flipping and what we should do about it.
If you plan on making changes to the home this year, such as adding new major appliances, share that during the inspection. Get helpful advice and tips.
Keep in mind that electricity isn’t something to play around with. You shouldn’t use 100 watt bulbs in a 40 watt fixture. Don’t run extension cords heavily all over your home. Check your smoke detectors and replace their batteries regularly. Have your home inspected and prevent any problems before they have a chance to catch a spark.
Call Shockley for Electrical Inspection and Service
At Shockley Electric, we can perform an annual electrical inspection and help you with all your residential electrical needs. With over a decade of experience, licensed and insured technicians and a lifetime warranty on labor, we take great pride in being Marietta’s best electrician.
