Faulty breaker boxes and outdated electrical systems are just a few of the potential electrical problems in any home. A licensed local electrician is the best person to call when these types of issues occur.
A residential electrician is hired to work on any part of your home that connects to its electrical panel. In addition to installing new fixtures, an electrician can rewire or add electrical components, replace switches and outlets, and inspect and maintain electrical equipment.
An honest electrician can help when you experience power outages, troubleshoot, need home inspections, or take on any renovation projects involving electricity.
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably still wondering how to find an electrician near you. You’re in the right place, so keep reading to learn how to find a good electrician nearby.
Residential Electrician Qualifications
When an electrician is licensed, you can assume they are knowledgeable and understand how to do their job. There are two types of professional electricians: master electricians and journeyman electricians.
To get their credentials in Ohio, a master electrician must pass a standardized test and have at least five years of experience. They are familiar with the National Electrical Code and any changes your state has made to it. Master electricians are licensed to plan, design, install and maintain an electrical system for your home.
A journeyman electrician hasn’t met the qualifications for a master’s license, but they still hold a license in the state. It is illegal for a journeyman to design electrical systems, but they can install wiring and equipment. In some states, it is a requirement that a journeyman electrician work with a master electrician.
The Best Way to Find a Good Electrician
Electricians often choose one area to specialize in. Some choose new construction, while others prefer to handle service calls and repair dead outlets or broken fixtures. Licensed residential electricians who focus on remodeling have mastered techniques for wiring existing homes as well as additions.
General contractors keep a list of reliable electricians. But if your contractor doesn’t have one to recommend, follow up with the local home-builders’ association or electrical supply house for recommendations on electricians for hire. Let them know the type of work you’re expecting so they can tell you the best electrician for the job.
Finding an electrician can be difficult when you’re not sure what to look for. Below are the top five things to look for to help you find the best electrician:
Check License and Insurance
During your electrician consultation, ask to see a copy of their state license and proof of insurance. Both should be current! Any electrician working on a residential job should have a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance and worker’s compensation. This coverage should be for the electrician and any member of their crew.
Investigate Value
You should get multiple quotes during your initial search. Three is the magic number, but the more, the better. To get an accurate quote, you need to communicate exactly what work you need, including the exact fittings and materials you’d like used.
When you receive the quote, make sure it includes a breakdown of prices. This breakdown will make it easier to compare quotes and choose the one you feel is the best. However, hiring an electrical contractor based only on price is not a good idea. There are other important factors to consider.
Examine Qualifications and Experience
Not all electricians have the same qualifications and experience. Some have extra qualifications, while others may have specific accreditations. Choosing a Master Electrician brings a guarantee that they have a minimum of five years’ experience.
Work done by a Master Electrician ensures you are receiving the highest standard of work and electrical safety.
While the cost of electricity continues to rise, energy efficiency becomes more important. Several organizations offer accreditation in the field of energy efficiency. An electrician with this type of accreditation has additional training in energy-saving products and technology.
Ask for Recommendations
The best way to find an honest electrician is to take the advice of someone you can trust. Knowing you’re hiring someone who created a positive experience with a friend or family member can ensure you’re going to get quality service.
If you cannot get a recommendation from someone you know, ask the electrician if they can provide any references. If possible, follow up with three of the provided names and make sure they are legitimate.
Evaluate Overall Attitude and Communication
A poor attitude or shoddy work from an electrician can make an unpleasant experience for anyone. Keep track of the little things, like if they were on time when they arrived for the initial quote. If they were delayed, did they notify you or leave you waiting?
You need to know you can trust the tradespeople you are employing to do electrical work in your home. Communication is an integral part of the business relationship, so there are no miscommunications during the project.
Common Issues Licensed Electricians Near Akron Can Fix
A licensed electrician can handle any major or minor electrical issue. However, they don’t typically fix television or internet issues. Furthermore, if there is a power outage throughout the city, the utility company will conduct those repairs.
There’s still a variety of common residential electrical issues electricians can take on. Some of these widespread problems include:
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights indicate an electrical wiring issue that is preventing the transfer of electricity into the bulb. If the flicker continues after the bulb has been changed, there could be a faulty fixture or fraying wires.
Tripped Circuit Breakers
A circuit breaker trips when the circuit it controls becomes overloaded with electricity. It has a built-in safety measure to stop the overheating that leads to electrical fires. If resetting the circuit breaker doesn’t work, an electrician can diagnose the issue.
Loose Electrical Outlets
When a plug repeatedly falls out of the outlet, it’s a sign that there is a loose contact within the socket. In worst-case scenarios, this can lead to a house fire. An electrician can check the outlet and tighten it up to create a secure connection.
Exposed Wires
Exposed wiring is a safety hazard for any home. If you notice exposed wires, call an electrician as soon as possible. Not only are they a fire risk, but exposed wires often cause severe electrical shocks if a person or animal comes into contact with them. Trained electricians can secure any open wiring and safely hide it.
Increasing Electric Bill
Electricity bills fluctuate from season to season. But if you cannot identify a valid reason for an increasing electric bill, an electrician can assess your home’s electricity usage and repair any mechanical issues within the system.
Choosing The Right Electrician For the Job
When you’re ready to find an electrician, you need to determine your budget first. Once you receive your quotes, you’ll be able to quickly narrow down your choices.
Regardless of your budget, you should always prioritize the electricians with the proper licensing in your state, as well as experience with the project you are attempting. Ideally, you’ll find a master electrician or journeyman with thousands of hours of experience.
Call The Best Electrician in Akron
Now you know how to find a good electrician, but we want to take the guesswork out of it. Call us at Jennings Heating and Cooling! We provide safe and effective residential electrical work. Our technicians are fully licensed to complete installations and repairs for your next electrical project.
