Key takeaways:
- Any outdated components or damage to your home’s electrical infrastructure could be a major safety risk.
- The best way to spot these issues is to schedule an electrical inspection. It’s very affordable and only takes a few hours.
- You’ll get a full picture of your electrical infrastructure, as well as personalized recommendations for repairs and upgrades.
More than 30,000 house fires are caused by faulty electrical equipment each year, but the good news is that most are preventable. A simple inspection could be all it takes to protect your home.
Bringing in a qualified electrician to inspect your Murfreesboro home can help you avoid serious damage, reduce long-term costs, and give you peace of mind. It’s also a smart step if you’re planning future upgrades or maintenance.
Here’s what to know before scheduling a home electrical inspection.
How Often Should You Schedule Electrical Inspections?
Waiting three to five years between inspections is a good rule of thumb. However, there are situations where you might want to schedule inspections more often:
- Older homes (built before the 1980s) have a higher risk of electrical failures and need inspections every two years or so.
- If you recently bought your home and aren’t sure what kind of shape your electrical systems are in, it’s a good idea to call a local electrician.
- You should also schedule an electrical inspection if you notice anything unusual. This includes higher energy bills, flickering lights, tripped breakers, or burning smells.
What Happens During an Electrical Inspection?
When inspecting your home, an electrician usually starts with a visual check. They’ll look at the following elements:
- Your electrical panel.
- Outlets.
- Visible wires and connections.
- Switches.
- Light fixtures.
Doing a visual check allows them to spot corrosion, loose connections, and other obvious issues.
But because many electrical problems aren’t visible to the naked eye, they’ll also perform some tests:
- Your electrician can use specialized equipment to measure the voltage at different outlets and ensure no dangerous surges.
- They can use thermal imaging to spot overheated circuits, signaling potential overloading.
They’ll also check that your electrical panel’s breakers trip when they should, verify GFCI and AFCI devices are working and properly grounded, and ensure electricity can travel safely throughout your systems.
Lastly, your electrician will look at your appliances, any extension cords you might use, power strips, and other devices.
The entire process should only last a few hours, and you’ll get a full picture of the state of your electrical infrastructure.
What Are the Benefits of Scheduling an Electrical Inspection for Your Home?
The average electrical inspection cost is only a few hundred dollars, and you’ll get many benefits out of it.
Clear Picture of Your Electrical Infrastructure (and Peace of Mind)
After completing an inspection, your electrician will tell you exactly what state your electrical infrastructure is in. You’ll get a list of all its components, along with their age and condition.
Your electrician will then share customized electrical safety tips based on their findings. You’ll know more about your electrical risks and can take steps to make your home safer.
Address Any Safety Hazards
If your electrician finds any issues, they will assess how serious the damage is before discussing repair or replacement options.
Because electrical problems can remain undetected until they cause a major failure, an inspection can help identify any underlying issues before they result in costly repairs or, worse, an electrical fire or electrical shock.
Exploring Potential Upgrades
Once you have a better idea of what state your electrical infrastructure is in, you can discuss upgrades.
Upgrades are separate from urgent repairs. You can take your time planning the electrical work, and the goal is either to improve the efficiency of your electrical systems (to lower your bills) or prevent electrical problems in the future.
Is Your Home Up to Code?
Tennessee uses the 2017 edition of the National Electric Code, with the city of Murfreesboro enforcing an amended version of the code. If you live outside the city limits, your home might fall under the NEC amendments enforced by Rutherford County instead.
Between the NEC and local codes, there are many electrical safety rules to follow, and it’s easy to fall behind, especially if your home has had a few upgrades and repairs over the years.
Scheduling an electrical inspection is an opportunity to make sure your home is up to code. Falling behind on these requirements is an issue:
- It can indicate that your electrical infrastructure is unsafe.
- Your homeowners’ insurance company might ask for an electrical inspection when you renew your policy.
- You’ll need to prove your home is up to code if you plan on selling it.
Instead of doing some last-minute upgrades, if you decide to sell your home or need to pass an inspection, you can be proactive and make sure your home is safe and compliant.
Airstream Offers Expert Electrical Inspections in Murfreesboro
Airstream’s team of experts is here to make your home safer. We’ve served the Murfreesboro community since 2012 with electrical inspections and more.
Our goal is to give you peace of mind and ensure that your home’s electrical systems are safe and up to date.
Ready to schedule your electrical inspection? Use our convenient online booking service!
Why Schedule Home Electrical Inspections with Airstream Services
What happens during an electrical inspection?
A professional electrician will check your panel, circuits, outlets, and other electrical components. They will make sure everything is wired correctly and up to code.
What are some signs my home needs an electrical inspection?
You should schedule an inspection if you notice anything unusual, such as a spike in your energy bills or tripped breakers. It’s also a good idea to get an inspection if you moved in recently or are living in an older home.
How can I prevent electrical fires in my home?
The best way to prevent electrical fires is to keep your electrical systems safe and up to date, starting with an inspection.
How much does an electrical inspection cost?
You should plan on spending $100 to $500, depending on the size of your home.
