Do I Need an Electrical Inspection or Tuneup?

You probably don’t give much thought to the electricity in your San Marcos, TX, home––until it goes out or you have a problem with it. If that’s the case, you’re in a majority. But is it safe to only think about it on these few occasions, or should your home’s electrical system be part of your overall regular home-maintenance plan? Do you need an annual home electrical inspection? What about a tuneup? Our professionals at Dean’s Shop Inc. recommend thinking about it a little more often but only scheduling an electrical inspection and tuneup under certain conditions.

Why an Electrical Inspection and Tuneup Are Important

An electrical inspection for your home examines your home’s entire electrical system to be sure it meets legal safety standards. The inspection certifies that all systems, wiring, and components, like your home’s appliances, are up to legal snuff. All electricians operate under the National Electric Code (NEC) when conducting inspections, which delineates the parameters for minimum standards across the U.S. Since most things in your home run with electricity and, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one of the top five reasons for house fires is electrical distribution/electrical failures, it’s more important than ever to have a complete inspection of your home’s electrical system.

An electrical tuneup, on the other hand, typically only refers to tuning up your electrical panel. The panel isn’t something that changes often, so a tuneup isn’t required unless there’s a specific reason to think you might need one. Some reasons to think about a tuneup would be water leaks in the vicinity of your panel, improper wiring, your panel being underpowered or crowded, tripping and blowing fuses, or a poorly manufactured panel. These are all potentially dangerous situations, and a tuneup would be in order to correct them to keep you and your home safe.

When you schedule a home electrical inspection, generally these are the things to expect a licensed electrician to check:

Your electrical panel for proper operation, amps, and labeling (a tuneup may be recommended)
All arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)
Appropriate surge protection
Wall outlets and switches
Grounding systems
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, both placement and testing/condition
Outdoor electrical systems
Possible shock or electrocution situations
Security and safety lighting
Appropriate light bulb wattage
Appropriate wiring of major appliances

Upon completion of either your inspection or tuneup, you should receive a detailed analysis, in the form of a report, of what your electrician concluded or performed. From here you can discuss repairs or replacements that may need to be made.

When to Schedule One

A home electrical inspection or tuneup isn’t necessary annually, like an HVAC inspection or tuneup. As far an inspection, our professionals recommend only scheduling one every five years or under the following circumstances, whichever comes first:
•Your home is twenty-five years old or older.
•You’re purchasing a new home.
•You’re having a major renovation done to your home.
•You’re adding a new appliance.

As far as an electrical tuneup, as mentioned above, there are specific times you should get one. It’s not an annual recommendation.

Don’t put off getting a home electrical inspection or tuneup if your home meets any of our recommended reasons to have one. Electricity is nothing to ignore. The results could be potentially dangerous, or, worse, even deadly. Call one of our Dean’s Shop Inc. licensed electricians at 512-353-4770 to schedule your inspection or tuneup today.

Ballard Natural Gas Services is proud to offer services to Seattle, Shoreline, West Seattle, Capitol Hill, Lake Forest Park, Richmond Beach, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and the surrounding communities. Call us at 206-784-8101 or request service online today!