Common Electrical Problems Dallas Homeowners Face

Living in Dallas comes with a myriad of perks, such Dallas’ diverse food culture, mild winters, and relatively low cost of living, as compared to other major cities.  However, there are also a number of challenges, such as its congested traffic and scorching summers, but among these cons of Dallas living, is the many electrical issues.  Due to the unpredictable Texas weather, aging infrastructure, and the demand for smart homes, Dallas homeowners often experience a wide range of electrical issues, which can range from minor inconveniences to safety hazards that demand your attention.

If left unchecked, these minor inconveniences could lead to a fire risk or a costly repair.  Addressing these problems as soon as they are found can ensure safety for Dallas homeowners’ property and families, as well as prevent sudden power failures.  In this article, we will explore the most common electrical issues plaguing Dallas homeowners, why they happen, and what can be done to fix them.

1. Overloaded Circuits

Due to the rising demand for smart homes, powerful appliances, and high-energy electronic devices, overloaded circuits are becoming more common.  Dallas has many older homes that are not made for the power demands of modern living, which often leads to flickering lights, repeated breaker trips, slow electronics, or melted outlet covers.

Some preventative measures a homeowner could take would be:

-Never use extension cords for appliances

-Spread out power usage across different outlets and circuits

-Make sure there are no exposed wires around your outlets

-Avoid daisy-chaining power strips

-Upgrade their electrical panel if their current system is insufficient.

Taking these precautions can lower risk or electrical failures and maintain a stable power supply.

2. Power Surges

Severe thunderstorms often hit Dallas, and lightning is a common cause of power surges throughout the area.  However, it isn’t always inclement weather that causes such problems.  Powerful appliances cycling on and off, faulty wiring, or power grid issues can also cause fluctuations.

Experiencing these surges can damage electronic devices over time, shortening their lifespan, and leading to expensive replacement.  Light bulbs may burn out quicker, appliances may randomly shut down, or outlets may spark when plugging in devices.  Using a high-quality surge protector and making sure your electrical system is well-grounded will combat these problems.  If possible, it is also recommended to use fewer appliances at once and unplug any major appliances during times of power outages, such as during a severe thunderstorm.

3. Aging Electrical Wiring

There are a number of homes in Dallas built several decades ago.  Due to this, there are many homes that have outdated wiring that are not up to current safety standards.  A common example of this is aluminum wiring.  Aluminum wiring has a tendency to expand and contract, which leads to loose connections over time.

Some signs to look for in an older home:

-Frequently blown fuses or tripped breakers

-Discoloration or scorch marks around outlets

-A persistent burning smell near electrical fixtures

-Lights dimming when turning on appliances

-Mild shocks when touching appliances or switches.

Even though it is a pricey investment, rewiring your home can significantly improve safety and ensure the electrical system can handle modern power demands.

4. Buzzing Sounds and Burning Smells

Electrical systems should be silent and odor-free.  If a homeowner were to hear buzzing sounds coming from any outlet, switch, or panel, it could indicate loose wiring or a failing component.  If a burning smell reminiscent of burning plastic is emanating from any outlet, switch, or panel, it is a cause for concern and is likely an immediate fire risk.

Do not ignore these warning signs.  If buzzing sounds or burning smells are found, the power should be shut off as soon as possible and a licensed electrician should be contacted immediately to prevent further damage or potential electrical fires.

5. Inefficient or Outdated Electrical Panels

Older electrical panels struggle to keep up with the ever-growing number of devices used in today’s homes.  When the panels are outdated, they are not able to handle high-wattage appliances, leading to frequent breaker trips, overheating, and even electrical fires.

Here are signs that your panel needs an upgrade:

-A panel older than 25-30 years

-Rust on or in the panel

-Breakers that frequently trip or fail to reset

-A burning smell coming from the panel

-Smoke marks or burns

-A lack of available breaker slots

To ensure your older home’s safety and overall efficiency, it is highly recommended that homeowners upgrade their panels.

Preventative Steps You Can Take As a Dallas Homeowner

The best way a homeowner can prevent electrical issues and potential safety hazards is to keep up with regular maintenance, careful energy use, and proactive upgrades.  Scheduling periodic electrical inspections, especially in older homes, is a great way to catch problems before they escalate.  A whole-home surge protector can secure your appliances and sensitive electronics against the damage of a sudden power fluctuation.

Keeping up with routine maintenance, like checking for loose outlets, inspecting breaker panels for signs of overheating, and replacing old wiring, can prevent common electrical failures.  Spreading out high-wattage appliances and upgrading the electrical panel when necessary, can improve system quality.  Catching signs such as buzzing sounds, unusually warm outlets, or flickering lights allows homeowners to address these problems before they become a safety hazard.

When to Call a Professional

While small electrical problems can be fixed with simple troubleshooting, there are many times when calling a professional is the safest and most efficient solution.  If you’re experiencing continual breaker trips, flickering lights, burning smells, or warm outlets, it’s imperative to seek out professional help to prevent the issue from turning into a major safety risk.

Electrical issues can very quickly turn into fire hazards, property damage, or even personal injury if left unchecked.  Attempting DIY repairs can be ineffective and dangerous, especially if attempted without knowledge of the issue and the proper equipment.  Licensed electricians have the experience and knowledge needed to properly diagnose and fix complex issues while making sure your home stays within current safety standards.

For Dallas homeowners, Electricians of Dallas LLC is the trustworthy choice for reliable, professional electrical services.  Whether you need a simple repair, a whole-house rewire, or you’re considering starting a project, our team of technicians is happy to help you.  Don’t wait until your small, inconvenient problem turns into an expensive and dangerous hazard, reach out to Electricians of Dallas today and let us assist you in your electrical needs.