Electrical

Let there be—well, you know how the saying goes. Electricity is the undercurrent of our home, powering our appliances and lighting our hallways. Most of us are fine left in the dark regarding the inner workings of electrical wiring and circuit breakers…until you’re, quite literally, in the dark. Use our expert guidance to help identify the wires behind your wall, learn how to protect your home’s electrical system, and source a list of professional electricians you can call when you’re frazzled.

man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The exterior of a house with outdoor lighting and a lanscaped garden
Mar 19, 2025
Mar 19, 2025
If you’re planning to hire an electrician to install outdoor lights, consider cost factors like light type, bulb type, quantity, and more.
A technician in a black shirt and khaki pants walks away from a house wall with utility boxes, a ladder, and a blue "X" marking on it.
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
Before you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you should learn the cost to run electric from the road to your house so you can budget for the project.
A family loading luggage in their car while charging it
Apr 2, 2025
Apr 2, 2025
Find out how an EV charger installation can make your electric vehicle ownership experience even better. Learn about costs, benefits, and more.
Family watches TV and play on electronics
Apr 4, 2025
Apr 4, 2025
Is it time to upgrade your electrical panel? For the sake of safety, find out sooner than later by exploring our top signs that it’s time for an upgrade.
A woman checking the smoke alarm
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
Every homeowner should learn how to replace a hardwired smoke alarm, which you must do at least every decade. This guide will talk you through the process.
Home garage with door open at night
Mar 24, 2025
Mar 24, 2025
A trusted electrical pro can add lights to your additional living space or work area. Here’s how an electrician runs power to a detached garage.
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A house roof with solar panels
Solar panel costs vary based on the system size, panel type, and wattage you need. Learn about solar panel installation costs, so you can budget with ease.
A step stool holds electrical tools, outlet covers, and tape, while a tool bag and drill sit nearby, indicating electrical work in progress.
Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
Technician smiling while using a multimeter to test wiring on an outdoor wall, enjoying his work on a sunny day with a lush background.
Rewiring a house can be a complex project but don’t let it catch you off guard. Read this to plan ahead and discover the cost to rewire a house.
Mother and daughter loading dishwasher
Knowing how many watts your home uses can give you insight into your energy consumption and help you save money. Learn how to calculate watts in this guide.
Electric box fill
Learning how to calculate box fill correctly will ensure you meet building codes and reduce the risk of electrical fires. Use this calculator to help.
Biege home exterior with driveway
Electrical subpanels allow you to use appliances and electronics safely. This cost guide explains the important factors to consider when installing a subpanel.
A living room with hidden lighting in a vaulted ceiling
The cost of a whole-house surge protector depends on the materials, size, installation, and more. This guide will help you budget for a new surge protector.
Kitchen with light fixture
Learn how much a light costs a year, so you can learn how to calculate the annual price for light fixtures and decide on the right bulbs for your home.
Electrician fixing ceiling lights
If you’re planning to install recessed lighting, one of the first things you’ll do is figure out how many recessed lights you need. Here’s how to do that.
Dad and son in bathroom with hairdryer
Installing a dedicated line in your home or garage is fairly straightforward, but may have a wide range of cost-affecting factors, like materials, labor, and necessary permits.
A portable inverter generator
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
A view of a house at night
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.