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There are several indicators that a single-pole switch is bad: the switch is warm or hot to the touch, sparks are sometimes present when turning the switch on or off, you hear a buzzing sound or other weird noise coming from the switch, the connected light flickers when you turn on the switch, and the light doesn't turn on at all with the switch. If you notice any of these, replace the switch or call a pro straight away.

Typically, when a 3-way switch only works when one switch is on, this is one of the most telltale indicators that the switch has gone bad (although this could also be the result of faulty or loose wiring). To diagnose the issue, toggle each switch until the light comes on. Once it’s on, toggle each switch separately again; the switch that doesn’t turn the light off is the bad switch. 

Window ACs use 500 to 1,400 watts per hour of electricity, while mini-splits use 500 to 700 watts per hour. However, if you need to cool multiple zones in your house, your mini-split can use as much as 2,000 watts per hour. How often you run your system will impact how much electricity you use (and how much you pay per month).

Electrical fixes are best handled by a licensed electrician, but it’s possible to release a wire connection on your own. Be sure to always turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker before beginning your project to avoid electric shock. Carefully insert the tip of a flat screwdriver into the rectangular hole beneath the wire. Hold the outlet in the palm of your other hand. Pull out the wire as you apply pressure with the screwdriver.