Get matched with top electricians in Summer Shade, KY

To upgrade electrical systems in older homes, you might need to reroute new wires with lath and plaster walls. That’s because it’s more challenging to get inside the walls of an older home compared to a modern home, which usually uses drywall. But there are easier ways to level up your electrical game in an older home. For instance, you can swap out an old furnace for a new electric heat pump, or you could use a heat pump for water heating.

Yes, a faulty or broken light switch can be a serious fire hazard. Malfunctioning switches, often due to loose connections, exposed wiring, or overheating, can cause sparking or arcing. If you hear a crackling, popping, or hissing sound when you use the switch, it indicates live electricity arcing inside, which is a significant hazard that can ignite nearby flammable materials. If you suspect your light switch is faulty, turn off the power to that circuit at the breaker and contact a qualified electrician to remedy the issue.

In general, 200 amps is enough for a house with a square footage of up to 1,800, or the average three-bedroom home. A 200-amp service allows your home to warm and cool itself while running multiple appliances at once. It's a good option for homes that have been extended, or after adding new appliances. 200-amp service is the current standard for homes, so in most cases, it will work for you.

Common signs of faulty electrical wiring include frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering or dimming lights, burning smells near an outlet, buzzing or humming sounds, electrical shocks or tingles when handling outlets of appliances, and hot or discolored outlet switches. If you notice one or more of these signs, hire a licensed electrician for an average cost of $50 to $100 per hour to diagnose and make necessary repairs.