Should electricians be certified or licensed?

• <div><p>Yes, although there are <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/different-types-electricians-explained.htm">different types of electricians</a>, they must be licensed, certified, and in most cases insured. States have different requirements for electrician licensing and certifications. In some cases, there may be licensing requirements at the local level, but not the state level. It’s always a good practice to confirm requirements with your local municipality. If licensing is not required in your area, you may pay more for a licensed electrician with experience than one who is not licensed or certified, but you’re likely to get a better end result for your project. </p><p>As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: </p><ul><li><p>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</p></li><li><p>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</p></li><li><p>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</p></li><li><p>Paying to advertise their services</p></li><li><p>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</p></li></ul><p>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</p></div>

How do I hire the right electrician for my project?

• <div><p>Hire an electrician the same way you would an employee. Ask questions and look for a good fit. Streamline the process by using these <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/ask-electricians-5-questions-hiring.htm">questions to ask an electrician</a>. It's also common to ask for a quote in writing. Don’t forget to provide all the project details to ensure there are no surprises or opportunities for added fees.</p></div>

Can you save money with electrical upgrades?

• <div><p>Upgrading your electrical system can save you money on your monthly utility bills by powering your home more efficiently. Electrification nonprofit Rewiring America estimates that a household could <a href="https://www.rewiringamerica.org/policy/inflation-reduction-act">save <b>$1,800 per year</b> on energy bills</a> by upgrading to a modern electric heat pump, switching to a heat pump for their water, installing solar panels on the roof, and converting to an electric vehicle.</p></div>

Do you get quotes from electricians?

• <div><p>Yes, you should get a quote or an estimate from an electrician. Most electricians offer free estimates or quotes. When getting quotes, do your research and <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-verify-electricians-license.htm">verify each electrician’s license</a>. Get quotes from three different electricians to compare. If the prices or items listed appear different on the quotes, ask the electrician to clarify. Learning as much as you can about the electrical work you want done will help you get the most accurate estimate. </p></div>