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If only half of your outlet works, there are usually two possible causes: faulty wiring or a half-hot outlet. The first thing you'll want to do is check the circuit breaker panel to ensure that it's not tripped. If your circuit breaker isn't tripped, turn off the electricity and inspect the wiring to see if anything has come loose or corroded. 

If you have a half-hot outlet, it means half of the outlet is controlled by a switch somewhere on the same circuit, which should be nearby. This is an intentional electrical design commonly found in rooms without overhead lights.

Just as fluorescent lights are more efficient than incandescent lights, LED lights are more efficient to run than fluorescent lights. The specifics will vary from product to product, but LED lights are typically twice as efficient as equivalent fluorescent lights. A 13-watt CFL bulb can replace a 60-watt incandescent bulb, but a 6- to 8-watt LED bulb can offer the same amount of brightness. Fluorescent lights offer about 50 lumens per watt, while LEDs offer about 100 lumens per watt. LED light bulbs typically last two to three times as long as CFL bulbs, too. 

Yes, an AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) outlet also has line and load terminals, although it uses different technology than a GFCI and offers a different kind of protection. AFCIs monitor for internal arc faults, a type of wiring problem that can start an electrical fire.

Yes, electricians must be licensed, certified, and in most cases, insured. Licensing requirements vary by state and local municipality, but most U.S. municipalities require electricians to hold an electrical contractor’s license. It's always a good practice to confirm requirements with your local municipality. Even if licensing is not required in your area, hiring a licensed and experienced electrician often leads to a better end result.

A license is a legal requirement to operate a business and is necessary for pulling project permits. Certifications, on the other hand, are typically voluntary and demonstrate a certain level of expertise. In some cases, a certified electrician may send an apprentice or journeyman to perform the work, but they must operate under a primary electrician who holds the proper license.

Before hiring, you should verify the electrician's license, insurance coverage, and any third-party certifications. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing search to confirm a pro's license status. Additionally, businesses with the “Angi Approved” badge on our platform meet strict criteria, including having the required state and local licenses, passing a background check, and maintaining a high average rating.