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To determine if an electrical outlet is blown, look for visible signs of damage such as a burning or smoky smell, burn marks, or a melted or discolored plastic cover. If you notice a burning smell, contact an electrician immediately. Other signs include a plug that keeps falling out or the outlet not working when you test it with different devices. For further troubleshooting, you can use a voltage tester or multimeter to check for power; a reading of zero indicates a problem. Also, check your circuit breaker or fuse box to see if the circuit was tripped and reset it if necessary. If these steps don't resolve the issue, the outlet may need to be replaced.

You should never unplug or touch a buzzing outlet. If there are appliances plugged in that are causing the buzzing, wait until the appliance is turned off (or turn it off yourself) and then unplug it from the outlet. Test the outlet by plugging in something that won’t use much power—a small lamp works well. If the outlet still buzzes, have a pro investigate why.

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.

You can move an electric meter outside if you currently have one inside your home. This is considered a larger move, so be prepared to pay on the upper end of $600 to $1,200. When hiring a professional electrician to move your electric meter, be sure to specify its current location and desired location, including pictures if possible.