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common electrical problems person conducting electrical maintenance on outlet

8 Common Electrical Problems in Older Homes

Owning a home comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and one important aspect is keeping your electrical system safe and functional. Electrical problems can range from minor inconveniences, like a flickering light, to major issues that could pose a safety hazard.

At Genz Ryan, we’re committed to helping homeowners stay informed so they can identify potential problems and maintain a safe living environment. This guide will take you through:

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or simply looking to better protect your home, this information will give you the tools and confidence to tackle electrical issues head-on.

Why Is Electrical Maintenance Important?

common electrical problems person maintaining electrical systems

While electrical systems may fade into the background until something goes wrong, ensuring they’re well-maintained is crucial for your home’s safety and efficiency. Poorly maintained systems can lead to higher energy bills, frequent repairs, or worse—fire hazards.

A little maintenance and early troubleshooting can go a long way toward avoiding costly and dangerous scenarios.

8 Common Electrical Problems You Might Experience

common electrical problems person flipping circuit breaker after trip

Now, let’s look at some of the most common electrical problems you might encounter at home.

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Have you noticed your lights flickering when you turn on an appliance, or dimming randomly? This may seem like a small inconvenience, but it’s often a sign of a deeper issue.

What Causes Flickering Lights?

  • Loose bulbs or connections: Sometimes, the solution is as simple as tightening the bulb in the socket.
  • Faulty light switches: If the flicker happens only when you flip the switch, it might be the switch itself.
  • Circuit overload: When multiple high-powered devices are running on the same circuit, the system may struggle to handle the load.
  • Wiring issues: Outdated or damaged wiring could also be the culprit.

How to Fix It

Start with simple troubleshooting like checking the bulb and switch. If the issue persists, especially with circuit or wiring-related causes, it’s time to call a licensed electrician.

Why This Matters

Ignoring flickering lights could lead to larger problems down the road, including electrical fires.

2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

Your circuit breaker is your home’s first line of defense against electrical overloads. If it’s tripping frequently, there’s likely an issue that needs to be addressed.

Why Does This Happen?

  • Overloaded circuits: Running multiple high-energy appliances (like AC units and hair dryers) on the same circuit can trip the breaker.
  • Short circuits: A short circuit can occur when a hot wire connects with a neutral wire, causing a surge in current.
  • Faulty appliances: An old or malfunctioning appliance may require more current than usual, causing the breaker to trip.

How to Fix It

First, unplug devices on the problematic circuit and reset the breaker. If it continues to trip even under reduced load, it’s important to call a professional to inspect your wiring.

Why This Matters

A tripped breaker protects your system, but repeated trips could signal potentially dangerous electrical faults that need attention.

3. Outlets That Don’t Work

Ever plugged in your phone charger only to realize the outlet isn’t working? Dead outlets are another common electrical complaint.

Common Causes

  • Tripped GFCI outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets often trip due to moisture or an overload.
  • Worn-out outlets: Over time, outlets can wear down and fail.
  • Wiring issues: Loose or damaged wiring behind the outlet may cause connection problems.

How to Fix It

If it’s a GFCI outlet, press the “RESET” button to restore functionality. For standard outlets, test others on the same circuit to rule out larger issues. For worn-out outlets or repeated failures, reach out to an expert for replacement.

Why This Matters

Non-functional outlets are inconvenient, but they could also indicate larger wiring issues that need attention.

4. Burning Smell or Discolored Outlets

If you detect a burning smell near an outlet or notice scorch marks, it’s important to act immediately. These are warning signs of a serious electrical problem.

Possible Causes

  • Overloaded outlets: Plugging in too many devices can overheat the outlet.
  • Faulty appliances: Malfunctioning devices can cause overheating.
  • Wiring issues: Loose connections behind the outlet can lead to sparking and heat buildup.

How to Fix It

Unplug all devices and avoid using the affected outlet. Contact a licensed electrician immediately to inspect and resolve the issue.

Why This Matters

A burning smell or discolored outlet could indicate a fire hazard. Ignoring these signs could risk your home’s safety.

5. Buzzing or Humming Noises

Electricity shouldn’t make noise—if you hear a buzzing or humming sound near outlets, switches, or appliances, don’t ignore it.

What Causes It?

  • Loose connections: Electrical currents passing through loose wiring can cause vibrations you may hear as buzzing.
  • Faulty breakers: A worn-out circuit breaker may produce humming noises.
  • Current overload: Overloaded circuits may generate buzzing or humming sounds.

How to Fix It

Turn off power to the affected area and call an electrician. Buzzing sounds often require professional diagnosis to pinpoint the issue.

Why This Matters

Buzzing or humming sounds could precede serious electrical failures, making timely action essential.

6. Power Surges

Power surges are sudden spikes in voltage that can damage electronics and appliances over time.

What Causes Power Surges?

  • Lightning strikes: Storms can cause sudden, massive electrical surges.
  • High-powered devices: Appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners can cause smaller, consistent surges.
  • Faulty wiring: Poor or damaged wiring often contributes to voltage fluctuations.

How to Fix It

Install surge protectors for sensitive electronics and consider whole-home surge protection for comprehensive safety. An electrician can help with installation and assess your home for potential problem areas.

Why This Matters

Frequent power surges can reduce the lifespan of expensive electronics and appliances. Preventative measures are key to long-term savings.

7. Outdated Wiring

Older homes often come with outdated wiring that may no longer meet modern safety standards. Common wiring issues include frayed insulation, aluminum wiring, or insufficient capacity for modern energy demands.

Signs of Outdated Wiring

  • Frequent circuit breaker trips
  • Flickering lights
  • Warm outlets or switches
  • Burning smells near electrical fixtures

How to Fix It

If your home is older than 30 years, consider having the wiring inspected by a licensed electrician. Upgrading to modern wiring may require an upfront investment, but it ensures your home’s safety and energy efficiency.

Why This Matters

Outdated wiring increases the risk of electrical fires and limits your home’s ability to safely power appliances and gadgets.

8. High Energy Bills

Notice your energy bills creeping higher? Inefficient electrical systems could be the cause.

What Contributes to High Bills?

  • Outdated appliances: Older devices consume more energy.
  • Phantom loads: Electronics left plugged in but not in use can still draw power.
  • Lighting inefficiencies: Traditional incandescent bulbs use more energy than LED alternatives.

How to Fix It

Upgrade appliances, unplug unused devices, and replace bulbs with energy-efficient LED options. An energy audit from an electrical professional can also pinpoint inefficiencies.

Why This Matters

Not only will addressing inefficiencies save you money, but it will also help reduce your carbon footprint.

When to Call a Professional

common electrical problems person conducting electrical maintenance

While some minor electrical problems can be addressed with DIY fixes, many issues require professional expertise to ensure your safety and compliance with electrical codes. Here’s when to call in the experts at Genz Ryan:

  • You experience frequent circuit breaker trips.
  • Buzzing or burning smells are present near outlets.
  • You suspect outdated wiring in your home.
  • Any issue involves exposed wires or sparks.

The Genz Ryan Difference

At Genz Ryan, we understand that electrical problems can be overwhelming. That’s why our licensed electricians are committed to providing quick, reliable service with your safety and satisfaction as our top priorities.

From troubleshooting common electrical problems to major system upgrades, we’re here to help homeowners maintain safe homes with efficient electrical systems.

Need Help? Give Genz Ryan a Call Today!

Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major problem. Contact us to schedule an inspection or repair and keep your home safe and powered efficiently. Your peace of mind is just a phone call away.

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