Hiring a professional for electrical repair needs is a smart choice. Locate a quality professional by using these helpful tips.

Did you know that in 2022, there were 690,050 electricians employed by electrical companies? The numbers do not reflect self-employed professional electricians, so the overall number is much higher.

Choosing a professional electrician can be a daunting task, especially when you don't know what to expect or what to ask. With so many electricians in the business today, how do you know you're hiring someone qualified?

Different types of work, like residential vs. commercial electrical repair, could require an electrician with a specialized skill set. You want someone who will deliver the service and expertise you expect.

There are some general tips to remember when interviewing electricians. Read on as we show you how to select the right professional for your electrical repairs.

Understanding Your Electrical Repair Needs

Most don't think about our electrical systems until something stops working. However, when something stops working, you need to know what type of repairs you might need to be ready to speak with a professional electrician about.

Here is a list of the most common electrical repair issues:

Electrical Wiring Issues
Replacement or Installation
Fixtures
Outlets
Switches
Circuit Breakers and Panels
Lighting and Ceiling Fans
Electrical Components
Smoke detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors
Security system set-ups
Thermostats
Appliances
Stoves
Refrigerators
Generators

If you notice issues with any of these electricity-driven products, get them fixed or replaced right away. Unknown sources of problems can eventually lead to blown fuses or, worse, electrical-related fires.

Only Hire Licensed Contractors

If you require any electrical repair, replacement, lighting, generator, or other services, it's best to get a master electrician and licensed electrical contractor to handle it.

Safety is always a top priority when hiring a licensed electrician. Every year, thousands of people get electrocuted in the US. Each state has education requirements, plus mandatory years of on-job-training to become a licensed electrician.

Plus, it's illegal to do certain types of electrical work if the person doesn't have a license.

If you hire someone who isn't licensed and a fire results, your property insurance won't cover it. You may also get sued for the person's medical treatment if they aren't insured.

Ask for Recommendations

The first step to finding the best electrician service is research. There are several methods you can use to research local electrician services. They include the following resources:

Personal References

Sometimes, the people you know have the best recommendations for professional services. Personal references are often the key to finding people who do respectable electrical work at electric repair costs that won't empty your bank account.

Search Engines

You've probably heard the saying, "Google is your friend." Well, it's true. If you're looking for a licensed contractor, searching Google using the right keywords will provide you with electricians in your area.

For example, if your business facility has a broken generator, you can search for residential or commercial electricians that work on generators. Or if you know the generator is beyond repair, you can include the manufacturer and enter "Generac Dealer Springfield, VA."

Your search will also include dealers with professional electricians for installation and repairs.

Review Websites

Once you've searched websites online, check out their reviews. Often, local businesses have Google Business Profiles. These profiles provide pertinent information about the company, including its website, location, phone number, and reviews.

With one click, you get to see all the prior customers' reviews on Google about the business. You can also get insights into their customer service because business owners can respond to the reviews.

From there, you can decide whether to visit the website.

Check Local Directories

Local service directories are a great way to find a good licensed contractor. You can see reviews from actual clients.

They provide an opportunity to receive responses from local electrical repair businesses and independent contractors.

Interested contractors will contact you via the app.

Some also have guides and rating systems for electric repair costs.

Get Answers to the Right Questions

All of the above tools are great resources. Still, only you can get answers to the questions relating to the electrical work you need to be done. If someone had an electrician to repair a water heater, it doesn't mean they can fix a broken generator.

You'll need to ask if the person can fix a commercial generator.

It's also important to know how long ago they used the person and whether they work for an electrical company that does commercial work. Most importantly, you want to know if they are a licensed contractor.

Personal Referrals

Ask your contacts if they are willing to reach out to a professional electrician they've recently had do work for them.

Sometimes, personal referrals can reduce the tension when talking to a licensed contractor about work you need to get done.

Assuming they have a great relationship with the person referring them, there could be incentives for taking on your job.

Workmanship, Dependability, and Professionalism

No one wants a service person to bring bad energy into their place of business. You are already upset that you are experiencing unexpected electrical problems. It's even worse if the operating budget isn't set up for an expensive electric repair cost.

Choosing a licensed contractor that has exceptional workmanship, is dependable, and is professional is a win, win, win solution.

During the initial contact, pay attention to whether the person answering the phone was polite. Make a list of important questions to ask. Notate whether your questions were answered to your satisfaction.

Also, pay attention to if the electrician arrived on time or if they called to let you know they were running late. After the inspection, did they give you a written estimate and offer to schedule the electrical repair?

Do You Have a Broken Generator?

Generators are great to have when severe weather causes a power outage. It's best to fix a broken generator at the first sign of trouble. If an electrical repair is not the solution, we are also a Generac Dealer in Springfield, VA.

Vance Electric always strives to deliver great experiences. Contact us today for your commercial generators, water pumps, and more.

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How Generac Generators Keep Your Home Running

By Vance Electric • February 28, 2025

Is there anything as disruptive as a power outage? Whether there's an issue with the power grid or a powerful storm, a blackout can prevent you from enjoying the comfort of your home and adversely affect your work. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about one in four American households experience a power outage annually. Acquiring a Generac generator is a necessity if you want to avoid the inconvenience caused by an outage. Standby generators automatically detect outages, ensuring you don't sit in the dark or have the food in your freezer go bad. Let's explore Generac generators and why you need one in your home. How Generac Generators Work Installing a Generac standby generator ensures your home has backup power whenever necessary. The main types of generators are standby and portable. Generac generators function in the following ways: Detecting Power Outages These generators can come with a transfer switch that automatically monitors the flow of electricity in your home. When there is a power outage, the generator kicks in, supplying power to your home. A home Generac generator doesn't need you to connect any cables or physically switch it on. It will automatically supply your house with electricity, ensuring your appliances keep running. Continuous Running and Automatic Shutdown As a new generator owner , you'll realize that Generac generators run continuously as long as the power outage lasts. The generators are specifically designed to handle long run times and provide power for an extended period. They automatically shut down when the grid comes back on and go back to standby mode, acting as a reliable energy solution for future outages. Benefits of a Generac Generator Owning a Generac generator offers more benefits than just a continuous power supply. These generators can start running when the lights go out in under 30 seconds. The automatic function means you don't have to be home to turn it on. So, you will not incur any losses as your business or home will continue running smoothly. A Generac generator also adds value to your property and can help you get a high resale price if you decide to sell. Having a Generac generator can also reduce your homeowners' insurance premiums . Here are a few tips to extend your generator's life and optimize its benefits: Make preventive repairs Regularly inspect the battery Exercise the generator Test and replace the fuel Features of Generac Generators The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Americans experienced about five and a half hours of power interruptions in 2022. Unexpected power outages can result in heavy financial losses resulting from missed work and perishable goods going bad . These features of Generac generators enhance their reliability and efficiency: User-friendly control features All-weather features Fuel efficiency and durability Smart monitoring with some generators having features such as Wi-Fi Further, modern generators minimize sound output, reducing noise pollution in your house. Talking with one of the best Generac dealers in Springfield can help you understand the features of any unit prior to the purchase. Generac generators run on liquid propane or natural gas; you don't need to refuel them since they will connect directly to your house's fuel line. This feature also makes them less expensive to maintain than generators that run on gas. How Long Do Generac Generators Run As a business or homeowner, nothing comes close to the disruption of a power outage. Although weather conditions are the leading cause of outages, the power grid can go down for various reasons. Consequently, having a standby or home generator guarantees continuous, uninterrupted power. They don't run on gasoline, meaning you don't have to continually refuel them when the power grid is off for a prolonged period. The main factors that determine how long a Generac generator will last include: The generator model The load capacity Fuel type Natural gas generators, such as Generac generators, can last indefinitely. The continuous gas supply from your home's fuel line keeps the generator running as long as necessary. However, portable generators may not run continuously as standby models. One of the reasons to buy a Generac standby generator is that it can run 24/7 regardless of weather conditions. Maintenance Tips for Generac Generators Generator maintenance is necessary for smooth, continuous running when you need backup energy. One of the first maintenance tips you should follow is to get maintenance service from a reputable commercial dealer . But how can you know that a company has a good reputation? Some of the indicators of a great dealer are: Great online reviews from previous customers Level of experience Certifications and qualifications of individual vendors Referrals and level of customer service The maintenance needs of generators will vary depending on the type or model. A Generac vendor can help you understand the warning signs your generator needs maintenance. However, you shouldn't wait for visible signs to appear before getting your generators regularly serviced. Some of the signs your generator needs maintenance work include: Low power output Difficulty starting Fluid leakage Strange noise and faulty parts Age is another sign that your generator needs maintenance. Like other machines, generators experience wear and tear, so it's only normal that they'll need greater maintenance as they get older. Who Needs Generac Generators According to the Climate Central Organization, power outages are more common across the United States. The main reason behind this is the changing climate, which caused approximately 83% of all power outages from 2000 to 2021. Getting a Generac generator is a priority for any homeowner or businessman. You need to understand that there are different types of generators , such as: Backup generators Portable generators Standby generators Industrial generators Choose a generator that can meet your needs. Backup generators are ideal if you experience short-term blackouts, whereas standby generators are better suited if you need a continuous power supply . Keep Your Home Running With Generac Generators Today Generac generators are the best bet if you want an uninterrupted power supply for your home or business. A standby generator can run for weeks and even months if necessary. Vancelectric has experience dating back to 1998, and we've gained a reputation built on providing high-quality Generac generators . We also offer installation and maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly. Check out our website today to see all our energy solutions.