If you are curious about the most common residential electrical repairs in Springfield, VA, this guide is for you.

Between 2012 and 2021, residential building electrical malfunctions caused 24,200 fires, resulting in 900 injuries, 295 deaths, and a property loss of $1,201,500,000. These alarming figures indicate that every homeowner should stay on top of electrical problems in their home.

Knowing the early signs of trouble leads to prompt home electrical service repairs. This helps keep the average repair costs to a minimum, as well as prevent fires and their consequences.

Read our guide to learn about the most common residential electrical repairs in Springfield, VA, and increase your awareness of electrical hazards around your home.

1. Sparking Electrical Outlets

You're probably accustomed to seeing short, quick sparks when you flip a light switch or plug in an appliance or device. However, frequent and continuous sparking will need to be looked at, as it may indicate a risk of fire.

If a light switch or electrical outlet doesn't stop sparking after a second or two, immediately turn it off.

In most cases, you'll need to repair or replace a faulty switch, fixture, or wiring to fix the issue. This task should be left to a licensed and insured electrical contractor.

2. Buzzing Noises

You've probably heard a humming sound coming from the electrical panel or transformer located outside your house. The humming also occurs when you are using household appliances and electronic devices, and is called a mains hum.

The mains hum occurs because electricity is an alternating current, and therefore, it produces a natural electrical humming sound.

While the humming sound can be annoying, it is generally harmless.

On the other hand, a buzzing sound coming from light fixtures, electrical outlets, or appliances, should be examined by a professional, as it may be an indication of problems with your electrical panel or system.

Some potential causes of buzzing noises include:

Frayed wires
Loose wires
Improperly grounded wires
Overloaded circuit breakers

If you notice an incessant buzzing sound coming from your home's electrical system, get a professional repair service to reduce fire risks.

3. Burning Smell From an Electrical Outlet

If you see smoke or notice the smell of burning plastic coming from an outlet, you should unplug any connected appliances and devices and call an experienced electrician right away. If there's a burning odor from an outlet, these are the potential culprits:

Old or faulty wiring
An overloaded circuit
The presence of a foreign object in the outlet box

Hiring an electrician who is conversant with electrical panel upgrades and safety issues in homes will ensure accurate diagnosis and repair of the underlying problem.

4. Electric Shocks

Like many people, you've experienced static electricity during winter. The drier indoor air increases the chance of receiving an electric shock when you plug or unplug an appliance or electronic device in winter. You can avoid this by not touching the metal prongs of the plugs when you are connecting or disconnecting your appliances.

If you aren't touching the metal prongs of the plugs but you're still getting shocked, it's best to bring in a professional electrician. Other factors, such as frayed wires and faulty appliances could be to blame for this problem.

5. Flickering Lights

It's not uncommon to experience flickering lights during stormy weather. This may happen due to powerful lightning strikes or tree branches making contact with the power lines. If the weather is good and you're experiencing flickering or blinking lights, odds are your home has an electrical fault.

Some common electrical issues that may cause your lights to blink include the following:

Damaged wiring
Overheating light fixture
Defective circuit breaker
Overloaded electrical circuit connection

The best way to identify and fix the problem is to bring in a qualified electrician. If you experience frequent storms in your area, consider finding a Generac dealer in Springfield VA to help with your generator installation. A generator can be an excellent source of backup power during storm-related power disruptions or outages.

6. Fuse Keeps Blowing

Fuses are critical safety components of your home's electrical system. These small electrical parts help enhance safety at home by preventing the overflow of current in an electric circuit.

Whenever a particular circuit is overloaded, the fuse stops the flow of current through it, preventing the risk of overheating. This helps prevent potential fires.

While it is not unusual for fuses to occasionally blow, repeated fuse blowing is an electrical emergency that warrants immediate investigation. The main culprit is plugging in too many devices into an outlet.

However, other factors, including wiring, breaker, or arc issues can also cause the problem. The best way to identify the root cause of the problem is to hire a licensed electrician for the job.

7. Frayed Wires

Although your home's electrical wiring has insulation to protect it from external conditions, the wires can fray due to old age or damage. If you touch the frayed area, you may come in contact with the live wire and get electrocuted. Frayed electrical wires can also put your house at risk of catching fire, jeopardizing the safety of your property and your entire family.

Because house wiring often runs behind walls, in the ceiling, and other hidden areas of the home, you may not easily spot frayed wires. However, there are many common symptoms you can watch out for. These include the following:

Buzzing sounds
Smoke coming out of electrical outlets
Flickering lights
Burning smells from electrical fixtures or outlets
Warm or hot electrical outlets

If you live in an older house, the above symptoms might signal it's time to rewire the entire building. Otherwise, repair costs can add up fast and exceed the one-time cost of whole-house rewiring. If the house or its wiring is relatively new, other factors, such as rodent damage might be to blame for your faulty wiring.

An experienced electrician can assess the damage and help you choose the best course of action.

Get Professional Help With Residential Electrical Repairs in Springfield, VA

While a determined DIYer can fix minor electrical issues, like replacing a bad light switch or electric outlet, it's generally best to leave home electrical repairs to the professionals.

At VANCELECTRIC, LLC, we offer all types of electrical services, including residential electrical services, so homeowners like you don't have to worry about their safety. Don't hesitate to get in touch for a free estimate today!

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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.