Are you wondering about the most common and different types of electrical repairs? If so, this is the guide for you.

Electricity was only discovered in 1752, but it only entered people's houses many years later in the form of wiring and electronic devices. Today, almost every house has an electrical system. Such a system, of course, is important for everyday life such as turning on the lights, the dishwasher, the hair dryer, and other electrical appliances.

But what are the most common types of electrical repairs? Certain types of electrical repairs are more dangerous and urgent than others. Fortunately, whatever electrical problem you have, a Generac dealer in Springfield VA can help you out so that the problem hopefully won't happen again in the future.

Keep reading and learn more about electrical repair below.

Loose Electrical Outlets

When it comes to residential electrical repairs, loose electrical outlets are a very common problem. A loose outlet will occur if the electrical box powering that outlet is placed too deeply in comparison to the surface of the outlet. This will eventually cause the outlet to loosen.

This may not sound like a very big problem, but loose electrical outlets can quickly become quite dangerous. This is because the electrical box in the wall can cause problems. If it is loose, it will be unstable.

It also won't be able to hold the position it's supposed to in the wall. This will make it more likely to move around and interfere with the wires surrounding it. In some cases, the loose electrical box might even end up damaging some of the wires.

The Details

This will end up causing all sorts of problems such as sparks. In some cases, these sparks can result in an electrical fire. If your electrical outlet is really loose, you might find that whatever you plug into the outlet will fall back out.

This is a less serious problem since it means that the electrical socket is old and can no longer do its job. Replacing the electrical socket isn't as easy as you think, and it is best that you don't try to attempt it yourself. That's because replacing an old electrical socket will require you to fiddle around with many different wires.

If you don't know what you're doing, you won't know which wires go to which part and you might even end up damaging some of the wires. For that reason, it is best to call a professional for this kind of electrical maintenance.

Burning Smells

Some electrical problems are not obvious at first. Some are instead more subtle such as burning or electrical smells. If you smell an unusual burning smell in your house and you can't figure out where it's coming from, you should call an electrician right away.

It is best not to wait because there could be serious consequences if you don't treat this problem as quickly as possible. If you detect a burning smell, you should try and figure out where it's coming from. It may be coming from an outlet, a wall, a light fixture, and so on.

Whatever the case, burning smells only come about when a part of the electrical system is starting to overheat. While this might not always be dangerous, there are some cases in which a burning smell can soon turn into a fire that will soon spread throughout your house. Of course, a burning smell doesn't always mean that your electrical system will burst into flames.

What You Need to Know

It may be the case that some dust has piled up on part of the electrical system and the heat of the electricity is causing the dust to burn. A more serious case is that the wires in the system are old and starting to overheat to a dangerous level. If you find that the smell is coming from an outlet and that the outlet has burn marks on it, this is a bad sign.

You should always call an electrician if you detect any burning smells coming from your electrical system. That way, the electrician can check out the electrical system and see if there is any part of it that needs to be replaced. It is important to let an electrician do this rather than doing it yourself because an electrician will know exactly what to look for.

Blown Fuses

A blown fuse is not actually a fuse that has exploded but rather a fuse that has burned out. A fuse is an important part of your electrical system. An occasional blown fuse is not a big problem, but if you keep getting them over and over again, then there may be something more serious going on with your home's electrical system.

In particular, your electrical system may be overloaded with energy, and that's what's causing repeated blown fuses. This is often the case if you tend to run too many electrical appliances all at once. You can fix the problem by using less energy at home.

Blown fuses may also occur due to a short circuit of the electrical system. This is a more serious problem and it is best to have a professional take care of it.

Your Generac Dealer in Springfield VA

There are many electrical problems that your home can experience. For example, blown fuses, loose electrical outlets, and burning smells are all relatively common electrical problems. It is always important to call an electrician if you have any of these problems since they could quickly become serious and some might even cause electrical fires.

A generac dealer in Springfield VA can also help improve your electrical woes. To learn more, don't hesitate to contact us here.

< Older Post Newer Post >

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.