Can you imagine your home without electricity? Without it, you wouldn't have light or power for your several smart devices. If you suspect issues with your electrical system, don't hesitate to call a professional for an inspection and repairs. With over 1 million electricians in the United States, according to IBIS World, you have plenty to choose from. Here are seven signs that it's time to hire an electrician.

1. High Bills

Did you know that according to the Department of Energy, your electrical expenditure can account for as much as 50% of your home bills? That's a lot of money homeowners may spend each month covering their electrical costs. What if you're noticing your electrical bill is steadily increasing but don't know why? If you don't seem to be using extra appliances or devices, you may need an electrician to check things out and explain to you what's eating up so much electricity. It could be an appliance nearing the end of its lifespan, or it could be wiring that's no longer compliant.

2. Flickering Lights

Has a light begun to flicker? Test it out by changing the light bulb to see if it changes. A flickering light or two can usually be solved by replacing a light bulb that has gone out. What if all the lights in the room, or even your house, are flickering? In this case, you know you have a situation where there's something wrong with the wiring, and you may need a professional.

3. Blown Appliances

What would happen if all your appliances were blown and useless? You would have a major expense on your hands. That can happen with a power surge, and it could potentially destroy anything that's plugged into your sockets. A power surge can happen if you have too many things plugged in simultaneously, and your circuits become overloaded due to a mismatch in wattage.

4. Useless Sockets

Are you now having issues with your light sockets? Do you plug things in, and nothing happens? Unfortunately, a socket won't just spring back to life. If the wiring has become worn to where your sockets are steadily becoming useless, it's time to change them out. Luckily, an electrician can help.

5. Sparks

The last thing you want is to see sparks flying from your sockets. Such sparks are a fire hazard resulting from your wiring, possibly overheating. Seeing sparks qualifies for emergency electrical services, as you don't want it to get out of hand. If the wrong spark catches on to something, it could ignite it.

6. Burning Smells

You have nothing cooking on the stove or oven, yet you smell something burning. Unfortunately, that burning smell may come from your frayed electrical wiring that needs replacement. This situation could lead to an electrical fire that would be devastating. If you smell something burning due to your wiring, shut off your electricity immediately and place an emergency call to your electrician.

7. Moving

Even if there hasn't been a cause for alarm, you may want an electrical professional to check out your home before you move out. Before you put your home on the market, getting whatever inspections and upgrades you need out of the way is a good idea. It'll help you sell your home faster in a competitive market. That way, you won't have an appraiser or potential homeowner questioning you about upgrades that may hold up a sale. With proof of an electrical inspection in hand, it can give a serious home buyer peace of mind that your home is safe to move into. You may also want to call an electrician to inspect the new place you plan to move to.

Electricity makes your home convenient, but when it's damaged, old, or frayed, it can be a hazard you can't ignore. If you notice any of the above signs in your home, don't hesitate to call an electrician as soon as possible. After all, electrical fires are one of the top causes of residential fires, and you want to prevent that as much as possible. For a trained and experienced electrical professional who can keep your home safe and in compliance, don't hesitate to contact us at John H. Coleman Co for an appointment today.