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Becoming a new homeowner can be overwhelming; your electricity is the last thing you want to consider. But you don’t have to be burned out with the extra maintenance that comes with a home. SPS Electric has your back on any electrical needs for new residents. We have developed these five tips you should know if you’re a new homeowner. 

Cut Off the Power 

The breaker box is the first thing to look for; here, you will find out how to cut off your power. Learning where to turn off your power when checking on the electrical systems inside and outside the home is essential. A simple task can turn into a shocking disaster if not done correctly. 

Your breaker box is also where you will reset circuit breakers when they trip. A circuit breaker will trip, cutting off power to the circuit, when there is an electrical fault that has the potential to cause damage to the circuit. A switch inside your breaker box represents each circuit in your home. These will likely be labeled for you to determine which switch belongs more easily to which areas of your home. When a circuit trips, find the switch in your breaker box that has shut itself to the off position, ensure that the switch is moved fully to the off position, then flip it back on. If the same circuit continues to trip, leave the switch in the off position and consult an Electrician.  

Check for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s) 

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are notable outlets for their safety and are found in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and even outside your house. GFCI’s help protects you against electrical shock by automatically detecting when a circuit becomes a shock hazard. 

The National Electrical Code has made it mandatory to have GFCI’s in all newer homes. If you’re purchasing an older home, double-check that the bathrooms and kitchen outlets are equipped with them. 

Wattage Matters 

Make sure your outlet can hold the load of your appliance’s wattage. Having multiple high wattages plugged into the same outlet can create a fire hazard from the overwhelming use of electricity. It is important to unplug any appliances when they are not in use. You can rearrange appliances to fit different outlets or install another outlet to take some electrical load off the first outlet. 

Change the Lightbulbs 

You may not know the exact date the light bulbs were installed; changing them in a new home is always important. Purchasing LED lightbulbs will save you money by increasing electricity output 75% more than the standard lightbulb. 

Trust Your Gut and Call the Experts 

You can count on SPS Electric and our team of talented professionals to promptly search and determine any issues. If you find any hot outlets, a smokey odor coming from outlets, or flickering lights, you might have an electrical problem and need a professional. SPS Electric offers the right services to help with any electrical problems.

Our expertly trained Lubbock Electricians bring decades of experience and can help install new outlets, switches, or lights. We can even handle more major projects like rewiring and electrical panel upgrades! Give us a call for a free estimate and we will walk you through the entire process will full transparency.