When was the last time that you commissioned a complete overhaul of your home's electrical system? If you live in a relatively new property, then this may not be so urgent, but if you live in a period home then it should certainly garner your attention. If you haven't upgraded an older installation then you may, in certain circumstances, be contravening the law as well, so all things considered, why should you take action as soon as possible?

Wiring is a key component of your home's electrical needs, but when it is old and outdated, it will start to fray. Frayed wires can be hazardous because they expose electrical currents that should otherwise be concealed and can result in electrical fires, shocks, higher electricity bills and much more. If you notice any of these symptoms of a looming electrical fire, make sure you call a licensed electrician right away.

A homeowner should never try to make electrical repairs or manage the installation of electrical wiring and devices on their own, as even a small shock can be painful, if not downright deadly. Damage to electrical wiring can also be dangerous for the home, as shorts, surges and other such issues can put your home at risk for an electrical fire. To avoid this risk and protect your home as well as your own safety, note when you might need the services of an emergency electrician.

A broken refrigerator can wreak havoc in your kitchen, especially if it comes with a freezer compartment as well. Just one malfunction can cause foods to go bad or to develop an unpleasant odour. The high temperatures promote bacteria growth in your food, and eating such food can cause serious illnesses. So if you find that your fridge is not cooling as expected, it is important to take immediate measures to prevent bacteria growth and protect your food from going bad.

An electric hot water system can consume a lot of energy. The amount of money you spend on utilities can be even higher if your home has many occupants and they all make use of hot water in the shower, laundry room, kitchen and faucets. So if you are looking for ways to cut down on energy costs, start with the hot water system. Observe the following tips on how to increase the efficiency of hot water systems and make significant annual energy savings.

If you rent your home, you enjoy all the benefits of living in the property without having to pay a mortgage and maintain the building. However, you won't have complete control over the property itself. Typically, your rental agreement dictates what you can and can't do to your home and you won't be able to make major changes without your landlord's approval. On a day-to-day basis, this may not be a worry, but you may run into problems if you want to do something significant that your landlord doesn't agree with.

Household electrical appliances are critical for convenience and comfort in the home. However, if these units are not handled correctly during use, storage and maintenance, they could cause dangerous electrical accidents such as shock and fires. Fortunately, you can prevent mishaps by promoting proper practices in handling household appliances. Here are practical tips to help you keep your home free of unfortunate electrical incidents. Inspect Your Appliances You should make time to inspect your household appliances.

If you have recently moved into an old property, you may wish to rewire the electrical system. Older electrical systems can be dangerous as the wiring may be damaged or the fuses may be the wrong type. The easiest way to rewire your home is to ask a professional to do it. Below is a guide to the steps an electrical contractor will take when rewiring your property. Establish the current layout of the wires

Solar panel installation is a complicated process. Therefore, if you are planning on setting up this type of energy system in your home, you should hire an experienced technician to handle the installation work. Remember, if the panels are not placed on your property correctly, you could miss out on the benefits of the renewable power. In simple terms, poorly installed panels will not harness sunlight effectively. Also, there will be significant risk of panel damage, and the losses could be significant.

Keeping your electronics protected from spontaneous power surges is not a new concept, but some individuals may be under the impression that, as long as their circuit breaker is in good working condition, they do not need to invest in a residential surge protector. Other people, conversely, may assume that, as long as they have mini protectors plugged into their main outlets, their electrical devices will be safe from these surges.