9 Tips for Finding Electrical Repair Services in Your Area

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9 Tips for Finding Electrical Repair Services in Your Area

Vance Electric • July 27, 2023

Are you looking for someone to repair your home's electrical system?

According to the Bureau of Labor, there are 690,050 electricians in the United States. You should be able to find an electrician if you need one for electrical repair.

However, you can't just pick any random electrician you find. This could lead to disaster. Many electricians have mediocre skills or are straight up scam artists.

Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take to find the right electrician for you. Read on for 9 tips you should follow during your next electrical repair company search.

1. Look Beforehand

As soon as you move to a new area, take the time to search for the right local electrical repair services. Don't wait until you're experiencing electrical problems. You won't be able to search with a clear head in this situation.

You don't need to do all your searching at once. Just spend a few minutes here and there on searching until you've found the perfect residential electrician. Even if you have a busy life, you can probably spare this time.

2. Talk to Friends

You don't need to search alone. At least a few of your local friends, family members, and so on should know some local electrical repair services. To find out about the companies they've used, all you need to do is ask.

Bring up the fact that you need an electrician in a conversation with them. At least someone should've worked with a local electrician in the past. They should tell you about the good or bad experience they had with them.

3. Talk to Strangers Online

Social media is also a good place to go when you need help hiring an electrician. Join a social media subgroup based on your local area. Then make a post where you ask people for good electricians in the area.

At least a few friendly people should answer your question. You can then write their answers down and use this to start your search.

4. Find Reviews

Any company that's been around long enough should have some customer reviews. You may even be able to find some on the company's site. Use these to help yourself learn what it's like to work with a company.

However, keep in mind that not all customer reviews are legitimate. Some companies make fake reviews or pay others to make fake reviews for them. Learn how to spot fake reviews so you can separate the truth from the lies.

5. Get an Older Electrician Service

Choose an electrical service that has been in your area for some time over one that's only been around for a few years. Long-term local electrical repair services will know all the best places around to get the equipment they need. They'll also know about any common problems local construction companies may have caused.

Beyond that, long-time local electrical services are trusted by the locals. If a business doesn't provide satisfactory services, locals will stop visiting. This lack of business will cause the company to quickly fail.

6. Look at Their Licenses

Most states require electricians to have licenses before they can work. They also need to regularly renew their licenses every few years or so. If an electrical repair has no licensed electricians, do not work with that company.

Beyond that, there are certain levels of licensing that must be present at an electrical company. To run an electrical business, an electrician must have a contractor's license. To supervise electricians with journeyman or apprentice licenses, an electrician needs to have a master electrician license.

So an electrical company needs at least one master and one contractor license. See if you can find employer license information on each company's site. If you can't find this information, try asking the company's customer service for this information.

7. Check For Insurance

Most electrician license issuers require electricians to have insurance before they can acquire a license. However, you should still check to make sure that an electrical company has insurance. You could be in big trouble if they don't.

You see, even the most skilled electricians can make mistakes. All electricians should know that. This is why they get insurance so they can pay for any mistakes that they make.

When an electrician makes a mistake that causes damage, they talk to their insurance company. The company then reimburses them and they pay for the damage they caused. If a company doesn't have insurance, the client will be left to pay for the damage on their own.

8. Ask For an Itemized Bill

Scam artists may not look like scam artists at the start. They may have a great website and skilled technicians. However, you can then look at your bill at the end of the project and find it's way higher than you expected.

Scammers often add illegitimate charges onto a bill to boost the price. If you don't see these charges on your bill, you can't contest them in court. This is why you need to ask for an itemized bill or a bill that has all charges written out. Legitimate electrical companies should be more than happy to provide you with such a bill. An illegitimate company will likely refuse.

9. Find a Company's Physical Location

Another way to spot a scam company is to look for a physical address. Many scam companies don't have one. This helps them easily run away after scamming a lot of people.

Find each prospective electrical company's address and search for it on Google Maps. You should see a building and not an empty lot.

Hire Our Electrical Repair Services

As you can see, hiring an electrical repair service can take a lot of digging. However, you need to spend the proper amount of time on this. If you don't, a poorly repaired electrical system could leave you with an even bigger headache.

While you're searching, consider looking at our services. We're a Generac dealer in Northeastern North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia, that also offers skilled electrical repair and installation. All of our electricians are properly licensed and insured.

Get in touch with us today by filling out the form on this page.

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Storm Preparedness: Why Backup Power Is a Must-Have for Your Family

By Vanceelectric • March 18, 2025

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, each of the twenty-seven weather disasters that occurred in 2024 cost more than one billion dollars . Part of the reason these storms are so expensive is that they can knock out power infrastructure, causing outages. That is why it is so essential to have home backup power . But where do you get this type of reliable power backup power? And what safety considerations should you take into account? This emergency power options guide will answer these questions to prepare you for the next storm. The Risks of Power Outages During Storms Power outages during storms create various challenges, many of which can severely impact families. Losing electricity disrupts everyday routines, affecting lighting, heating or cooling systems, and access to communication. This makes staying connected with emergency services, loved ones, and weather updates difficult, leaving families vulnerable during a crisis. Beyond daily inconveniences, power outages also pose significant health and safety risks. Without refrigeration, perishable food can spoil, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. A prolonged outage can become a medical emergency for individuals who rely on medical devices such as oxygen concentrators or CPAP machines. Additionally, extreme temperatures can make homes uninhabitable, leading to dangerous conditions, particularly for children, older people, and those with health concerns. The financial burden of power outages can also be substantial. A sudden power surge can damage expensive electronics and appliances, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Types of Backup Power Solutions Several types of home backup power solutions are available, each with unique benefits and considerations. Portable generators offer a cost-effective and flexible option capable of powering select appliances. However, they require manual setup, fuel storage, and proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. These generators are ideal for short-term power outages but require careful handling to ensure safety and efficiency. Learn more about in-stock generators . Standby residential power generators provide automatic power restoration during an outage for a more seamless solution. These units are permanently installed and typically run on natural gas or propane, eliminating the need for refueling. Standby generators can power an entire home and offer a reliable, long-term solution. However, they require professional installation and regular maintenance to maintain optimal working conditions. Read about professional generator installations and their benefits. Battery backup power systems provide another alternative, storing electricity during outages. While they are well-suited for short-term power needs, their effectiveness depends on battery capacity. For families looking for a sustainable and long-term solution, combining solar power with battery storage ensures electricity is available even during extended outages. Just make sure you are choosing the right generator . Choosing the Right Backup Power for Your Family Selecting the best backup power solution depends on various factors, including household power needs, budget, fuel availability, and ease of maintenance. Assessing power requirements is the first step in determining which appliances and systems must be operational during an outage. Understanding essential devices' wattage and energy consumption helps identify the appropriate generator size. Find the size generator you need to ensure your home is adequately powered. Budget is another critical consideration. Portable generators have a lower upfront cost but may require frequent refueling and maintenance. Standby generators involve a higher initial investment but provide automatic power restoration and long-term reliability. Battery backup systems and solar power solutions also have varying price points, with potential long-term savings on energy costs. Explore the complete guide to generator installation to make an informed decision. Fuel availability plays a crucial role in backup power planning. Portable generators often run on gasoline, which can be scarce during severe weather events. Standby natural gas or propane generators provide a more consistent fuel source. Battery-powered solutions eliminate the need for fuel but depend on stored energy capacity. Learn about the benefits of a Generac standby generator for a dependable energy source. Some generators require frequent servicing, while others offer automated operation with minimal intervention. Proper installation and routine maintenance ensure the system functions correctly when needed. Get essential maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your generator. Safety Considerations When Using Backup Power Backup power solutions provide security during power outages, but proper usage is essential to prevent safety hazards. Portable generators can produce carbon monoxide poisoning , which is a significant risk. Therefore, it is crucial to operate them outdoors, away from windows and doors. Homeowners should install carbon monoxide detectors to monitor indoor air quality and prevent exposure to this deadly gas. Electrical hazards are another concern when using backup power. Qualified professionals should always install generators to avoid the risk of electrical shocks, short circuits, or fire hazards. Proper grounding and adherence to local electrical codes ensure safe operation. Find out more about preparing your home for generator installation. Safe fuel storage and handling are also vital when using generators. Gasoline and propane should be stored in approved containers and kept away from living spaces. Spills should be cleaned immediately to reduce fire risks. Routine maintenance, including oil changes and component inspections, helps keep generators in peak condition and ready for emergency use. Learn more about generator repair and warranty services . Additional Storm Preparedness Tips Beyond the benefits of professional generator installation for backup power, families should take additional steps to prepare for storms. Create an emergency kit stocked with the following: Non-perishable food Water First-aid supplies Flashlights Extra batteries A battery-powered radio or alternative communication method helps families stay informed about storm developments and emergency updates. Developing a family emergency plan is also critical. Establishing communication protocols, designating meeting points, and outlining evacuation routes help ensure everyone knows their role during an emergency. Staying informed through weather forecasts and local emergency alerts provides valuable time to implement preparedness measures. Need Home Backup Power? Contact Vance Electric Investing in a reliable home backup power system is a crucial component of storm preparedness. It ensures your family's safety, comfort, and financial well-being during unforeseen power outages. Here at Vance Electric, we know how important it is to get an experienced installer for your backup needs. That is why we offer nearly three decades of experience. So, if you are ready for the electric help you need, contact us today.