How Often Should I Have My Electrical System Inspected?

It's recommended to have a professional electrician inspect your electrical system every three to five years. Regular inspections help identify potential issues, ensuring the safety and reliability of your home or business. Our team at Electric City is well-versed in finding electrical issues during inspections.

What Are Signs That I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

Frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, and an outdated electrical panel are clear signs that an upgrade is necessary. These issues can indicate overload, wear, or obsolescence, compromising safety. Upgrading your electrical panel improves safety and efficiency in your home or business by meeting the needs of modern appliances and technologies.

Why Are My Lights Flickering & Should I Be Concerned?

Flickering lights may signal various issues, including loose bulbs, faulty wiring, or problems in the electrical system. While occasional flickering might be due to minor causes, persistent or severe flickering could indicate an underlying problem, potentially compromising safety. Have a professional electrician quickly assess the situation to identify the root cause and address potential hazards. Electric City provides inspections and repair services to ensure your lighting system operates safely.

How Can I Improve Energy Efficiency in My Home or Business?

Improving energy efficiency involves various strategies for both homes and businesses. Consider upgrading to LED lighting, using energy-efficient appliances, and installing programmable thermostats. Additionally, ensure proper insulation, seal air leaks, and schedule regular maintenance for HVAC systems. Electric City provides personalized energy-saving services to help you save energy, cut utility expenses, and support a greener environment.

What Should I Do During a Power Outage at My Home or Business?

During a power outage, prioritize safety by turning off major appliances to prevent overload when power is restored. Use flashlights instead of candles for lighting, and avoid opening the refrigerator to keep food cold longer. If the outage persists, unplug sensitive electronic devices to protect them from potential power surges when electricity returns. Consider having a backup power source, like a generator, for essential appliances. Electric City can assist you with standby generator installation, ensuring uninterrupted power during outages at your home or business.

When to Get Routine Electrical Inspections in Katy, TX

An electrician with a clipboard conducting an electrical inspection on an electrical panel.

If you’re like most people in Katy, TX, you probably don’t think much about your home’s electrical system until something starts acting up. But just like your HVAC, roof, or plumbing, it needs a check-up now and then. That’s where an electrical inspection comes in.

At Electric City, we help homeowners in Katy stay safe with thorough inspections and repairs. Let’s walk through why an inspection matters, when to schedule one, and what to expect during the process.

Why Electrical Inspections Are a Big Deal

Your electrical system might be hidden behind walls, but it’s working hard every day. Small issues can turn into serious hazards if they go unnoticed. An inspection helps catch problems before they become expensive or dangerous.

What a professional inspection can help with:

Catch faulty or outdated wiring that could start a fire
Spot code violations that might cause trouble when selling your home
Prevent power surges that can damage appliances
Improve your home’s safety and energy efficiency

In Katy, where the weather can be stormy and summers bring high energy usage, keeping your electrical system in top shape makes a difference.

When to Schedule an Electrical Inspection

Every home is different, but here are some common times when getting an inspection is smart:

Buying or selling a home: A detailed inspection can reveal issues that might not show up during a general home inspection.
Your home is 25 years or older: Many older homes in Katy still have outdated wiring or breaker panels.
Planning a renovation: Adding new appliances or square footage? Your system might need an upgrade.
Warning signs are popping up: Flickering lights, tripped breakers, or warm outlets mean something’s not right.
You’ve never had one: If it’s been five years or more—or never—it’s time.

What’s Included in an Electrical Inspection

When you schedule an inspection with Electric City, here’s what we check:

Panel and Breaker Box

Look for wear, corrosion, and loose, or outdated components.
Make sure the panel is sized correctly for your home.

Outlets and Switches

Test for proper grounding and GFCI/AFCI protection.
Check for signs of wear or overheating.

Lighting Fixtures

Ensure proper installation and safe bulb usage.
Inspect attic or crawlspace lighting and wiring.

Wiring and Circuits

Look for overloaded circuits.
Identify old or unsafe wiring types.

Code Compliance

Review against the current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Explain anything that doesn’t meet local safety rules.

Summary Report

You’ll get a written report with what we found and what we recommend.
No pressure—just useful info so you can make smart choices.

Common Problems We See in Katy Homes

Even new houses can have issues. Here are some of the most common problems our team runs into:

GFCI outlets wired incorrectly (especially in kitchens or bathrooms).
Overloaded breaker panels.
Two-prong outlets that should be upgraded.
Exposed wires in attics or garages.
Missing or outdated smoke detectors.
Spliced wires without proper junction boxes.
No AFCI protection in living areas.

Fixing these problems helps avoid hazards and makes future home sales easier.

What Will It Cost?

The cost depends on your home’s age and size, but most inspections are affordable, especially compared to what emergency repairs might cost later. At Electric City, we’re upfront with pricing and always explain your options clearly.

How Often Should You Get One?

Here’s a general rule of thumb:

Every 5–10 years for most homes.
Every 3 years for homes over 40 years old.
After big renovations or storm damage.
Once a year for rentals or commercial properties.

FAQs About Home Electrical Inspections

Q: Can I inspect my home’s electrical system myself?
A: You can look for visible issues, but a licensed electrician should do a full inspection for safety and accuracy.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Most inspections take 1–2 hours, depending on your home’s size and condition.

Q: What happens if problems are found?
A: You’ll get a full report explaining the issues, plus recommendations. If you want, we can take care of any repairs.

Q: Do I need an inspection before selling my home?
A: It’s not legally required, but many sellers in Katy choose to get one to help their home sell faster and with fewer surprises.

Why Homeowners in Katy Choose Electric City

At Electric City, we’re your neighbors. We know the unique electrical needs of Katy homes, especially in our hot, humid climate. Our licensed electricians are experienced, thorough, and here to keep your home running safely.

We’ll walk you through every step of the inspection and answer your questions. If repairs are needed, we’ll go over your options

Ready to schedule your inspection? Give us a call or request a quote online today.

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Keep Your Home Safe with Expert Inspections from Electric City

Stay ahead of electrical issues and protect your home with help from Electric City. We’re proud to serve Katy with expert inspections and safe, smart electrical care.

Contact Electric City for all your electrical needs by calling us at 832-990-0467 or filling out our online contact form.