How Often Should You Have an Electrical Inspection?
Your home’s electrical system works quietly behind the scenes every day, powering everything from lights and appliances to heating systems and technology. Because it’s mostly out of sight, it’s easy to forget about, until something goes wrong. One of the best ways to avoid unexpected electrical issues is by scheduling regular electrical inspections. But how often should you really have one?
General Rule of Thumb
For most homeowners, a professional electrical inspection every 3 to 5 years is recommended. These inspections help identify potential safety hazards, outdated components, or wear and tear before they turn into costly or dangerous problems.
However, this timeline isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors can influence how often your home should be inspected.
Older Homes Need More Attention
If your home is 25 years old or older, inspections should be done more frequently, about every 2 to 3 years. Older homes often have outdated wiring, panels, or outlets that weren’t designed to handle today’s electrical demands. Issues like overloaded circuits, aluminum wiring, or aging breaker panels can pose serious safety risks if left unchecked.
After Major Changes or Renovations
Any time you:
Purchase a new home
Complete a major renovation or addition
Install large appliances, a hot tub, or an EV charger
…it’s a good idea to schedule an electrical inspection. These changes can significantly increase electrical load, and an inspection ensures your system can safely handle it.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Sometimes, your home tells you it needs an inspection sooner rather than later. Call a professional electrician if you notice:
Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses
Flickering or dimming lights
Burning smells or warm outlets
Buzzing sounds from outlets or panels
Outlets that don’t work or feel loose
These warning signs may indicate underlying issues that require immediate attention.
Safety, Insurance, and Peace of Mind
Regular electrical inspections aren’t just about preventing inconvenience, they’re about protecting your home and family. Faulty electrical systems are a leading cause of house fires. An inspection helps ensure your wiring, outlets, and panel meet current safety standards.
Additionally, some insurance providers may require inspections for older homes or before policy renewals. Staying proactive can help avoid complications down the road.
Trust Coffing Electric for Professional Inspections
At Coffing Electric, we believe prevention is always better than repair. Our experienced electricians perform thorough inspections, clearly explain what we find, and provide honest recommendations, no guesswork, no pressure.
Whether your home is brand new or decades old, scheduling regular electrical inspections helps keep your system safe, efficient, and reliable.
If you’re unsure when your last inspection was, or if you’ve never had one, now is the perfect time to schedule. Contact Coffing Electric today and let us help keep your home powered safely year-round. ⚡