Your home’s electrical system plays a vital role in keeping things running smoothly, but it often gets overlooked until something stops working. From flickering lights to tripping breakers, electrical issues can start small and quickly become safety hazards if left unaddressed.
At Affordable Electric of Twin Cities, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping homeowners and businesses throughout Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding communities maintain safe, functional electrical systems. If you’re not sure when to call a professional, here are five signs it’s time to schedule a visit from a licensed electrician.
Recognizing these warning signs early can help you avoid serious safety risks and costly repairs down the road. Here are five of the most common electrical issues that indicate it’s time to call an electrician.
Lights that flicker or dim without warning aren’t just annoying—they may signal overloaded circuits, voltage fluctuations, or loose wiring. These issues are especially common when large appliances like air conditioners or microwaves cause the lights to dip when they power on.
Common causes include:
While you might chalk it up to “old wiring,” these symptoms can also be early signs of a more serious hazard. Loose or aging connections can lead to electrical arcing, which is a top cause of house fires. A licensed electrician can trace the source of the problem and make the necessary repairs before it becomes dangerous.
Your outlets should never feel hot or show signs of discoloration. If an outlet or switchplate is warm to the touch, smells burnt, or shows any signs of charring, it means heat is building up in the electrical system. This is often caused by loose wires, faulty receptacles, or overloaded circuits.
Older Twin Cities homes may also have aluminum wiring, which is more prone to overheating. If you notice heat, sparks, or burning smells from any outlet, stop using it immediately and call an electrician to inspect it safely.
A tripped breaker now and then is normal, but repeated breaker trips are usually a sign of a deeper problem. It may be an overloaded circuit, short circuit, or even an appliance drawing more power than the circuit can handle.
If the same breaker keeps tripping, or if you’re resetting multiple breakers frequently, it’s time to schedule an inspection. Breakers are designed to protect your home from overheating and electrical fires. When they trip repeatedly, they’re doing their job—but that also means something in the system needs attention.
In many cases, upgrading the panel or redistributing circuits can solve the issue and prevent future interruptions.
Many homes across the Twin Cities were built long before today’s electrical demands became the norm. If your home hasn’t been inspected in 20 years or more, it may still have:
These outdated components can create both performance and safety issues. With the rise of EV chargers, smart appliances, and home offices, most older electrical systems simply aren’t equipped to handle today’s loads.
An electrical inspection can help you identify risks, prevent issues during future renovations, and ensure your system meets current code requirements.
If you’re planning a renovation or adding major appliances like a hot tub, EV charger, or upgraded HVAC system, it’s essential to make sure your electrical infrastructure can support them. Even smaller projects—like adding recessed lighting, under-cabinet fixtures, or an outdoor kitchen—can place new demands on your system.
A licensed electrician can evaluate your panel, add dedicated circuits where needed, and make sure everything is installed safely and up to code. Getting ahead of these needs prevents delays, inspection failures, or safety concerns down the road.
For over three decades, Affordable Electric has been a trusted name in the Twin Cities for electrical repairs, inspections, and upgrades. Our team of licensed, bonded, and insured electricians provides honest evaluations, upfront pricing, and top-tier workmanship on every job.
We specialize in:
From a single outlet replacement to a full rewiring project, we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable results that support your home’s needs today and in the future.
We proudly serve homeowners and businesses in:
Our electricians are familiar with the unique challenges posed by Minnesota’s seasons and building styles, which helps us deliver solutions that are practical, long-lasting, and code-compliant.
Electrical systems are complex, but identifying when to call for help doesn’t have to be. If you’ve noticed signs like flickering lights, warm outlets, or breaker issues, it’s best to have a licensed electrician evaluate the problem before it worsens.
At Affordable Electric of Twin Cities, we make it easy to schedule fast, dependable service—whether it’s a routine checkup or a 2 a.m. emergency.
Call us today at 612-331-8658 or request service online to get started.
Your safety is our priority, and your satisfaction is our guarantee.
