Signs You Need an Electrician

If you’ve ever stared at a flickering lightbulb wondering if it’s haunted or just a bad connection, you’re not alone.

Denver homeowners deal with their fair share of electrical quirks, especially in older neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Park Hill where the charm comes with outdated wiring.

But how do you know when a weird electrical issue is just a minor nuisance or a major fire hazard?

Here are the top 9 warning signs you need an electrician, like, yesterday.

1. Your Lights Are Flickering Like a Horror Movie

Sure, mood lighting is great… unless it’s happening on its own. Flickering lights, especially when you turn on appliances, could mean there’s a problem with your electrical wiring or your circuit is overloaded.

What it could be:

• Loose wiring
• Faulty light switch
• Overloaded circuit

Why you should call a licensed electrician: Loose or frayed wiring can quickly turn into a fire risk. Don’t wait for a jump scare.

Related: Common Electrical Problems at Home

2. Your Breaker Trips. A Lot.

A breaker tripping once in a while? Normal. Tripping every time you make toast and coffee at the same time? Not so much.

Signs it’s time to call an electrician:

• You’re resetting the breaker daily
• It trips when you plug in high-powered appliances
• You’ve got ancient breakers that never seem to work right

This might indicate outdated wiring, an overloaded panel, or a short circuit that needs immediate attention.

3. You Still Have Two-Prong Outlets

We get it, vintage has a certain charm. But two-prong outlets belong in history books, not your living room.

Why it matters:

• No ground wire = increased risk of shock
• Many modern electronics require a grounded outlet
• Home insurance may not like them either

If your outlets haven’t been updated since bell bottoms were in style, it’s time to bring in a licensed electrician for an upgrade.

4. Outlets or Switches Feel Warm

Warmth belongs in your coffee cup, not your electrical outlets.

If your outlets, switches, or faceplates feel hot to the touch, it could mean the wiring behind them is overheating. This is one of the biggest red flags for potential electrical fires.

When to call an electrician: Immediately. This is not a DIY situation. Turn off power to the affected area and call for electrical repairs.

5. You’re Remodeling or Adding Major Appliances

Whether you’re adding a new HVAC unit or upgrading to a sleek induction range, any major electrical load increase should trigger a quick call to your local licensed electrician.

Benefits of calling an electrician:

• Ensure your panel can handle the new load
• Avoid surprise outages or damage
• Make sure you’re up to code

And if you’re going smart home? You definitely want expert advice to protect your home and your investment.

6. You’ve Got an Outdated Electrical Panel

Still rocking a 60-amp panel from the 1950s? That might have worked when all you needed was a fridge and a single TV, but today’s homes need more power.

Signs your panel is outdated:

• It’s under 100 amps
• It uses fuses instead of breakers
• There’s rust, scorch marks, or odd smells

Schedule an inspection and consider a panel replacement to stay safe and future-proof your home.

7. Your Home Is Over 40 Years Old

Older homes can be beautiful. But behind those plaster walls may be brittle wires, aluminum wiring (yikes), or old-school knob-and-tube systems.

Why it matters:

• Aluminum wiring is a major fire hazard
• Older systems weren’t designed for modern loads
• Insurance companies may require an inspection or rewiring

Time to address those hidden wiring issues.

Related: Top Signs Your House Needs a Rewire

8. You Hear Buzzing from Walls or Outlets

Electricity should be silent. If you hear buzzing, sizzling, or humming from your outlets or behind your walls, that’s a sign something is very wrong.

It could be:

• Loose wiring
• Faulty breaker
• Arcing (which can lead to fire)

This is a “don’t wait” situation. Turn off power to the area and call a licensed electrician right away.

9. You Just Don’t Feel Safe

Sometimes, you can’t point to one thing. You just feel like something’s off. Maybe you’ve smelled burning smells, noticed inconsistent power levels, or had multiple electronics go haywire.

Trust your gut. If you’re questioning your safety, it’s a clear sign you need to call an electrician to protect your home and peace of mind.

How Much Is a Service Call for an Electrician in Denver?

Most service calls in the Denver metro area range from $100 to $200. Each service call depends on the complexity of the issue and whether it’s an emergency call. Prices can range widely.

At The Electricians, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing and honest service. We’ll always let you know what to expect before we start.

Why You Should Call an Electrician (and Not DIY)

We get it—YouTube makes it look easy. But unless you know exactly what you’re doing, electrical DIY can be dangerous (and even illegal without permits).

Here’s why hiring a licensed pro is worth it:

• Safety: Protect your family and property
• Code compliance: Avoid fines or rework
• Insurance: Many policies require licensed work

When in doubt? Call us. We’re here to help with electrical repairs, wiring issues, and short circuits.

Need an Electrician in Denver? Call the Pros.

Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, buzzing outlets, or an ancient electrical panel, our team at The Electricians is here to help. We proudly serve Denver and the surrounding metro area with fast, friendly, and expert service.

Don’t wait until it’s an emergency.

Schedule your electrical service now