FAQs

Most commonly asked questions about our electrical services

Frequently Asked Electrical Questions

We asked our electricians to give us some of the most common questions homeowners ask -- oh yeah, we asked them to answer them too. Click on the questions below to get your electrical questions answered by an actual electrician.

It only costs $38 to get an electrician to your home. They will arrive in a truck stocked with thousands of parts. They'll have everything they need to start your electrical project while they're at your home, unless the situation is unusual. Most of the time, your electrical project can be finished on the same day we arrive. Our electrician will perform a thorough evaluation of your electrical system and explain what they'll need to do in order to complete the work you called for. They will not charge you by the hour; instead, they will give you a total price, with multiple options for repair or replacement, before any work begins.

Once you approve the project and price, our electrician will begin. If you don't want to proceed with the work while we are there, all you pay is $38 for the consultation. If you call us back to complete the work later, you do not pay another $38. Contact us if you'd like to schedule an appointment for an electrician to come to your home.

Click here for more information on pricing.

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A circuit breaker "trips" or a fuse is "blown" when too much electricity is traveling over the wires in a circuit. The most common reason a breaker will trip is a short circuit. This happens when a live wire comes into contact with a grounded conductor. The result of a short circuit is usually sparking coming from the switch or outlet.

There are specialty breakers that can detect irregularities in the electricity flowing through it. These irregularities can be a safety hazard and the breaker will trip until the issue is corrected. Two such breakers are Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) Breakers and an Arc Fault Breaker.

GFIs are generally installed in locations where water might be present, like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors. GFI breakers are designed to cut power to a circuit if it detects, in as quickly as one thirtieth of a second, any change in power flow through the circuit, however subtle. Since water is an excellent electrical conductor, if a person comes into contact with water and electricity, the results could be fatal. Therefore, GFIs are life saving devices that prevent against electrical shock.

Arc Fault Breakers trip when an arc is detected somewhere in the circuit. Arcing that goes undetected and unresolved can generate a lot of excess heat, causing insulation, outlets, and devices to melt or even catch fire. Arcing can occur from a loose connection, a nail through a wire, faulty extension cords, etc.

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The fact that your breaker tripped is a good thing: that usually means it's working. The danger occurs when a breaker should trip but it doesn't. When a breaker trips, it's because there was too much electricity flowing over the wires in that circuit. When you go to reset the breaker, if it stays on, you're probably good. If it immediately trips off again there is probably something still causing a short that needs to be fixed. If the breaker is old, it's possible that the breaker has failed mechanically and just needs to be replaced. In this case, you'll want someone with electrical experience to help you replace breakers or troubleshoot a breaker that will not reset.

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If you have an outlet that won't hold plugs anymore, the only solution is to replace it. There are prongs inside the old outlet that get loose over time and/or after heavy usage. Many people will bend the prongs out on their plug to try and get it to stay in the wall. However, doing this is bad for the plug and only makes the outlet worse.

Replacing an outlet is a basic project you can do yourself if you have the right tools and know how to cut the power off to that outlet. Here's a video showing How to Replace an Outlet. If you are uncomfortable attempting this on your own, call an electrician for help. Or if you are uncomfortable attempting this on your own, you may need to call an electrician for help.

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No, you shouldn't hear noises when you turn a switch on and off. Popping, crackling, sizzling noises are usually an indication there is a loose connection behind the wall plate. Loose connections can overheat and melt the wires. In extreme cases, it could even cause a fire. Switches can wear out over time and need to be replaced.

Replacing a switch is a basic project you can do yourself if you have the right tools and know how to cut the power off to that switch. Here's a video showing How to Replace a Light Switch. If you are uncomfortable attempting this on your own, call an electrician for help.

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Look for an access door on the front of the smoke detector. If you can't see the detector clearly, remove the smoke detector from its mounting plate on the ceiling or wall. Most models can be removed by twisting the detector. Once you've located the access door, slide it open and pull the battery out. Replace with a new battery and slide the door closed. If you don't see a battery door on the front, take the smoke detector down and look on the back. There may be a small screw holding the door closed. Remove the screw, open the door, and replace the battery.

Here's a video we made on How to Change the Battery in Your Smoke Detector. We hope you find it helpful and informative.

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First, try changing the batteries. If the chirping continues, the smoke detector may have gone bad and needs to be replaced. Smoke detector manufacturers recommend replacing the smoke detector after 10 years. To find the age of the smoke detector, remove the smoke detector from its mounting plate on the ceiling or wall and look on the back to find the stamped manufacture date.

If you need to replace your smoke detector, it is a basic project you can do yourself if you have the right tools and know how to cut the power off first. Here's a video on How to Replace a Smoke Detector. If you are uncomfortable attempting this on your own, you may need to call an electrician for help.

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LOWER USAGE - There are some simple things you can do to save energy around the house. First, make sure that lights are turned off in rooms that are not in use. Next, if you have an electric water heater, you can turn the temperature down. Next, consider running your air conditioner less. Air conditioners use a lot of electricity in the summer so running them less can save money. Finally, clothes dryers use a lot of electricity. Try hanging clothes to dry to help you run the dryer less often.

UPGRADE TO HIGH EFFICIENCY - One of the most dramatic energy-savers is switching the whole house to LED bulbs. LED bulbs use less energy than compact fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Also, many appliances have high-efficiency models available that can help you save electricity. And beyond high-efficiency dishwashers, water heaters and etc., multi-stage, high-efficiency air conditioners can save you a lot of money in the summertime as well. In a best-case scenario, opting for high-efficiency appliances in combination with lowering usage will yield the best results.

GO SOLAR - Installing rooftop solar can reduce your monthly power bill substantially. If you can't afford the upfront investment, there is special financing available that allows you to install solar now and start saving. Any Hour Services installs rooftop solar and can help you understand the options that are available.

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Dennis and Gail's Story

"The things that liked about working with Any Hour is that I had all the professionals in one place. I was not having to call three different locations for an electrician, a plumber or whatever... it was under one name. They are a one stop shop. It's been a great experience for us. I highly recommend Any Hour do your job. If you want it done right, you have them do it."

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More Testimonials

Great job. Friendly and courteous service tech. Would definitely recommend.
— trirroger
Posted May 16th 2023
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Carlos was extremely knowledgeable and competent. He installed my new AC unit very quickly considering he was working by himself. He always explained what he was doing and why. And he always had an answer for my many questions.
— Jay Talcott
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Scout was excelent at job today. Spent time to explaining everything. Great job!!!!
— Maureen Moore
Posted May 16th 2023
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We had Mike L come help us with some plumbing. He was so kind and helpful and answered my questions without making me feel dumb. Really good experience with him! Edited 5/16/23: Just had Herbert K come help us with another plumbing issue that arose after we were helped before (unrelated). He was super helpful and did a quick, efficient service! Highly recommend.
— McKay
Posted April 19th 2023
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Tim was very helpful. Very friendly and he knew what he was doing he was able to explain what was going on very clearly so I could understand. He was also able to tell me what repairs I needed to do and make additional appointment 4 repair work to be done. Overall he was amazing and I would definitely work with him again! 10/10
— Crystal Clark
Posted December 27th 2021
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My main sewer line broke and dealing with multiple issues in different areas, Any Hour Services has definitely helped in my stress level! I originally called them last Thursday and they were at my house in a couple hours. Then, they had come today to repair the pipe and finished everything. Mike B., Eduardo, Clint & Dan, along with Taylor T. being very friendly and prompt, as well as having excellent customer service! Thank you Any Hour Services for helping me fix a major issue very quickly and for simplifying an already stressful situation.
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Posted May 15th 2023
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Isaac and Andre did an amazing job. Very professional and understanding.
— Kim Davidson
Posted January 4th 2023
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Scott Olmsted diagnosed the major problems with my HVAC system quickly and was extremely helpful assisting me to decide on replacing my 20 year old system. A very knowledgeable and friendly person. I would highly recommend him to anyone. His supervisor, Dustin, was very knowledgeable, personable, and helpful in selecting the proper equipment for my home. With employees like these two, Any Hour Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Air will always be my first choice. Good work guys! Dale Hughes 5/15/2023 Wanted to give additional praise to Steevenson and Shawn for their excellent work installing my new HVAC system today. Hard working and very friendly. This place is my go to with any plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. Good job guys! Dale Hughes
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Herbert was our technician and was very knowledgeable. He was also personable, professional and explained everything clearly.
— Michelle Ford
Posted May 15th 2023
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Plumber clean my drain and my toilet after. My daughter was excited that he cleaned it after . I was so impressed by my plumber he was able to unclog one drain and by magic another one unclogged itself by him flushing . He also took the time to make it safe for me to dispose things . He also mentioned the monthly to save me money on much needed electrical and water pressure. I wish I could give him 10 stars , my service was all around amazing . They tried to save me so much . This plumber went above and beyond w/ any plumbing service I had . Wish I would have got his name ans would recommend him anytime , the co should definitely look at promoting him to mgmt to help keep the co running in superb care .not to mention was so kind and nice to talk to.
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Posted February 3rd 2022
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Great experience with Mike and Eduardo. Mike and Eduardo were absolutely professional, respectful and always keeping my husband and I up to date on what was happening. Mike explained each step and why they were doing the job a certain way. We could tell that these guys were really concerned about our situation and trying to complete the job as fast as possible. Mike and Eduardo went above and beyond, they stayed really late to make sure we had water to use before they left to come back the next day. That was just above and beyond, something that was very appreciated. These men are hard workers and are people my husband and I trust. Thanks guys Curtis and Ashley
— Curtis Powell
Posted May 15th 2023
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Herbert was on time for the appointment and presented himself in a very professional manner. He was very courteous, knowledgeable about my problem and completed the job without any problems. He is a good man.
— Robert Curtis
Posted May 15th 2023
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Great plumbing service by Roberto and Matthew. They were competent, friendly and professional. Finished multiple tasks in the time alloyed. Highly recommended.
— Byron Petersen
Posted March 8th 2018
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First experience hiring a plumber. I called Wednesday though no immediate availability until Friday, but got lucky. By Wednesday around 4pm, Todd, and another Technician arrived on time to check the drain backing up horribly. Very professional in explaining the problem, and providing excellent services. Todd called Reagan. He took his time to explain my options with the broken sewer pipes. Am going with the liner with appointment and finances setup. I can't wait to get it all done. Extra bonus in fixing my bathtub clogging issues. You got a customer. Am telling my neighbors about the excellent customer service.
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Great servuce awesome job from begining to end
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Victor was professional and helpful in fixing our problem. He gave us options as to how we could solve the problem to help me feel I had choice/options. Thank you!
— Rachel Bodon
Posted May 13th 2023
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Herbert was excellent in his service. He assessed the drainage problem and clearly explained the service options. When we had questions he helped us in decision making. The repair was professionally performed, the bill was fair and completely explained to us. Herbert was professional, friendly, and thorough. We are very appreciative!
— Richard Moss
Posted May 13th 2023
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Victor was great! He came to look at the fan on our furnace and ended up finding a gas leak! He was able to have someone scheduled to come fix the gas leak that same day! He also helped us find some solutions for our fan motor running too high. We really appreciated how knowledgeable and helpful he was!
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Posted May 13th 2023
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Electrician came out and did a really good job with the inspection. Explained things that were a serious concern. Plan to have him return soon to do the work.
— carol ann osler
Posted May 13th 2023
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Dane came to my home to complete a water heater flush and plumbing maintenance tuneup. He found we had a bad pressure regulator which caused the thermal expansion tank to fail. Also found that our water softener is no longer working properly and a failed flapper in a toilet. He completed all the work and repairs, including replacing and installing water softener. Dane was very polite and respectful in explaining the issues and in completing the work to be done. He was great to work with.
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