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Call as early as possible -

If you want same-day service, don't call at the end of the day. Electricians will then ask for overtime pay. Instead, call first thing in the morning, so they can fit you into their day and lower the bill.

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Go local -

The farther an electrician needs to travel, the more time it takes, which means it will factor into your bill. Finding someone closer to you might just be cheaper.

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They can't fix everything -

Not all issues in your home can be fixed by an electrician. For example, if you need help with your dishwasher or your washing machine, you're better off contacting a plumber.

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Look at reviews, not just price -

Online reviews are useful for finding a trustworthy electrician. If you find one with cheaper rates but with low reviews, keep searching.

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Their license protects you -

It's worth looking for a licensed electrician, even if it costs more. If you go with a registered company or professional, this shouldn't be too hard a find.

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Don't ignore any warning signs -

Never ignore any warning signs in your electrical system. Whether it’s a light switch that runs extremely hot, or popping noise from an outlet, take it seriously to prevent any fires.

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Pay them properly -

You might find a 30-minute job expensive, but electricians aren't ripping you off. Their prices reflect many factors, such as their experience, materials, and marketing.

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Don't do it yourself -

Electricity is a serious matter, and you don't want to start a fire or get electrocuted. Anything beyond plugging something into the wall should be left to a professional.

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Have your circuits labeled -

Having the switches on your circuit board labeled will help your electrician tremendously. This will make their job easier, as they won't need to turn every single one off before getting to work.

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Pick your own parts -

Don't expect electricians to find the exact ceiling fan or light fixture you’re looking for. Go to the hardware store and pick up your own items, so you can guarantee it fits your vision perfectly.

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The cheapest option might not be best -

Home power outlets are required to have tamper-resistant receptacles, which prevent children from getting hurt when sticking objects into it. Make sure you read the label closely, so you get one with the safety feature.

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Don't blame them for any future problems -

If your electrician is working on your bedroom lighting and an outlet in your basement stops working a few days later, it's just a coincidence. When they come back for the second project, they'll charge you like it's an unrelated problem.

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Don’t turn off your main breaker immediately -

If you decide to solve your own electric issues, don’t shut off only your electric panel’s main circuit breaker. Turning it off before the miniature circuit breakers could overload the panel, which can get expensive to fix. Shut off each individual circuit first, then the main breaker.

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Have everything on hand that they recommend -

If you need your old item fixed, some electricians will ask you to have the replacement on hand just in case. If your item is beyond repair, the electrician will have to charge you for a second visit, which will cost you more. Plus, you can easily return the item if they don't need it.

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They're not unskilled labor -

Most electricians are trained workers who've spent many years in apprentice school learning how to plan, install, inspect, and repair electrical items.

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The bigger the job, the higher the bill -

The original quote is always based on the job you called in for. But if there's a larger issue, the price will increase to match the scope of the project. The electrician isn't ripping you off, they're simply getting compensated for extra work.

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Think about different possibilities before they arrive -

Make sure you tell your electrician about recent electric changes in your home. A helpful list can lead them in the right direction.

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Low voltage doesn't mean no danger -

Treat low-voltage wiring as if it were standard, because the current is still harmful. Be aware when working on these that it's common to receive a mild shock.

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Never tape or hold down a circuit breaker -

If a breaker keeps popping, you need to contact an electrician to fix the problem. Even if you hold the breaker down with tape, the dangerous conditions will still continue.

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Be careful with space heaters -

Many electricians get called in for problems with space heaters. Leaving your house while the heater is running could cause the connection to break and burn up the plug, which could start a fire. Turn it off when you're not using it.

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Prepare the work area in advance -

Be considerate and clear the work space ahead of time. Move any furniture before they arrive, so they can get in and out faster. Plus, they will charge you less for their time.

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Protective gear only works if it's properly made -

Many DIYers think that rubber is a great insulator and will wear gloves and rubber boots before tackling electrical issues. The issue is that most household rubber isn’t pure. So, make sure you wear actual safety gear.

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Give them straight answers -

Before starting, the electrician will ask you questions to get an understanding of what's going on and where to look. Give them straight answers to save both of you time.

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They're happy to help you with simple tasks -

Most electricians are happy to help you with seemingly simple tasks. Just call them up, and they can help you in a fast and safe manner.

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You might get a better deal in the winter -

The busiest seasons for electricians are usually spring and summer. As winter months are usually slower, call them then, and you might get a lower rate.

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Your air conditioner draws a lot of power -

AC units that blast for several hours use massive amounts of energy. If it's sharing the circuit power with something else, the wires can overheat and start a fire. To avoid this, make sure it has its own circuit.

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Your bulb might not fit the fixture -

Older light fixtures won’t necessarily work with energy-efficient CFL and LED bulbs. This means you might need to replace the whole fixture.

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They don't belong to an evil corporation -

Most electricians work from smaller, family-owned companies. They're not trying to rip you off, so trust their expertise.

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Tell your friends if you're happy -

The best way to show appreciation for your electrician is to tell your family and friends about them. Their business thrives on word-of-mouth recommendations.

Sources: (Reader's Digest) (The Family Handyman)

See also: Useless household items that you probably have

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