Money-Saving Electrical Fixes You Can Do Yourself

Taking on small electrical fixes around your home can be a great way to save money and keep things running smoothly. However, it’s crucial to never push beyond your own knowledge or experience when dealing with electricity. If you’re ever unsure about a task, it’s always best to call in a professional electrician to avoid any potential safety risks. That said, here are a few simple, safe electrical fixes that you can handle yourself and save a few dollars along the way.

1. Replace Worn Out Outlet Covers

Over time, outlet covers can become cracked, discolored, or loose. Replacing them is a simple task that only requires a screwdriver. New covers are inexpensive, and updating them can improve the look of your home and provide better protection for your outlets.

How to Do It:

• Turn off the power to the outlet at the breaker.
• Unscrew the old cover and replace it with the new one.
• Screw it back in place and turn the power back on.

2. Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

One of the simplest ways to save money on your electricity bill is by swapping out old incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs use far less energy and last much longer, cutting down both your energy usage and replacement costs over time.

How to Do It:

• Turn off the light fixture, unscrew the old bulb, and replace it with a new LED bulb of the correct wattage.

3. Reset Tripped Circuit Breakers

If the power goes out in a specific area of your home, it’s often because the circuit breaker has tripped. Resetting a breaker is a simple process that anyone can do, and it can save you the cost of calling an electrician for a quick fix.

How to Do It:

• Locate your breaker panel, typically found in a basement or utility room.
• Look for the breaker that has flipped to the “off” position.
• Flip it back to “on” and see if the power is restored.

4. Fix Loose Outlets

Loose outlets can be a hazard and may cause plugs to fall out easily. Fortunately, fixing a loose outlet is an easy and inexpensive DIY project that can make your home safer.

How to Do It:

• Turn off the power to the outlet at the breaker.
• Remove the cover plate and check the mounting screws on the outlet.
• If the outlet is loose, tighten the screws, replace the cover plate, and turn the power back on.

5. Install Smart Plugs for Energy Efficiency

Smart plugs are an affordable and easy way to control your home’s energy usage. You can plug them into standard outlets and use your phone to turn off appliances remotely, helping to reduce energy waste.

How to Do It:

• Plug the smart plug into an existing outlet.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi and control it from your phone.

Final Thoughts

While these simple fixes can help save you money and keep your home in top shape, always remember to prioritize safety. If you’re ever uncertain about an electrical task or feel it’s beyond your skill level, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to electricity.