Electrical

Let there be—well, you know how the saying goes. Electricity is the undercurrent of our home, powering our appliances and lighting our hallways. Most of us are fine left in the dark regarding the inner workings of electrical wiring and circuit breakers…until you’re, quite literally, in the dark. Use our expert guidance to help identify the wires behind your wall, learn how to protect your home’s electrical system, and source a list of professional electricians you can call when you’re frazzled.

man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Young man using laptop to do his homework
Kat Brancato
•
Sep 13, 2023
Sep 13, 2023
How much is the average electric bill in the United States? Learn how much the average electric bill costs in your state and ways to reduce it.
Knob and tube wiring in a house
Lawrence Bonk
•
Jul 19, 2024
Jul 19, 2024
Considering replacing your home’s knob and tube wiring with a contemporary electrical system? Find out what costs and considerations may be involved.
woman making a smoothie with an electric blende
Breyden Kellam
•
Aug 21, 2024
Aug 21, 2024
The cost to ground outlets depends on several factors. This guide will help you prepare for all of the costs involved with this project.
A young woman adjusting the temperature via a smart thermostat
Emma Diehl
•
Jul 16, 2024
Jul 16, 2024
What is the C-wire? This important wire can connect a smart thermostat to your HVAC system for power and WiFi. Learn all you need to know here.
cozy woman at home reading
Lawrence Bonk
•
Aug 16, 2024
Aug 16, 2024
Installing a whole-house surge protector is a difficult task that requires some experience. Here’s what you need to know to install a surge protector.
Man using computer in the living room
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Aug 20, 2024
Aug 20, 2024
What is a ground circuit? Grounding is a vital failsafe for your home and vehicle electric systems. Let’s look at how it works and why it’s so important.
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A family reading a book in front of a teepee tent
Gemma Johnstone  •  Sep 24, 2024
What is an Electrical Emergency? How To Handle To Protect Your Home
Knowing what an electrical emergency is in your home helps you take speedy and appropriate action to keep your family safe and get your power back on.
orange roof with solar shingles
Jacqueline DeMarco  •  Sep 23, 2024
What’s the Best Roof Pitch for Solar Panels?
Are you considering adding solar panels to your home’s roof? Learn how to find the best roof pitch for solar panels.
roof with solar panels on sunny day
Audrey Bruno  •  Sep 6, 2024
Who Can Remove Solar Panels From Your Roof?
Who can remove solar panels from roofs? The good news is that there are two types of pros that can handle a job like this—it’s up to you who you hire.
solar panels installed on green roof
Jacqueline DeMarco  •  Sep 5, 2024
Do Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?
Do solar panels damage roofs? We’re breaking down the different ways that damage can occur post-installation and how to avoid issues.
Worker removing roof tile near solar panels
René Bennett  •  Sep 3, 2024
Solar Panels ROI: Are Solar Panels Worth It?
Installing solar panels helps you save on energy bills while adding some value to your home. Here’s a look at what makes solar panels attractive to buyers.
blue wall with white plug in outlet
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Aug 26, 2024
How to Wire an Outlet From Another Outlet in 9 Steps
Adding an outlet to your home can be as straightforward as connecting to an existing circuit. Learn how to wire an outlet from another outlet in this advanced-level DIY guide.
A house roof with solar panels
Gillian Beckett  •  Aug 23, 2024
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Solar panel costs vary based on the system size, panel type, and wattage you need. Learn about solar panel installation costs, so you can budget with ease.
A person installing a new wall switch
Chris Middleton  •  Aug 22, 2024
A Guide to Wire Nut Sizes
Wire nuts are used to connect two or more electrical wires. Our guide explains what the different wire nut sizes and colors mean, and when to use each.
Mint green toaster plugged into outlet on kitchen countertop
Breyden Kellam  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outlet? [2024 Data]
The average cost to install an electrical outlet is $133 to $296 each. This guide explains what factors impact the total cost of installing an outlet.
Electric Meter
Alison Kasch  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel? [2024 Data]
Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
Male electrician turning off power
Elisa Greenberg  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electrical Panel? [2024 Data]
Electrical panel replacement costs $530 to $2,100, depending on the location, the type of hardware, and any required building materials.
A woman turning on the light
Lisa Gauthier Mitchison  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install Light Switches? [2024 Data]
Updating broken and outdated light switches isn't as tricky as you might think. We'll cover the considerations and cost to install a light switch in this guide.