Electrical Repairs in Rochester, NY

Rochester homes face unique electrical challenges due to the region’s weather conditions and the age of many residential properties. Understanding these common issues can help you identify potential problems before they escalate into safety hazards or major repairs.

Aging Electrical Infrastructure

Many homes in Rochester were built decades ago when electrical demands were significantly lower than today’s requirements. These older homes often have:

• Outdated wiring that cannot handle modern appliances and electronics
• Insufficient outlets, leading to dangerous overuse of power strips
• Knob-and-tube wiring in homes built before 1950
• Aluminum wiring in homes from the 1960s and 1970s which presents unique fire risks

Weather-Related Issues

Rochester’s seasonal extremes take a toll on electrical systems:

• Winter storms cause power outages and potential surge damage when power returns
• Heavy snow and ice can damage exterior electrical components
• Summer thunderstorms bring lightning strikes that overload systems
• Seasonal temperature changes cause expansion and contraction that stress wiring

Increased Demand

Modern households use significantly more electricity than homes did even 20 years ago:

• Home offices require dedicated circuits for computers and equipment
• Smart home technology adds new electrical demands
• Electric vehicle charging stations require specialized installation
• High-efficiency appliances often need upgraded electrical service

Understanding these common problems helps Rochester homeowners recognize when professional electrical service is necessary. Don’t wait for a small issue to become a dangerous situation—Reimer’s licensed electricians are ready to help with any electrical problem you encounter.

Recognizing the warning signs of electrical problems can prevent dangerous situations and costly damage. If you notice any of these indicators in your Rochester home, it’s time to call for professional electrical service.

Immediate Concern Signs

These signals require prompt attention from a licensed master electrician:

• Burning smells coming from outlets, switches, or appliances
• Visible sparks when plugging in or unplugging devices
• Circuit breakers that trip repeatedly
• Outlets or switches that feel warm or hot to the touch
• Buzzing, crackling, or sizzling sounds from outlets or walls
• Flickering lights that persist even after replacing bulbs
• Outlets showing scorch marks or discoloration

Progressive Warning Signs

These developing issues indicate your home’s electrical systems need evaluation:

• Dimming lights when appliances turn on
• Outlets that no longer hold plugs securely
• Switches that work inconsistently
• Light fixtures that flicker randomly
• Electronics that frequently malfunction
• Increasing utility bills without explanation

Age-Related Concerns

If your Rochester home exhibits these characteristics, a professional assessment is recommended:

• Electrical panel that’s over 25 years old
• Presence of a fuse box rather than circuit breakers
• Two-prong outlets instead of three-prong grounded outlets
• Limited number of outlets in each room
• No GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, or exterior outlets

Don’t ignore these warning signs—electrical problems rarely resolve themselves and typically worsen over time. Our certified electricians can quickly diagnose issues and recommend the appropriate repairs to keep your home safe and functioning properly. When in doubt, reach out to Reimer at (585) 357-0443 for peace of mind.

When it comes to your home’s electrical systems, professional service offers significant advantages over DIY approaches or hiring unlicensed workers. Here’s why Rochester homeowners consistently choose Reimer for their electrical needs.

Safety Assurance

Nothing matters more than the safety of your family and home:

• Licensed electricians understand current safety codes and requirements
• Professional repairs eliminate fire hazards and shock risks
• Proper materials and techniques prevent future hazards
• Thorough testing ensures all systems function safely
• Work is performed to meet or exceed local building codes

Long-Term Reliability

Quality electrical repairs provide lasting solutions:

• Professional diagnosis addresses root causes, not just symptoms
• Premium materials stand up to years of use
• Proper installation techniques prevent premature failure
• Comprehensive solutions rather than temporary fixes
• Documentation of work for future reference

Cost Effectiveness

Professional electrical service is an investment that pays dividends:

• Correctly diagnosed problems prevent repeated repair calls
• Energy-efficient solutions reduce utility bills
• Preventative approaches avoid costly emergency repairs
• Proper repairs extend the life of your electrical systems
• Protection for valuable electronics and appliances

Home Value Protection

Professional electrical work protects your Rochester property investment:

• Code-compliant electrical systems simplify future home sales
• Updated electrical panel increases home marketability
• Proper documentation demonstrates home maintenance
• Upgraded electrical capacity accommodates modern buyers’ needs
• Elimination of safety issues that could complicate inspections

Superior Customer Service Experience

Working with Reimer means enjoying a better service experience:

• Clear communication throughout the process
• Respectful treatment of your home and property
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Scheduling options to fit your needs
• Follow-up to ensure your satisfaction

When you choose professional electrical service from Reimer, you’re not just fixing a problem—you’re investing in your home’s safety, efficiency, and value. Our commitment to exceptional results has made us Rochester’s trusted electrical experts since 1921.

Need professional electrical repairs in Rochester, NY? Take charge and call Reimer at (585) 357-0443 to experience the difference our certified electricians can make.

How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?

Your electrical panel may need upgrading if you experience:

• Frequent circuit breaker trips
• Flickering lights when appliances run
• Need for additional circuits for new appliances
• Electrical panel that feels warm to the touch
• Fuse box instead of circuit breakers
• Panel manufactured by Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Challenger
• Home built before 1990 with original 100A service

What’s the difference between a GFCI and a regular outlet?

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets provide enhanced protection against electrical shock by monitoring electricity flow. If they detect even slight variations indicating a potential ground fault, they cut power in milliseconds. Regular outlets don’t offer this protection. GFCIs are required by code in areas near water sources like kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations.

How often should electrical systems be inspected?

We recommend having your home’s electrical systems professionally inspected:

• Every 3-5 years for homes less than 25 years old
• Every 2-3 years for homes 25-40 years old
• Annually for homes over 40 years old
• Immediately after purchasing an older home
• Before and after major renovations
• Following any electrical issues like flickering lights or tripping breakers

Is it dangerous to have aluminum wiring in my Rochester home?

Aluminum wiring, common in homes built between 1965 and 1973, presents increased fire risks because aluminum:

• Expands and contracts more than copper when heated
• Oxidizes when in contact with certain metals, increasing resistance
• Can become loose at connections over time
• Breaks more easily than copper

While aluminum wiring isn’t illegal, it requires specialized handling. Our licensed electricians can evaluate your aluminum wiring and recommend appropriate safety measures, which may include:

• Installing special connectors (COPALUM or AlumiConn)
• Pigtailing with copper wire at connections
• Strategic replacement in high-risk areas
• Complete rewiring in some cases

How long do electrical repairs typically take?

The timeline for electrical repairs varies depending on the scope:

• Simple repairs like outlet replacement: 1-2 hours
• Light fixture installation: 1-3 hours
• Circuit troubleshooting and repair: 2-4 hours
• Electrical panel upgrades: 4-8 hours
• Whole-house rewiring: 3-10 days

Our technicians will provide a time estimate before beginning work on your Rochester home, and we’ll keep you updated if the timeline changes during the repair process.

Why are my lights flickering?

Flickering lights can have several causes:

• Loose bulb or fixture connection
• Incompatible dimmer switches
• Voltage fluctuations when appliances start
• Loose connections in your electrical panel
• Overloaded circuits
• Utility company issues
• Outdated wiring unable to handle the load

If flickering lights persist after checking for loose bulbs, it’s time to call a professional electrician to diagnose the underlying issue.