What happens on a repair call
How we troubleshoot.
- Tell us what happened. Which rooms, what was running and when it started.
- Find the fault. The electrician tests the circuit, connections and devices.
- Price before work. You get the repair price before anything is replaced.
- Fix and test. We repair to code and confirm the circuit works.
Common problems
What it might mean.
| Symptom | Common causes | How urgent |
|---|---|---|
| Breaker trips again after reset | Overloaded circuit, a short, or a failing appliance or breaker | Leave it off and call |
| Outlet dead, others fine | A tripped GFCI upstream, a loose connection or a failed outlet | Soon |
| Lights flicker or dim | A loose bulb or fixture connection, an overloaded circuit, or a service problem | Soon; urgent if many rooms flicker together |
| Switch or outlet warm, buzzing or discolored | A loose or failing connection heating up | Urgent: shut off the breaker if safe |
| Power out in part of the house | A tripped main or branch breaker, or a utility-side problem | Check the panel, then call |
Stop and call if you see
- Smoke, sparks or a burning smell from an outlet, switch or panel
- A panel that's hot, buzzing or has scorch marks
- Water near electrical equipment
Stay clear, call 911 if there's any sign of fire, and turn off the breaker only if you can reach it safely.
Safe checks you can try
- Press Reset on GFCI outlets in kitchens, baths, garages and outside.
- Reset a tripped breaker once, all the way off then on.
- Unplug what was running when it tripped.
- Try a known-good bulb in a flickering fixture.
Never remove the panel cover or outlet plates.
From Google reviews
Sometimes it's the breaker.
Faulty breaker
“These guys were there all the way when the system stopped working, checking in about progress and really making themselves available. Turned out to not even be the system, it was a faulty breaker.”
Longtime customer
“We have been working with Alpine air for 5 years now for all our homes and they are amazing. They always solve our problems very quickly and are super responsive.”
Service visit
“Service guy called to say he was available early. Delayed his arrival to match my arrival. Still a little early. Fast service. Very nice guy.”
Electrical repair questions
Electrical repair FAQ
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
The most common reasons are too much running on one circuit, a short in wiring or an appliance, or a worn-out breaker. If it trips again right after a reset, leave it off and have an electrician find the cause.
Why did one outlet stop working?
Check for a tripped GFCI outlet nearby and press Reset. If that doesn't bring it back, a loose connection or failed outlet is likely and needs a repair.
Are flickering lights dangerous?
A single flickering fixture is often a bulb or fixture connection. Lights flickering in several rooms at once can point to a service or panel problem and should be checked soon.
Do you fix light switches and outlets?
Yes. We repair and replace switches, outlets, GFCI and AFCI devices and fixtures.
Electrical repair
Describe the problem.
Tell us your town and what's happening. Our office will call to schedule an electrician.
Office hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.