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.
An electrician carefully inspects and adjusts circuit breakers in an electrical panel, focused on ensuring a safe and functional setup.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Mar 17, 2025
Mar 17, 2025
Electrical panel replacement costs $530 to $2,100, depending on the location, the type of hardware, and any required building materials.
A woman doing her laundry
Breyden Kellam
•
Mar 7, 2025
Mar 7, 2025
Before you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you should learn the cost to run electric from the road to your house so you can budget for the project.
Children play in an above ground pool
Stacey L. Nash
•
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
Keep pool-side dreams from getting short-circuited by being aware of pool electrical installation costs and how they can affect your overall budget.
Couple at the kitchen counter reading documents
Mitchell Grant
•
Mar 15, 2025
Mar 15, 2025
If you’ve been wondering “why is my power bill so high,” consider these common reasons for hefty electric bills.
A person turning a light switch on
Rachel Hoffman
•
Mar 18, 2025
Mar 18, 2025
Why is my light switch buzzing? It might be more than just an annoyance. Learn common causes and how to fix a buzzing light switch safely.
A technician kneels to install an electrical outlet, holding the outlet in one hand while selecting tools from a nearby tool bag for the job.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Mar 14, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
Grounded circuits are happy (and safe) circuits, but what if you live in an older home with pre-grounded receptacles? Here are ways to ground without a wire.
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An electrician carefully inspects and adjusts circuit breakers in an electrical panel, focused on ensuring a safe and functional setup.
Ginny Bartolone  •  Mar 17, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electrical Panel? [2025 Data]
Electrical panel replacement costs $530 to $2,100, depending on the location, the type of hardware, and any required building materials.
Couple at the kitchen counter reading documents
Mitchell Grant  •  Mar 15, 2025
Why Is My Power Bill So High? 5 Reasons and How to Fix It
If you’ve been wondering “why is my power bill so high,” consider these common reasons for hefty electric bills.
Emergency backup electric generator
Breyden Kellam  •  Mar 14, 2025
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator: What’s the Difference?
Struggling to choose the best generator for your electricity needs? Compare propane vs. natural gas generators to help you make the right choice.
Close-up of a technician's hands connecting black and copper wires to a wall socket, with a power drill and other tools in the background.
Kyle Schurman  •  Mar 14, 2025
Is the Black Wire Positive or Negative? How to Tell Electrical Wires Apart
Do you know if the black wire is positive or negative? If not, stop right now and check out our guide on differentiating electrical wires.
A technician kneels to install an electrical outlet, holding the outlet in one hand while selecting tools from a nearby tool bag for the job.
Lawrence Bonk  •  Mar 14, 2025
How to Ground an Outlet Without a Ground Wire
Grounded circuits are happy (and safe) circuits, but what if you live in an older home with pre-grounded receptacles? Here are ways to ground without a wire.
A home with pendant lights
Chris Middleton  •  Mar 14, 2025
How to Extend Electrical Wires in Your Home
Expand the power of your DIY skills. Learn how to extend electrical wires and add a new fixture or install a new outlet.
Man tasting and cooking supper on the stove
Michelle Nati  •  Mar 14, 2025
Whole-House Generator Sizing: Everything You Need to Know
Whole house generator sizing can be tricky to figure out if you don’t know a few key factors. Our guide can help you determine what size works best for your needs.
Generator and propane tanks installed outside of the house
Tyler Lacoma  •  Mar 13, 2025
Best Fuel For a Whole-House Generator: 5 Options
If you’re investing in a large power alternative for your home, it deserves the right fuel for your job. Here are the top options for a whole home generator.
A concrete patio serving also as an outdoor kitchen
Taylor Freitas  •  Mar 11, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Building an Outdoor Kitchen
Building an outdoor kitchen can be complex and costly. To help you prepare for this project, here are five common questions for an outdoor kitchen build.
A TV mounted on a brick wall
Taylor Freitas  •  Mar 11, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Mounting a TV
Need to mount a TV? Hiring a professional will help ensure it’s done safely. Here are common TV mounting questions a pro will likely ask about your project.
A person upgrading an electrical panel
Alison Kasch  •  Mar 11, 2025
Do I Need a Permit to Upgrade My Electrical Panel? What to Know Before Making the Switch
Are you planning an electrical upgrade and wondering whether you need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel? This guide reviews everything you need to know.
A natural gas generator in a house
Alison Kasch  •  Mar 11, 2025
How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.