Electrical

Electrical repairs: safe first, then save

Electrical work is one place where cutting corners can cost far more than money. The savings come from catching problems early, knowing what to ask, and comparing quotes from properly licensed electricians.

Free to use. MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you. Payments don’t change the tips on this page, and you’re never obligated to hire anyone. How we make money.

Get a free electrical quote

Breaker keeps tripping, outlets not working or planning an upgrade? Call a local electrician to ask about the job.

Call for a free quote

[CALL: Electrical (CallScaler application pending) — CallScaler tracking number] — replace the button href “#CALL-electrical-top” with tel:+1XXXXXXXXXX, put the formatted number in the button text, then remove “ms-placeholder” from this group’s Additional CSS class(es) to show it. Do not publish a number until CallScaler approves the offer.

MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you.

5 ways to save on electrical work

Know the warning signs

Call an electrician for warm or discolored outlets or switch plates, a burning smell, buzzing, sparks, or lights that dim or flicker when appliances turn on. Problems caught early are usually cheaper to fix.

Find out why breakers trip

A breaker that trips once may just mean too much on one circuit. Move a space heater or appliance to another circuit. If it keeps tripping, have it checked rather than replacing the breaker with a bigger one.

Bundle small jobs

If you’re paying for a service call anyway, list every small item, like a dead outlet, a new light fixture or adding GFCI outlets, so they can be quoted together.

Hire properly licensed

Illinois has no statewide electrician license; your city or village sets the rules. In Chicago, electrical contractors need a city license and a licensed supervising electrician.

Source: City of Chicago

Upgrade with the bill in mind

Switching to LED bulbs and adding a smart thermostat are low-cost ways to lower energy use. ComEd offers rebates on qualifying smart thermostats.

Source: ComEd

What’s safe to do yourself

Resetting a tripped breaker or GFCI outlet, replacing bulbs, and testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fine for most homeowners. Anything that means opening an electrical box, adding a circuit or working in the panel should go to a licensed electrician. Many towns require a permit and inspection for that work, and unpermitted wiring can cause problems with insurance or when you sell your home.

Big-ticket jobs: get the details

Panel upgrades, EV charger circuits, rewiring and service changes are where quotes vary the most. Before you compare prices, ask each electrician:

Why the work is needed, and whether a smaller fix would solve the problem. A panel upgrade isn’t always required to add a new appliance.
Whether the price includes the permit, inspection, patching drywall, and any work needed from your electric utility.
Their license number for your city or village, and proof of insurance.
How long the work will take and whether the power will be off.

For work over $1,000, Illinois law requires a written contract or work order that states the total cost. The federal tax credit that covered some panel upgrades installed with energy-efficient equipment ended for property installed after December 31, 2025.

Older homes

Homes with original wiring, a fuse box, or two-prong outlets aren’t automatically unsafe, but they’re worth having inspected, especially before adding big new loads like central air or an EV charger. An inspection costs less than emergency repairs and gives you a written list of priorities you can tackle over time.

Avoid electrical scams

Be cautious of anyone who knocks on your door saying your wiring is dangerous, pressures you to decide on the spot, asks for full payment up front, or asks you to get the permit. The FTC lists all of these as signs of a home improvement scam. Look up licensed electricians yourself and get the diagnosis in writing.

Need an electrician?

For anything beyond a reset or a bulb, call a licensed local electrician for a free quote.

Call for a free quote

[CALL: Electrical (CallScaler application pending) — CallScaler tracking number] — replace the button href “#CALL-electrical-bottom” with tel:+1XXXXXXXXXX, put the formatted number in the button text, then remove “ms-placeholder” from this group’s Additional CSS class(es) to show it. Do not publish a number until CallScaler approves the offer.

MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you.

Common questions

Does Illinois license electricians?

Not at the state level. Licensing is set by cities and villages. Chicago, for example, requires an electrical contractor license and a licensed supervising electrician. Ask your local building department what your town requires.

Why does my breaker keep tripping?

Common reasons include an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance or a wiring problem. Unplug things and reset it once. If it keeps tripping, call an electrician instead of putting in a larger breaker.

Do I need a permit for electrical work?

Often, yes, for new circuits, panel work and rewiring. Rules vary by town. A licensed electrician should pull the permit and arrange the inspection.

Is a burning smell from an outlet an emergency?

Treat it as one. If it’s safe, turn off power to that circuit at the breaker and don’t use the outlet. If you see smoke or fire, get out and call 911.

Does MegaSavings get paid if I call?

MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you. The payment doesn’t change the price you’re quoted or the tips on this page.

Sources

More guides: Home Repair Savings · Home & Renters Insurance

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026