Electrical Frequently Asked Questions

Electrical

At Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing, and Electrical, we provide electrical services to Oregon and Southwest Washington communities, from small repairs to whole-home electrical upgrades and emergency services. If you have an electrical issue, Sky can help. 

Do you offer electrical panel upgrades?

Yes! We upgrade and replace out-of-date electrical panels to accommodate new appliances, smart home features, and more power use. An upgraded panel keeps your home safe and prevents power outages or electrical fires due to system overload.

Do you offer wiring repairs?

Our electricians are skilled in repairing or replacing faulty wires. We arrive with all the tools and technology needed to find and fix the issue right the first time so you can relax knowing your wiring is safe.

Do you offer lighting installation?

We’re skilled in all lighting installations, including dimmer switches, outdoor lighting, and more. Call us if you need help installing that perfect chandelier or recessed lighting. We’ll make sure it’s installed properly and has the right wiring and connections. 

Electrical Panel Replacement

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

Some signs your electrical panel needs replacing are:

• Flickering or dimming lights

• Overloaded circuits that trip often

• The panel feels warm or hot to the touch

• Burning plastic smell

• Buzzing sounds

• Black or burned spots on the panel or an outlet

• Visible damage or rust on the breakers or the panel itself

• Not enough power to run modern appliances (200 amps is ideal)

• Electrical panel is more than 20 years old

A replacement can prevent damage to appliances and dangerous electrical fires. Electrical panel replacement is one of the many electrical services we provide at Sky.

How long does an electrical panel replacement take?

The timeline for replacing an electrical panel depends on the complexity of the work. Some smaller homes may only require a half-day for installation, but in many cases, the job can take upwards of eight hours. Speak to one of our qualified electricians during your in-home assessment for a ballpark estimate.

What are the benefits of upgrading my electrical panel?

Some of the biggest benefits of upgrading your electrical panel are:

• Peace of mind knowing your electrical system is up-to-date and safe. 

• The ability to use as many gadgets and appliances as you want at the same time without flickering lights or brownouts.

• You can install more outlets with updated features, including GFCI outlets or outlets with USB slots to charge your devices.

• You may have a lower homeowner’s insurance bill and qualify for home energy rebates after upgrading.

Do I need a permit for an electrical panel replacement?

Electrical permits and service/reconnect permits may be required when working on residential electrical systems in the area. At Sky, we’re well-versed in the details of providing in-home electrical services, and we’ll be happy to help you with the application process if necessary.

Can I replace my electrical panel without upgrading my home’s wiring?

We generally recommend changing everything at the same time so your home is fully upgraded and ready to handle modern appliances and power needs. After looking at your current system, we’ll be able to better advise you on your options. 

Generator Installation

What size generator do I need for my home?

Typically, a generator providing between 5,000 and 8,000 watts is enough to power an entire home, including extras like your laptop or TV. Still, it’s best to speak to an expert about sizing. Too small, and you won’t be able to run everything you want to use. If it’s too big, you’ll waste money and energy. At Sky, our experienced electricians will go over the pros and cons of the different-sized generators and help you find the right one for your specific needs. 

How long does it take to install a home generator?

You’ll likely need to have your home’s power shut off for at least a day while installing a whole-home generator. Depending on the complexity of the job, it could take several days in total. We’ll let you know what to expect well before we get started so you can plan accordingly. 

Can I connect a generator to my existing electrical system?

Maybe not. A professional electrician should assess your existing electrical system and determine whether you need any upgrades or repairs before connecting a generator. This will ensure everything runs safely and complies with local Oregon and Washington regulations.

Do you offer maintenance for generators after installation?

Yes, we offer maintenance services after installation. We also recommend annual maintenance for your generator so you’re prepared for when the power goes out.

Are permits required for generator installation?

Yes, generators must be installed according to Building Code 99-10 by licensed electricians, with all appropriate permits, including building, fire, plumbing, and mechanical in place before beginning the installation. 

Thermostat Installation

What types of thermostats do you install?

Our services include installing all types of hard-wired digital thermostats, including smart thermostats. We’ll help you select the right temperature controller to work with your electrical and HVAC system and find the best solution for your needs. 

Can you install smart thermostats?

Yes, we’re experienced in installing a variety of smart thermostat types. These convenient thermostats provide automatic programming, allowing you to adjust the settings from anywhere using your internet connection. They also send you mobile alerts if there’s an issue or when it’s time to schedule maintenance. 

How long does thermostat installation take?

Thermostat installation is one of the quicker electrical services we provide. Sometimes, it can be as fast as one hour, but it can’t take longer, depending on your specific situation. The age and type of your HVAC system and whether you want to set up an entire smart home system or just a simple digital thermostat can impact the installation time.  

Can a new thermostat help improve energy efficiency?

Smart thermostats are big energy savers. You can program them to turn off automatically while you’re at work or in bed. They’ll adjust themselves according to the outdoor temperature, automatically measuring the time it takes to heat and cool your home to keep it comfortable at all times. 

Will you show me how to use my new thermostat after installation?

Yes! Once your thermostat is installed, we’ll calibrate and test it first to make sure it’s working correctly, and then we’ll show you how it all works. Our techs and electricians care about providing excellent customer service and are happy to answer your questions. 

Thermostat Replacement

When should I replace my thermostat?

Most modern residential thermostats last around 10 years, but many homeowners replace them as they install new smart home technology. 

How long does it take to replace a thermostat?

Replacing a thermostat is usually a quick job that takes under an hour, but it can take longer in some cases, especially when working with older systems. 

Can I upgrade to a smart thermostat when replacing my old one?

Many of our customers have chosen to upgrade their system to include a smart thermostat. This adds to the complexity of the installation because not every system is compatible, or additional wiring is required. 

What are the signs that my thermostat needs to be replaced?

Some signs your thermostat is malfunctioning and needs replacement are:

• It’s giving incorrect readings and displaying the wrong temperature

• The thermostat doesn’t respond to changed settings 

• The HVAC system keeps turning on and off without fully heating or cooling the house

• Inconsistent temperatures throughout the house 

• Increased energy bills 

Can you troubleshoot thermostat issues before recommending a replacement?

In some cases, your thermostat may simply have loose wiring or need cleaning. We’ll check for simple fixes before recommending a full replacement.