Your Experienced Electrical Handyman in Chicago

It depends on the scope of the project, but in most cases, yes, a permit is required for electrical service in Chicago. That being said, electrical permits aren't something you, as a homeowner or business owner, need to worry about. The electrical handyman who will be working on your property must obtain the permit because they will be the one responsible for ensuring their work meets or exceeds acceptable standards and is fully compliant with all rules and regulations. Our electrical handyman professionals have decades of experience working in the Chicago area, so we know precisely which permits are needed for which projects, and you can rest assured that we'll have them in hand before we get started on your project.

Some of the biggest indications that you need to call your local electrical handyman for an electrical panel upgrade are pretty simple: you're getting a new major appliance or electric vehicle charger installed, or you're adding a new person to your household and your current electrical panel can't handle the increased demand for electricity.

Think of how far technology has advanced, not just in the last 50 years but also in the last decade or two. We need electricity more than ever to power everything from appliances to devices and beyond. That means if you have an electrical panel that was installed 15 or 20 years ago, it may not be possible for it to support another new appliance or component that will need to draw a significant amount of electricity. That's also the case if you're welcoming one or several new household members, whether they're adults or even a brand-new baby. Every additional person in your house increases the demand for electricity, and if your electrical panel can't keep up, it will start exhibiting signs of trouble that are inconvenient, frustrating and possibly unsafe.

This may seem surprising—after all, ceiling fans use electricity, so how could installing one lower your energy charges? It's a misconception that ceiling fans cool down a room. They actually increase air circulation, which stirs up the air in a room and forces warm air that has risen to the ceiling down while lifting cool air that has settled near the floor. This can actually change the temperature in a room by as much as four degrees. That means you can set your HVAC thermostat lower in the winter and higher in the summer to give your furnace and air conditioner a break.

Ceiling fans do, of course, use electricity—but they use far, far less than your HVAC system does. Because your HVAC system is fairly costly to operate, reducing its load by just a few degrees can actually make a difference on your monthly utility bills and increase comfort in large rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as the living room, kitchen or primary bedroom.

If you've noticed some issues with an old light switch that needs to be replaced, it may seem like a simple matter to head to the hardware store and pick up a replacement, but it's important to note that you do need to get the correct kind of switch or it won't work properly. Your new light switch must be the same type as the one that is currently installed.

If it's single-pole, the new switch must also be single-pole. If it's three-way, your new switch also has to be three-way. If you have a four-way variant, you could have your electrical handyman replace either of the three-way mechanisms with a timer or dimmer, but it's important to keep a standard toggle for the four-way switch mechanism itself (this is more of an issue for a commercial property owner, as four-way switches are not usually installed in homes). If you're not sure which type you need, give us a call. Our electrical handyman can consult with you and confirm the correct switch type, then get it installed efficiently and effectively. Let there be light!

Whether you need us to look at your circuit breaker, smoke detectors, or electrical wiring, or you need other electrical repair services, our qualified service providers will deliver quality workmanship with a satisfaction guarantee.

When it's time for experienced electrical service, Chicago homeowners and business owners can rely on the electrical handyman experts at Mr. Handyman of Lincoln Park. Contact us today to arrange a service appointment at a time that's convenient for you or to find out more about why we're considered Chicago's best choice for trusted handyman services. Our wide range of handyman services is also available for residents in the surrounding areas of Berwyn, Forest Park, and Riverside.