What does troubleshooting mean?
Simply put, Troubleshooting is how we determine what is wrong with your electrical system. A typical Troubleshoot takes anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. During this time we test and examine your wiring. Be prepared to give your best description as to the problem you are experiencing, and how and when the problem arose. Such information can be greatly helpful to our experienced technicians.

How long will repairs take?
Many repairs can be fixed the same day. However, for those repairs that require the electrical company to do work, a permit, or an inspection we must work within those constraints. Please know that here at Hoffman Electrical we offer superior, expedient service and will always resolve your problem as quickly and safely as possible.

How much will this cost?
No need to worry about sticker shock here. At Hoffman Electrical we offer fair, upfront pricing. Just ask us! Our trained, dependable technicians will come diagnose your problem, explain your options and inform you of your cost upfront. You’ll know your costs before work even begins.

Why don’t we charge by the hour?
Charging by the hour causes many issues. The main concern, on the part of the consumer, is that if the job takes longer than originally estimated, they will be stuck with a higher bill. Here at Hoffman Electrical we always work safely and efficiently, but sometimes jobs do take longer than originally expected. We believe you shouldn’t have to pay more in these circumstances. At Hoffman Electrical you are receiving the best possible service and the most reliable repairs at an informed price before the work begins.

How can I lower my electric bill?
Small steps, like only operating a minimal amount of lights in the room in which you are in can help save money. As can simple things like making sure the TV is off when you are not watching it. Heating, AC and water heating make the bulk of your electrical expenditures; therefore, making sure these items are in good working condition can affect your electric bill. Some recommend trying to keep the AC no lower than 78 degrees and always minimizing the amount of time spent in a hot shower. Bad breakers and loose connections in the breaker box can also be a culprit in higher electric costs. Call Hoffman Electrical at 813-298-3278 to have a trained technician examine your breaker box for safety and efficiency.

What should I do if I lose power?
If the lights are out in your neighborhood, alert your power company and use safe methods of lighting, such as flashlights, while they are correcting the problem. Try to avoid opening your refrigerator and  freezer and  ALWAYS avoid using fire hazards, such as candles, to light your house. If you are the only house without power, please call Hoffman Electrical at 813-298-3278.

Where is the safest place to use a generator?
Generators are a great source of back-up power during storms and outages. Here at Hoffman Electrical we sell and install the highest quality generators and both manual or automatic transfer switches. Please NEVER operate a generator in the home or in the garage!

What is a GFI?
Technically speaking a GFI stands for Ground Fault Interrupter. They measure the resistance on the positive and negative loads which are connected to it. A GFI will trip, preventing you from shock, if there is more resistance in either of the two loads. There is a built in circuit breaker which resets with the problem resolution. GFI’s are located in “wet” areas of the homes, like bathrooms, kitchens, garages and all outdoor locations where electrical shock may be more likely to occur.

How do I reset a tripped circuit?
Most electrical panels are located in the garage on the opposite side of the wall from your electrical meter. If you do not have a garage or carport, check your closets and hallways. When you open the panel, you should see a breaker that is neither in the on nor the off position. This is your tripped breaker. Push the switch to the off position and then back to the on position. A small “pop” is a normal sound. If the circuit continues to trip, you may have too many electrical items running on the same circuit or a faulty short in the circuit. If the circuit breaker does not reset, please call Hoffman Electrical at 813-298-3278 to prevent any further damage.

What can I do to prevent electrical fires during the holiday?
Electrical holiday lighting can be a fire hazard. Always inspect your holiday lights for any signs of wear and replace if needed. Also, limit the number of light strands hooked up to each other. Always monitor the number of lights and electrical equipment plugged into a single outlet and never use lights that are not listed by an approved entity. The best way to ensure that you do not overload the circuit is to have a dedicated 20 amp circuit installed with a GFI receptacle to plug into.

We hope this information has been helpful. The Hoffman family is dedicated to providing the most up to date and correct information to better educate your families.