Tips, Trends & Expert Advice

At North By Northwest Services, electrical work is what we do—but it's not the only thing that matters to us. As a family-owned business, we believe people want to know who they're inviting into their homes and businesses. That's one of the reasons we enjoy sharing our projects, travels, and experiences through our website, social media channels, and YouTube videos. Over the years, we've had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects throughout Oregon and Washingto

Some electrical projects are more than simple upgrades—they're an opportunity to help preserve a piece of history. At North By Northwest Services, we've recently been involved in a historic home rewiring project that highlights the unique challenges and rewards of modernizing older properties. While historic homes often feature beautiful craftsmanship and timeless character, their electrical systems frequently fall short of modern safety and capacity requirements. Many older

Most people have experienced flickering lights at some point. While it may seem like a minor annoyance, flickering lights can sometimes be a warning sign of a larger electrical issue. One common cause is a loose connection somewhere in the electrical system. Loose wiring can create intermittent power interruptions and, in some cases, become a fire hazard. Faulty light fixtures, aging switches, or damaged outlets can also contribute to flickering lights. Another frequent culpr

Many homes were built during a time when electrical demand was much lower than it is today. A few lights, a refrigerator, and a television were often all a home's electrical system needed to support. Fast forward to today, and most households rely on multiple computers, large appliances, HVAC systems, electric vehicle chargers, and countless electronic devices. As electrical demand continues to grow, many homeowners are discovering that their existing electrical service may n

Storm damage doesn’t wait for convenient timing — and neither do electrical emergencies. We recently received an urgent call from a homeowner after a severe issue left their home without power. The power company had already shut off service after discovering the meter base was severely damaged and burnt out, creating a serious safety hazard. Without a functioning meter base, the home had no power — and the situation couldn’t wait. The Situation The damage wasn’t minor. The me

Electrical inspections are a critical step in ensuring safety and code compliance, especially for outbuildings like garages, shops, and agricultural structures. Understanding what inspectors look for can help property owners avoid delays and failed inspections. Proper Grounding and Bonding Outbuildings require independent grounding systems. Inspectors verify that grounding electrodes, bonding connections, and grounding conductors are installed correctly to prevent shock hazar

Power outages are becoming more common, and homeowners are increasingly investing in backup power solutions. Two popular options are battery backup systems and standby generators , but they serve different needs. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right solution for your property. How Battery Backup Systems Work Battery backup systems store electricity and supply power instantly during an outage. They are best suited for essential circuits , such as lighti

When planning a detached garage or a pole building, most people focus on size, materials, and cost. What often gets overlooked is the electrical design , which can vary significantly depending on the structure type. Understanding these differences early can help prevent costly changes and safety issues down the road. Electrical Planning for a Detached Garage Detached garages are typically closer to the main home and are often used for storage, parking, or light workshop tasks

Power surges are more common than many homeowners realize. While lightning strikes can cause large, obvious surges, most electrical surges happen quietly and repeatedly due to everyday electrical activity. Over time, these smaller surges can damage appliances, electronics, and sensitive electrical components throughout your home. A panel surge protector , also known as a whole-home surge protector, is one of the most effective ways to protect your electrical system from this

Electrical problems often start quietly. A loose connection, aging wiring, or an overloaded circuit can go unnoticed for years — until it causes a power failure, damages appliances, or becomes a serious safety hazard. That’s why electrical safety inspections are one of the most important (and overlooked) services homeowners can schedule. Whether you live in an older home or a newer build, regular electrical inspections help protect your property, your family, and your invest

When your home suddenly loses power — or worse, you notice damage near your electrical meter — it’s more than just an inconvenience. A failing or damaged meter base can create serious safety hazards, including electrical fires, shock risks, and complete service interruptions. Recently, our team responded to an emergency meter base repair for a homeowner whose electrical service had become unsafe. This type of issue requires immediate attention, professional expertise, and ca

Your HVAC system works quietly in the background every day, keeping your home comfortable through changing seasons. But just like a car needs routine oil changes, your heating and cooling system needs seasonal maintenance to run safely, efficiently, and reliably. Skipping maintenance might not cause immediate problems, but over time it can lead to higher energy bills, unexpected breakdowns, and shortened system life. 🔧 What Is Seasonal HVAC Maintenance? Seasonal HVAC mainte

The essential homeowner guide to modern electrical safety and power needs. As our homes fill with more technology, lighting, appliances, and high-demand devices, the electrical panel — your home’s “power command center” — works harder than ever. Many homes in Oregon and Washington still rely on panels installed 20, 30, or even 50 years ago. And while they may still function, they weren’t designed for the electrical demands of today. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time t

An Inside Look at How We Bring Power, Safety, and Convenience Into a New Home When most people imagine building their dream home, they think about paint colors, flooring, cabinets, or the perfect kitchen layout. But behind every beautiful space is something far more important: a safe, reliable, and thoughtfully designed electrical system. During a recent new construction project, our team wired an entire home from the ground up — and we documented the process to help homeowne

A Kind, Honest Look at Pricing, Expertise, and the Heart Behind What We Do When people see a quote for electrical work, it’s natural for the first thought to be, “Why does it cost so much?” We get it. Electricity is something most of us use every minute of every day, yet rarely think about until a breaker trips, a light flickers, or a project finally gets the green light. But here’s the truth: electrical work isn’t just about wires, tools, or time on-site.It ’s about expertis

Solar energy is becoming more popular every year — and for good reason. It can lower utility bills, increase home value, and reduce your carbon footprint. But while the benefits are clear, most homeowners don’t realize just how important the electrical side of solar installation truly is. Before you commit to adding solar panels to your home, here’s what you should understand from an electrician’s point of view. ⚡ 1. Your Electrical Panel Must Be Ready for Solar One of the b

When it comes to your home’s electrical system, the panel is the heart of it all. It controls how power is distributed throughout your house — and determines how safely and efficiently everything runs. If you’re remodeling, adding new appliances, or upgrading an older system, it’s worth knowing the different types of panels available and which one fits your needs best. 🔌 1. Main Breaker Panel — The Standard for Most Homes This is the most common type of panel and serves as t

It’s easy to brush off a flickering light as just an annoyance — but it can actually be a sign of a deeper electrical issue. Understanding what’s behind those flickers can help you keep your home safe and your electrical system running smoothly. ⚙️ Common Causes of Flickering Lights Loose Bulbs or Connections Sometimes it’s as simple as a bulb that’s not screwed in tightly. If tightening doesn’t help, the issue might be with the light fixture or wiring connection. Circuit Ove

Your home’s electrical system is something you rarely think about — until something goes wrong. But waiting until sparks fly (literally) can lead to costly repairs or safety risks. Here are five signs it might be time to call a licensed electrician. 💡 1. Flickering or Dimming Lights If your lights flicker when you turn on an appliance, it may not just be a bad bulb. This can indicate overloaded circuits or outdated wiring struggling to keep up with modern electrical demand

Here in Longview , the rainy season doesn’t mess around — and neither should your outdoor electrical setup. We recently completed a job for a local homeowner who was concerned about exposed outlets getting wet during the fall and winter months. It was the perfect opportunity to install weather-rated GFCI outlets paired with heavy-duty “in-use” bubble covers — a small upgrade that makes a big difference. ⚡ Why Outdoor GFCI Protection Matters Outdoor outlets are exposed to a