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If there’s one thing we’ve learned after years of doing electrical work around Fort Myers, it’s this — every homeowner has questions when something stops working.
The lights flicker. A breaker keeps tripping. An outlet dies for no reason.
And when that happens, you’re left wondering: Is this a quick fix, or do I need an electrician?
At Coharbor Electric, we get those calls every day. So, instead of giving you canned answers, we thought we’d put together some honest, no-fluff replies — the same way we’d explain it on a service call.
If a light bulb burns out — that’s fine. If the breaker trips once after a storm — also fine.
But if breakers keep tripping, lights flicker, or half a room loses power for no reason, that’s not something to ignore. Those are warning signs of loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or aging equipment — all things we see a lot in older Fort Myers homes.
If it smells burnt or feels hot, shut it off and give us a call.
If you’d like quick answers on common repairs, safety, and what’s normal vs. not, browse our residential services FAQ built for Fort Myers homeowners.
That’s one of those things that seems harmless — until it’s not.
When your air conditioner kicks on, it draws a lot of power in a split second. If your wiring or breaker panel isn’t keeping up, it can cause the lights to flicker or dim.
It doesn’t always mean something’s broken — sometimes it’s just a weak connection, or the system’s undersized for modern loads. Either way, it’s worth checking out before it gets worse.
If storms or utility spikes are part of the problem, our Fort Myers guide to surge protection FAQs explains how whole-home protection shields appliances and electronics.
Start simple. Look for a GFCI outlet (the one with the “Reset” button). Those can trip and knock out other outlets on the same line — sometimes in another room.
If it’s not a GFCI, the problem’s likely behind the wall — a loose neutral or a worn connection. That’s where it’s safer to stop and call a pro. We’ve seen homeowners try to “tighten” things up only to make the problem worse.
(Also read: Outlet vs. Receptacle vs. GFCI in Fort Myers Homes)
It’s a long list, but here’s what we run into the most:
Breakers that trip repeatedly
Outlets that spark or feel warm
Lights flickering or not turning on
Wiring damage from humidity or storms
Aluminum wiring upgrades in older homes
Panels that need replacement or resizing
Florida weather plays a big part in it. Salt air, moisture, and heat are tough on wiring and panels. Even newer homes can have issues faster than you’d expect.
Good question. You don’t always have to replace it, but it does need to be handled carefully.
A lot of homes built in the 60s and 70s in Fort Myers still have aluminum branch wiring. The metal expands and contracts, which loosens the connections over time. That’s where fires start.
We repair it using approved methods like AlumiConn or COPALUM connectors. Sometimes that’s enough to make it safe. In other cases, a full rewire is the better long-term option.
There’s always a reason — even if you can’t see it.
Could be an overloaded circuit, a bad breaker, or a loose wire in the panel. We also see a lot of corrosion inside older panels around Fort Myers — humidity sneaks in, rust builds up, and breakers start to fail.
If you’ve reset it more than twice and it keeps tripping, stop flipping it back on. There’s a problem that needs to be found before it overheats.
(Related: Troubleshooting Tripping Breakers in Fort Myers Homes)
For simple diagnostics you can try safely, follow our local walkthrough on troubleshooting tripping breakers to pinpoint overloads vs. loose connections.
That’s one of those “depends” answers, but here’s the truth — small repairs (like a bad outlet or switch) usually run quick and affordable. Bigger ones, like replacing a panel or rewiring a circuit, take more time and parts.
We don’t do guesswork or surprise bills. We give you a straight, written quote before we touch anything.
Absolutely. We handle electrical repairs for:
Offices and retail spaces
Restaurants and medical buildings
Light industrial facilities
We also set up maintenance plans so businesses can stay ahead of outages or safety issues. In Fort Myers, where power surges and humidity are common, staying proactive saves you downtime and money.
If you manage a restaurant, office, or small shop, our commercial services FAQ covers repairs, timelines, and what to expect during business-hours work.
Yes — and we don’t say that to scare anyone.
Most of the fires we’ve been called to started small. A loose connection. A flicker someone ignored. A breaker that “just wouldn’t stop tripping.”
Electrical problems don’t fix themselves. They build heat, resistance, and pressure until something finally gives.
If it doesn’t seem right — it probably isn’t.
If you’re noticing heat at outlets, scorch marks, or aluminum wiring, review these early signs of failing wiring common in older Fort Myers homes.
We live here. We know what Florida weather does to wiring, and we know how to fix it right the first time.
When you call Coharbor Electric, you’re not getting a call center or a franchise. You’re talking to licensed electricians who live and work right here in Lee County.
We take care of your home like it’s ours — and we don’t leave until it’s safe, code-compliant, and working the way it should.
Whether it’s a warm outlet, a tripping breaker, or lights that won’t stop flickering, don’t wait for it to get worse.
Contact Coharbor Electric today. We’ll find the cause, fix it safely, and make sure your home’s electrical system can handle whatever Florida throws at it.
SERVICE AREA
Serving Southwest Florida including: Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, and more...
Get clear, menu-based pricing before work begins--giving you more control to fit your needs and budget.
Highly-trained & experienced Electricians. Fully vetted and background-checked. Ready to exceed your expectations.
Serving SWFL customers for 13+ years. Licensed and Insured throughout Florida.
EC13004475. EC13012422.
At Coharbor Electric, this is what to expect when entrusting us with fixing your electrical issues.
The first step is to get all the information we will need so that we can correctly assess the problem or situation. The photos or videos you send will be sent directly to the electrician.
Once our electrician has the info he needs, we will dispatch one in the next available spot–armed with expertise, equipment, and the parts he’ll most likely need.
Our Promise is to to You is to perform the job completely, efficiently, and to the Florida electrical code standards. We are committed to fair and honest pricing.
We offer flat rate pricing for service calls, so you always know the price up front. Simple to understand. Flat-rate fixed price so you can be confident you’ll get what paid for.
As a Florida homeowner, you have an endless list of choices for electrical contractors to hire…some great, some good, some bad.
At Coharbor Electric, our benchmark is to be “great”. If you decide to hire us for your electrical service, here’s what you can expect from our electricians: