Schedule Now

Your Electrical Questions Answered

Got questions about electrical services, pricing, or what to expect when working with Unity Electrical Service? We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we receive from homeowners and business owners. If you don’t see your question answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help.

Contact Us with Your Questions • (971) 379-7380

General Questions

Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Unity Electrical Service is fully licensed in Oregon (CCB 234553) and Washington (UNITYES772PR) and carries comprehensive liability insurance. All our electricians are properly licensed and trained to perform electrical work to state and local code standards.
We serve residential and commercial customers throughout the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Vancouver, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Camas, Washougal, and surrounding communities in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark Counties.
Yes. We provide priority emergency response for urgent electrical issues including panel failures, power outages, burning smells, sparking outlets, and other safety hazards. Call us immediately if you’re experiencing an electrical emergency.
Our standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, we’re available for emergency electrical services outside regular hours when urgent situations arise.
Response times vary based on schedule and urgency. For emergencies, we prioritize rapid response. For routine service calls, we typically schedule within a few days. Contact us to discuss your specific timeline needs.

Pricing & Estimates

Do you provide free estimates?
Yes. We provide free estimates for most electrical projects. Contact us to discuss your needs, and we’ll schedule a time to assess your project and provide a detailed, transparent estimate.
Electrical service costs vary based on project scope, materials needed, labor time, and complexity. Simple repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, while major projects like panel upgrades or solar installations involve larger investments. We provide clear, itemized estimates before starting any work so you know exactly what to expect.
Pricing structures vary by project type. We’ll discuss any applicable fees upfront when you schedule service. For estimates on larger projects, we typically don’t charge diagnostic fees. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Please contact us directly to discuss payment options and any available financing programs for larger electrical projects.
We provide honest assessments and recommend solutions that fit your budget. Sometimes phasing projects over time or addressing critical issues first can help manage costs. We’re always transparent about what’s urgent versus what can wait.

Residential Services

How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?
Signs you may need a panel upgrade include: frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, inability to add new circuits, outdated 60-amp or 100-amp service, planning major renovations or additions, installing EV chargers or solar systems, or if you have a Zinsco, Federal Pacific, or Challenger panel (known safety hazards).
Panel upgrades typically involve coordinating with your utility company to disconnect power, removing the old panel, installing a new panel with adequate amperage (usually 200-amp for modern homes), updating wiring connections, and scheduling inspections. Most residential panel upgrades are completed in one day.
Yes. We install Level 2 EV charging stations compatible with all electric vehicle brands including Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Rivian, and others. We assess your electrical system, ensure adequate capacity, install dedicated circuits, and mount chargers according to manufacturer specifications.
Most electrical work requires permits in Oregon and Washington. We handle all permitting, coordinate inspections, and ensure your electrical work meets local code requirements. This protects you and ensures work is done safely and legally.
Aluminum wiring (common in homes built 1965-1973) requires special attention due to connection failure risks. We assess aluminum wiring systems, recommend appropriate remediation (COPALUM connections or copper pigtailing), and can upgrade wiring to modern copper standards if needed.

Commercial Services

Do you work on commercial properties?
Yes. We provide comprehensive commercial electrical services including tenant improvements, repairs, lighting upgrades, panel installations, and electrical support for restaurants, retail stores, offices, warehouses, and other commercial properties.
Absolutely. We understand that minimizing business disruption is critical. We can schedule electrical work during off-hours, weekends, or times that work best for your operations.
Yes. We regularly work with property managers, landlords, tenants, and general contractors on tenant improvement projects, providing complete electrical buildouts, modifications, and upgrades to meet tenant needs and code requirements.

Solar & Renewable Energy

Is my property suitable for solar panels?
Most properties can accommodate solar, but ideal candidates have south-facing roof space with minimal shading, structurally sound roofs, and adequate electrical capacity. We provide free solar assessments to evaluate your property and discuss whether solar makes sense for your situation.
Quality solar panels typically last 25-30+ years and come with manufacturer warranties. Inverters generally last 10-15 years. We install high-quality components designed for long-term performance in Pacific Northwest weather conditions.
Federal tax credits, state incentives, and utility rebates can significantly reduce solar installation costs. Incentive programs change periodically, so we recommend discussing current available programs during your consultation.
Yes. We diagnose and repair solar systems regardless of who installed them. If your solar system is underperforming or experiencing issues, we can assess the problem and provide repair solutions.

Working with Unity

What should I expect during an electrical service call?
Our electricians arrive on time, introduce themselves, assess your electrical issue or project, explain what’s needed, provide pricing information, and complete work professionally. We respect your property, work cleanly, and answer any questions you have throughout the process.
Yes. We leave job sites clean and remove any debris created during electrical work. Respecting your property is part of our commitment to professional service.
Customer satisfaction is important to us. If you have concerns about any aspect of our work, please let us know immediately. We stand behind our workmanship and will address any issues to ensure you’re completely satisfied.
Simply call us at (971) 379-7380 for Oregon or (360) 559-8699 for Washington, or email se*****@*****nw.com. We’ll discuss your needs, answer questions, and schedule a convenient time for service or consultation.

Safety Questions

When should I call for emergency electrical service?
Call immediately if you experience: burning smells from outlets or panels, sparking or arcing electricity, panels hot to the touch, smoke from electrical equipment, complete power loss with breakers that won’t stay on, or any situation where you feel electrical safety is compromised.
Serious hazards include: outdated panels (especially Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Challenger brands), exposed wiring, overheating electrical equipment, aluminum wiring connection failures, water intrusion into electrical systems, and DIY electrical work that doesn’t meet code. Don’t ignore warning signs—contact a licensed electrician for assessment.
We recommend electrical inspections every 3-5 years for newer homes and every 1-3 years for older homes (especially those over 40 years old). Also schedule inspections before buying a home, after major weather events, or if you notice any electrical issues.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, contact Unity Electrical Service directly. Our knowledgeable team is happy to discuss your electrical questions, concerns, or project needs.

Call: Oregon (971) 379-7380 | Washington (360) 559-8699

Email: se*****@*****nw.com

Schedule Your Service or Consultation