Power Out in Half the House? Causes & What to Do
When some rooms lose power but others don't, check the panel for a tripped breaker, especially a two-handled (double-pole) or main breaker. If nothing is tripped, you may have lost one of the two incoming power legs, which is often the utility's equipment. Call the utility first; an electrician service call costs about $100–$200 and a breaker replacement $100–$400.
Last reviewed September 2026
Troubleshoot it now
Work through the checks one at a time. If this isn't your problem, the wizard moves on to the related causes.
Check every breaker, including the main
Flip any breaker in the middle position fully off, then on, including double-pole and main breakers.
Signs it's this problem
- Some rooms or outlets are dead, others work
- The dryer, AC or electric range won't run
- Lights in some rooms are brighter or dimmer than usual
- No breaker appears tripped
Why it happens
Homes get two 120-volt legs from the utility. If one leg fails at the transformer, service drop, meter or main breaker, roughly half the circuits go dead and 240-volt appliances stop. A loose neutral can also make lights dim in some rooms and brighten in others.
Not sure? Run the electrical problem finderHow to fix it, step by step
Tick each step as you go; your progress is saved on this device.
Safety: Don't open the meter or main panel. Stay at least 35 feet from any downed power line and call the utility.
Power Out in Half the House? Causes & What to Do cost
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Electrician service call | $100–$200 |
| Replace a breaker | $100–$400 |
Got a quote? Check if it's fair
Typical professional price for this job: $100–$400
Common questions
Why do I have power in some rooms and not others?
Either a breaker is tripped, or your home lost one of its two incoming power legs, usually a utility-side problem or a failing main breaker.
Who fixes the power line to my house?
Usually the utility is responsible for the line up to the meter, and the homeowner for the meter base and everything after it. Rules vary, so ask your utility.