If you’ve just purchased a home that has been around for a while, you may be wondering, “ how do I make electrical upgrades to my new place?”. It’s no secret that older homes are sought after for their characteristic touches, such as the architecture, wide spaces, and superior craftsmanship. However, the major pitfall of older homes that were built during or before the 1950s is that the electrical plans were created to support appliances of that time.
Today’s electronics and appliances simply are not as compatible with the old electrical systems. When considering home improvement ideas for your new space, it is essential to make electrical upgrades a top priority. Believe it or not, there are many ways in which an old electrical system can affect the safety of your home. For starters, large appliances, such as air conditioning units, can be too overwhelming for older electrical work. Even your smaller electronics like computers and laptops can put a strain on the system and potentially spark a fire.
As a new owner, creating new electrical plans can seem like a challenging and overwhelming undertaking. While some projects related to your home’s electricity can be DIY, others are much better suited for hiring a professional.
4 Ways To Make Upgrades
1. Efficient Energy
As you prepare to update your new home, electric appliances and systems that are already in place are likely not efficient. After the electrical system within your home has been upgraded, an easy way to ensure your electric bill doesn’t skyrocket is to install energy-efficient appliances and lights. Installing energy-efficient LED lighting makes a drastic difference and ensures that the home’s electric load is not too overwhelming. This small change packs a big punch as it applies to updating the electrical state of your home.
2. Have New Wiring Installed
For a task such as this, it is best to call the professionals. The wiring that was installed when your home was built is likely some form of knob and tube wiring. If your home still has its original wiring, it can be hazardous because the connections may have loosened over time. If you notice that your new property has loose, old, or faulty wire, make sure you hire a licensed and insured residential electrician to help.
3. Update The Protection System
Older homes that are still running on fuse boxes are using outdated electrical systems that can quickly become a headache as replacement parts can be hard to find or discontinued by the manufacturer. While those with newer homes may be used to circuit breakers that can be reset after they trip, fuse boxes require a replacement fuse before any energy can be restored. A new electrical panel installed by a professional can help to lower your insurance and allow you to utilize more electricity within your home.
4. Consider 240-Volt Appliances
As you continue to make electrical upgrades to your home, you may want to replace any old appliances, as this can help with both the energy efficiency and aesthetics of your new place. For example, as a homeowner, you can choose whether to buy a 120V or 240V water heater. For those who want to save on their utility bills, the 204V option can help to reduce your power consumption by up to 50%. Small but impactful changes, such as choosing the right appliances, can significantly impact your utility bills and how well your electrical system powers your home.
B & W Electric
Upgrading your home’s electrical system and appliances is not the easiest task. However, a mix of DIY approaches, along with the help of a professional team, can help you get the job done quickly and properly. After all, when it comes to ensuring the safety of your home, electric components are definitely something that you want to be done right. Take advantage of the projects that you can do on your own, but for the more involved or risky jobs, it is best to call a professional electrician. Browse our residential services today, and please contact us with any questions you may have.