s it your turn to host the holidays this year? One of the greatest joys of home ownership is being able to gather your loved ones together under one roof to prepare a big meal and enjoy each other’s company. However, if your kitchen is outdated or has not been inspected in a number of years, you could run into problems. If you plan to have guests over during the holiday season, consider upgrading your kitchen’s electrical systems first. Here are some areas to pay attention to:
1. Wiring
Faulty or old wiring is the cause of thousands of house fires a year. Because your wiring can get put to the test over the holidays by an increase in guests using electricity and more cooking than your kitchen appliances are used to, make sure you take care of wiring problems before the family comes over. Sixty amps used to be plenty of electricity to run a home, but more electrical equipment usage in most modern homes now calls for 200 amps or more. If you live in an old home and have not had your wiring inspected or upgraded for some time, do it before the holidays arrive.
2. Appliances
Your old stove might be fine for cooking your own family’s meals, but will it handle a turkey, five side dishes, and grandma’s apple pie, and get everything done properly, on time, and in the right order? A major feast might be the perfect excuse to install new appliances like a stove with double ovens and a warming drawer, a built-in microwave, a more effective range hood or other smoke extractor, better lighting, and maybe a new refrigerator/freezer to store all those leftovers. A kitchen upgrade like that takes time, planning, and the assistance of a carpenter and an electrician, so if you want it done by the holidays, it’s time to jump on it now!
3. Lighting
Lighting sets the mood for everything that happens in the home. Cooking, dining, and relaxing are all more enjoyable when you have the right lighting where you need it and the ability to adjust its direction and brightness. Consider upgrading the lighting in the kitchen and dining room now to better enjoy them all year long.
There are numerous advantages to updating your kitchen’s electrical systems before the holidays. With updated wiring, you won’t have to worry about blowing a fuse or tripping a circuit when you try to run the microwave and the toaster oven at the same time. Updated appliances are not only more user-friendly and result in better meals, but they also make your kitchen look modern and more attractive. Finally, new wiring, lighting, and appliances make for a more efficient and safer home.
Eric M. Krise Electrical Contractor, LLC, offers electrical construction, repair and inspection services throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. If you’re ready to update your kitchen’s electrical systems for the holidays, please contact us soon for an appointment.