With the start of another new year, many of us step back for a moment and assess our lives, our career goals, our health, and more in the spirit of making resolutions for positive change.
That’s a fancy way of saying we make some New Year’s resolutions.
But the New Year can also be a good time to take stock of the old homestead and make plans to upgrade and improve our living spaces.
There can be several reasons to set these goals, from increasing the value of your home to adding luxuries. And when you consider electrical upgrades, you also take steps to increase safety and reduce fire hazards.
From an electrical point of view, (hey, it’s what we do) there are some signs that you should consider upgrading your home to handle the ever-increasing electrical needs of a modern residence.
Are your electrical outlets over-burdened with plugs and power strips? Are your lamps and appliances attached by extension cords? Do your outlets need adapters for three-prong plugs? Do you have ground fault circuit interrupter outlets (designed to prevent shocks) in bathrooms and kitchens and near water sources?
These are signs that you should consider adding and upgrading your electrical outlets throughout your home.
Upgrades can run from minor to major, and we at Eric Krise Electrical Contractors can help you figure out just how much and how little of an upgrade you need.
For example, owners of older homes still using outdated 60-amp service should consider a major upgrade to the more standard 100-amp service. This will help you keep up with the ever-increasing energy needs of modern appliances and devices.
But as energy needs continue to grow, many homes are better off with 150 or 200 amp service, which again will leave you in a better position when it comes time to sell your home.
When considering a major wiring upgrade, you’ll have to consider whether you plan to add major electrical appliances, the size wiring needed, whether you need dedicated lines for major appliances and installing appropriate surge protection.
But then a major re-wiring is a big project and most new homes won’t need that much of an upgrade, but there are several upgrades you might consider such as:
Whole House Surge Protection
Your home regularly absorbs power surges from utility systems and also from your own appliances. Power strips can help, but with the large amount of appliances and devices now found in modern homes—along with special lighting and other electrical systems—whole house surge protection is important for almost any home.
Whole-house surge protective devices (SPDs) are typically wired to the electric service box and located nearby to protect all the appliances and electrical systems in a home. They are typically a $200 to $500 add-on and should always be installed one of our licensed electricians.
GFCI Outlets
We touched on this above, but modern building codes now require GFCI outlets in any room close to a water source. That includes kitchens, bathrooms and any area close to a hose connection or sink. Newer homes will have these already installed, but older homes may need to upgrade the outlets.
Remember, GFCI outlets are designed to prevent electrocution from shock and trips off if it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person.
Upgrade Your Circuit Breaker Box
This is especially needed if your home is older and still operating with an outdated fuse box. Other homes built between 1960 and 1990 may have circuit boxes made by the defunct company Federal Pacific, which have been found to be defective. Any older circuit box, however, can show signs of wear and have faulty breakers.
If your box shows signs of corrosion or you hear crackling noises, they can be signs you need a new panel. Upgrading the electrical panel is also important during re-wirings and increasing the system’s power.
Upgrading a circuit box can be expensive (anywhere from about $650 to $3,000) and depends in great deal on the size of your electrical system and your electrical uses. Always make sure you consult professionals you can trust before upgrading you circuit box.
Upgrading Your Systems
Modern homes now include many dedicated electrical systems for home entertainments systems, computers, smart appliances and more. You may want to install modern thermostats, lighting systems and even wire your home for ceiling fans to help energy costs.
With so many electrical options, it’s important to consult trained professionals and allow certified electricians to inspect and install upgrades.
After all, 2016 could be the year you take your home high tech.
Do you live in Gloucester County and considering upgrades from your home? Give us a call at 856.769.3932.