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10 Electrical Enhancements to Consider This Fall

Excel Electric
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Electrical enhancements are the best expense a homeowner can make! Why wait and let your home’s electrical become outdated? Procrastination can be one of the most expensive lessons first-time homebuyers will ever learn. You may end up spending ample amounts of cash on repairs and maintenance if you wait too long. Outdated electrical systems, for example, increase the risk of electrical fires and shock. If your electrical system is incapable of handling everyday household use, you’ll probably experience in-home inconveniences such as an inability to use essential lights or appliances. Beyond simply being at risk for not following local electrical codes, an outdated system will also likely cost you a reduction in property resale value.

Here’s a list of reasons to consider upgrading your electrical system this fall.

1. Ground-Fault Interrupters

Accidental electrocution is a very real possibility if your home isn’t properly grounded. A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet has a built-in circuit breaker to protect you from accidental electrical surges. In short, these devices quickly cut off power when they detect a difference between input and output current, which could otherwise cause serious damage to skin tissue. GFCI outlets are particularly important in places where there’s moisture. As we know, water and electricity don’t play nice with each other.

Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and laundry rooms are spaces that should be on the top of your list when you’re installing GFCI outlets.

2.  Whole-House Surge Protection

Whole-house surge protection acts as a gatekeeper for electricity. You have many items plugged into outlets, thus creating more pressure on your system. It allows just enough energy to come in while keeping over-voltages at bay, thus protecting your appliances, lighting, and electrical devices. As part of the process, whole-house surge protector devices (SPDs) are generally wired to the electrical service box.

If you’re not sure you want to spend money on a whole-house surge protection system, just think of how expensive it would be to replace all of your appliances and electrical devices, should your home ever experience a sudden power surge.

3. Flat Screen TVs

It’s fall, which means there’s plenty of football waiting to be watched. Indulge your HD senses with the installation of a few new flat screen TVs. Make a major impact on movie nights by accompanying your new TV with an incredible home theater system.

4. Garbage Disposal

Kitchen convenience goes to new heights when your sink can digest your dinner prep leftovers. If you’ve never had a garbage disposal, get ready to love your sink like never before. If your existing garbage disposal seems to have gone on strike, now is a great time to make electrical enhancements to a higher quality appliance that’s better suited to your family’s needs.

5. Outlet & Switch Replacement

Why not take this opportunity to remove switch plates and outlets that resemble the Brady Bunch days, and replace them with modern finishes that better fit your style?

6. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detection

Before winter sets in, be sure your home is properly equipped to detect smoke and carbon monoxide problems so your family stays safe and sound when it’s time to turn on the heater and light up the logs in the fireplace.

7. Electrical Service Panel

This isn’t an aesthetic upgrade. An electrical service panel is necessary if you want to enjoy modern appliances and convenience that simply outdo outdated electrical systems. If your home is more than a couple decades old, some of the quirks that you attribute to its character may actually be problems related to an outdated electrical system; you may even be overlooking significant fire risks by continuing to use an outdated system.

A properly functioning electrical panel is responsible for evenly distributing energy to each of your beloved plug-in devices. Outdated electrical systems and fuse boxes can cause any myriad of issues from simple annoyances like flickering lights and an ability to use certain appliances simultaneously to very serious problems like melted electrical wires and other fire hazards.

8. Aluminum Wiring

Older homes were notoriously built with aluminum wiring. While it seemed like a good idea at the time, this method of wiring has proven to be a potential fire hazard. Copper wiring, or the addition of copper connectors, may solve this safety issue, but it’s best to seek the assistance of a professional electrician before making a decision.

9. Outdoor Electrical Enhancements: Safety Lighting

When strangers approach, illuminate their path, and scare them away with outdoor safety lighting. Automatic sensors are also great for keeping non-intruders safe, as they’ll show you obstacles you may have otherwise tripped and stumbled upon thus avoiding an electrical emergency.

10. Kitchen & Bathroom Lighting

Outdated lighting isn’t only ugly; it’s terribly inefficient. Take this opportunity to bring your kitchen and bath into this century while enhancing your home’s energy efficiency.

Are you considering upgrading your electrical system this fall? Autumn is the perfect time to work on your home’s wiring so you’re ready for winter! Contact your local electrician or electrical company today!

Call an electrician from Excel Electric LLC today to learn more about electrical enhancements!

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