Moving into an older home can be less expensive than buying a newly built one. It also gives you access to neighborhoods that are in high demand. However, before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to do your research and consider the necessary upgrades that make your home safer and more comfortable.
One of the biggest concerns is electrical safety. Older homes have many outdated features that pose potential dangers to your family’s health and safety, as well as damage to your property. Here are some of the most critical electrical upgrades to carry out.
Upgrade the Wiring To Meet Current Safety Standards
Older homes may have outdated knob and tube wiring in place that no longer meets today’s safety standards. It is susceptible to overheating, which can cause a fire. Another issue is if a home has aluminum wiring.
Aluminum is a fire hazard because it expands more than copper when heated, which can cause joints in outlets and switches to loosen over time. Besides, many older homes have outdated light fixtures and switches that are not up to code. Older homes may also not have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets designed to shut off power if they detect a current leak.
If your home has any of these outdated features, hire an electrician such as https://safeelectricllc.net/electrical-contractor/ for upgrades. Even if the wiring and fixtures work fine now, you never know when they may start causing problems. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Installing an Updated Circuit Breaker Panel
Older homes may also have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel. A fuse box is more susceptible to electrical fires because there is no automatic cutoff if there is a problem with one of the circuits.
A circuit breaker panel allows more circuits throughout the home. This is especially important if you want to add new appliances, lighting fixtures, and other items that require more energy to run.
Adding GFCI Outlets Throughout the Home
GFCI outlets protect against electrocution by shutting off power within milliseconds when it senses a ground fault or short circuit. They also protect against power surges that can damage appliances and other electronics. Install GFCI outlets in areas of your home where water is present, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room.
Install GFCI outlets in areas of your home where water is present, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room. Installing the outlets is a relatively quick and inexpensive project; the supplies for which can be found at Standard Electric.
Upgrading or Adding Lighting Fixtures and Switches
One of the quickest and easiest ways to update the look of your home is to replace outdated light fixtures and switches with new ones. There are many styles and finishes available today, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.
You can also add dimmer switches to create a relaxing atmosphere or increase the light output for tasks like reading. If you have a room that doesn’t have enough light, consider adding a ceiling light or wall sconce. Also consider replacing any old or falling plugs, sockets, or light switches.
Adding an Emergency Generator
If there is a power outage, an emergency generator can provide backup power to your home. This is especially important if you have medical equipment that requires electricity to operate or young children who need to use a crib or playpen with a monitor. An emergency generator can also power the necessary appliances in your home, such as your refrigerator. This way, you don’t have to worry about food going bad in case there is a power outage.
Many different emergency generators are available, so do your research before buying one. Some models require manual start-up, while others come on automatically when the power goes out. Consider how much fuel the generator will consume and whether you have enough space to store it.
Have a Qualified Electrician Inspect the Property
Before moving into an older home, be sure to discuss electrical upgrades with a qualified electrician in Drysdale. Upgrading the wiring and other features will make your new home safer and more comfortable to live in. You’ll also make it more efficient, saving you money in the long run. The upgrades increase the property value and make it easier to sell in the future.
