During home renovations or remodeling, most homeowners do not remember electrical upgrades. They only think about updates when the energy bills are getting higher, or the electrical system performs below the acceptable level.
Providing a functioning electricity system is one of your responsibilities as a landlord. This is why we always recommend that every homeowner should consider electrical upgrades before or during their home renovations. Most old homes can not handle the present electrical needs because electrical systems are evolving.
The appliances you intend to install in your homes are changing, and you need modern electrical systems to handle these changes. Some electrical connections in your home become faulty over time and constitute safety hazards.
For all these reasons, electrical upgrades are essential for your home. If you want to update your electrical system, below are the essential ones that we recommend.
1. Upgrade the electrical panel
Before you update the electrical appliances and fixtures in your home, it is better to install a modern electrical panel. Older homes use boards with lower capacities that consume between 30 to 59 amps of power. However, modern homes can use up to 5 times this energy.
Although newer electronics are energy-efficient, modern houses have several appliances. Most homes have media-driven appliances, smart features, gadgets, microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and so on.
For this reason, modern homes consume about 30% extra energy than old houses. If you are upgrading your home, it would be best to install a new panel that can handle the increasing energy needs of your home. Doing this will prevent frequent circuit breaker trips and flickering light bulbs in the house.
2. Rewire and reroute the electrical system
During the process of remodeling your home, you may want to reposition things in the house and give it a new look. For example, you can change the location of appliances and cabinets in your kitchen to improve the aesthetics. In the end, you may discover that there are no electrical cables or sockets at the recent location of the appliances.
When this happens, you will have to call an electrician to rework the electrical system after you have completed the renovation. The result is that you spend more money and time. But you can prevent this from happening if you factor in rewiring and rerouting during the renovation process.
3. Install modern lighting and switches
Modern lighting helps to create an ambient environment. We recommend that you consider this upgrade in your home. Presently, there are several modern lights to choose from. But while trying to upgrade the lighting, it is also essential to upgrade your light switches and controls.
You have numerous options for switches. They come as sliders, 3-way or 4-way switches, dimmers, remote-controlled, multi-location, and so on. With the endless types of modern light switches available, lighting your home will no longer be boring.
4. Smart home features
Following the advancement in technology, several homes are now embracing smart home features. Houses are now automated to offer comfort and convenience. You no longer need to move around before you can control your appliances. Instead, you can place a command by pushing a button on your smartphone.
An electrical upgrade is essential if you want to have a smart home. Some features you can install on your smart houses are:
- Remote-controlled lights
- Remote-controlled sprinkler system
- Smart hubs
- Remote-controlled drapes or blinds
- Smart thermometer
- Grocery ordering refrigerators
- Remote-controlled heating and cooling
- Smart smoke alarm
- Remote security and video surveillance system
- Smart alarms, sensors, and sirens
You can install a structured media center that serves as a central hub to connect all these devices. Doing this will prevent wires from being visible everywhere and also improve the home’s aesthetics.
5. Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
According to the national electrical code, it is essential to have ground fault circuit interrupters in your bathrooms, basements, kitchens, outdoor spaces, and other areas with exposure to water. These devices will help to trip off the power supply to your appliances when it comes in contact with water. It is a safety feature that prevents electrocution and damage.
6. Install outlets and receptacles
Different appliances need specific receptacles that can handle their energy requirements. If you are upgrading your home’s electrical system, it would be best to install special receptors and outlets that can meet their energy needs. The receptacles also come with various decorative features that can blend with your home designs.
In a nutshell: Essential Electrical Upgrades For Your Home
When you are planning for a home remodeling, do well to also budget for an upgrade in your electrical system. Doing so is cost-effective and will save you time.
Electrical upgrades are not a do-it-yourself project. The electricity in your home can cause electrocution if you do not adhere to the safety measures. We recommend that you always consult professional electricians when you are planning to update your electrical system.
