6 Essential Electrical Upgrades for Your Home
Did you know that a home with debilitating wiring can end up causing potential safety hazards like electric shocks and fires? The lesser dangers include regular blackouts, power surges, circuit breakers tripping, and brownouts. In Nashville, Tennessee, fires are quite frequent.
Whether you're thinking about upgrading or renovating your home, your electrical system is the first thing you should consider upgrading. Besides the usability and functionality, an upgrade will also ensure your home meets the approved safety protocols and guidelines.
That's exactly why we're here. We've devised a list of 6 electrical upgrades for your home renovation.
So, let's not waste any more time and jump right into it:
1. Outdated Outlets
For those who are renovating an older home, it's possible you have outdated outlets that are devoid of actual ground wire. Here's what you can do when you're renovating - upgrade the older two-prong outlets. This will help prevent fires, surges, and electrical shocks.
That being said, there's another aspect you must keep in mind: the size of your family.
Consider the number of electrical needs you'll need ten years from now. Maybe you plan on growing your family; in that case, your electrical needs are bound to change together with it.
That's why a home remodeling and renovation is the perfect time to add outlets in every room of your home. Similarly, if you're looking for expert advice on updating your outlets, you'll find professional electricians in Nashville TN, Boise, ID, or any other location within the US.
Here are a few places you can take as examples when you're thinking about upgrading:
Home Offices
Thanks to the recent global pandemic, we've finally come to terms with the fact that people can work from home. As a result, more and more people are choosing to work remotely, and home offices are becoming quite popular. And Nashville is no different.
So, with that in mind, there's also a demand for the latest technology like printers, laptops, and desktop computers. Adding outlets will prevent the use of extension cords and overload the power strips.
Both of these can pose significant safety hazards when relied on too much.
For the Kid's Rooms
Kids are much more dependent on technology, which can become a problem for most parents. With new entertainment systems, state-of-the-art video games, and enhanced lighting systems almost every other day, outlets are necessary.
Kitchens are a Must
If there's any other room in your home that uses large and powerful appliances, it's the kitchen. And if you're currently in the process of renovating your kitchen, then you've come to the right place! The same can be considered for outdoor spaces as well.
So, since the kitchen goes through most of the traffic with water and moisture everywhere, installing more than one GFCI outlet makes sense. The GFCI outlets will be able to handle large-scale appliances like microwaves, ice makers, refrigerators, and toaster ovens.
We'll elaborate more on what GFCI is at our next point!
2. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Also known as GFCI, they have quickly become vital in homes built today. From outdoor areas and kitchens to bathrooms, GFCI helps to create a safer living space for all.
We're all tired of having our breaker trip now and then, right? GFCIs switch off automatically when an outlet is met with moisture. This prevents electrical shocks and fire.
And because of this, GFCIs have become an official home electrical requirement in new renovations and construction. So, installing GFCIs in high-traffic areas is crucial when upgrading your electrical system.
3. We Want MORE Charging Stations!
Powerful computers, tablets, and smartphones are taking over too fast. And with powerful technologies, the need for recharging keeps increasing every day.
This is why charging stations are so crucial. They can help free up the already existing outlets you have placed around your home and allow you to charge your devices easily.
4. Electrical Panels and Wiring
The average household in Nashville uses 40% to 60% more energy than before. Even though this is an estimate, electric panels need to be upgraded to keep up with the rising demand.
You can start by installing new electrical panels, heat shrink tubing, and a breaker box. This investment will go a long way as it benefits your present and future.
As for older homes, the wiring is definitely in need of an upgrade. Most go without an upgrade for years, which increases the risk of power surges, electrical fires, and shocks. That's why you must finish the rewiring when doing electrical upgrades to your home.
You'll save yourself from facing recurring power issues and prevent facing safety hazards too.
5. Light Switches and Surge Protectors
Sliders - the functionality that's been around for years has made a comeback. By installing sliders, electricity runs to the same type of light switches but gives you more control over the ambiance. You have many choices, such as smart lighting, dimmer switches, and 3-way panel sliders. If you're thinking of sliders, now is the time.
Another thing you can invest in is a whole-house surge protector. And to be honest, a basic power strip will not protect you or your household devices. In the case of an electrical storm, the only way to ensure your home's equipment and system are protected is by installing a surge protector. And there's no better time to install one than when you're renovating your home.
6. Smart Smoke Alarms
Last but not least - smoke alarms. Believe it or not, smoke alarms are critical for electrical systems.
The number of fires that occur in Nashville, Tennessee are too many to count. That's where smoke alarms can keep your home safe. But what if we told you there's a way to make it even safer? That's right, with the help of smart smoke alarm tech, this is now a possibility.
A smart smoke alarm will provide a quicker and more subtle way to detect a rise in temperatures, especially during a fire. So, invest in a smart smoke alarm system. You might end up saving your family and your home one day.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we'd like to say that if you're thinking about renovating or remodeling your home, then take a look at your home's electrical condition and wiring.
An upgrade will provide you with better safety and security, and you'll also have an improved quality of life. And who doesn't want that?
Let us know what you think about these upgrades in the comments below, and don't forget, safety should always come first!
