Electrical Upgrades

Electrical upgrades can be a lot to deal with and expensive, yet at times it’s necessary to protect the safety, convenience, and value of your place.

The lights come on when you flip the switch, the appliances works, and the refrigerator cools food. That means the electric must be good, right? Maybe not. Sometimes, especially if your house is more than 40 years old, you need to upgrade electrical wiring for safety, or because the existing wiring no longer meets your family’s power needs. Rewiring can be a lot to take on and expensive project, however with a little planning you can limit the disruptions and turn the job into an opportunity to add features that will increase your places value.

Safety Issues with Older Wiring

Faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires, according to a 2009 study by the National Fire Prevention Association. And the older your house is, the greater the chances that the wiring might be old or unsafe.

Old wiring, even tube and knob wiring that dates back to the early 20th century isn’t permanently dangerous, yet unless you were around when the place was built, you can’t be certain the electrical system is up to code. Plus, materials such as wire insulation can deteriorate over time.

If you’re not sure when your wiring was last inspected, it’s worth paying a licensed electrician to give it a once-over, especially if you have any of these warning signs:

• Breakers that trip or fuses that blow repeatedly
• A tingling sensation when you touch an appliance
• Dimming or flickering lights
• A persistent burning smell from an appliance or room
• Discolored, warm, or sparking outlets
• Two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the structure
• No ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in kitchens, baths, and other areas exposed to moisture.

Another reason to consider upgrading is that some carriers refuse to insure houses with older wiring, or charge owners higher premiums.