Your home’s electricity makes your comfortable life possible, but you likely don’t think about it until something goes wrong or your system fails. Paying for electrical upgrades now can prevent problems later and increase your home’s value. Here is some information about electrical upgrades from our licensed electricians at Putnam Mechanical in Charlotte, NC and the benefits they offer.
What Does an Electrical System Upgrade Involve?
An upgrade of your home’s electrical system might involve the removal of noncompliant, potentially dangerous components, including:
- Wiring
- Distribution boards
- Panels
- Electrical fittings
Once they are removed, your electrician will replace them with new components that meet current standards and are up to code. Electrical system upgrades can improve your home’s electrical performance and increase safety. Upgrading your home’s electrical system can provide several benefits.
Bringing Your System up to Code
The International Code Council sets model building codes and updates them every three years to reflect new technology and practices. Many cities and jurisdictions adopt the updates from the model codes and incorporate them into their building codes. Your home’s electrical system may have been installed before the most recent safety standards were implemented. When you upgrade your home’s electrical system, you can bring its wiring up to code.
This can be important if you plan to sell your home someday. Having an outdated electrical system can prevent the sale from going through. If your system is older than 10 years, it might be necessary to upgrade it to bring it up to code before you put it on the market.
Preventing Fires
Older electrical systems may have damage that creates fire hazards. For example, pests might chew through wiring, or wires might fray over time. Upgrading your home’s electrical system can reduce your risk of a fire. Our licensed electricians can inspect your home’s electrical system and repair common issues that can cause a fire.
Meeting Modern Appliances’ Electrical Demands
Modern appliances have higher power demands and place added strain on older electrical systems. As a result, the average household uses more energy as modern technologies are added. If your system can’t keep up with your new appliances’ demands, you might deal with frequent circuit breaker trips and an increased risk of fire caused by overloaded circuits. Upgrading your system can help it withstand the load placed on it by modern appliances.
Enhancing Convenience
Older houses often don’t have enough outlets for the numerous devices most people have. For example, you might want to move a device to a different wall but don’t have any nearby outlets available. Many older homes were built during a time when having numerous electrical outlets wasn’t necessary. Insufficient electrical outlets can be inconvenient and potentially unsafe.
Some people try to make up for a lack of outlets by plugging in power strips and then connecting too many devices to them. This can be unsafe and lead to overloading and fires. When you upgrade your home’s electrical system, your electrician can add new circuits and outlets to increase your convenience and safety. This can provide you with more design options when you want to rearrange your furniture and appliances.
Increasing Your Home’s Value
If you plan to sell your home soon, upgrading its electrical system can increase its value. Buyers want homes with modern electrical systems that can efficiently regulate and handle their demands. If you add a smart electric panel, it can show buyers your home will not require them to make upgrades. This can make your home more attractive to buyers.
Upgrading During a Home Remodel
If you’re planning to remodel or renovate your home, it’s a great idea to upgrade your electrical system at the same time. It’s easier to complete the upgrades when you plan to remove walls or open them for other renovations. Since your electrician won’t have to remove walls and features to access wiring, scheduling the electrical system upgrade during your renovation can save you time and labor costs.
Talk to Our Experienced Electricians
If you are dealing with frequent circuit breaker trips, don’t have enough outlets, or haven’t upgraded your electrical system in 10 years or more, our licensed electricians at Putnam Mechanical can help. Our full-service company offers a wide range of HVAC and electrical services, including furnace and air conditioner repair and installation, whole-home wiring, ceiling fan installation, electrical remodeling, and more. We have served the Charlotte area since 2006.
To learn more about our services and how we can meet your needs, call us at Putnam Mechanical today!
