Make Sure Your Electrical System Can Keep Up with Your Needs
The electrical panel in your home is made up of fuses and circuit breakers that allow you to control all of the propertyandrsquo;s electrical components. Its electrical panel divides up the electrical power into different circuits, which are then protected by circuit breakers to ensure that the system is safe. These circuit breakers are extremely important and effective at their jobs, but also tend to be quite delicate parts of the system and may be the source of several kinds of electrical problems. Here are several indicators that you may be in need of a panel upgrade.
You suspect that you may have faulty wiring
In the United States, wiring issues are one of the most common causes of house fires and this risk increases dramatically if the property is older. Wiring in older homes may not be up to code or may be wearing down and deteriorating.
You may be dealing with issues related to faulty wiring if you notice things like:
- Discolored power outlets
- Sparks or heat coming from outlets
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Persistent burning odor
- Slight shocks when touching appliances
You want to install a new appliance
If you are bringing a new large appliance into your home, such as a new refrigerator, a more powerful HVAC system, a hot tub or an electrical vehicle charger, your electrical panel may not be able to handle the additional stress. If you know you are planning to bring in a new appliance, it would be a good idea to have our skilled electrician examine your panel and make the upgrades needed to run everything safely. In the event that you have recently installed a new appliance and are now having issues with your electricity, such as tripping the breaker after certain appliances run at the same time, you may need us to inspect the system and determine what is happening for certain.
You often need extension cords and power strips
While items like these are useful, they indicate that, as it is, your house does not have enough outlets in the areas where you need them. Extension cords should always be a temporary solution, never a permanent fixture in your home. Because both power strips and extension cords only add more plugs, not more power, you are significantly increasing the draw on that circuit, which can pose a fire hazard. Instead, it may be a good idea to increase the number of outlets in strategic areas so these stop-gap measures are not necessary.
You want to prepare your home for the future
Twenty years ago, it would have been difficult to believe just how much of our lives revolve around electrical devices. Who knows where weandrsquo;ll be twenty years from now? Ten? If you live in an older home, it is entirely possible that you may already be beyond the intended capacity of your electrical system. If you plan to stay in your current home for a long time, it is an excellent investment to get quality wiring and an updated electrical panel that can accommodate your needs. Even better, having a reliable electrical system will increase your property value!
Learn more about your options when you contact our team today.