Did you know that outdated electrical systems are a leading cause of home fires?

Whether you live in an older home or want to integrate smart home technology, electrical upgrades are essential for safety, efficiency, and convenience.

From modern panels to smart outlets, these must-have electrical improvements can prevent hazards, lower energy bills, and increase home value.

Let’s explore 10 crucial electrical upgrades that make your home safer and smarter.

1. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

An outdated electrical panel can’t keep up with modern energy demands. With homes now using nearly 30% more electricity than 20 years ago, older panels struggle to support appliances like HVAC systems, electric vehicle chargers, and high-powered kitchen appliances.

If your panel is less than 100 amps, consider a 200-amp electrical panel upgrade to prevent overloads, increase safety, and future-proof your home’s electrical system.

When you want to keep your home safe, you should think about updating your electrical panel when doing electrical upgrades.

2. Install GFCI Outlets

GFCI outlets are mandatory in wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces to prevent electric shock. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI outlets in these areas because they automatically shut off power when they detect a dangerous current imbalance.

If your home still has standard outlets in high-risk areas, upgrading to GFCI-protected outlets is a crucial safety improvement.

Installing GFCI outlets is one of the main electrical upgrades you should consider for your home.

3. Update Old Wiring

Old electrical wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires. If your home has aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, upgrading to modern copper wiring significantly enhances safety and efficiency.

Warning signs of outdated wiring include:

  • Frequent circuit breaker trips
  • Flickering lights when using appliances
  • Warm or discolored outlets

If you notice these issues, consider a full home electrical wiring upgrade to meet modern safety standards.

When looking for electrical upgrades, make updating your wiring a priority.

4. Add Whole-House Surge Protection

Whole-house surge protectors defend electronics and appliances from power surges. This is crucial in areas with lightning or unreliable power grids and protects your appliances, such as smart thermostats.

5. Install Smart Switches and Outlets

Smart devices enhance convenience and safety, allowing remote control of lighting and appliances. This ensures nothing is left on accidentally while also upgrading your electrical outlets and installing smart outlets.

6. Upgrade to LED Lighting

LED lights are energy-efficient and safer than incandescent bulbs. They produce less heat, reducing fire risks, and they last longer. This makes them a cost-effective way to improve lighting, and smart features with clean energy options.

7. Add Dedicated Circuits for Appliances

Older homes often lack sufficient circuits for modern needs. Adding dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances, like air conditioners or electric vehicle charging stations, prevents overloads and reduces fire hazards.

8. Install Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

AFCIs detect potentially dangerous electrical arcs. AFCI outlets provide enhanced AFCI protection, reducing fire risks from these faults.

9. Upgrade Outdoor Electrical Systems

Upgrade outdoor outlets to weather-resistant GFCI models and install proper lighting. This enhances safety and enjoyment in outdoor spaces with appropriate GFCI protection. Consider GFCI outlets required for outdoor spaces as per the National Electrical Code.

10. Implement a Backup Power System

A backup generator or battery system keeps essential systems running during outages. This is important for homes with medical equipment or in areas with severe weather. The use of generators will provide backup power to important appliances and devices, including smart doorbell cameras.

A backup generator or battery system keeps essential systems running during outages, so it should be among your electrical upgrades.

How Electrical Upgrades Help

Electrical upgrades offer several advantages beyond safety. Here are some key benefits:

Increased Home Value

Electrical upgrades significantly boost home value, attracting potential buyers who appreciate modern electrical systems, which demonstrates a well-maintained property.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Upgrades like LED lighting and smart home systems lead to energy savings. Reduce your carbon footprint and lower monthly utility bills by implementing energy-efficient solutions.

Improved Functionality

Modern electrical upgrades improve home functionality. From ample outlets for devices to smart home features, these improvements enhance daily life. Smart devices include doorbell cameras and smart outlets.

Future-Proofing Your Home

Upgrading your electrical system prepares your home for future technologies. Whether it’s electric vehicle chargers, installing charging stations in your garage or new home automation systems, a modern setup ensures readiness.

Potential Tax Credits

Federal Tax Credits and other incentives may be available if you install electric vehicle charging stations or other smart upgrades in your home.

4 Best Practices for Safe Electrical Upgrades

Electrical upgrades, while beneficial, require a safety-conscious approach. Follow these best practices:

1. Hire a Licensed Electrician

Electrical work is not a DIY project. Hire licensed electricians with the knowledge and tools for safe and code-compliant work. It’s important to follow safety standards and electrical codes to ensure safe electrical work.

Older homes with outdated electrical systems can be more challenging to work with than homes with modern electric systems.

2. Get Proper Permits

Many upgrades require permits. This ensures compliance with safety standards and prevents future home sale issues. A licensed contractor can help you handle permits and other necessary paperwork.

3. Use Quality Materials

Use high-quality, certified electrical components. This investment ensures longevity and safety in your upgraded electrical wiring, even though the electrical upgrade costs can sometimes be high.

4. Plan for the Future

Consider future needs when upgrading. If you anticipate needing electric vehicles, preemptively installing a 240-volt outlet, commonly known as outlets required for Level 2 charging, might be wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Often, an electrical panel upgrade doesn’t require complete rewiring. However, with very old wiring, some rewiring may be necessary for safety and code compliance. A licensed electrician can assess your home’s electrical system and suggest necessary panel upgrades or other panel updates to comply with safety standards.

A panel upgrade usually takes 4 to 8 hours, but the total process, including permitting and inspections, may take a few days to a week.

Whole-house rewiring can range from $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on the home’s size, the complexity of the job, and whether walls need to be opened to install new wiring.

Make Your Home A Modern Powerhouse

Electrical upgrades are crucial for home improvement, enhancing safety, increasing value, and preparing for the future. From panel upgrades to smart features, these improvements significantly impact your life and peace of mind.

Ready to upgrade your home’s electrical system for maximum safety and efficiency? Whether you need a panel upgrade, home rewiring, or smart home integration, Brand Home Service has licensed electricians to ensure safe, expert installations of electrical upgrades in Lafayette, IN.

Don’t wait until electrical issues arise—contact Brand Home Service today for a professional electrical upgrade consultation!