Revamping your home’s electrical systems can enhance safety, efficiency, and comfort. The average cost of rewiring a house is $7,000, but you could spend between $1,100 and $13,000; a significant amount, but well worth the security and energy savings.
Deciding between doing it yourself or hiring an electrician can also be tricky. Let’s dive into simple ways to make your home’s electricity better!
Should You Hire an Electrician?
Fixing electrical problems on your own seems promising when you want to save cost, but you risk the following:
- Future inspections can uncover electrical code violations, such as not installing enough receptacles or improperly configuring panels.
- DIY has no warranty, so you may pay more to fix mistakes.
- Improper grounding or incorrect wiring can lead to fire or a short
- Risk of shock and electrocution
- Facing a time-consuming and stressful process
On the other hand, electricians are certified, which means they took classes, mastered them, passed an exam, and had on-site training.
They can quickly identify and correct the source problem. Bonded and insured workers protect you against the cost if the electrician gets hurt in your home.
However, if you opt for DIY, obtain necessary permits from local authorities, consult electricians, switch off the power at the main breaker, use a voltage tester to ensure they’re devoid of electricity, and adhere to instructions provided with the electrical product. You can opt for used residential electrical products to save costs.
Electrical Home Renovation Upgrades
Let’s briefly examine the home renovation upgrades you should consider.
GFCI’S
You install GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupters where electrical circuits can come into contact with water, such as in laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, etc.
They can prevent electrocution by comparing the current returning from or going to the circuit amount. If the amount differs by approximately 5 milliamperes, it will interrupt the current.
Update Electrical Panels
Electrical panels don’t break down, but they experience a slow decline before they stop working, during which you can experience electrical wiring issues. For example:
- Outlets emitting a burning smell
- Tripping breakers may trip
- Smoke coming out from power outlets
- Flickering lights
- Unusual sounds coming from the electrical panel
A new panel will ensure you have a steady flow of electricity and that you can add new appliances without worrying about blowing fuses or tripping breakers. It allows you to increase the number of outlets in your home; you can add grounded outlets for safer electrical performance.
Surge Protectors
A power surge results from a sudden increase in voltage in the wires that connect electrical outlets and appliances and is known as “electronic rust.” This can cause cables to overheat, break down, and even cause a fire.
he surge protector will safeguard against power surges by diverting and suppressing extra voltage.
Smart Home Technologies
Smart home appliances use the Internet to enable remote monitoring and management of devices, such as heating. Some examples include:
- Smart thermostats: They allow users to monitor, schedule, and remotely control home temperatures
- Smart door locks: smart door locks and garage door openers grant or deny entry access to visitors
- Smart security cameras: They help you monitor your home when you’re away and notify authorities if it detects suspicious behavior.
- Smart smoke alarms: These provide subtle and faster detection of increased temperatures.
Swap Outlets, Lighting, and Ceiling Fans
You can replace traditional outlets with products such as AFCIs (Arc-Fault Interrupters) for fire safety or with built-in USB adaptors. If you want to keep your renovations simple, add LED lighting to save energy or install dimmers.
Consider installing ceiling fans as they are more adept than air conditioners in circulating air more evenly and help save electricity costs.
Endnote
While the allure of DIY solutions sounds tempting, there are risks of electrical hazards and code violations. Hiring certified electricians assures expertise and compliance, ensuring both safety and efficacy.
Let your electrical upgrades not just redefine convenience but prioritize the safety and security of your home.
