Have you noticed that your lights flicker when using appliances or that the refrigerator hums louder than usual? Do you hear popping sounds coming from the electric outlets in your walls, or do you find yourself calling the electrician more often to deal with issues in your home?
If so, it may be time for a big change. An electrical overhaul means carrying out extensive electric system upgrades that improve efficiency and safety.
If a home has not had any major upgrades to its electrical system in over 20 years, it will most likely need an upgrade or complete replacement. It can mean anything from replacing old wiring, installing more circuit breakers, or adding a whole new electrical panel. Here are signs your home needs an electrical overhaul.
It’s an Old Home
Very old homes rarely have their electric systems checked or replaced. That means it may have been decades since your old home’s wiring was replaced, and it could be damaged or corroded.
An old home’s wiring may be too weak to manage your current electricity usage. Additionally, electrical codes have changed over the years. Your home could be violating a few regulations.
To determine whether your old home requires an electricity overhaul, talk to an electrician in Wellesley, MA, or one near your home. They will inspect the house and offer advice on how to upgrade the electrical system to meet the current standards.
The Electrical System Is Overloaded
Over the years, you’ll add more appliances to your home as the family grows or your needs change. As you add more devices, your electrical system will inevitably become overloaded. The only solution is to upgrade the old electrical system to meet current standards and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
How do you know whether the electric system is overloaded? Signs to look for are appliances that work inconsistently or make a humming noise, frequent breakdowns, and the inability to run all devices simultaneously. Also, if you’re still using the electric system installed when you had fewer appliances, it’s time to upgrade.
You’re Experiencing Bad Breakers
To discover whether you need an electric overhaul, check the circuit breakers. Toggle each one and check if any flips while still supplying energy.
If the breakdowns are inconsistent, you’ll need to replace some or all of the breakers with new ones or upgrade the system to accommodate modern power loads. If you can’t determine the problem, call an expert to inspect whether you’re using more load than the system can handle.
You Have Low Current
Low current can result from an electrical overload, heavy power devices, poor connection, or damaged wiring. Signs of low current are dimming lights, flickering, or turning off while operating another appliance. If you suspect you have a low current, call an expert for inspection and advice on upgrading to a more modern solution.
Too Many Electrical Problems
When experiencing too many electrical problems such as blackouts, flickering lights, and low current, it’s time to have an electrical upgrade. Other issues to look out for are burning wires, appliance breakdowns, and overheating outlets. Such problems are also a safety hazard.
The Benefits of an Electrical Overhaul
Having an electrical overhaul is a significant investment, but it has many benefits. You’ll lower your energy consumption, have a safer home, and prolong your appliances’ life. After an electrical overhaul, you’ll have peace of mind and the freedom to safely use as many devices as you wish without worrying about having any issues overloading your system.
