Are You Due for an Electrical Upgrade?

Even though the lights still come on and the appliances still work when you need them, your home may be ready for an electrical upgrade. The fact is, older homes were built with an electrical system designed for a bygone era that required only a few circuits and no more than 60 amps of power. The electronics and power-hungry technology typically used in residences today need a minimum of least 100 amps and many more circuits to avoid overloads. In addition, the circuit breakers and panel installed in most houses have a lifespan of about 25 years. Circuit breakers older than that may trip frequently or—worse—may fail to trip, even when overloaded.

An electrical upgrade may be limited to a new main panel and circuit breakers with higher rating to accommodate more power. Or, it may include replacing old, obsolete wiring and installing outlets to handle the new load safely. Here are some signs that you may need to talk to a qualified contractor about an electrical upgrade to bring your home up to date:

• Circuit breakers trip or fuses blow frequently.
• Lights dimming or flickering, particularly when large appliances cycle on and off.
• Old-fashioned, non-grounded two-prong outlets throughout the home.
• Kitchens, bathrooms and other areas where moisture is common lack the critical safety protection of GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets.
• Insufficient outlets to handle the increasing number of electronic devices in your home, forcing you to rely on multiple outlet strips or extension cords.
• Outlets that are discolored and feel warm to the touch.
• You plan to add more demand to the system such as an upgraded air conditioner, a spa or convert a garage or storage room to a living space.
• You’ve been informed that your homeowner’s insurance premiums will be increased because your wiring is out of date.

At Sobieski Services Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues — especially HVAC and plumbing issues — so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

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