Key takeaways:
- Home remodels (like extending your living space or adding more appliances) can change your power needs.
- Make sure your electrical infrastructure can keep up with this increased demand.
- A residential electrician in Rockwall can help determine which upgrades you might need.
Are you planning some home remodels for the spring?
Don’t overlook electrical upgrades! Your electrical systems may be aging, putting your home at risk.
Plus, an outdated electrical infrastructure can make it difficult to power things like new appliances or home extensions. Let’s talk about common updates a residential electrician in Rockwall can help you plan for added safety and comfort.
Outlet, Switch, and Lighting Upgrades
If your home dates back to the 1980s (or even before that), chances are, you don’t have enough outlets and switches.
A common solution is to use extension cords and add lamps to supplement lighting. It’s fine, but you can only power so many appliances and electronics with extension cords before you’re overloading your circuits.
To make your home safer and more comfortable, you can ask an electrician to extend existing circuits with more outlets and install some additional lighting. In some cases, adding an extra circuit can help spread out the electrical load more evenly and prevent overheating.
Adding More Circuits for Modern Living
Modern homes use more power than ever. With many Rockwall homes dating back to the 1950s through the 1980s, your home might not have enough circuits for all your appliances and electronics.
A licensed electrician can add a new breaker to your panel and run a new circuit from this breaker to your kitchen, living room or new home office. This extra circuit will allow you to power appliances and electronics without overloading an existing circuit, which can be unsafe.
Think About Upgrading Your Panel Before You Remodel
If you’re planning a big project like a finished basement or turning your garage into an extra living space, you’re going to need a way to bring electricity to these spaces. Your current panel might not be able to handle the additional load or might not have enough space for extra circuits.
You should also consider a panel upgrade if you’re planning to get a new HVAC system, install an EV charger, or update your kitchen with newer appliances.
Is Your Wiring Getting Old?
Electrical wiring can last 50 years and even longer. However, factors like humidity, damage from pest,s or circuits that run close to their top capacity can damage your wiring faster.
Plus, some older homes in Rockwall neighborhoods like Old Town Rockwall or many of the older ranch-style homes found throughout the city may still use outdated aluminum wiring.
If your wiring is not up to code, you’ll run into delays when planning home remodels as you go through the city’s permitting and inspection process. You can anticipate this by having an electrician inspect your home to determine which upgrades are needed to bring it up to code before you plan any major renovations.
Plan Your Electrical Upgrades With W3 Electric
Whether you’re planning some major electrical upgrades or are simply wondering if your home is up to code, W3 Electric can help.
As a local electrician, we’re familiar with the mix of new and old construction that characterizes Rockwall. We offer electrical inspections, as well as a wide range of upgrade services, including adding outlets, installing additional circuits, or replacing a panel.
We’ll discuss your upgrade options and put together a plan that makes sense for your budget and your home remodeling project.
Give us a call at 972-793-0733 to schedule an electric inspection or learn more about our electrical upgrade services.
FAQ
Why should I think about electrical upgrades during a remodel?
Any remodel that adds space or new appliances will increase your home’s power demand. Planning electrical upgrades in Rockwall at the same time helps you stay safe, avoid overloaded circuits, and make sure your new space is actually usable.
What are common electrical upgrades for older Rockwall homes?
For homes built between the 1950s and 1980s, common upgrades include adding outlets, switches, and lighting; installing new circuits; upgrading panels; and updating electrical wiring to replace outdated or unsafe materials.
How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?
You may need a panel upgrade if your breakers trip often, your panel is full, or you’re adding new loads like an EV charger, new HVAC system, finished basement, or a garage conversion. If your existing panel can’t safely accommodate additional circuits, upgrading is the safest option.
What are the signs that my wiring is too old or unsafe?
You might need new wiring if you notice tripping breakers, flickering lights, warm outlets, or a burning smell. If your home still has aluminum wiring or very old cloth wiring, it’s a strong indicator that you should consider an electrical wiring update.
