Popular Home Electrical Upgrades

Home electrical upgrades are often undertaken to enhance functionality, improve safety, or prepare a residence for the installation of modern appliances and systems.

Here are some of the most popular home electrical upgrades;

Circuit Breaker Replacement: Older homes often have fuse boxes instead of modern circuit breakers. Upgrading to a modern electrical panel can offer better electrical capacity, safety, and convenience. It also eliminates the need to replace fuses and allows for easier restoration of power after a circuit is tripped.

Panel Upgrade: Electrical panels that are outdated or undersized can pose a safety risk and may not accommodate new appliances. Upgrading to a 200-amp electrical panel or higher is commonly recommended for modern homes with higher electrical demands.

GFCI Outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to shut off electrical power in the event of a ground fault, reducing the risk of electric shock. These are usually installed in areas where water is present, like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.

AFCI Protection: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are devices that provide protection against dangerous electrical arcs, which can lead to electrical fires. Installing AFCI breakers or outlets is often recommended for bedrooms and other living areas.

Smart Home Automation: Smart home systems integrate various household devices and systems into a centralized control interface, usually accessible through smartphones. Upgrades might include smart switches, smart thermostats, and smart doorbells, among others.

LED Lighting: Many homeowners opt to replace incandescent or CFL bulbs with LED bulbs to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity bills. Sometimes the LED lighting upgrade fixtures have built-in LED lights – nothing to replace! This may also include installing smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely.

USB Outlets: Given the proliferation of devices that charge via USB, such as smartphones and tablets, many people are replacing standard outlets with ones that include built-in USB ports.

Surge Protection: Whole-home surge protectors can shield all the electrical devices in a home from voltage spikes, reducing the risk of damage from electrical surges.

Backup Generators: Having a backup generator can provide a valuable power source during outages. These can be set to kick in automatically when a power loss is detected.

Wiring Upgrades: Older homes may have wiring that is not up to current safety standards, like aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring. Upgrading to modern, copper wiring can improve safety and allow for the safe installation of modern appliances.

Energy Monitoring Systems: These systems offer real-time data on electricity consumption, which can be accessed through a smartphone app. It helps homeowners understand their consumption patterns and make energy-saving decisions.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: As electric vehicles become more common, many homeowners are installing dedicated EV charging stations in their garages or driveways.

Popular Home Electrical Upgrades

Each of these popular home electrical upgrades has its own specific set of considerations such as costs, permitting requirements, and the necessity for professional installation.

While some are driven by the need to meet current electrical safety codes, others are elective improvements for enhanced functionality and convenience. Before proceeding with any electrical upgrades, it is advisable to consult a licensed Colorado Springs electrician to evaluate your home’s specific needs and conditions.