How to Extend the Life of Your Home’s Wiring System

Your electrical system is one of the most important elements of your home, so it makes sense that you’ll want it to last. Sadly, that isn’t always easy. Your electrical panel and the wiring in your home should ideally last for 50 to 70 years. However, the energy needs for modern homes could mean that you’ll need to upgrade your system sooner rather than later. Fortunately, there are still some things that you can do that can help extend the life of your home’s wiring and electrical system. Here are just some to keep in mind.

1. Schedule Regular Inspections

The best way to ensure that your home’s wiring will last is to schedule regular inspections with a licensed electrician. These inspections should be scheduled every three to five years, and they can identify minor issues before they become major problems. A typical inspection involves checking for damaged or outdated wiring, testing ground and surge protection systems along with making sure that the electrical panel is functioning properly. You can probably get away with having an inspection every five years if you live in a newer home. Homes older than 25 years old should be inspected more frequently, especially if you’ve noticed potential problems with your electrical system.

2. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel regulates and distributes power throughout your home. It connects to the outside energy grid, and all of your home’s circuits pass through them. It can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years, but anything older than 25 years may have trouble keeping up with a modern home’s energy needs. If you experience frequent circuit breaker trips or if your lights dim or flicker when you turn on certain appliances, your electrical panel is likely not enough to handle your electricity needs. Have it upgraded every few decades or if you notice any of the issues we mentioned above.

3.  Have Damaged Wiring Repaired

Damaged or exposed wiring can be incredibly dangerous. At the very least, you’ll likely have to contend with short circuits that trip your circuit breakers or electrical outlets that won’t work. At worst, you face the risk of fires or electric shocks. Bad wiring can be difficult to spot on your own since much of it is behind your walls, but there are signs that you can look for. These include sparking when you plug or unplug devices, burning smells coming from outlets or outlets that are hot to the touch. 

If you suspect any damaged wiring in your home, contact an electrician and have it repaired as quickly as possible. Do not touch the damaged wiring or attempt to fix the problem yourself. Electrical problems are simply too dangerous to attempt to fix without the proper training and equipment.

4. Avoid DIY Projects

Speaking of attempting to fix things on your own, you should never attempt a DIY home improvement project that involves your electrical system on your own. If your most recent home renovation project involves rewiring your home or adding a new electrical circuit, contact a professional to take care of it. Not only will it be much safer for you, but it will ensure that the job is done correctly the first time.

5. Use Surge Protectors

Surge protectors protect your devices and your electrical system from power surges. These surges can be caused by anything from lightning strikes to sudden changes in the local power grid, and they can do serious damage. Most power strips have surge protectors that should provide enough protection for individual devices. However, a whole-home surge protector is far superior. 

A whole-home surge protector gets installed in your electrical panel and prevents power surges from entering your wiring in the first place. An electrician can install one in your home, so contact one near you if you want to keep your wiring and your devices safe. Until then, make sure that any power strip you use has a surge protector to protect your individual devices.

6. Avoid Overloads

Overloads happen when too many devices are running through a single circuit. In most cases, an overload will cause a circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow. These are relatively easy fixes even if they are annoying. On the other hand, overloads can also cause overheating or electrical fires, so they should be avoided at all costs.

The best way to prevent overloads is to spread out high-energy appliances and devices across several circuits. You should also avoid using power strips and extension cords as permanent setups for your devices. Using them occasionally is fine, but nobody should have to rely on them too often. It also helps to remember the capacity of a circuit. This is typically around 15 or 20 amps for residential circuits, but it’s always best to know for sure. 

If you ever overload a circuit and trip a breaker, pay attention to what you were doing and what was running when the circuit overloaded so you don’t do it again. If it still happens even when you’re being careful, upgrade your electrical panel.

7. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Older appliances and lighting fixtures often use more power than modern devices, so upgrade to more energy-efficient models whenever you can. Not only will this put less of a strain on your wiring, but it will almost certainly lower your electricity bills every month. You can start by swapping out your traditional incandescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs. LED lightbulbs can reduce your home’s energy consumption by as much as 75%. Good quality LED bulbs also last 30 to 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them as often.

As for your appliances, look for anything with a good ENERGY STAR rating. A rating of 75 or higher is considered to be the most efficient. You should be able to see this on an appliance’s packaging, so look for it before you make a purchase.

Call Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical for Assistance

While these tips will certainly help you get the most out of your electrical system, you should never hesitate to call a professional if you suspect any trouble. Fortunately, Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical is here to help. We have provided exceptional electrical, HVAC, and plumbing services to homes in Weatherford, TX, and the surrounding areas since 1983, and we pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for all of your needs. 

Whether you need to upgrade your electrical system or you are interested in a new heating and cooling system, our team is on hand to assist you. We are available 24/7 to take your calls and provide reliable assistance whenever you need it, so feel free to call anytime you need us. To learn more about our electrical, HVAC, or plumbing services or to schedule service for your home, contact Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical in Weatherford today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about wiring and rewiring.