There are different reasons you may want to consider an electrical upgrade for your Houston home. Safety is paramount. More than 50,000 residential electric fires occur each year in the U.S., mostly from faulty and overloaded electrical systems.
You may also consider an electrical upgrade if you want to improve aesthetics in your home. Lighting sets the overall mood in your home and can the atmosphere more pleasant.
If your Houston home hasn’t had an electrical upgrade for a long, it may be time to consider one. Upgrades to your electrical system are important to prevent a fire or an electrical blackout. An upgrade will also help your home to be more energy-efficient.
Here are some upgrades to consider:
Upgrade Your Houston Home’s Electrical Panel
If your home is over 20 years old and has never had an upgrade, it’s time to have one. If you think about it, your home is using more electricity than a home was 20 years ago. We use computers more, have more televisions in the home, and tend to run our air conditioner more. We also love to use multiple kitchen gadgets and appliances than we did back then.
A few clues that your home’s electrical panel needs an upgrade ASAP are:
- Tripping breakers
- Dim or flickering lights
- Sluggishly performing appliances
- Sparks when you plug something in
- Plugs, switchplates, cords, or outlet covers feel hot to the touch when used
- Buzzing sounds coming from your electrical panel
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to get a licensed electrician to your home pronto to talk about an electrical upgrade sooner rather than later.
Install More Electrical Outlets
Many homeowners have too many devices plugged into an electrical outlet. But, doing so increases the chances of a fire or at the very least, tripping your circuit breaker. If you use the electronics all the time, you’re taking a risk.
Some homeowners also connect their fixtures or lamps to extension cords and have them running all across the floor. Another common problem is when you need to use a two-prong adapter for your three-prong plugs.
These signal that your home could use a few electrical improvements. To prevent harm to your electronics and to keep you and your family safe, it’s a good idea to have an electrician install more wall outlets. This will help keep the outlet from overloading and/or damaging your electronic devices.
Lighting Upgrades to Your Home
A commonly overlooked electrical upgrade is lighting. Lighting upgrades usually have more to do with aesthetics than safety. But, while you’re considering electrical upgrades, upgrading your lighting isn’t a bad idea.
You spend a lot of your time at home and lighting design can set the right mood, or can make you cranky and depressed. Old lighting can make your home feel outdated. You can give your home the best remodel, but if you do nothing to the lighting, it won’t have as big of an impact. Drab lighting is still drab lighting.
Even worse, chances are if you have old lighting fixtures in your home, it’s not very cost-effective. Newer lighting solutions come in a variety of LED options, which will save you money in the long run.
There are so many wonderful options for updating the lights in your home. You can install under-cabinet lights, track lighting, recessed lighting, chandeliers, security lights, and more. Small changes can really make a difference. Upgrading the lighting of your home will make it more efficient and attractive.
An experienced lighting designer and electrical contractor like Illuminations Lighting Design can offer you a custom solution for both your lighting and electrical needs.
The Takeaway
It’s a good idea to have your home’s electrical system inspected now and then. You also shouldn’t put off an electrical upgrade if your home has any of the warning signs. All-in-all, an electrical upgrade can make your home more efficient, safe, and even more beautiful when you add lighting upgrades.
Illuminations Lighting Design is up for the task, no matter how big or small your electrical upgrades are. We’d love to discuss what we can do to help! We have both in-house electrical contractors and lighting designers who are highly skilled at what they do.
Contact our premier residential electrical and lighting experts in Houston. Give us a call at 713-863-1133 or fill out our online form. We service areas beyond the Houston metropolitan area throughout many areas in Texas.
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