Ways to Improve the Electrical System for 2023

3 Electrical Improvements to Make in the Home This Year

Everyone may be tired of hearing about New Year's resolutions, but it’s time to set some goals for the new year. Goals are especially important for homeowners because they help them plan for updates around the home that keep their homes safe. 

This year, set the goal to make sure the electrical system is ready for the new year. Home electrical systems are very reliable, so homeowners can forget about them over the years until repairs become very costly or outdated equipment becomes dangerous. Get back on track in 2023 with these recommendations from local electrical experts. 

Avoid Overloading Circuits 

circuitOverloading circuits is one of the most inconvenient and dangerous things to do in the home. When circuits get overloaded, the most common inconvenience is a loss of power to the circuit because the breaker flips. This makes the homeowner go out of their way to restore power. When circuits are chronically overloaded, they can become dangerous from overheating and cause an electrical fire that can devastate a home. 

This year, make a promise to stop overloading circuits. Make it a point to spread electrical loads out to different circuits in the home. To help prevent an overloaded circuit, homeowners can: 

  • Reduce the number of powerstrips plugged into circuits and never plug power strips into each other
  • Only allow electricians to install new legs of a circuit
  • Make a map of circuits in the home and spread devices out amongst them
  • Buy energy-efficient appliances and lights to reduce overall electrical usage
  • Unplug high-wattage appliances if smoke is smelled or breakers are tripped

Remember to Have Electrical Inspections 

Electrical inspections are an essential part of keeping homes and businesses safe. By checking all the electrical wiring, outlets, and appliances, potential hazards can be identified and corrected before they cause harm. Electrical inspections also ensure that a home or business's wiring is up to code, which helps to prevent fires and other disasters. Additionally, inspections can reveal any hidden damage to electrical systems and help identify signs of wear and tear that need attention. 

By identifying potential hazards and correcting them before they become a problem, a lot of stress, money, and danger can be avoided in the long run.  Electrical inspections are a wise investment in both safety and peace of mind.  Plus, they may even help to lower insurance premiums! Scheduling an electrical inspection for electrical wiring and outlets can prevent damage from overheated wiring and electrical fires that would be far more costly than updates. 

Replace Damaged Electrical Wiring and Outlets 

outletIgnoring old or damaged wires and outlets can have serious consequences. Faulty electrical wiring can cause fires, electrocution, and other dangerous incidents. Additionally, older wiring may not be able to support the current power needs of a home or business. This can lead to various issues, from blown circuits to overloaded wires. 

People should also be mindful of any exposed wiring, as this can pose a serious risk. Exposed wires are not only a fire hazard but can also cause an electric shock if touched. Regularly checking for exposed wiring and ensuring that all wires are properly insulated and secured will help keep a home or business safe. 

Ignoring old or damaged outlets is also risky and can have dire consequences for both the home and personal safety. Electrical outlets can become worn over time, and outlets that are not properly maintained can become unsafe. If outlets become loose or cracked, they can cause dangerous electrical shocks. Inspecting outlets for signs of damage regularly and having them repaired or replaced if necessary is vital.

An experienced electrician should be consulted to handle any wiring or outlet issues safely and properly.  By taking the necessary precautions, homeowners can ensure that their wiring and outlets are up-to-date and functioning correctly. Doing so will provide peace of mind and help protect the home or business from potential harm.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has nearly 30 years of expertise serving Montgomery, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, on-time service, and a membership plan. Call them today for outlet or wiring repair and replacement in Montgomery, AL.

3 Positively Great Resolutions to Make for Your Home's Electrical System

Don’t Forget To Make Resolutions for the Home’s Electrical System This Year!

The New Year is a time to think about the changes everyone wants to see in their lives. Resolutions about relationships, fitness, goals, and dreams are made to start the new year off right. Homeowners should consider making resolutions not just for themselves this year but also for their home. Take a look at these three ways to improve a home’s electrical for the coming New Year!

#1 - Replace Worn-Down Wiring

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The modern home uses electricity 24/7, every day of the year. Electricity runs the furnace, the air conditioner, the hairdryer, and the wi-fi. Without it, not much gets done. It shouldn’t be a surprise that, over time, wires wear down and need to be replaced. But, how exactly does one know when wiring needs replaced?

  • Age: If the wiring hasn’t been replaced for 30 years, it probably needs it. Homes built before 1985 are not wired with materials up to the current building codes, and the wires are more likely to fail soon. 
  • Tripped Breakers: If the circuit breaker is frequently tripped, the home’s wiring may not be up to the demands of the house. 
  • Extension Cords: If several electric-run machines are plugged into extension cords to have everything on in the house, the home’s electrical system isn’t up to the demands of the house. New wiring and outlets should be installed to prevent electrical fires.
  • Stained Outlets: Discolored outlets are a sign of electrical surges and indicate a risk of electrical fires. The wiring is likely failing and needs replacing. 

#2 - Have a Professional Inspect Outlets 

The outlets of the home are a good indicator of what kind of shape the electrical system is in. Having them inspected can evaluate if electrical surges are occurring (thereby indicating that wiring needs replaced), or if wiring has come loose from the outlet. Loose or frayed wiring can cause electrical fires, and needs replaced right away. 

The inspection will also check if the electrical contacts of the outlet are in good shape - if plugs are falling out of the outlet, not only is it annoying, but it indicates the contacts are worn down and need to be replaced to prevent electrical fires. An electrical inspection of the outlets is an inexpensive way to ensure the home’s electrical system is running properly.

#3 - Take Steps to Prevent System Overloading 

Electrical overloads are annoying - every homeowner hates having to flip circuits when the power blows - but, more importantly, electrical overloads are dangerous. As the New Year arrives, homeowners should take the following steps to prevent a perilous electrical overload situation:

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  • Map the Circuits of the Home: Knowing what circuits control which rooms is essential to prevent electrical overloads. Knowing how many electrical machines are plugged into rooms and cross-referencing the circuits that keep blowing will allow homeowners to know what rooms need fewer things plugged in, or need an electrical upgrade. 
  • Verify the Load of the Circuits: Electrical circuits can only handle so much electricity. When too much electricity is run through it, the circuits are tripped, and power is cut off. Research the circuits’ recommended load in the circuit breaker, or for a more accurate assessment, reach out to have an electrician investigate the circuits that keep tripping. 
  • Balance the Circuit Loads: Circuits should not bear more than 80% of their recommended load. If circuits keep tripping, they’re being overloaded. Reach out to an electrician to find out if additional wiring is necessary or if other changes can be made to balance the demands on the home’s circuits. Sometimes, just unplugging unused machines won’t be enough to fix the problem, and new wiring or circuits may need to be installed. 

Taking care to improve the home’s electrical system is just one way to make this new year better for the home and its occupants. Reach out to a skilled electrician to find out what methods would give the home’s electricity the TLC it needs for 2021!

About Trustworthy Electric Inc. 

Trustworthy Electric Inc. has worked hard to live by its name since 1994. Their expert staff is continually training to stay on top of the latest technology and methods in the electrical industry to bring only the best service to their Montgomery community. Contact them today for electrical repairs in Montgomery, AL!