With utility costs rising, many homeowners are exploring ways to make their homes more energy-efficient. So what better way to tackle this issue than to start at the source?
Your home’s electrical system is the starting point for making your house more energy-efficient. Whether your motivation is monetary or eco-conscious, these five electrical upgrades can minimize your consumption and make your home more energy-efficient.
Upgrade The Panel
A well-crafted and maintained electrical panel can last 30 years. While that number seems like a lifetime, it’s not as long as you think when considering the age of your home. According to PASS Electric Inc., if your home was built before 1990, you’re likely overdue for an electrical panel upgrades.
There are several factors to consider when determining whether a panel upgrade is a top priority. In addition to the age of your panel, it’s also essential to consider the type. If you’re still using fuses rather than breakers, this should be a top priority as it impacts the safety of your home and energy efficiency.
You should also consider whether you’ve upgraded your appliances in the past 30 years. Chances are, you have. Technology has evolved tremendously over the past few decades, and many appliances are larger than they used to be. Innovations like air fryers and Kuerigs also draw a lot of extra electricity. This could be putting extra stress on your panel, increasing electricity costs, and the risk of an electrical fire.
Update The Wiring
In addition to an outdated panel, outdated wiring could also be impacting your energy efficiency. Many older homes were built with aluminum wiring rather than copper, which is more prone to breakage and loosening over time. The insulation on well-crafted copper wiring is also prone to degradation after a while.
In addition to increasing the risk of an electrical fire, older wires draw more power to accomplish less. Consider reaching out to a skilled electrician for an inspection. Updating the wiring and panel can improve energy efficiency, resale value, and safety.
Install Smart Home Controls
Smart homes are the future. Installing smart home controls, lighting, and outlets can help you control your energy consumption and improve efficiency. Implementing these devices allows you to set timers, turn things on and off remotely, and help you highlight power spikes before receiving your monthly bill.
Update Your HVAC System
Many homeowners mistakenly think of their HVAC system as a standalone unit within their home. While this system is separate from the electrical system in terms of functionality, training, and repairs, there is an overlap.
Your air conditioning, furnace, and vents use electricity to function. A significant power bill spike is one of the first signs that your HVAC system needs repairs. However, the less efficient the various components are running, the more power they’ll use for the same level of output (similar to the wiring).
Schedule an annual HVAC service visit to ensure everything is running as it should. During the appointment, the HVAC specialist will make repairs, clean filters, and ensure everything runs efficiently. This appointment will pay for itself in electricity savings.
Many steps you’ll take to improve your home’s energy efficiency offer extra benefits in increased safety and resale value. Talk to a reputable electrician to see what electrical upgrades your home needs so you can prioritize and plan.
