Does Your Older Home Need an Electrical Upgrade?

Is upgrading your home’s electrical system on your to-do list? Many of today’s homeowners are considering such upgrades because they want to ensure the home is as energy efficient as possible. Some are converting to solar power or even geothermal power. For others though, it’s important to upgrade older electrical systems from the ground up to protect the home itself. Do you need an electrical upgrade and how do you get this task done?

Older homes tend to have a great deal of risk factors when it comes to electrical systems. Over time, wires wear down and critters may nibble at them. If you hope to avoid filing a home insurance claim, you should consider an electrical upgrade.

• Upgrading your electrical system can cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to complete, depending on the size of your home and the number of repairs necessary.

• Try to rewire your home when the time is right. For example, when you are upgrading your kitchen or bathroom, installing a new appliance or making other remodeling changes, upgrade the electrical system at that time in that area.

• Always hire a professional for this process. You should only work with a licensed electrician to make the upgrades.

Modern homes need electrical outlets that can handle much more than older homes. An older home built in the early 1900’s, for example, may have outlets only allowing for up to 60 amps. However, today’s homeowners often need 200 amps or more. This higher level of amperage can help to cover electrical needs for computers and larger automation devices.

If you plan to add numerous appliances or electrical systems to your home, now is the time for you to upgrade your electrical system. If your home is more than 60 years old or has been in fires or other damaging situations, have an electrician inspect your system to determine if you need an upgrade.

Our goal is to protect your house. Call Pan American Insurance at 915-562-0009 for more information on El Paso home insurance.