Electrical
Electrical contractors in Colleyville, TX

Home renovation is an essential way to improve efficiency and quality of life within your household. By upgrading your property with the latest designs and technology, you can enjoy that each space offers optimal functionality for home occupants. When it comes to home renovation, many people automatically think of overhauling their kitchens or giving the bathroom a facelift. While these changes can certainly improve your home, some of the most practical and relevant types of home renovation are electrical upgrades.

Electrical renovation helps improve the safety of your home by reducing the risk of hazards like outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty materials. These upgrades ensure compliance with the latest laws and electrical codes. Electrical upgrades can reduce the demand for power from the grid, thereby lowering utility bills and reducing the strain on local resources. And if you plan to sell your house in the future, a modernized electrical system is a significant selling point once you place the house on the market. A look at the top 10 electrical updates can provide guidance as you take the steps to remodel your home.

1. GFCI and AFCI Outlets

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a device that monitors the flow of an electrical current as it passes through a circuit. If the current is unsafe, the GFCI can trip or interrupt the circuit to turn off the electrical power. GFCI outlets are important for rooms in which electrical circuits may accidentally come in contact with water or moisture. These areas of the home include outlets near kitchen or bathroom sinks as well as laundry rooms or garages. GFCI outlets help reduce the risk of electric shock. The National Electrical Code (NEC) also recommends GFCI outlets in basements and for outdoor electrical connections.

An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is a device that monitors unwanted electrical discharges or “arcs” between conductors. The most common conductors that produce arc faults are damaged wires or loose electrical connections. Arc faults are dangerous because they can ignite sparks that result in home electrical fires. Fortunately, qualified electricians can install AFCI outlets that automatically disconnect the power upon the detection of an arcing fault. Your electrician may install these outlets in living rooms, bedrooms, or other areas statistically prone to house fires.

2. Electrical Panel Upgrade

It’s important that your electrical panel remains compatible with modern technology. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average household can use up to 400% more energy today than in the 1960s. Larger appliances or other forms of technology may simply exceed the capacity of an electrical panel from decades ago. An electrician can upgrade the panel so that it accommodates the amperage required to meet your home’s power demands. You can also contact a professional about inspecting the panel if you notice warning signs like flickering lights, tripped breakers, or unusual sounds or smells from the breaker box.

3. Device Charging Station

Charging stations offer a convenient way to support your supply of digital devices. These stations can contain USB outlets or charging ports for laptops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, and other everyday electronics. Charging stations are practical additions to entryways and home offices, and they also help you reserve wall outlets for larger appliances instead.

4. Electrical Wiring Upgrade

Think of wiring as the circulatory or vascular component of your home’s electrical system. Electrical wiring helps transport power to all outlets, switches, and light switches. Over time, however, wiring can become frayed or outdated. And if you live in a much older home, your house may still have obsolete knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Both types of wiring are incompatible with modern appliances and can constitute a fire hazard. Ensuring that your wiring is up-to-date is a practical upgrade to any renovation project.

5. Backup Power Generator

Backup generators help protect homes from unexpected power outages. Also known as a standby generator, a backup generator keeps lights and major appliances operational during storms and other emergencies. Generators have practical applications throughout the home. For instance, a reliable generator allows your refrigerator to continue working, thereby preventing food from spoiling during outages or blackouts.

A generator also enables the uninterrupted operation of HVAC units to keep your home’s temperature comfortable and consistent. If anyone in your family has a health condition, backup generators can provide peace of mind that electronically powered medical equipment can continue to work throughout any storms or blackouts. A qualified electrician can install whole-home generators and conduct periodic maintenance so that the generator automatically turns on whenever you need it.

6. LED Lighting

Another straightforward electrical upgrade is to replace your traditional lighting with LED bulbs. LED stands for “light-emitting diode.” This type of lighting uses electron movement for illumination instead of relying on wire filament like conventional bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), LEDs can last up to 25 times longer than traditional lights. Instead of “burning out” due to wiring, LED bulbs dim slowly over time. In addition, LEDs with the ENERGY STAR designation may use 75%-90% less energy than incandescent, compact fluorescent, or halogen lighting systems. They emit no heat or UV rays and can help save money on utility bills.

7. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station

Electric vehicles (EV) are environmentally friendly transportation options, and many drivers have opted out of the hassle of gas-powered cars to choose this electric option instead. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there are around 40 million electric vehicles in use on the road. EV charging stations allow you to safely charge your car while sleeping.

Once a professional installs your EV charging station, you can always power your vehicle in a controlled environment overnight before using it the following day. This option is more economical because it spares you the time and expense of visiting a public station. If you plan to sell your home, listing an EV charging station among the available modern amenities can also make your house more appealing to eco-conscious buyers.

8. Solar Panel Installation

Solar panels harness the power of the sun to supplement your home’s electricity. These panels use photovoltaics (PV) to absorb sunlight and convert its electrons into an electrical current. Using an inverter, the solar panel system then converts the sun’s direct current (DC) into an alternating current (AC) that powers your outlets and fixtures. Solar panels may help reduce your utility bills and are marketable upgrade features if you plan to sell your home in the future. Some panel upgrades may also be eligible for state and federal tax credits.

9. Smart Home Upgrades

Smart technology integrates within your home’s central wiring system to ensure that your daily schedule runs smoothly. Qualified electricians can hardwire smart technology for numerous applications throughout your home. For example, smart thermostats use learning algorithms and programmable settings to adjust indoor temperatures for maximum comfort.

Smart lighting switches allow you to control indoor illumination remotely from your smartphone or browser app. Many versions also let you control lighting through motion activation or voice commands. Smart doorbell cameras allow you to monitor deliveries or other visitors even if you are not at home. You can also invest in smart outlets and power strips that conserve energy or smart home security systems and smoke alarms the safeguard your property.

10. Updated Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans help optimize your home’s HVAC system by circulating treated air within your rooms. For example, you can set your ceiling fan to turn counterclockwise during the summer to create a cooling downdraft or program the blades to clockwise during the winter to help warmer air stay near the floors of your home. You can also consider switching to remote-controlled fans for increased convenience and improved energy efficiency. Since ceiling fan installation requires electrical wiring and often involves heavy equipment and working with heights, it’s always important to enlist a qualified electrician to complete the job.

Contact Us Today

Electrical upgrades can take your living space to the next level, and the experts are here to help. HR Phoenix provides electrical services for homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our qualified electricians inspect and install new electrical panels and conduct full home rewiring. We can install standby or backup generators and upgrade your ceiling fans. Our team can help you implement an EV charging station or complete repairs if you notice an electrical issues throughout the home. Contact HR Phoenix today for all of your electrical needs.

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