Many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes energy-efficient. What better way to address this issue than by starting at the source?
The electrical system in your home is the first step to making it more energy efficient. These five electrical upgrades will help you reduce your energy consumption, whether your motive is financial or environmentally conscious.
Upgrade the Panel
A properly constructed and maintained electrical panel will last for 30 years. This number may seem like it would last a lifetime, but when you consider the age of your house, that is not true. If your home was constructed before 1990, you likely need to upgrade the electrical panel.
When deciding whether an upgrade of your panel is the top priority, there are many factors to take into consideration. It’s important to take into account the type of panel as well as the age. It’s important to consider whether you are still using fuses instead of breakers. This will impact your energy efficiency and safety.
Consider whether you have upgraded your appliances within the last 30 years. You probably have. The technology has advanced tremendously in the previous few decades. Many appliances are now larger. Air fryers, Kuerigs, and other innovations also use a lot more electricity. It could put extra strain on your panel and increase electricity costs.
Update the Wiring
An outdated panel could have a negative impact on your energy efficiency. Aluminum wiring was used in many older homes instead of copper wiring, which is more susceptible to breaking and loosening with time. Insulation on copper wiring can also degrade over time.
Older wires are not only more likely to cause an electrical fire but also use more energy to achieve less. You may want to consider hiring a qualified electrician to perform an inspection. Updates to the wiring and panel will improve safety, energy efficiency, and resale.
Install Smart Home Controls
Smart homes will be the future. Smart home controls, outlets, and lighting can improve your efficiency and help you reduce energy consumption. These devices allow you to use timers and turn on/off things remotely. They also help you identify power spikes and highlight them before you receive your monthly bill.
Update your HVAC system.
Most homeowners think that their AC system is a separate unit in their home. This system is distinct from the electrical system, but there are overlaps in terms of training and repairs.
Electricity is needed to run your air conditioner, furnace, and vents. One of the first signs your HVAC needs repair is a significant increase in power bills. The less efficient your HVAC system is, the more energy it will use to produce the same amount of output.
Plan an annual HVAC visit to make sure everything is working as it should. The HVAC specialist will perform repairs, clean the filters, and make sure everything is running efficiently. The appointment will save you money on electricity.
You can increase your home’s safety and value by taking a number of steps to improve its energy efficiency. Speak to an electrician about the electrical upgrades that your home requires so you can plan and prioritize.