Are you a Florida homeowner? If yes, then chances are you or someone you know has experienced the need to update an old home. You may have a home that needs to be updated in preparation for a hurricane. Your home could be a concrete block, but has not had any updates since the 1960s. Modern upgrades are not only great to have, but they can make differences you might not even expect. Here are a few tips on how upgrades to your home’s electrical system may contribute to your safety, and efficiency, and even save you money.

Electrical Upgrades that Work

It’s time to upgrade your electrical panels.

Did you know that fuse boxes have not been installed in new homes in Florida for decades? If you are still replacing fuses as they burn out it’s time for an upgrade! Just because you have a circuit breaker don’t think you’re ok. The Florida building code is updated every three years! If you have an old breaker it might no longer be up to code. Upgrading your electrical panel will be a more efficient use of your power, as it directs the right amount of power to your appliances.

Use surge protectors!

It may feel like summer storms are on schedule in Florida. If only it were true. There will be plenty of times when you won’t be home to unplug your most important electrical equipment. You may be spending a lot of money to replace it if it’s not protected during a surge. Surge protectors won’t lower your monthly bills, but it will be less time and worry off of you and protection for the important things down the line.

Upgrade the old wiring in your home.

How do you know if you need to replace the wiring in your home? You can replace outlets and overhead lights, but the wiring is hidden in behind walls. Wires, like anything else, will deteriorate over time. Houses in Florida were built with outdated aluminum wiring. Over time as these wires deteriorate you may have power outages and higher energy bills.

Upgrade to LED lighting and use light switch timers and dimmers.

LED lights are bright, energy-efficient, and last longer. They are a perfect option for a simple and easy swap to a more efficient and cost-effective lighting system. By combining LEDs with a dimmer switch or time switch you have even more control over your home lights. By using a dimmer switch, you can use less energy over longer periods of time if you don’t need bright light all day. You can set a time switch to turn off lights at certain times of the day. Choose time switches if you aren’t home most of the day and want the lights to turn off after you leave.

How do I know what I Need?

You may not even know if you need any of these upgrades and it’s hard to want to spend money on an upgrade if you are fine without it. A home electrical safety inspection from the Pat Myers Electric team can help you decide which upgrades are really going to make a difference. Contact us today and we can look in those hard to reach areas to give you an honest assessment of the safety and efficiency of you home’s electrical system