When Should You Upgrade Your Home's Electrical Wiring?
Energy bills are out of control. For those living in older homes, the cost of utilities may be just one of many reasons you are considering an electrical wiring upgrade. Of course, faulty wires could decrease fire safety and lead to inconsistent currents — enough to induce stress on any homeowner.
Rewiring your house is quite an undertaking and comes at a price. However, homeowners will feel relieved knowing their electrical meets today's building standards. Here is what you need to know about when to upgrade your home's electrical wiring.
Photo by Jacques Bopp
Do You Know the Signs of Faulty Wiring?
Experts recommend rewiring your home every 25 years — some wires last up to 40 years. Of course, if you are unsure how old your wires are, there are apparent signs homeowners can look out for, including:
The lights constantly flicker.
You frequently trip the circuit breaker when plugging in appliances and devices.
You smell something burning near outlets and walls.
Outlets and switches have discoloration — a sign your wires are short-circuiting or sparking in the wall.
Your home needs more power outlets.
Another indication of a much-needed electrical wiring upgrade is when wires become exposed. Insulation delivers durable protection from corrosion and moisture, ensuring safety when you touch copper or steel wires or flip a switch.
Safety Considerations for an Electrical Wiring Upgrade
The world's first hydrogen-powered train — which uses hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to emissions-inducing fossil fuels — is one of today's most exciting inventions. Yet, all the engineering advancements combined are incomparable to the invention of electricity. Of course, despite how electricity has improved lives, many dangers still exist.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical malfunctions accounted for 13% of home fires between 2015 and 2019 — equivalent to 46,700 cases. Unfortunately, there were 390 deaths and 1,330 injuries as a result.
Living in an older home that has not undergone rewiring for a long time could pose a substantial safety risk for household occupants. Today's electrical code requirements under the National Electrical Code (NEC) intend for the protection of life and property.
The NEC is revised every three years — 3,730 recommendations resulted in 1,400 first revisions and 634 secondary revisions in the 2020 edition alone. While homeowners do not have to conduct an electrical wiring upgrade with every modification, it is best to do so within the typical life span.
Another safety hazard linked to old wires is aluminum. Houses built before 1972 could have aluminum wiring, which is 55% more likely to cause an outlet fire.
Costs to Rewire Your Home's Electrical
Electrical work is a risky business best reserved for professionals. For instance, contractors know to stay 30 feet away from power lines during new construction, along with hundreds of other safety precautions. Therefore, hiring an electrical contractor with the appropriate licensure and training is crucial to rewire your home.
The costs of an electrical wiring upgrade are steep but worth the price. According to HomeGuide, homeowners can expect to spend between $2,000 to $9,000 — most projects cost $2.65 per square foot.
Generally, electrical work expenses depend on several factors, including hourly rates for labor, inspections, the cost of materials and how easily an electrician can access your current wiring. Sometimes, electrical contractors must punch through the drywall and repair your home afterward — this could also affect costs and prolong the project timeline.
Cost-Saving Tips for Home Electrical Upgrades
If upgrading your home's electrical wires is too costly, there may be ways to save some money. For example:
Homeowners should avoid opening the drywall and opt to run the new wires through a conduit — they can then paint the tube to match the walls.
Consider rewiring the entire house at once instead of each room individually.
Add new circuits instead of replacing the wiring if they are not over 25 years old.
Find a contractor with cheaper rates to close up the wall afterward.
Look for federal or state rebates and tax credits to offset the costs of a new electrical panel.
The surest way to save money is knowing if your home's wires actually need replacing. Find out when someone last rewired the house before calling in an electrician to do the work. Your home's electrical troubles could be related to something different.
Benefits of an Electrical Wiring Upgrade for Your Home
If you are unconvinced an electrical wiring upgrade in an older home is necessary, the benefits might appeal to you. Aside from meeting the most current electrical codes for safety, rewiring could resolve electrical leaking — one reason your utility bills might be so high.
Upgraded electrical work also prevents damage to your appliances and reduces the risk of power outages during storms or power overloads. If you’re considering adding an addition or enclosing a patio, upgrading your electrical system to handle the output your design requires, is important.
Finally, rewiring your house adds value to your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers. If your wiring is older and showing signs of wear, prospective homeowners might ask you to make the upgrades anyway.
Protect Your Household With an Electrical Wiring Upgrade
Upgrading your home's wiring will protect your household from potential electrical hazards, including housefires. Generally, a rewired house is a more efficient and well-functioning home. While it is an expensive project, replacing your home's electrical wiring is a good idea.
Author : Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized. She is a journalist who covers the innovations impacting the construction and industrial sectors.
