8 Must-Have Electrical Upgrades for Your Home

Electrical Upgrades for Your Home

Whether you’re building, renovating, or remodeling a home, there are choices you have to make. Electrical upgrades are among the most effective projects in terms of improving functionality, safety, and energy efficiency (not to mention property value). They also help maintain Southern California’s electrical code compliance. These are eight must-have electrical upgrades to consider:

electrical upgrades

1. Smart home upgrades

The market is flooded with gadgets, devices, and electrical upgrades for your home that boost convenience and efficiency. Many of them are controlled using your smartphone. For example, a smart switch lets you control lighting remotely, even if you’re away, to improve security. Smart doorbell cameras let you see who’s at the door without being home or anywhere near your front door, while smart locks can shut automatically or be controlled from afar.

Other smart upgrades can include:

2. LED lights

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are renowned for their energy efficiency and lighting quality. They also last several times longer than incandescent, compact fluorescent, or halogen lighting systems and are useful for indoor or outdoor lighting.  Since they’re so efficient, they generate very little heat and your power bill may decrease after installing LED lighting during home electrical upgrades.

3. Additional outlets

Adding outlets is always a great idea, especially if you have the circuit capacity, so you can avoid using extension cords or overloading existing outlets. Smart options include outlets with USB ports for charging devices. With smart outlets installed, you won’t need to use clunky USB adapters for your phones, tablets, or laptops anymore. Just plug your device directly into the wall. 

 4. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

Electrical upgrades for older homes often include adding ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, a necessary electrical upgrade for safety. GFCIs trip instantly if an electrical outlet comes in contact with moisture. Since water can cause a ground fault, which may trigger electric shock and fire, GFCI outlets provide a distinct safety advantage. In fact, they’re an official requirement for any new construction or renovation.

5. Electrical panel updates

Modern appliances use a lot of power, and many homeowners are installing entertainment systems, hot tubs, and other amenities with high power demands. If you haven’t done so in several decades, an electrical panel update can increase capacity to 100 to 200 amps. 

Consider replacing your electrical panel if you often have flickering lights, tripped breakers, or you notice noise or burning odors from the panel. Electrical upgrades for energy efficiency, like updating your electrical panel and wiring, may make you eligible for California’s energy rebate programs. 

6. Electrical wiring rework

Most electrical wires are in the walls, so replacing them can be extremely disruptive. However, if you’re already doing a home renovation, you have an opportunity to let an electrician rewire your electrical system. 

Sometimes, if there’s a problem like damaged wires or overloaded circuits, wiring rework is an essential electrical upgrade. Our technicians will install new wires, switches, and circuits as part of your renovation project, ensuring everything is done to code. 

7. Charging stations

If you’re considering installing USB outlets, you can take things to the next level by setting up a dedicated charging station in your home. It can support multiple digital devices at once. This is one of the most convenient, everyday-use home electrical improvements, ensuring your family will never need to fight for an available charging port. By installing a charging station, other ports will be available for home appliances.

8. Energy monitors

Modern innovations now let you monitor energy consumption in your home using a smartphone app. It’s no longer just about installing efficient appliances and devices. If you’re serious about controlling how much electricity you use, you can track how much power devices are drawing or track trends over time. This makes it easier to adjust your habits according to efficiency goals.

Schedule an Electrical Upgrade With Express Electrical Services

The licensed technicians at Express Electrical specialize in providing all types of home electrical renovations, upgrades, and services in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties. Services include installing GFCI outlets, lighting, circuit breakers, ceiling fans, EV chargers, and electrical automation systems. If you need assistance with electrical remodeling, we can help with that as well. Live operators are available 24/7 to listen to your needs. To schedule same-day service, contact us at (855) 976-9049 today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can smart home electrical upgrades improve my energy efficiency and convenience?

Smart home upgrades like efficient LED lighting use less electricity, reducing your electric bill, while a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% per year on heating and cooling costs. These benefits make it worth the cost of electrical upgrades to your home.

Adding smart outlets, security systems, and smoke alarms is a convenient way to increase your family’s safety.

What are the advantages of LED lighting compared to traditional lighting?

LED lights last longer than traditional light bulbs and are ecologically friendly and energy efficient. These durable lights can operate in extremely hot or cold temperatures, making them a good choice for both indoor and outdoor use. 

How do I know if my home needs electrical upgrades?

Your home needs electrical upgrades if you don’t have GFCI outlets near water, your lights dim or flicker, fuses keep blowing, the breaker keeps tripping, or you notice burning smells or discolored outlets in your house. 

One of the biggest benefits of electrical upgrades is the peace of mind it gives you. Upgrading your system improves safety while eliminating annoying power surges and blown fuses.

What are the signs of an outdated electrical system?

An outdated electrical system may cause your circuit breaker to trip often, or you may notice flickering lights or a burning smell emitting from wall outlets. To find out how to upgrade your home electrical system, or to have your system assessed, call Express Electrical. We’ll answer your questions and work with you to get your home’s electrical system running smoothly. 

How long can I expect these electrical upgrades to last?

When you choose a professional rather than trying to DIY electrical upgrades, your electrical upgrades can last decades. It’s generally recommended to rewire your home and upgrade your electrical panel every 25 years or when a major renovation or home addition occurs.