How to Rewire Your Home for Higher Efficiency Without Breaking the Bank

Upgrading your home's electrical system can improve energy efficiency and allow you to take advantage of new technologies. However, rewiring projects can be expensive. Here's how to get the benefits of an electrical upgrade without spending a fortune.

Assess Your Current Electrical System

The first step is understanding what you currently have.

Check the Age of Your Home's Wiring

Older homes often have outdated wiring that simply can't handle all the electronics and appliances in a modern home. If your home is over 50 years old, the wiring is likely undersized and ready for an upgrade.

Identify Knob and Tube Wiring

This old-fashioned wiring lacks a ground wire, which is essential for safety. Upgrading ensures grounded three-prong outlets throughout the home.

Look for Signs of Overload

Frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, or outlets that don't work point to an overloaded electrical system. Rewiring provides more capacity.

Consider How You Use Electricity

If you regularly use high-wattage appliances like air conditioners, electric vehicle chargers, or hot tubs, your wiring may need to be beefed up to support the load.

Focus on Key Areas

Rather than rewiring your whole home, focus on the rooms and features that need it most.

Rewire the Kitchen

The kitchen is the biggest energy user in most homes. New dedicated circuits and ample outlets support multiple appliances running at once.

Update the Laundry Room

Running the washer, dryer, and iron simultaneously may be overloading your current wiring. Upgrade this high demand area.

Add More Room Outlets

Adding outlets and splitting rooms onto additional circuits prevents tripping breakers. Focus on rooms where you frequently use power strips and extensions cords.

Upgrade the Service Panel

A new 200 amp panel provides capacity for larger homes and power-hungry lifestyles. Ask an electrician what size fits your needs.

Make Small Smart Improvements

Minor tweaks spread throughout the home can make a big difference.

• Swap out old two-prong outlets for new grounded ones.
• Reposition outlets from the floor to waist height for easier access.
• Add tamper-resistant outlets for safety in homes with young children.
• Install whole house surge protectors to avoid electronics damage.
• Upgrade wiring in just a few key rooms, rather than the full home.

Work with an Experienced Electrician

Rewiring projects require proper permits and knowledge of electrical codes. Hire a licensed pro rather than attempting dangerous DIY electrical work. Get multiple quotes to find the best installer for your job.

Let the electrician guide you on the rooms or features most needing an upgrade. They can also suggest smart tweaks like lighting motion sensors, programmable thermostats, and other energy-saving wiring options.

With a targeted, phased approach, you can gain the safety, convenience, and efficiency of modern wiring without demolishing your redecorating budget. Carefully planned electrical upgrades ensure your home's systems can handle the demands of 21st century living.