How to Wire Your Home More Efficiently and Save Money You Never Knew You Had

Improving the efficiency of your home's electrical wiring can help you save significant money on your utility bills. With some strategic upgrades and a few DIY projects, you can ensure your electrical system operates at peak performance. Follow this guide to learn how to wire your home more efficiently and uncover savings you didn't know were possible.

Perform an Electrical Audit

The first step is conducting a thorough assessment of your existing wiring and electrical appliances.

• Examine your electrical panel and make note of the amperage rating. Verify that the amperage can support all the electronic devices, lighting, and appliances in your home. Overloaded electrical panels can result in tripped breakers, blown fuses, and even fires.

• Inspect all electrical outlets and switches. Check for loose connections, exposed wiring, scorch marks, flickering lights, and frequently tripped circuits. These can indicate underlying problems that need to be addressed.

• Evaluate the efficiency of lighting fixtures, appliances, electronics, and HVAC systems. Older, inefficient models consume substantially more electricity.

• Use a multimeter to test voltage levels and check for energy leaks. Voltage irregularities strain systems and waste electricity.

Strategize Your Upgrades

After completing your electrical inspection, you can determine what upgrades will be most impactful.

• If your electrical panel is outdated or underpowered, replacing it with a new 200 amp panel can provide capacity for more circuits. This also allows you to add more outlets without overburdening the system.

• Swap all incandescent light bulbs for LED bulbs. LEDs consume up to 90% less power and last years longer. Use dimmable LEDs with motion sensors or smart lighting controls to maximize savings.

• Install surge protectors to protect electronics and prevent energy spikes. Use smart power strips that can automatically cut power to devices in standby mode.

• Replace aging window AC units and consider upgrading your central air system to an Energy Star certified model with a higher SEER rating. Newer systems operate 30% more efficiently.

• Switch to Energy Star rated appliances when old ones need replacing. Look for features like variable speed compressors on refrigerators and heat pump technology on dryers.

DIY Electrical Projects

With proper safety precautions, you can take on some basic upgrades yourself to save on installation costs.

• Install blanking plates on unused outlets and switches to eliminate drafts. Use childproof plates where necessary.

• Replace outdated wall plates and light switch covers with new ones that fit snugly to the wall. This improves insulation and prevents air leaks.

• Use caulk to seal gaps and cracks around electrical boxes, light fixtures, wiring conduits, and other penetrations. This prevents air loss and keeps out moisture and pests.

• Wrap exposed hot and cold water pipes near electrical systems with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. This reduces sweating, corrosion, leaks, and heat loss.

• Run wiring for additional outlets and switches through interior walls to avoid exterior penetrations. Consult an electrician if unfamiliar with proper technique.

• Label all electrical panels and circuit breakers to simplify system monitoring and maintenance. Use tape and a permanent marker to identify each component.

When to Call an Electrician

Some electrical projects require specialized technical expertise for proper and safe execution. Contact a licensed electrician for:

• Electrical panel replacement or rewiring
• Installation of new circuits, outlets, or light fixtures
• Whole home backup generator installation
• EV charger installation
• Troubleshooting complex or dangerous issues

Though the upgrades require an initial investment, optimized electrical systems provide ongoing utility savings and improved home performance for years to come. The project cost can pay for itself in energy savings in as little as 2 years.