Older homes have an incredible amount of charm and nostalgia. While some of that charm stems from the old-world construction practices of ornate stonework and interesting woodworking, there are also negative aspects of living in a dated home, namely the electrical system. We bought our first older home a few years ago, and it has been interesting to see just how much of a problem the electrical system has been. We knew that we needed to update a large portion of the space, so we started going through and having sections replaced. This website is here to help other people to know when to work with electricians.
If you experience frequent or regular power surges throughout your house, you may think something's wrong with the city's power lines. But if your city doesn't find anything out of the ordinary with its power lines, the problem could lie inside your home's appliances and electrical system. The things below could be reasons for the frequent power surges in your home.
Your Appliances Are Too Powerful
If you still have old or vintage appliances in your home, you may want to upgrade to something better. Older appliances, such as traditional top-loading washing machines and vintage air conditioning units, can tax your electrical system over time. Outdated appliances may require more electricity and energy to operate than the consumer products offered today. The extra strain placed on your electrical system can create power surges throughout your house.
If possible, replace your old washing machine and dryer with energy-efficient products. Even today's top-loading washing machines and dryers use less water and energy to operate. Also, have an electrician check and replace the wiring inside your air conditioning units soon. Rodents, ants, and other pests can damage AC wiring over time. An electrician can also check the wiring in your wall sockets, breaker box, and ceiling for pest or wear and tear damage.
Your Electrical Wiring and Sockets Are Too Old
Electrical wiring can wear down, fray, and crack in places as it ages. The aged and damaged wiring can cause fluctuations in your electrical system. An electrician can solve this issue by rewiring your wall sockets, breaker box, and light switches for you. If the pieces sustained significant damage over the years, an electrical contractor can replace them instead of simply repair them.
The frequent fluctuations and power surges traveling through your wall sockets, breaker box, and light switches can also damage some or all of your computers, phone chargers, and other electronics. A contractor may also place power surge protectors throughout your home. The protectors keep the circuit boards and other components inside your electronics from frying during unexpected lightning storms and power surges. You can also make the installation easier by having an electrician install a whole-house surge protector in your home.
After an electrician completes the work above, they may check the wiring traveling through your basement and attic. Large electric furnaces and other heavy equipment can wear out the electrical wiring in your basement and attic. If the wiring isn't repaired in a timely fashion, it may overheat and trigger a fire in your home.
You can keep power surges from damaging your electrical system and appliances by contacting a company like Powell's Electric Service, Inc. today.