Many home and business owners hire an electrician only during an emergency. But a service upgrade can have many benefits. It can improve safety, increase energy efficiency, and provide enough electricity to power modern appliances, heating and cooling equipment, entertainment systems, and computers. Below, we’ll look at electrical services in The Dalles that can update your home so you can safely run all of these.
At Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical, we specialize in electrical installation, repairs, and upgrades. Our licensed technicians can provide updates if there’s a lack of amperage, the system is overloaded, or electrical components are worn out. Here are some updates to consider, especially if you have an older home:
Rewire Your Home
Outdated wiring deep inside your walls is a major safety hazard. Old wires aren’t designed to carry the electrical load needed by today’s sophisticated electronics and gadgets. Overloaded, frayed, and exposed wires can lead to electrical shocks and home fires. Rewiring an old home involves opening the walls, so this service is best done during a renovation.
Replace Fuses with Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers started being used in the mid-1960s, but many older homes still rely on fuses, which blow instead of switch off. A breaker trips when a circuit is overloaded and can be easily reset. For increased safety in kitchens, bathrooms, and wherever there are sources of water, have an electrician install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) that monitors current and cuts power if a fault is detected.
Panel Upgrade
It’s one of the bigger electrical jobs, but an electrical panel upgrade increases the electrical capacity of your household. You’ll also need new cables. But a service panel supporting 200 amps or more can allow you to run the latest appliances and devices without risking an overload. Some people with homes over 100 years old try to run the latest devices and equipment on their antiquated electrical system, which is extremely dangerous.
Add/Upgrade Outlets
Adding or upgrading outlets doesn’t sound like a big upgrade. But it’s one of the top electrical services in The Dalles that can update your home. Outdated outlets lack the proper grounding wire. Two-prong outlets are also insufficient. We can install properly grounded, three-prong outlets and consider the latest codes for their placement and spacing on walls and in kitchens, living spaces, home offices, and outdoor areas.
Install LED Lighting
The latest LED technology provides brighter light, runs cooler, and requires less power. And because it’s so versatile, you can add just the right type and amount of lighting to a space. Energy-saving exterior floodlights, spotlights, and motion sensor lights can also be installed. While you’re at it, consider updating your light switches with dimmers, 3-way panel sliders, and other advanced switching systems.
Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector
Whole-home surge protection is an update that protects your appliances, electronics, and electrical system from dangerous spikes in voltage. Power strips offer little protection against strong surges. A whole-home system protects against smaller internal surges that can do damage over time and huge surges, like those from lightning, which can instantly cause massive damage and trigger a fire.
Add a Charging Station
Whether you’re looking to charge all your smart devices in a centralized location or to power up your electric vehicle (EV) from home, Sky can help. A device charging station can free your rooms of clutter. By installing an EV charger, your car will be charged by morning, and you’ll avoid the high prices of consumer charging facilities.
Invest in Smart Home Technologies
Smart locks, smart lights, and smart thermostats can add security, function, and comfort to your home. Smart alarm systems, doorbell and surveillance cameras, and motion-activated security lights can further secure your property. A smart thermostat can help save energy and keep your home warm or cool. These systems can often be monitored and controlled remotely via your smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.
Call Sky for Electrical Services in The Dalles That Can Update Your Home
Providing electrical repair, maintenance, and installation services in the Portland area, we’re also equipped to perform electrical updates. Our licensed technicians can rewire your home, update your service panel, or help you benefit from smart home technologies. All work is completed per the latest electrical codes, and our team guarantees your safety. To learn about our services, special offers, and financing, call (503) 506-4665 today.