10 Electrical Renovations to Make in an Old Home
Every few years, the National Electrical Code (NEC) is updated to reflect advancements in safety standards and technology. For this reason, every homeowner could benefit greatly from upgrading their electrical systems from time to time. For homes older than several decades, these upgrades are imperative, as many fall significantly behind evolving standards. In fact, we’ve seen many old homes in Minneapolis that had knob-and-tube wiring, ungrounded outlets, and fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers.
If you live in an older home, you will want to evaluate the age and condition of its electrical system right away. By investing in one or more of the following electrical renovations, you could enhance your home’s safety and long-term value by leaps and bounds.
1. Upgrade to a Modern Electrical Panel
Have you ever blown a fuse just by using the microwave and hair dryer at the same time? If so, your electrical panel might be long overdue for an upgrade. Homes built before the 1980s often have fuse boxes that can’t handle today’s energy demands. A modern 200-amp panel supports increased electrical loads and offers room for additional circuits, paving the way for future renovations or appliance upgrades.
2. Replace Outdated Wiring
Did you recently find out that your charming Victorian home still has knob-and-tube wiring? Not only is this type of wiring inefficient, but it also poses serious fire risks. Replacing old wiring with modern alternatives like non-metallic sheathed cable enhances safety and ensures compatibility with modern appliances and smart devices.
3. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
It might seem like a small detail, but GFCIs can be life-saving. These outlets are designed to cut power if an imbalance is detected, reducing the risk of electrical shock. In old homes, it’s common to find bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas without these critical safety features. Adding GFCIs is one of the simplest yet most impactful electrical upgrades for old homes.
4. Add More Outlets
As we’ve already mentioned, older homes weren’t built with today’s tech-heavy lifestyle in mind. This means you may find yourself daisy-chaining power strips and extension cords just to get by. This not only clutters your space but can also overload circuits. By strategically installing new outlets, you reduce reliance on temporary solutions and improve both functionality and safety.
5. Upgrade Light Fixtures and Switches
Remember that buzzing sound you hear when the lights are on? This is a sign that your home’s fixtures are failing or incompatible with the bulbs or switches you’re trying to use. Updating your home’s lighting system allows for better energy efficiency and even lets you connect the lights to home automation systems. And while you’re upgrading your light fixtures themselves, you may want to consider swapping out old switches for modern dimmers or motion sensors for even greater convenience and efficiency.
6. Add Dedicated Charging Stations to Your Bedroom, Family Room, or Office
In older homes, there might only be a single outlet near the nightstand or a tangled extension cord powering every device. Adding dedicated charging stations in commonly used spaces like bedrooms, family rooms, and home offices simplifies daily life and reduces clutter. These stations can include built-in USB ports, surge protection, and even wireless charging pads, giving each device its own safe and convenient spot.
7. Invest in an Electric Vehicle Charger
With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly common, equipping your home with a dedicated EV charger is a forward-thinking electrical renovation. Older homes are unlikely to have the infrastructure necessary for high-capacity charging, but a professional upgrade can change that. Installing a Level 2 charger ensures faster, more efficient charging right from your garage or driveway. It also adds significant resale value to your property.
8. Implement Whole-House Surge Protection
An unexpected power surge can fry your electronics and damage appliances like your air conditioning system or clothes dryer. In older homes, where internal wiring may already be vulnerable, the risk is even greater. Whole-house surge protection shields your home from voltage spikes, often caused by lightning or utility issues, making it a worthwhile electrical renovation.
9. Make Your Home Smarter
By making your home smarter, you can control lighting, climate, security, and entertainment systems with a tap on your smartphone or a simple voice command. Consider installing smart thermostats that learn your schedule and help cut energy costs or motion-activated lighting that improves both convenience and security. Smart doorbells and surveillance cameras can add an extra layer of protection, while smart plugs and switches make it easy to control appliances remotely. Even motorized shades and leak detectors can be part of a comprehensive smart home system. These upgrades not only enhance daily living but also boost your home’s market appeal and energy efficiency.
10. Install a Backup Generator
Power outages can happen at any time, often without warning. For older homes, which may already have less reliable infrastructure, these interruptions can be more than just inconvenient; they can be hazardous. Installing a backup generator allows you to have peace of mind knowing that essential systems like refrigeration, heating, and medical equipment continue running smoothly during blackouts.
Call Go Electric for Electrical Upgrades for Old Homes
At Go Electric, we understand the unique challenges of electrical renovations in aging properties and are committed to helping homeowners make these critical updates so they can live more comfortably and safely. If your home could use a boost, reach out to our Minneapolis electricians today for a consultation. We’ll quickly get to the bottom of how we can bring your home’s electrical system into the 21st century.
