The electrical system is one of the most important features of the modern home, as essential as heating or plumbing. But because electronic technology has advanced at such an astounding pace in recent decades, many older homes in the Cincinnati area may be ill equipped to accommodate today’s smart appliances, telecommunication devices, and even energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Osterwisch Company has been one of Cincinnati’s leaders in home infrastructure since 1946, serving not just as an electrical contractor but as an expert in plumbing, refrigeration, and heating and cooling as well. Below, they highlight five key signs you should call an electrical contractor to upgrade your home’s wiring.

5 Signs You Should Hire An Electrical Contractor To Improve Your Wiring

1. Your Home Is Over 25 Years Old

Simply put, today’s electrical needs are different than those of even a few decades ago, and many of the circuits in your home may have been engineered to handle entirely different loads. Safety standards have likewise changed, and the materials and techniques used in an older home’s wiring are unlikely to meet modern building safety codes.

2. Your Circuits Are Overloaded

If you notice lights flickering when you engage another appliance, the circuit may be having trouble carrying the current load. An electrical contractor can upgrade the wiring to suit your needs.

3. You Use Too Many Extension Cords & Power Strips

Extension cords are widely thought of as a moderate safety risk. They can also simply be a nuisance. If you feel you rely too much on extension cords or power strips to provide outlets where you need them, it is likely worth your while to have an electrical contractor place your supplementary wiring behind your wall.

4. Your Outlets Aren’t Grounded

Many older homes are equipped with two-pronged, non-grounded outlets that cannot accommodate many modern appliances. This isn’t just a hassle when you want to plug in your laptop: Modern appliances are designed for grounded outlets as a safety feature. An electrical contractor can bring grounded power to additional areas of your home.

5. You Don’t Have GFCIs

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are frequently found in bathrooms and help reduce the risk of electrical shock in areas of your home where electricity and water come into contact. This important safety feature is simply missing in many older homes and should be considered an extremely high-priority upgrade to keep your family and guests safe.

If your Cincinnati-area home could benefit from improved wiring and heating and cooling or plumbing repairs or upgrades, seek out Osterwisch Company. Not simply an electrical contractor, they have been providing integrated upgrades for customers since 1946. Visit them online or call (513) 791-3282 today.