Old homes offer charm, character, and comfort. Unfortunately, many also offer problems with outdated systems. Even if the exterior is solid, the interior could be hiding a number of electrical issues that require the attention of a professional electrician. Here are just some of the reasons why scheduling an electrical inspection is especially important for older homes.

3 Reasons Your Older Home Needs an Electrical Inspection

1. Outdated Wiring & Fire Hazards

Although most modern electrical systems use copper components, other materials have been used over the years. When the price of copper soared in the 60s and 70s, many homes were built with aluminum wiring instead. The other elements of the system, however, weren’t always designed to work with the metal in the long run. This incompatibility can be a fire hazard and should be inspected by an electrician to see if a full replacement is necessary. 

2. Inefficiency Issues

Over the years, home electrical systems have improved their efficiency. If your home is older, it might be operating much less efficiently than possible thanks to its old components. An electrician can identify the parts of the system that need upgrading or repairing. With those changes in place, your home will run at an optimal level, saving money on your utility expenses over the long term.

3. Underpowered Electrical Service

Modern homes are typically built with 100 ampere electrical services, or potentially 200, if the home is large enough to warrant such a load. This is enough to efficiently handle the various electrical appliances and devices connected to a home’s power source on a daily basis. Older homes, however, often were constructed with electrical services between 30 and 60 amps. Running a modern electrical load on these services isn’t just inefficient and inconvenient – it’s also unsafe. An electrical inspection will determine if your home’s current service is enough for the load or if it needs to be upgraded to safely handle modern life.

If your older home is due for an electrical inspection, Zelek Electric Co. in Old Lyme, CT, will take a thorough look. With more than 42 years of industry experience, the company proudly provides expert electrical services to both residential and commercial clients. Whether you’re in need of appliance hookups, wiring repairs, or solar power assistance, an experienced electrician will take care of the job with a focus on exceptional customer satisfaction and efficiency. Contact them online for more information on the company’s services, or call the 24/7 answering service at (860) 434-9726 to speak with a friendly representative today.