If home improvements are on your to-do list for the New Year, focusing on the electrical system could help make your household safer and your daily life more comfortable. However, since these components mostly remain hidden from view, it can be difficult to determine which upgrades are essential. To help you maintain or improve your property’s power system, learn more about which updates you should make, and how a qualified electrical contractor can help.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Electrical System

1. Inspect Wiring

During an inspection, your electrical contractor will review your systems in-depth to identify possible hazards and compliance issues, including those that could cause a fire or shock. If it’s been over 10 years since your last inspection, it’s time to have the wiring professionally checked for safety and functionality. You should also call in an expert if you notice possible signs of unsafe wiring, such as flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or frequent outages.

2. Enhance Energy-Efficiency

Adopting efficient electricity solutions can help reduce your energy bills and protect the planet. Some easy ways to lessen your energy usage include switching from incandescent to LED bulbs, unplugging unused electronics, purchasing efficient appliances, installing solar panels, and upgrading to automatic lighting systems.

3. Test Safety Equipment

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they'll alert you to possible risks. If they need new batteries, replace them. You should also test and reset all ground-fault circuit interrupters to make sure they'll cut power when there's an electrocution risk. Continue testing every month to ensure you're protected all year long.

4. Upgrade Outlets

If you live in an older home, there are many ways an electrical contractor can upgrade your outlets. For example, replacing two-pronged outlets with three-pronged ones can improve safety and appliance access. If you have children, installing spring-loaded tamper-resistant outlets can also help keep them safe from shocks.

5. Map Your Panel

When you experience power problems, flipping a circuit in your electrical panel can usually resolve the issue. However, the process can be complicated if you don't know which circuit corresponds to which part of your house. To clear this up, label each circuit so you know what to flip after a surge. This map can also help you quickly identify problems that may need attention from an electrical contractor.

Determining which electrical resolutions you should pursue this New Year is easy when you have Zelek Electric Co. by your side. Providing exceptional care in New London County, CT, for over three decades, this electrical contractor is equipped to perform in-depth inspections, upgrades, and repairs to ensure your home’s wiring works properly. They can also assist with many energy-saving projects, including solar installations. To learn more about their services, visit them online. For an estimate, call (860) 434-9726.