Cedar Rapids is home to some of the most beautiful old homes on the market. We’re not talking about colonial homes that you might find in New England, but you’ll find plenty of old ranch, victorian, and bungalow-style houses that are now starting to get up there in age. These homes can be older than our grandparents and great-grandparents, with the kind of style and beauty that makes them feel like home.
However, while their style might get better with age, their electrical systems surely don’t. An old bungalow or ranch-style house from the 1950s is going to feel like home until you try to plug anything in and realize that the electrical system is very outdated. This is where we come in.
We’d like to discuss five good reasons to call an electrician in Cedar Rapids, IA. If you’re looking to keep the old aesthetics of your home but with a modern sense of living, then you’ve come to the right place!
#1: An Upgraded Electrical Panel
Everything starts with the electrical panel of your home. It’s where the power first enters your home from your local power plant, and it’s where all the devices and appliances in your house get powered. The problem that we see too often is either an old or outdated electrical panel or an ancient fuse box still being used in the place where a new system should be.
Fuse boxes are very outdated since they rely on old fuses that would break to sever the electrical connection in the case of a power surge. Now, electrical panels are fully equipped to handle this kind of issue without the need for replacement fuses. Make sure your home has a modern electrical panel that can handle the electrical needs of your house before making any other upgrades.
#2: Grounding and Installing GFCI Outlets
Next, you’ll want to look at all the outlets. Do you notice a lot of outlets with two prongs instead of the classic three prongs? Don’t look for an adapter, instead call an electrician to have your outlets grounded. This will make them safer and ensure that your home doesn’t damage your appliances or electrical devices in the event of a power surge.
GFCI outlets are also going to be a necessity for bathrooms and kitchens since they can immediately cut off power when water causes a power surge or a fire hazard.
#3: Removing Knob and Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring is one of the earliest ways that electricity was installed in a home, and it’s also one of the most dangerous things to find in your house. If you’ve got exposed wiring, or you can see old knob and tubes where turn-of-the-century electricity was introduced over a hundred years ago, then you’ll want to call our team to have it removed and replaced by modern wiring.
#4: Smart Technology and Sensors
Did you know that you can control most devices and appliances in your home now with a smartphone? It’s true, and it could make your home a lot more convenient and efficient. Work with our team to have the latest smart technology installed so you can control your home when you’re not even there.
#5: LED Lights Where You Can
LED lights have been steadily replacing incandescent bulbs for a long time, due to their energy efficiency and ability to last much longer. Make sure you invest in LED lights when you can, and ask our team about the right type of LED light for your replacement job.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.