Why You Should Invest in Rewiring Your Home

5 September, 2019 Hi-Lite Electric Inc.

As a homeowner, you’re always looking for changes that can make your home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and safer. For older homes in Toronto have the original wiring they were built with, rewiring the house can deliver all three benefits, in addition to improved functionality and convenience.

How do you know when it’s time to rewire your house? Since electrical wiring is installed out-of-sight, it’s generally overlooked as an item for improvement unless there are major electrical failures. However, your electrical wiring should be inspected when planning to increase the number of electrical outlets or appliances, renovating an existing home, or buying a home.

If you live in an older home, the chances are that its wiring is outdated. Most older homes use only one circuit to feed all electrical outlets in the house, which can easily overload the system when you connect multiple devices at once. It’s crucial to ensure that your wiring is up-to-date and compliant with industry standards to prevent power trips and electrical hazards, including shocks and fires.

The update will also ensure that you have:

• A modern fuse box or consumer unit that can handle your increasing electrical needs
• Enough power outlets for your appliances and electrical gadgets
• Mains-powered smoke alarms for your peace of mind
• New light pendants
• Extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom or as needed
• Led lighting in new areas

Here are some reasons to rewire your house:

1. For safety

This is the number one reason most homeowners rewire their home. To ensure the safety of your loved ones, your valuables, and your investment, you may need to rewire your house to get rid of any electrical issues. Some of the common warning signs that you need to rewire your home include:

• Dimmed or flickering lights – usually caused by a loose connection or overloaded circuit
• Regularly blown fuses
• Frequently burnt out light bulbs
• Sizzling or buzzing noises
• Burning scent
• Electric shocks when touching or plugging in a cord
• Sparks when turning on a socket

Any of these could indicate a problem with your home’s wiring and should be inspected as soon as possible.

2. Electric wiring has a two-decade lifespan

While it’s easy to assume that your electrical wiring will last a lifetime, it actually has an average lifespan of two decades. This may seem like a long time, but you can easily lose track of when you had your last electrical inspection. If you’ve never rewired your home or can’t remember when you last did it, then you should schedule an electrical inspection as soon as possible. Depending on your needs, the electrical contractor may:

• Remove all existing wiring, light fittings, light switches, sockets, and other electrical components and install new ones
• Install new wiring and fittings in new places for your convenience
• Recommend a range of fittings and fixtures
• Install new cables in new areas, like under the floorboards and in the loft area

If you want to put up your house for sale, your local electrician can recommend the best electrical work to update your home.

3. For a home renovation or extension

If you’re considering extending your home, then you will likely need to do a bit of rewiring to set-up new electrical outlets and components. For a major remodel, electricians may need to rewire your entire house. Although this may not be necessary if your electrical wiring has been serviced or updated recently.

Whether you’re converting your loft or extending your home, it’s vital to hire professional electricians to ensure that all new wirings adhere to the code for Electrical Safety. In some cases, this may require them to replace all existing wiring in your home so it can tolerate the increased electrical load safely.

4. Prevent emergency electrical repairs

Emergency power failures or other electrical problems can be a significant pain because you lose access to the electrical appliances that make life comfortable and convenient. Besides being unable to charge your phone or use your lights and entertainment system, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit may also fail to function, leaving your loved ones exposed to severe cold or hot temperatures. Any refrigerated food items are also at risk of going bad if electrical wiring problems are not fixed fast.

Faulty wiring is the most common cause of electrical power failure, leading to power overload or loss of power. If you notice any signs of faulty electrical wiring, you should get it rewired to prevent untimely and expensive electrical repairs.

5. Reduce energy costs and appliance replacement

Updated wiring can improve energy efficiency and allow you to save on your bills while helping to conserve the environment. Faulty electrical wiring in your home strains the power systems and causes them to work harder to deliver enough electricity for connected appliances.

If your electrical system consistently over-delivers or under-delivers power to connected appliances, then they tend to burn or break down much sooner than expected. This results in a high cost of maintenance through repeated repairs or untimely replacements. Rewiring your home helps to ensure that your appliances receive the right amount of power at all times, which in turn makes them more energy efficient.

6. Increase the value of your home

Rewiring your home has a good return on investment, especially if the work has been signed off by an inspector. Many home-buyers consider the need for immediate repairs when purchasing property, and the cost associated with updating old wiring and electrical systems can easily put them off.

If you intend to sell your home soon, you should ensure that you choose a certified and experienced electrician to handle your rewiring project. They can choose contemporary electrical designs and components that will add to the appeal and value of your home.

Prioritize Safety at all Times

Before you start examining the wiring in your home for any indicators that it needs to be redone, you should prioritize your safety. This means that you should consider hiring professional electricians to inspect and rewire your house in Toronto as soon as you notice the warning signs of faulty wiring or problems with your electrical systems.

For more information about rewiring your home, call Hi-Lite Electric at 416) 241-9296 or contact us here.