Ring In the New Year With These Helpful Home Upgrades!
It’s a new year, which means a new budget for home improvement projects! This time of year, many homeowners take advantage of the fresh books to tackle those upgrades and updates to the house that they’ve been putting off. For those who live in older homes, the electrical system is a better place to start.
Certain electrical upgrades and little maintenance tasks can make the home safer, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient. This article will cover three of the most beneficial home upgrades to consider getting done in 2025!
Put In Ceiling Fans
Installing ceiling fans is one of the best things homeowners can do to improve their home’s comfort level, elevate its aesthetics, and save money on heating and cooling. Ceiling fans help circulate fresh air throughout the home, keeping it from feeling stuffy and even improving indoor air quality by discouraging mold and mildew growth.
If the home doesn’t have ceiling light fixtures in every room, a ceiling fan can be a great way to add more illumination without taking up floor space with lamps since most ceiling fans come with light fixtures. They also come in a variety of designs that can add visual interest to any room.
Most importantly, ceiling fans can reduce energy costs for heating and cooling. In the summer, they circulate cool air and create a refreshing breeze. In the winter, simply reversing the direction the fan blades spin can help push warm air back down to the floor. This allows homeowners to reduce their AC/furnace usage while still being comfortable, resulting in lower energy bills!
Update the Light Fixtures and Switches
Another great way to save money on the electric bill and improve the home’s aesthetic is to retrofit it with LED lighting fixtures. This can usually be done with little to no modification of the existing fixtures—in some cases, it may be as simple as changing to an LED bulb.
LED lights are up to 90% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. They also generate very little heat, making them much safer.
Moreover, LED lighting fixtures have a wider range of color temperatures and are usually fully dimmable. This allows homeowners to install dimmer switches to easily control the mood and brightness of any room. These indoor lighting upgrades can transform the look and feel of any home without breaking the bank!
Replace Any Old or Damaged Outlets and Wiring
If homeowners had to make only one upgrade to their homes this year, it should be to replace any damaged or outdated electrical wiring and outlets. Keeping these components up to date and in good condition is essential for electrical safety.
Nails, rodents, or general wear-and-tear can damage wiring. This may cause arcing (electric sparks) and overheating, which can ignite flammable materials like insulation or wood and potentially cause a fire.
Electrical outlets can wear out over time, causing plug prongs and electrical connections to become loose. This can lead to arcing and electrical fires. Likewise, cracks in outlet covers can let in dust and debris, which add to the risk of a fire.
Some outlets may be outdated. Some older outlets may be ungrounded (two-prong outlets), not designed to handle the electrical demands of today’s appliances, or lack GFCI or AFCI protection, increasing the risk of electric shock or fires.
It’s best to have a qualified electrician inspect the home’s outlets and wiring to determine what needs to be replaced. The cost of a little rewiring or electrical outlet installation is a small price to pay for the safety and peace of mind that comes with an up-to-code electrical system!
About Sasquatch Home Services
For years, the experts at Sasquatch Home Services have handled all of Sooke’s electrical and HVAC needs. As an award-winning, environmentally conscious local business, they proudly offer flat-rate, upfront pricing, financing, a money-saving membership plan, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Their background-checked and drug-tested technicians are available around the clock for same-day service, so don’t hesitate to call Sasquatch for electrical services in Sooke, BC!
