Consider an Electrical Wiring Upgrade If You Notice These Warning Signs

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An electrical wiring upgrade may not be at the top of your list for appealing home improvements, but doing so could save your life and your home. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, faulty wiring causes more residential fires than any other reason. Older homes weren’t constructed to accommodate the power demands we now make, and as a result, you could be overloading the wiring, or the wiring may be unsafe due to aging.

Warning Signs That an Electrical Wiring Upgrade Is Needed

If you notice any of these situations around your home, it may be time to have your wiring checked out by a trusted professional.

  • Lights flicker for no reason
  • Circuit breakers trip or fuses blow frequently
  • Discolored, stained or hot electrical receptacles or outlets
  • An appliance that gives off the odor of burning rubber
  • Two-pronged outlets throughout your home
  • No GFI outlets
  • Knob and tube and wiring in the attic
  • Noticeably frayed or exposed wires
  • Aluminum wiring

Other reasons to pursue an electrical wiring upgrade include appliance replacements from gas to electrical, as well as an overuse of extension cords or power strips, both of which can be fire and tripping hazards.

The latest wiring code requires one receptacle every 12 feet to help eliminate cord hazards. Pulling too much power from one power strip can overload the wiring, causing it overheat and potentially cause a fire.

Knob and tube wiring in the attic can be an electrical hazard, especially if it’s covered with insulation. If you want to increase the insulation to improve energy efficiency, ask for help from a professional beforehand to ensure your safety.

Aluminum wiring can be dangerous because connections loosen over time, generating heat. This type of wiring was used in homes built in the 1960s and early 1970s. An electrician may be able to increase its safety through upgrades that don’t involve a complete wiring replacement.

To learn more about an electrical wiring upgrade, contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’ve provided outstanding home improvement and safety services for greater Cincinnati homeowners since 1910.

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"We scheduled an estimate AND a tune-up. We knew something was wrong with our furnace, but hoped we could make it through the rest of the season. Upon telling Bill what our furnace was doing, he warned us immediately what the possible outcome was going to be; a cracked heat exchanger. He watched the flames roll backward, tested carbon monoxide levels, which were so high they meter’s last reading was 5,600 before saying “high”. He immediately shut it down, tagged it, and explained that with levels that high and children in our home he wanted off right away. He continued his inspection and showed us via a camera that not only was it cracked in multiple places, but had holes all over it. He gave us a few options for repairing it; his knowledge as well as genuine concern was beneficial and refreshing. Luckily we also scheduled an estimator, Micah, to come too and we were able to get costs between repairing and replacing (with several options). We decided to replace with a much higher efficiency furnace and one sized properly to our home. Hands down, not only did they both provide us great service and knowledge, but without sounding dramatic, they may have saved our lives. This was our first time calling Apollo, but it won’t be our last."
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