- December 19, 2023
- Residential
A New Year is upon us, and this is the perfect time to make your plans for the year ahead. Here are 10 resolutions for your home’s electrical system that you can follow to improve its efficiency and safety.
1. Check All Appliances and Wires for Signs of Damage
First of all, take some time to check all the appliances and wires in your home. Obviously, these will be the visible wires rather than the wires that are hidden away – you don’t want to go touching anything that could pose a danger to you.
Unplug your appliances and visually inspect them as well as the wires for any sign of problems. If you spot any frayed or damaged wires, or damage to the appliances, replace them or get them fixed.
2. Upgrade Your Wiring
How long has it been since you have upgraded your home’s wiring? Have you noticed any problem signs like flickering lights or circuits tripping frequently?
Even if you don’t spot any signs, if you know that your electrical wiring hasn’t been upgraded in a long time, it may be time to upgrade it.
Contact us to arrange a full or partial rewire carried out by a professional electrician, and upgrade your electrical system in 2024.
3. Invest in Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances
Make 2024 the year to make your home more energy efficient. We all have to do more to save on energy use for the environment, but it’s also a good way to cut your electricity bills.
If you want to save on bills, invest in energy-efficient lighting and appliances. LED light bulbs use far less electricity, so replace your incandescent bulbs if you haven’t already done so. If you need new lighting installed, use a professional electrician to ensure it is done safely.
If you need to get a new fridge, washing machine or other large appliance, choose one with a good energy rating. You could also install dimmer switches so you can use less electricity when the lights are on.
4. Educate Family Members on How to Save Energy
Part of improving energy efficiency involves everyone in the household doing their bit. If you have children, educate them on ways they can help save energy. This could include turning off the lights when they are not in the room and turning off appliances like their computers when they are not using them.
By investing in more efficient solutions, and educating the household, you will be doing everything you can to reduce energy usage.
5. Replace Your Consumer Unit
2024 could be the year to replace your consumer unit or upgrade it, and we can help with this. You may find that you need to do this after getting an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or you may even have a consumer unit that is not compliant with the current regulations.
We’ll advise you on choosing the right unit, and we’ll then replace it for you.
6. Install an EV Charger
If you have an electric vehicle or you’re planning to buy one this year, consider installing an EV charger at your home.
This way, you can conveniently charge up the battery at home so it’s ready to use whenever you need it and you’re not constantly looking for charging points. Our electricians are City & Guilds qualified and OZEV-approved so you will be in safe hands.
7. Get Surge Protectors
If you have valuable appliances, a surge protector can be a good idea. This can protect your computers, TVs and other appliances from power surges during storms.
Surges can damage appliances, but they can also be dangerous, so it’s worth taking precautions.
8. Install a Home Security Light
Home security is always important, and a security light can be a great deterrent. We can help you by providing you with a home security light installation.
This is an affordable and highly effective way to make potential thieves think twice before trying to enter your home, giving you peace of mind.
9. Install a New Smoke Detector
Get an interlinked smoke alarm installed to protect your home and everyone in it. If you have moved to a new home, your existing smoke detector is too old or you simply haven’t got around to installing a detector, we can help you ensure your home meets the Scottish legislation.
10. Install More Sockets
If you are constantly plugging in extension cords, it may be time to get some more sockets installed. It can be more convenient to have extra sockets, which allows you to plug appliances in directly without having to constantly use extension cords or multiple adaptors.
Here’s to a Great 2024
These are a few of the New Year’s resolutions you can make this year to make your electrical system safer and more efficient. Please get in touch to find out how we can help you, and have a wonderful 2024!