As a commercial building owner or facility manager, you have a duty to make the building as functioning as possible for the business there. Electric power enables or powers many commercial activities, therefore maintaining the electrical system is a critical responsibility.

However, a professional electrician is the best person to do major electrical maintenance jobs. For this, you can contact an electrical company near Denver if in Denver, CO, or Arvada, CO.

You must ensure the building’s electrical system is maintained daily. This post gives you tips on how to fulfill that duty.

Why Electrical Maintenance is Necessary

Mishaps because of a poorly maintained electrical system can be disastrous, resulting in business loss, equipment, and property damage.

Here are other reasons to keep on top of your electrical maintenance schedule:

·         Electrical safety – your primary duty is to keep the people and property in your building safe from the harmful effects of a poorly maintained electrical system. These effects include injury and death, and damage to property from electrocutions and fires

·         Optimize energy efficiency – a well-maintained electrical system helps conserve power and cut down on electric bills, which is very important for a business.

·         Prevent the costs of downtime and overdue repairs – a well-maintained electrical system needs fewer expensive repairs, if at all, as well as cuts on downtime.

·         Build reliability – if you maintain a regular maintenance schedule, you create trust in the reliability of the power supply in your building. Reliability makes the property attractive to tenants as they can extend it to their customers.

Types of Electrical Maintenance in Commercial Buildings

There are many types of electrical maintenance. However, all can be classified into these three types of maintenance:

1.      Corrective electrical maintenance

Corrective maintenance is commonly known as repairs and involves identifying, isolating, and correcting a problem point. Typically, corrective maintenance occurs once an issue has manifested itself.

According to Electrical LLC, the premise of corrective electrical maintenance is that isolating the problem and dealing with it at the earliest opportunity is cheaper than overhauling the system.

2.      Preventive electrical maintenance

Preventive maintenance aims to prevent faults by reviewing and servicing the electrical system. The maintenance is scheduled at regular intervals based on the time the system has worked, whether a problem has manifested or not.

Though there are costs to servicing a fully functional electrical system, it is cheaper than waiting for it to break down before you make repairs.

3.      Predictive electrical maintenance

Predictive electrical maintenance is also performed before the fault becomes apparent. However, it is not done on a regular schedule. Instead, you base it on anticipated failure.

You base the need for predictive electrical maintenance on the data you have collected on the system, which indicates the components that are likely to fail. Predicting a problem before it occurs and dealing with it also keeps the electrical system running smoothly.

Tips for Electrical Maintenance of Commercial Buildings

Here are some top tips to help you keep on top of your electrical maintenance duties:

1.      Perform regular inspections

Inspections are a regular element of electrical maintenance as they help uncover faults and damages. To keep the electric system working well, conduct inspections both when scheduled and when potential issues are noticed.

Conduct electrical inspections after events such as storms and fires that will likely compromise the electrical system’s integrity.

Qualified electricians should handle detailed inspections. However, you and the other system users should be keen enough to catch any changes in performance.

Watch out for observable signs of damage like sparks, heating, crackling, or delay when you switch on equipment. Call a qualified Arvada electrician to assess further when you notice any damage signs.

2.      Repair damages promptly

Many faults worsen the longer you leave them unattended and require more extensive repairs. Take prompt corrective measures as soon as you discover a fault.

The worse the fault gets, the greater the risk it poses to people and property, and as a person in charge of a building, the longer you leave a fault unattended, the likelier it is that you are responsible for any damages that result.

Electric breaker panel replacement should be done before they fail to avoid more catastrophic risks, and promptly repairing faults reduces unnecessary downtimes, enabling your business to continue without interruption.

3.      Use qualified electricians for inspection, maintenance, and repairs

Electrical codes in Denver, CO, and Arvada, CO, prohibit an unlicensed person from conducting electrical installations, reviews, and repairs on commercial buildings, especially if they are to let.

In any case, a commercial building is likely to be on a larger scale than a residential building and with a more complex electrical system, and a DIY may lack the knowledge and experience to perform electrical work on such a system.

Proper maintenance of an electrical system in a commercial building demands that you entrust professional work to professionals. Electricall electricians in Arvada, CO, offer professional maintenance services for commercial buildings.

4.      Train staff

Your staff, other users, and you are the first line in running a well-maintained electrical system. This means you need the necessary knowledge to maintain the system competently.

Training should empower the staff and users to recognize the warning signs of a fault and to report it. Many electrical faults happen because of improper use, so staff and users should also be trained in electrical safety measures and how to react in the case of an emergency.

5.      Prevent overloading the circuits and outlets

Overloading the system’s circuit may cause damage. Usually, the overload will trip the circuit breaker and shut the power off safely. However, if the circuit breaker has failed, the wires in the system will overheat and cause a fire.

Other than the circuit breaker tripping and power going off, here is how to tell that you are overloading the circuit:

·         The lights dim when you plug in electrical equipment

·         The outlet heats up. Over time you can notice scorch marks around the holes

·         There is a hum from the outlet

To avoid overloading the circuit, it should be designed with the end users in mind. Also, do not try to have separate circuits for different uses. For instance, do not place an appliance and a fixture on the same circuit.

6.      Monitor energy consumption

A critical part of maintaining the efficiency of your building’s electrical system is monitoring how the electric energy is used. Without monitoring energy use, it is difficult to know if there have been changes, and even more challenging to influence efficient energy use.

Monitoring electric energy can provide insights into where to reduce usage so that less is spent on electricity bills.

Monitoring energy use also allows us to build energy-efficient systems that can help us reduce our carbon footprint. For instance, resorting to LED lights, opting for energy efficiency-rated appliances, and changing how we use energy helps to maintain an efficient electrical system.

We can monitor energy consumption in a commercial building using energy meters, mobile apps, and smart plugs that regulate power use.

7.      Keep records of maintenance logs

Keeping records of maintenance, inspection, and repair logs helps you track the electrical system’s maintenance history, saving time and money during future inspections. A maintenance log is also one of the ways you can use to decide when to schedule a predictive inspection.

You can also track costs using the maintenance log to see what the electrical system has cost you in repairs and maintenance and what components are particularly problematic.

You may discover that repairs are becoming too frequent and costing more around a particular component. This may inform your decision to overhaul the system rather than continue the repairs.

8.      Maintain adequate ventilation around the electrical control panel

The electrical control panel controls all the circuits in your building and the current that flows through them.

Because of their work, control panels tend to overheat, which may damage them. Therefore, it is essential to ventilate the panel well to remove heat from the thermal load as well as remove dust.

You can ventilate the control panel by removing obstructions to unrestricted airflow through and around the system. You can buy and install ventilation systems with the control panel.

9.      Install power backups

However well you maintain the electrical system of your commercial building, you cannot rule out that the building will lose power occasionally. Indeed, offline maintenance and repair work may require the power to be turned off.

A power backup keeps your building powered even when your electrical system is down or undergoing maintenance. Backup generators come in different sizes, using diesel or gasoline.

Alternatively, you can install solar panels for backup energy, though this may be inadequate for heavy power users.

Conclusion

Proper electrical system maintenance is essential in ensuring that the system meets the energy needs efficiently and affordably. The tips outlined here help you maintain the electrical system in your building better.

Request an Arvada electrician to help perform the tasks that require a professional. If in Arvada or Denver, go online and search ‘best electrician near me’ or ‘electricians around me’ to find an electrician willing to come and review your building.

Electrical technology has become a viable solution to replace energy from fuel and gas, and lobby groups and environmental organizations are advocating for a change in energy consumption patterns as the issue of climate change confronts the world. The field is experiencing a disruptive change as engineers are looking for ways to minimize carbon emissions. A while ago, many of the innovations present today in Denver, Co, were the stuff of sci-fi. Technologies like smart homes, electric vehicle charging stations, and electric vehicles were unheard of. Here we share Future technology ideas and trends to watch in the electrical technology sector.

1.   Electric Vehicles

The electric vehicle (EV) technology is a major innovation in the motor vehicle industry. The vehicle uses a single or many electric motors to move it. Many see this disruptive technology as being part of the fourth industrial revolution. While the innovation will likely create additional market segments, it will render some roles archaic. Some vehicle manufacturing companies have embraced the technology. For example, Bentley has pledged to eliminate fossil fuel vehicles from its line of products, and companies like Audi and Volvo have promised to manufacture hybrid vehicles.

Furthermore, many countries are experiencing an increase in the price of petroleum products, forcing customers to consider buying EVs or hybrids. For example, a survey by CarGurus shows that 53% of potential shoppers want to buy EVs. Here is why EVs are the future of the transport industry:

• Significant operational expenses: vehicle owners pay a considerable amount to operate and maintain their cars. The good news is that EVs are cheap to run and service because they have minimal rotational parts than gasoline-propelled cars.
• Environmentally friendly: EV help to reduce carbon emissions significantly. Thus, adopting the technology will allow the coming generation to inherit a clean environment with minimal air pollution. Responsible car shoppers want to buy a vehicle that will reduce damage to the environment, and the EV is the best option for such shoppers.
• Promotion of unique driving experience: EVs lack gears, promoting the best driving experience without complex regulators. Furthermore, the vehicles are calm and emit minimal noise. Contrastingly, standard cars with internal combustion engines are noisy, leading to many problems such as depression and stress.
• Easy charging: EVs get power by charging their battery with electricity, and charging points are emerging quickly around the country. Vehicle owners can also purchase charging equipment in order to charge their batteries at home.

2.   Electric Car Charging Technology

In the initial stages, the electric vehicle charging technology had its challenges. However, innovative charging technologies are also emerging that ease the charging process and contribute greatly to delivering a unique customer experience.

Research by Grand View Research indicates that EV charging sector is projected to expand at a CAGR of 25.5% to hit $121.06 billion by 2030. Multiple factors are fuelling this growth such as state incentives and innovative charging technologies. Here are the trends to watch:

• Plug-and-charge technology: An exciting trend in the EV sector is plug-and-charge technology. The technology is gaining popularity because it allows a smooth and safe connection between an EV and the charging point. With the technology, EV owners seamlessly plug and charge their cars at charging stations without the need for authorization.
• Smart EV Charging: Smart EV charging technologies have become popular as they focus on user experience. Many EV charging stations are adopting intelligent technologies like Wi-Fi and have devices that can check specific features of your EV. All these technologies are designed to boost the overall user experience.
• Vehicle-to-Grid Technology: This technology allows EVs to connect with energy grids to offer various solutions. For example, via this technology, EVs can send back their extra power to the grid. Electric vehicles act as power storage gadgets, helping to control the grid’s power requirements. For example, when the requirement for power is high, the grid can pick energy from the vehicles’ battery to meet the need.
• The emergence of new business models: EV charging technology has stimulated the explosion of additional services. So, businesses with solid infrastructure are exploring ways to take advantage of opportunities in EV charging.

3.      Energy Monitors

Are you grappling with power bills in Arvada but don’t know the appliances using much power in your home? If so, buying and installing an energy monitor device is the solution.

The electricity meter usage monitor is an innovative tool that helps energy users to reduce their power bills by helping them to discover the appliances that take up the most energy in their home or workplace. Here are the reasons why the energy monitor tool has become trendy:

• Gain an understanding of the power you use: The device monitors the energy you use and provides real-time data. For close monitoring of your energy usage, putting the device at a visible site enables you to monitor it clearly at all times.
• They help you monitor how your appliances use energy: Energy monitors can help you identify how each machine utilizes energy at your home. Also, they can inform you about devices that are on and keep using power.
• They help you determine the best ways to use high-power appliances. With a powered monitor, you are assured of real-time data on how much energy these devices consume, arming yourself with the info helps you devise the best ways to reduce energy consumption via these appliances.
• Taking positive moves: The power monitor helps you understand how you utilize energy. You can use the information to make positive changes that can reduce the energy you use.

4.      Smart Home Trends

A smart home features various automation systems that allow you to remotely connect and operate your appliances. With this technology, you can interconnect your home appliances via the internet, allowing you to control essential functions, including safety and temperature. According to ElectriCall LLC, here are the key trends in the smart home technology front:

•  Integration: The smart home concept is gradually permeating into our lives, allowing communication among different devices. For example, you can fit many rooms with Google Home Speakers. Such speakers can work as a team rather than as a single system. An experienced electrician like Arvada, CO can help you do the installation.
• AI and IoT: Artificial intelligence technology can help individuals at your home do many things, such as playing music and turning on or off the lights. The Internet of Things (IoT), on the other hand, can bring a turnaround in kitchen and bathroom operations.
• Touchless technology: This allows people to avoid touching shared surfaces. For example, some homes have touchless doorbells that visitors can use to broadcast their coming.
• Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats have become a popular aspect of smart home appliances. They’re simple to install and operate, making them a popular option for many homes.
• Technology-based home exercises: Several smart devices emerged during the pandemic to help people exercise from their homes, for example, smart trainers and workout devices. Many people are installing these devices in their homes to help when exercising.

5.      Renewable energy integration

The idea of switching to green energy is a huge boost to renewable energy innovations around Denver, Co. Organizations are shifting to renewable power sources to reduce expenditure and the effects of carbon emissions. Among the trends to check for in the renewable energy sector are:

• Wind power: Wind energy has received much attention as a viable, clean source. Many early-stage companies are innovating offshore wind dynamos to minimize the need for land-based wind power. The key trend in this sector is the tendency to incorporate wind energy with other sources such as tidal and solar power. Businesses are also building high-quality generators and dynamos for efficient power conversion.
• Developments in hydropower: There are multiple innovations in this field, including the attention to power converters and the enhancement of components for collecting energy.
•  Artificial Intelligence: Like many other sectors, AI is gradually finding its way into the renewable energy sector. AI technology helps to evaluate big data from the grid and provides timely analysis to help make quick and informed decisions.

How to leverage the technologies

The future of electrical technology looks bright as many innovations keep emerging. You can only take advantage of these innovations if you hire experienced electrical companies near Denver. A professional can help with electric breaker panel replacement or install smart gadgets.

Conclusion

The innovations in the sector are mainly driven by the need to have cost-effective, greener, and more efficient technologies. The leading technologies in the electric field include electric vehicles, EV charging technologies, smart homes, energy monitors, and renewable energy integration. You can expect more future tech sectors to keep emerging that focus on electrical energy.

The likelihood of electrocution rises considerably when working with electricity in wet areas or handling electric appliances with wet hands. For instance, people have suffered severe electric shocks in the bathroom from hair dryers coming in contact with water or using a plugged-in electronic while in the bathtub. Others have suffered severe injuries from touching switches and outlets using wet hands.

Also, injuries resulting from electric shock tend to be more severe when water is involved as the skin’s resistance is lowered, giving the current easier access through the body.

Nonetheless, it is unavoidable that sometimes we use electricity in wet areas. In such circumstances, we must follow electrical safety guidelines to minimize the risk of shock.

Why are Electricity and Water Dangerous?

Water and electricity are deadlier together because of the following factors:

• Water is a perfect conductor of electricity. Studies show that the human body conducts electricity well because it is 70% water. Therefore, if electricity touches the water you have contact with, it will easily shock you.
• Water reduces your skin’s resistance to electricity, making it easier to pass through and do most of its damage deep to the internal organs. Electrical injury to the internal organs is deadlier than surface injuries
• Water in swimming pools and bathtubs presents the additional risk of drowning. You are likely to drown if you cannot swim or get out of the tub. The electric shock causes muscle contractions which renders you immobile.
• You are more exposed near water than elsewhere. For instance, most people are often minimally dressed and barefoot in the bathtub or swimming pool. Therefore, it’s possible that you always have a little cover that may insulate you when close to water bodies.

What is the Source of Electrical Shock in Water?

These are the familiar sources of electrocution in water. Watch out for them and keep safe:

• Faulty wiring on pool equipment like pumps, filters, vacuums, lights, etc. Faulty electrical wiring may have exposed parts that introduce electric current into the water and will shock you if you are in it.
• Wiring dilapidated through prolonged use or adverse events like fires will also introduce current to the water and electrocute you. Using cords with inadequate insulation also poses the risk of electrocution.
•  No GFCI protection – GFCI offers grounding, which channels electric current safely into the ground. If a wet area has no GFCI and comes in contact with a live wire, whoever comes into contact with the water may suffer a shock.
• Electrical appliances are notorious for causing an electrical shock when they come in contact with water.

 Electrical Safety Tips when Working with Water and Electricity

Around 4000 people suffer injuries and death from electric shock every year in the US, despite the many rules introduced by Denver laws and best practice standards.

ElectriCall LLC electricians state that most of these electric shocks are accidental and, as such, preventable. Adhering to common sense safety tips when working with electricity and water can drastically reduce the risk of accidental electrocution.

Follow these electrical safety-at-home tips to make using electricity safe even in a water environment:

1.      Comply with Electrical Safety Code Rules

If in Denver, CO or Arvada, CO, comply with the requirements of the prevailing electrical safety rules to protect you, others, and your property.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) considers any area in which water or liquid can drip, splash on, or against electrical equipment to be wet and requires that you do not install wiring or equipment in such places. These include the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and swimming pool.

The NEC further requires that you install GFCI outlets in places like the bathroom and kitchen, also that such outlets be at least three feet away from a water source, tub, or sink.

According to the requirements of NEC, you should only use appropriately graded wires in wet areas. Such wires have insulation that can keep out moisture and are marked with a ‘W’ in the coding.

NEC also requires a qualified electrician to install the electrical system, especially if you intend to sell or let your home. You can get a qualified Arvada electrician from a certified electrical company near Denver.

2.      Electrical Safety Tips in the Bathroom

Bathrooms may be the riskiest place in the home regarding electrical safety. Follow these bathroom electrical safety tips to ensure your safety at the bathroom at all times:

•  Do not use electric appliances like hair dryers, shavers, and tongs near water locations, especially if you are in contact with it. The appliance could shock you if it accidentally falls into the water. Do not use your electrical appliances in bathtubs, sinks, showers, and steam rooms.
• Avoid leaving appliances plugged in after use. Switching off the power at the outlet is not enough. If the device is plugged in, it increases the likelihood that it may be turned on by mistake, especially by a child, and brought in contact with water.
• Do not reach to remove an appliance that falls into the water while it is on, or you may suffer severe shock. Instead, switch off the power at the mains or the outlet and unplug the appliance before touching it.
•  Make sure you use GFCI outlets in the bathroom to channel current safely into the ground rather than through your body if it should accidentally come in contact with the water.
• Use enclosed lights in the bathroom. There is an increased probability of a fire or electric shock if the lights are unenclosed and hanging. This way, moisture can easily settle on these fixtures and cause harm. You also want to use pull switches if possible and place them away from the shower.
• Do not handle appliances with wet hands. Water on the skin increases the risk and effects of electric shock. Dry your hands before you pick up an appliance to use.
• Do not overload the circuit. Overloading the circuit is bad enough anywhere else but it is even riskier in a wet area like the bathroom, as the typical appliances you find are power gobblers. Indeed, the shower should have its circuit wired directly from the fusebox.  

If you have an old bathroom or kitchen, you may not have had the chance to update all or some of the safety features listed above. So, if you are thinking of bathroom or kitchen remodeling, this is the perfect opportunity to incorporate these safety features into your remodeling project.

3.      Electrical Safety Tips in the Kitchen

The kitchen is another wet area that has to be treated carefully. In addition to moisture, a lot of heat from the cooking can melt the insulation off wires.

Follow these tips to use electricity safely in the kitchen:

• Keep your kitchen dry. If your kitchen is dry, you reduce the likelihood of electricity interacting with water accidentally.
• Do not set water on top of your appliances, especially when plugged in. Water on the fridge or microwave may tip over and spill into live electric components. This may cause short-circuiting, which may damage the appliance.
• Place your appliances away from the sink and any other water location. Placing appliances near the sink or water location puts them at risk of direct spillage or vapor accumulation in electric components.
• Keep electric components like cords away from hot surfaces as these may compromise insulation which protects the wires from direct contact with water.
• Do not use wet appliances. To begin with, moisture damages the motor in the appliance, so it may not work correctly. Then, when you plug the device in, water may interact with live components and shock you.
• In case of an electric shock from any appliance, you should switch it off, however mild the tingling is. Only use it once an electrician has declared it safe. You can find an electrician in Arvada, CO by searching for the ‘best electrician around me’.
• Do not attempt to put out an electric fire using water. You may suffer severe electric shock or cause a serious fire.

4.      Electrical Safety Tips for Swimming Pool

Swimming pools are a significant hazard for Electric Shock Drowning (ESD). In ESD, death occurs from drowning because electric shock in the pool has paralyzed the body.

To avoid ESD, you want to take precautions that will help prevent electric current from getting into contact with water.

Here are electrical safety tips to keep you and others safe in the swimming pool:

•  Install GFCI – NEC regulations require that all pool outlets be GFCI protected, locked, and situated at least six feet away from the pool wall. GFCI protects the equipment and devices serving the pool too.
• Keep wiring for other installations like Christmas and party lights, stoves, and sound systems away from the pool. As a general rule, do not use indoor wiring outside, as the insulation may not be up to it.
• Only plug in pool devices and equipment when there are in use to prevent accidental electric shock.

Conclusion

Electrical safety around wet areas begins with adequately designing and implementing an appropriate electrical system. In Arvada and Denver, CO, you can find a professional electrician who can assess, design, and implement an electrical system you can use in dry and wet areas. An online search for ‘residential electrician near me’ or ‘electrician around me’ will bring up electricians closest to you with whom you can engage. 

If you are considering selling your home, the best way to enhance its value is by going for improvements that make it more sellable. Nothing will bring you greater returns on investment than correcting the flaws in your home.

From energy-saving upgrades to modern smart home technologies, electrical improvements are the most profitable way of correcting electrical flaws in houses, especially older ones.

Read on for more about the best and most valuable electrical improvements for your home.

Don’t Wait To Upgrade

Maybe this is not the best time to sell your home. Although the real estate market has been in a spike for the past five or six years, demand is now falling due to a rise in mortgage interest rates and an increase in housing inventory.

That means buyers are now unwilling or unable to afford the high mortgage rates, and you may have to accept lower prices than you would like. Fortunately, Denver, CO remains an attractive real estate market, and this phenomenon is temporary. Patience is all it requires.

Other sellers are also upgrading their homes as they wait for market conditions to improve. Electrical improvement is the answer to making your home stand out in the market when the time comes for you to sell, and you can enjoy the benefits of home improvement while waiting to sell.

What To Consider Before Making Electrical Improvements In Your Home

If you wish to get the most benefits out of the electrical improvements you make in your home, you must work according to a plan.

The electrical planning for a house begins by considering these factors:

·         Immediate and future electric power needs – is your power supply sufficient for current and future needs? The electric installations in older homes may be insufficient to feed modern electrical appliances.

·         Location of wiring for electrical systems – in many older homes, sockets may be few and inconveniently placed. Consider what convenient placement would be for the future homeowners.

·         Other remodeling considerations – The placement of the electrical system will affect other remodeling projects, and many remodeling jobs like the kitchen and bathroom may include an electrical remodel as well.

·         Costing plan – Is the electrical remodel cost a sensible investment? Remember that your intention is to recoup the home wiring cost.

·         Lighting installations – the type and location of lighting features are significant selling points. Aim for efficiency, security, and attractiveness. For instance, chandeliers may have been the trend once, but less so now.

·         Electric and building codes and insurance needs – Electric and building codes specify the bare minimum requirements for electric installations in a home. If your home is not up to standard, it may not even be sellable.

A qualified electrician must install and certify electrical improvements if you wish to sell your house in Arvada, CO.

10 Electrical Improvements to Boost Your Home Value

Here are 10 electrical improvements that will boost the value of your home when you sell:

1.      Install A New Breaker Panel

At ElectriCall LLC, we believe installing a new breaker panel is the starting point for many home electrical upgrades. Many older homes come with a 100-ampere panel which is insufficient for the electric demands of a modern home. Upgrade to a 200-ampere electric panel with spare breaker options.

An electric panel breaker replacement results in more efficient energy management, replacing appliances that require more power. Appliances that require 240V outlets need a panel upgrade.

Though costly (around $2000), installing a new breaker panel enhances the value of your house when prospective buyers see that the home can meet their electric needs adequately and safely.

Because a new breaker panel significantly reduces the risk of electric-sparked fires, your home also becomes attractive to insurers who may accept lower premiums.

2.      Install Three-Pronged Grounded Outlets

Three-pronged outlets can take in both three-pronged and two-pronged plugs, while two-pronged outlets will not accept three-pronged plugs without dangerous modification. Three-pronged plugs are becoming the norm now, as the third prong incorporates a grounded wire to ensure safety.

Since many appliances now sport three prongs as standard, three-pronged outlets are more universal and indispensable.

While three-pronged outlets will not shoot the value of your home through the roof, two-pronged outlets are a flaw that will make your home unattractive to buyers.

3.      Consider Installing GFCI Protection

GFCI, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, is a mechanism to protect you from electrocution by shutting off power quickly in the event of a ground fault.

GFCIs are a legal requirement in Colorado, mandated to be installed in wet areas of high electrocution risk like kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, specific outdoor locations, and within six feet of a laundry sink or water heater.

Since they are a legal requirement, your home has no commercial value until you have complied with and installed GFCI outlets.

4.      Replace Damaged Outlets and Switches

Electrical improvement often involves little more than replacing damaged outlets and switches.

Besides the obvious danger damaged outlets and switches pose to life and property, they are an eyesore that puts off any prospective buyer, as they give off the impression of a rundown property.

Buyers’ perception of your home determines how much they are willing to pay. While it is not guaranteed they will give outlets and switches in good condition a second look, damaged switches are unmissable.

5.      Replace Convenience Outlets Where Extension Cords Are Necessary

Useful as they are, electric cord extensions around Denver are an unsightly inconvenience that put off today’s discerning homebuyer.

You can improve the attractiveness of your property by replacing the extension cables with convenience outlets in all the necessary places.

6.      Replace and Upgrade Light Fixtures

Replacing and upgrading your light fixtures is one of the electrical ideas you can implement to boost the value of your home.

First, have an electrician and lighting design expert assess your lighting needs regarding efficiency, safety, and aesthetic appeal.

The right light fixtures use energy efficiently and create an ambiance that resonates with the buyer. For instance, LED and recessed lighting are the current trends, being both modern and energy efficient.

Outside, you can add light fixtures in darker areas to increase visibility and security, which makes the property attractive to buyers.

7.      Backup Power Source

Power outages in Denver, CO, and Arvada, CO, are not uncommon. When they occur, power outages may interfere with your refrigerator’s air conditioning, heating, and food. A home with power backup will therefore be more attractive to buyers.

You can buy a generator and hook it onto your electrical system to take over when the power goes out. An electrician in Arvada, CO, can help integrate the generator into your electrical system if you live in the city.

Installing solar panels will guarantee a power supply and can earn the homeowner money, enhancing the property’s value.

8.      Rewiring

Old or damaged wiring is a flaw that will make your house harder to sell. For starters, if the wiring is over twenty years old, rewiring may be necessary to bring it up to code. Also, insurance companies will charge a higher premium to insure it as they will deem it risky. Old wiring poses a risk to people and property, and buyers will be reluctant to buy your house.

The cost of rewiring a house can be quite significant. For instance, in Denver, CO, the average cost to rewire a home ranges from $2000 – $20,000, depending on the square footage and other factors. It is impractical to expect to recoup that from selling your home. However, old and faulty wiring will drive the value of your home very low. It may even be hard to sell if an inspection reveals the flaw.

Your home wiring costs bring the property’s value to its actual level.

9.      Improve the Interior and Exterior Lighting

Improving interior and exterior lighting beyond functionality certainly increases the commercial appeal of your home. Properly placed lighting can enhance the look of the living space. A small room may be made larger and a dull one livelier with lighting.

When you put your home on the market, exterior lighting is excellent for your home’s curb appeal.

As well as correcting flaws, upgrade the interior and exterior lighting to add dollars to your asking price.

10.  Childproof Power Outlets

Childproofed power outlets uniquely appeal to buyers with young children or who intend to have a child soon. Young parents are naturally anxious about their child’s safety, and a home that takes that into account will pique their interest more than others.

Conclusion

All your electrical improvements won’t do much for your home value unless done by a professional electrician.

Many buyers, banks, insurance companies, and local authorities want proof that the property has been wired safely. Only a licensed electrician can provide such certification.

In Arvada, CO, a search for ‘residential electrician near me’, ‘best electrician near me‘, or such terms will bring up a list of Arvada electricians.

In Denver, CO, a search for terms like ‘electrician around me’ will bring up a list of electrical companies near Denver.