If you’re looking for home electrical upgrades to make your life a little more convenient, here are seven simple ones.
1. Add Outlets Where You Actually Need Them
A lot of older homes have multiple outlets in each room, but not necessarily in the places that make the most sense for modern living.
You might have an outlet in your living room behind the couch, but none where you want to mount the TV. Or, you might have one in your kitchen for the refrigerator, but none on the countertop for your smaller appliances.
Adding outlets where you use power the most is one of the best residential electrical upgrades you can do. That also means fewer extension cords, which makes for much less clutter.
2. Install USB and USB-C Outlets
We all know how charging blocks tend to disappear.
Someone takes one to another room, one gets left at work, and another ends up in a suitcase from your last vacation.
USB outlet installation gives you built-in charging in all the right places.
You can also get outlets with USB-C ports, since so many phones, tablets, and laptops use USB-C charging these days.
3. Add Smart Switches and Dimmers
Lighting can have a huge impact on the way a room feels.
Bright overhead lights may work for cleaning, but at night, they can feel harsh. With a dimmer, you can set the mood for whatever you’re doing.
If you want to take it one step further, add smart switches. With these, you can set schedules, control the dimmers with your phone, or shut off lights if you left the house without flipping the switch.
It’s a relatively small upgrade, but it can make your home a whole lot more functional.
4. Install Dedicated Circuits for High-Demand Equipment
Certain appliances and high-demand equipment may require or benefit from a dedicated circuit, depending on their electrical requirements. EV chargers and HVAC systems require their own properly sized circuits under applicable electrical code requirements.
Other equipment that may require a dedicated circuit includes:
- Larger appliances
- Garage tools
- Refrigerators and freezers
With dedicated circuit installation, you give one appliance or piece of equipment a properly sized power source rather than forcing it to compete with other devices.
5. Improve Garage and Workshop Power
Garages can easily become catch-all spaces.
You might be using power tools, chargers, freezers, gym equipment, lighting, and sometimes a second refrigerator. Once you add an EV charger or other high-demand equipment, the garage’s existing electrical capacity can become even more important.
That’s why we recommend garage electrical upgrades, such as adding more wall outlets or installing a dedicated circuit for tools.
More power options get rid of the need for long extension cord runs, which can get messy and are easy to trip over.
If you use your garage as a workshop, consider installing outlets where you use your tools.
6. Upgrade Indoor Lighting
Poor lighting makes everyday tasks harder, especially in the kitchen or office.
This doesn’t mean you need to flood every room with bright light, but you should have useful lighting in the right places. This might include recessed overhead lighting in the kitchen, under-cabinet lighting where you fold laundry, soft lighting that doesn’t create a glare on your computer screen in the office, or dimmers in the living room.
7. Improve Outdoor Electrical Access and Lighting
If you spend a lot of time on your patio or in your yard, having extra outlets can make the space more usable.
You may want outlets for tools, holiday lights, speakers, patio appliances, or outdoor equipment. You may also want better lighting for the walkway leading up to your door or the outdoor area where you like to grill.
Outdoor electrical equipment and wiring need to be suitable for exposure to weather and moisture. It has to be able to handle weather and moisture exposure, meaning you need proper outdoor-rated equipment, covers, and code-compliant wiring.
This is especially important in Vancouver homes, since we have long wet seasons.
If you’re looking to add exterior power and lighting to your home, a residential electrician in Vancouver, WA, can help.
Which Electrical Upgrades Make Sense for Your Home?
Think about what might make your life easier.
If you’re always using power strips in the office, add outlets there. If the garage is full of extension cords, focus on garage power. If the kitchen feels dark, lighting may make the biggest difference.
It also helps to think ahead. Are you planning on installing new appliances? Do you want to build out a workshop in your garage with a set of power tools? Maybe you’re thinking of adding smart home devices.
Each of these things can change how much power your home needs.
Before you add new loads, have your electric panel and circuits evaluated. And if you’re thinking of making several small improvements at once, they can help to bundle those projects into one visit, since an electrician will already be opening up the walls and running wiring.
Make Your Home Work Better for You
If your home feels short on outlets, light, charging spots, or garage power, it may be time to think about making electrical upgrades to your home.
The team at Miller’s Electric can discuss the upgrades you want to make, inspect your panel, and recommend the right improvements for your home.
FAQ
Can an electrician add more outlets to an existing home?
Yes. An electrician can add outlets to many existing rooms, though it depends on the nearby circuits and your panel’s capacity.
Are USB-C wall outlets worth installing?
USB-C outlets are definitely worth installing in the right spots, especially in places like your bedroom or office where you’re charging devices every day.
Do I need a dedicated circuit for new appliances?
Certain large appliances need dedicated circuits, particularly if they draw a lot of power or run for long periods. You can confirm whether your appliance needs one by talking to a licensed electrician.
Can I add more electrical outlets to my garage?
Absolutely. Additional garage outlets can make it easier to use tools, chargers, appliances, and other equipment without relying on extension cords. Depending on the equipment, a dedicated circuit may also be recommended or required.
Do smart switches require special wiring?
Many smart switches require a neutral wire, although some models are designed to work without one. A licensed electrician can check your existing wiring and determine which smart switches are compatible with your home.
Will I need a panel upgrade for new electrical features?
Maybe. It depends on your current panel and the available capacity.