5 Reasons Your Home May Need Electrical Rewire

There is not a time in the day that we are not relying upon the electrical system that runs throughout your home. There is not a season of the year that we rely upon it less than other seasons. We rely upon electricity for comfort, cooking, communication, entertainment, work, and keeping schedules.

Honestly, we do not understand electricity well—we only interact with the controls and enjoy what electricity does for us. As a responsible homeowner, you need to understand enough about your system to be aware of indications of trouble, since nearly 55,000 home fires are caused by electrical problems that develop over time. Here are six of the most common indicators of electrical problems developing.

Old Wiring In Your Home May Mean it it Time for an Electrical Rewire

Electrical wiring is pretty stable and generally, the materials that carry electricity do not “wear out” or weaken. However, an older home with an older electrical system may need to be inspected and you may receive a recommendation to rewire your home. Here are a few reasons rewiring might be necessary.

• From 1960 to the mid-1970s, aluminum wiring was commonly used in residential construction as a cost-saving measure. While aluminum conducts electricity, it is about 40% less conductive than copper, the preferred wiring material. Multiple problems develop with aluminum wiring; if your home still has aluminum wiring, consider replacing it as a safety measure.

Homes built between 1880 and 1940 commonly used “knob and tube” wiring with cloth insulation and exposed wire connections. Knob and tube wiring should be replaced as a safety measure.

• Older homes with outdated electrical systems might be inadequate for the technology and electrical demands of modern living. You most likely use more appliances with a heavier current than your 50-year-old home was designed for like: HVAC, hot water heater, clothes dryer, and perhaps an EV charging station. Your home may have an inadequate number of outlets, forcing the use of extension cords and power strips.

Electrical Rewire: Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

Your home is divided into electrical zones, with a group of outlets or lights grouped together on a circuit. If something unusual happens to the circuit, it trips a circuit breaker to keep people and appliances safe from shock or damage. If a circuit breaker trips frequently, it indicates something unusual and potentially hazardous is happening. It may indicate a faulty appliance that needs to be replaced or it may indicate a developing electrical problem.

Electrical Rewire: Unusual Odors

There are two odors associated with electrical problems:

• Right before a thunderstorm, you might smell ozone, a form of oxygen that happens during the tremendous electrical charge we know as lightning. While oxygen is odorless, ozone has a sharp, fresh smell. You might also smell ozone indoors when a spark is generated during a short circuit. If you are unaware of a short circuit, ozone might alert you that it happened without your knowledge.
• When electricity is restricted, it creates significant heat, enough heat to melt vinyl insulation and cause combustion with building materials, furniture, or appliances. Normally, the circuit will trip before a serious problem develops, but about 55,000 times annually, it does not.

Electrical Rewire: Discolored Outlets or Extension Cords

Often a short circuit or spark happens immediately after you plug in a device, but sometimes it happens when you are not present. If you become aware of scorch marks or discoloration on wall outlets or extension cords, the device needs to be an outlet or the cord needs to be replaced. Investigate the problem further to keep your family safe and your home from receiving damage.

Electrical Rewire: Flickering Light Bulbs

For various reasons, a light bulb may loosen and create a flicker—even bulbs that were tightened properly. If a light flickers frequently, even after you have tightened it, or if a light bulb burns out prematurely, it is a problem that needs to be investigated and addressed. It might be a problem in the circuit or a larger problem with current surges.

Electrical Rewire: Loud Buzzing Noises

Electricity hums as it moves; we are accustomed to hearing the familiar hum. However, when current is restricted, either in an appliance or an outlet, the hum increases in volume to an unusual buzzing noise. The harsher buzz is an indication of a small electrical problem that will usually develop into a large problem.

Need an Electrician?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Commercial Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with all electrical repairs for your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Commercial Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.