Whether you are looking to upgrade a house to increase it’s resale value, or you just want to make your current home more user-friendly, there are a lot of different options to look into. One of the best topics to look into is home electrical upgrades. These can generally be easy, one day projects that don’t require a lot of time or money. You can install them yourself, or contact Asbury Electric to give you a do the electrical installation for you. The great thing about focusing on electrical upgrades is that you can choose what suits your home, and if you want to go back and add to it later on, it is pretty simple to do so. Here are some ideas on where to start on your home electrical upgrades.
Smart Home
Most of us have smart phones, many vehicles are becoming “smart carsâ€, and technology is becoming more and more ingrained into everyday life. Whether for security or convenience, smart technology is becoming a part of the modern home as well. Home electrical upgrades that focus on smart technology are a great investment. They allow the user to control parts of the house remotely – whether that means from the couch, or from an airport. Some of the most popular smart technology in homes include security systems (monitors, locks, windows, smoke alarms, etc), links to the HVAC system, controlling your television, and even the fridge. No more worrying that you forgot to lock the front door on your way out, fix it with the swipe of your finger. Save money by installing a smart thermostat. In the winter, don’t waste money on heating when no one is home. Simply raise and lower the temperature through your phone. Check on the kids when they get home from school, even if you are stuck at work through smart security systems that can stream real time video to your phone. Smart technology is becoming a part of every aspect of our lives. Stay ahead of the curve by choosing one or two smart technologies to install every so often. It will make your home more comfortable and more secure with just the swipe of your finger.
Garage Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles
Whether you’ve thought of owning an electric vehicle or not, now might be the time to make the transition in your garage. The Department of Energy says that electric vehicles will become more popular very soon. Installing a charging station in your garage will cost somewhere between $500 and $1000, which seems like a lot of money. However, the annual cost of charging an electric vehicle is a little over $500, which will save the owner approximately $1,600 in gas. So the charging station will pay for itself in less than a year. Having the option to charge a vehicle is becoming more and more popular as the cost of electric vehicles comes down. If you are in the market for a new car, or if you are looking to attract buyers to your home, installing a charging station would be a great addition to any garage.
Generator
Whole-house generators are becoming more and more popular, especially in areas that have experienced “Super Storms†in the last decade or so. No one really thinks about the need of a generator until it’s too late. Storms are causing power outages for longer and longer periods of time. We go about our daily lives, not really thinking about how much we rely on electricity. When it’s gone, you start to appreciate it a lot more. Having light to see, keeping our food from spoiling, and being able to cook are all things we tend to take for granted. Staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter, as well as being able to take comfortable showers are all things that require electricity. Above all, in times of crisis, having a fully-charged phone as a way to communicate and stay up to date on current conditions can be vital. Thinking about all these things can really add to the stress of worrying about storms and disasters – even though they are things we cannot control. Having a whole-house generator allows you to feel more secure in knowing that you are more prepared to handle the unknown. Not only will it keep you and your loved ones more secure, but also comfortable during crazy weather and unpredictable times. Upgrading your home to incorporate a whole-house generator will help you sleep better at night and help you to feel more prepared.
Another, more simple upgrade for your home is the lighting in your closets. It’s really frustrating to go into a closet in search of something, only to stumble around, searching for the cord of the overhead light, or to pull out a flashlight to search the shelves because there isn’t adequate lighting. Adding lighting to a closet is easy to do and relatively inexpensive. Installing spot lights to showcase the great space and organization of your closet can make your home more appealing. Under the shelf lighting can also make the space easier to navigate. There’s nothing worse than realizing you grabbed the wrong colored pants while getting dressed in the dark. Brightening up the space makes it seem bigger and more accessible. Installing lighting can really make your closet a stand out feature in your home.
These are just a few upgrades to add to your home’s convenience and appeal. For more ideas, suggestions, and advice, contact Asbury Electric. We are here for you, whether it’s to answer a simple question or to complete an installation for you.
For more information on home electrical upgrades, check out https://www.copper.org/consumers/copperhome/Electrical/wiring_smart_upgrades.html!
