The electricity flow in your home isn’t a factor you may be giving a lot of thought to, unless you’re already experiencing an issue with an outlet or power surges. Few homeowners realise that the number one source of most electrical issues stems from issues with an old or worn switchboard.
Some electrical switchboard issues may start as minor light flickers or the occasional power trips. However, if ignored, these can result in the need to call an emergency electrician to deal with a more severe issue. This post takes a closer look at the reasons why your electrician wants you to upgrade your switchboard as soon as possible.
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Understanding Your Switchboard’s Role in Your Home
At its core, your home’s electrical switchboard is the central point where your electricity comes into your house and is then dispatched to different outlets across your property. Switchboards tend to have a long lifespan, which is why you may not have needed an upgrade in previous years.
During the early years of your switchboard’s life, it may have been possible to deal with any minor issues by doing basic repairs. As the switchboard ages, or your home’s electrical needs change, quick repairs may no longer cut it. This is especially the case in old homes where the board may never have been upgraded.
Consider how much electricity homeowners of 50 years ago were using versus what you’re using now. Since technology has changed, the legislation has also been amended. Your old board may therefore be housing non-compliant or energy-guzzling components, altering its compliance with local laws.
Plenty of Good Reasons to Consider a Summer Upgrade
With the warmer summer months finally making an appearance, you may already be using your AC to keep your home cool. In addition to potentially placing excessive strain on your switchboard, using faulty components may be inflating your energy bill.
Since the average switchboard lasts between 10 and 20 years, the unit may be due for an assessment. Our team of experts of the top reasons why you should consider upgrading your older switchboard.
1. Electricity Needs Have Changed
The number one reason to opt for a switchboard upgrade is that your home’s electricity needs have drastically changed since the unit was initially installed. As technology changes and you add more items to your home, your switchboard may require new circuits.
Older wiring and components may also need to be upgraded to be more efficient. By having your electrician upgrade the switchboard, an upgrade ensure that you can use and charge devices throughout the house for extended periods. You will also have peace of mind that wiring and components can safely be used without becoming overloaded.
2. Removes Harmful Asbestos in Older Switchboards
If your home was built more than 20 years ago, and very little has changed since then, your home may actually be harbouring harmful building materials. One of these is asbestos, which, when inhaled, can lead to the development of lung cancer over time.
These harmful components can be found in roofing and older electrical switchboards. While your electrician can’t sort your roof out, they can remove asbestos and any other harmful components from your switchboard. This will give you peace of mind that your switchboard isn’t posing a health risk to the people in your household.
3. Enables You to Add Solar Energy to Your Home
Recent years have seen a huge shift to solar energy, with homeowners keen to install panels on modern and older homes. While this is an admirable step toward making your home more sustainable, it’s essential to point out that inverters and panels will need to be connected to modern components.
Therefore, if you have any intention of investing in solar energy or switching to an electric vehicle, you may require a switchboard upgrade. Remember that solar options likely didn’t exist when your switchboard was initially installed.
This means that your old switchboard technology isn’t compatible with modern renewable energy solutions. Discuss your solar intentions with your electrician to ensure your switchboard is upgraded to sustain solar needs.
4. Boosts Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Whether you live in an old, traditional home or a modern housing unit, you’ll always be looking for ways to reduce your overall energy costs. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is by upgrading the older components and circuit breakers.
Modern components have been designed to transmit and handle more electricity more efficiently. Modern boards have also been designed to handle any potential increases in demand as your future needs change. Besides this, a reduction in energy consumption also means more affordable energy bills.
Final Thoughts
If you have never had your home’s switchboard assessed or repaired, it may be time to speak to your local electrician for a thorough inspection. Upgrading your switchboard is essential to keep your home compatible with modern energy components. It’s also the most effective way to ensure that your home’s electricity flow is strong enough to sustain all your appliances, gadgets, and lighting without putting your home at risk!
