4 Signs Your Home's Electrical System Needs Updating

Being a homeowner means a lot of things, with some it being good and some of it being not-so-good. There's always something that needs to be done, something that needs upgrading, or something that needs to be replaced. 

And when it comes to your home's electrical system, it's important to pay close attention. Not only can outdated or faulty wiring present safety concerns, but it can also end up costing you a lot of extra money if not handled correctly as well. Here are four signs your home's electrical system needs updating. Does any of the following sound familiar to you?

1. You're Always Resetting Fuses 

Every so often, you might need to make a trip to the fuse box to reset a breaker. It happens to everyone. But what if you're always doing it? That's a different story and a sure sign that there's trouble on the horizon. 

While this could mean that you're using more power than your system can handle, it can also mean that your home's wiring is outdated and tired, in need of a replacement.

Yes, this is a big project and it's an expensive one. However, this is a prime example of a non-negotiable from a safety and financial standpoint. Look at it as the perfect time to clean things up, to ensure your home is wired appropriately and also that you have included an uninterruptible power supply in the plan. 

Not only will new, clean wiring ensure your home runs smoothly and safely, but it will also mean your connected appliances, fixtures and devices are protected as well. 

2. You Smell Something Burning

When you smell something burning and it's not your toast, you better get right on investigating the source of it.

Did you know that one of the most common causes of house fires is from outlets? Whether they're worn out, not grounded or improperly installed, they can be extremely dangerous and devastating to your home's structure and your family's safety.

Familiarizing yourself with the lifespan of outlets and how they work can be very helpful in understanding the ins and outs of basic home electrical. 

3. Your Home Is 25 Years Old (Or More)

Just as with humans, homes show their age over time. And unfortunately, you can't see everything that's going on. That's why it's important to stay current on your home's age, condition and history (especially when purchasing one that's new to you). 

In addition to electrical weakening over time, it's also entirely possible that the electrical load placed on your home's system can simply become too much for it to handle.  Since this can lead to a host of other problems, making sure you have an electrical inspection done will answer whatever questions you have, while helping you determine what needs to be done next. 

4. You're Getting Shocked Frequently 

If you've been yanking your hand away from outlets and light switches more than usual lately, it might be time to investigate what's really happening. 

While you might initially think the shock came from whatever you were plugging in or unplugging, chances are very likely that it wasn't, especially if it's happened more than once. Feeling a shock from a light switch is also a telltale sign that something simply is not right.

Of course, being smart when using outlets is important and can mean the difference between getting a shock and not. 

If you notice anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, call an electrician right away. Even if you think you might know what's wrong, this is most definitely a time to take a step back and leave it to the pros.

Keep in mind that just because you notice something, that doesn't always mean your home needs rewiring. It could just be that there was a loose connection or even a faulty appliance. But in the event your home does need major electrical work, remember that it's a must. Your family's comfort and safety depend on it.