Three Reasons to Replace Your Old Electrical Outlets
We can easily take our electrical outlets for granted as we use them daily expecting them to keep working until the end. However, like anything in this world, electrical outlets can experience wear and tear over extended usage, leading to defects ranging from slightly annoying to even dangerous! Here is why you should consider upgrading your electrical outlets this season!
1. Old Outlets Get Scratched Up
With older electrical outlets, it is not uncommon for the plastic casing surrounding the outlet to get worn down due to plugs scraping up against the plastic. While minor scratches are expected with outlets, these scratches can eventually cause connections inside the outlet to loosen, which leads to malfunctions with powering your appliances.
Poor connections leading to a dimly lit lamp can be annoying, but what is more concerning are failed connections leading to sparks. Sparking outlets can be hazardous and lead to an awful fishy or urine-like smell around your home as the outlet’s plastic casing begins to degrade.
2. Outlet Efficiency Degrades Over Time
Another issue with older electrical outlets that becomes apparent with time is that circuits may not be able to handle the same voltage as they initially installed. Circuits have a finite life expectancy, and while a simple replacement can alleviate issues like tripping circuits, not seeking out these repairs can lead to unfortunate circuit overloads.
Using old outlets with worn-down circuits can be dangerous as overloaded circuits damage your appliances and lead to an electrical fire. Keep your home and appliances safe by getting your outlets replaced.
3. New Outlets Provide Quality of Life Improvements
While safety precautions are a great reason to upgrade your electrical outlets, we can’t ignore the excellent quality of life benefits from new modern outlets! One overlooked upgrade is having three-pronged outlets before we get to the exciting features of new outlets. We know this may not seem like a big deal, but you would be surprised how many older homes only have two-pronged outlets; that can be pretty frustrating with most modern appliances requiring three prongs.
A highly requested outlet upgrade is USB outlets, which can be a great feature for households that want different areas to charge their smart devices! You can have a USB outlet by your bedside to free up space for the rest of your outlet to plug in other devices.
For those who want to stick to a strict minimalist aesthetic around the home, a pop-up outlet might be for you! Pop-up outlets, as they sound, are outlets that can easily keep outlets discreetly from view when not in use and free up space alongside counters.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Outlet?
The cost to install an outlet will depend on a variety of factors such as the type of outlet, the electrical wiring that needs to be done, and any additional materials needed. Generally speaking, a standard two-prong outlet typically costs around $100 to install. If the wiring needs to be updated or if a more complex outlet is required, such as a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) or USB outlet, then the cost can go up significantly. Other associated expenses such as hiring an electrician can add several hundred dollars more to the bill, but these costs are usually worth it for peace of mind given the complexity of dealing with electricity in your home. Additionally, depending on where you live there may be local codes and regulations that need to be followed in order for your installation to be considered safe and pass inspection. Taking all this into consideration, it is best to contact a licensed electrician to get a personalized quote for your situation.
Bringing Your Home Into The Modern Day
At All Electric Services, we know that upgrades to your home are a significant investment, which is why we always work with our customers to find the most cost-effective solution for their needs!
If you are thinking of upgrading your home’s outlets in the Lake Mary area, call (407) 890-7782, and our Central Florida electricians will happily help you with all your questions.