Does My Home Need an Electrical Upgrade?

Home Electrical Upgrade - Keating Electric - Westchester NY

What’s an Electrical Upgrade and does my home need one?


An electrical upgrade is when the outdated features of your home’s electrical system get upgraded and enhanced to accommodate today's modern power demands and current safety features. The basic idea of an electrical upgrade is replacing old hardware and updating outdated systems as well as making sure that your power is a modern 200-amp service. If your home’s electrical panel and fixtures haven’t been upgraded in the last 20 years, it is a good idea to bring in a licensed electrician to take a look and determine if an upgrade to your electrical service is in order. 



Why would my house need an electrical upgrade?


The amount of energy supply we need our homes to provide is exceptionally different than it was 40 years ago when many appliances were gas powered and technology didn’t exist like it does today. The current needs of many homeowners include powering hot tubs, AC units, home gym equipment, flat screen TVs, electric vehicle charging and home offices which all require much more power than had been needed by homeowners in the past. As we all come to rely more and more on technology, the electrical demand we put on our homes is increasing so we need to make sure that our electrical systems are ready to keep up with these changes. Now is a great time to assess the electrical needs and current safety of your home and consider bringing in a professional electrician to help you optimize what needs updating. 



How does an electrical upgrade enhance the safety of my home?


With the increased demand for electricity in our homes comes an increased need for reliability and safety. As part of an electrical upgrade, a review of the existing circuits and wiring methods can identify and correct safety violations. At the same time, modern safety devices can be installed to sense arcing and improperly functioning wiring and devices. 


In keeping with improved safety, the grounding system may be upgraded and replaced to meet current codes or laws governing electrical systems. Also, safety devices can be installed within the electrical panel to provide “arc fault” and “GFCI” protection, as well as lightning and/or surge protection.


Just like with today’s newer cars that have blind spot detection, backup cameras and automatic braking features as standard equipment, newer and more up to date electrical equipment can provide significant improvement in safety over the older systems installed in the past. So, we recommend that a qualified licensed electrical contractor review your homes electrical system and provide you with any recommendations for improvement. 



What does an Electrical Upgrade look like?


Typically, an upgraded service will not significantly change the layout or appearance of the electrical service. On the exterior of the house a new main cable is installed on the wall of the house, along with a new electrical enclosure to accommodate the utility’s meter. Inside a new electrical panel is installed which houses all the circuit breakers and provides the connection point for all the electrical circuits in the house. 



What are the warning signs my home might have an electrical problem?


Warning signs might include outlets that spark, breakers that trip often, flickering lights or discolored receptacles among other things. Other indicators that it is time to bring in a licensed electrician is if you have an old home that has not been recently updated or your electrical system is more than 20 years old. If you are concerned, the professionals at Keating Electric are always here to help inspect your home and bring it up to code.




We are professionals, here to help. 


If your home hasn’t been upgraded to a 200-amp service or you’re not sure, just give us a call. We at Keating Electric are here to help you assess the systems in your home, update any old or damaged hardware and install the equipment to provide an electrical service up to today's standards. It's as easy as making the call to speak with us today!

Top Electrical Resolutions for  a Safer, Smarter, and More Efficient Westchester Home in 2026
January 5, 2026
As we welcome 2026, it’s the perfect time to set resolutions that improve your home’s safety, efficiency, and value. While most people think of health or financial goals at the start of the year, electrical upgrades and maintenance are just as important for long-term peace of mind. Here are the top electrical resolutions every homeowner should consider for a safer and smarter home this year. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting Make the switch to LED lighting or smart bulbs throughout your home. LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last significantly longer than traditional incandescent bulbs—saving you money month after month. Schedule a Whole-Home Electrical Inspection Start the year with a comprehensive electrical inspection from Keating Electric. An inspection can catch outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or code violations—preventing costly or dangerous problems later on. This is especially important for homes over 30 years old. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel If your home still has a fuse box or an older panel that’s constantly tripping breakers, 2026 is the year to upgrade. A modern electrical panel can handle today’s energy demands safely, especially if you're planning to add new appliances, a home EV charger, or heat pumps Add Smart Home Features Smart thermostats, lighting systems, outlets, and security devices aren’t just convenient, they can also increase energy efficiency and home value. Invest in Surge Protection With more electronics and appliances than ever, whole-home surge protection is a must. It guards your devices from power surges caused by storms, outages, or utility issues—offering protection beyond a basic power strip. Replace Damaged Outlets and Switches If you’ve noticed discolored, loose, or non-working outlets or switches, don’t put off fixing them. These are signs of wear, poor connections, or potential fire hazards. Replace them with modern, tamper-resistant options for added safety. Consider a Backup Generator Power outages are becoming more common due to storms and aging infrastructure. A standby generator can keep your essential systems running—like heating, refrigeration, and medical equipment—when the grid goes down. Childproof Your Electrical System If you’re expecting a new baby or have young children at home, make 2026 the year you childproof your electrical system. Install safety caps on your outlets or have a licensed electrician install tamper-resistant outlets. It’s also important to secure cords and make sure outlets near water sources are GFCI-protected. Plan for EV Charging at Home Thinking of buying an electric vehicle in 2026? Start planning now. A licensed electrician can install a Level 2 home charging station, so you’re ready for faster, more convenient charging right from your garage or driveway. Stay On Top of Regular Maintenance Set a reminder to check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and GFCI outlets monthly. Replace batteries annually and test functionality to ensure your home’s early-warning systems are always ready. Start the Year Strong with a Trusted Electrical Partner Make your 2026 resolutions count by partnering with experienced, licensed electricians. Whether you’re modernizing your home, boosting efficiency, or improving safety, Keating Electric can help you plan and execute your goals with confidence. Need help getting started? Contact us today to schedule a home electrical evaluation or discuss your 2026 upgrade plans.
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