Moving into a new house is a big adventure. Yes, that adventure can be stressful and even scary. But the reward at the end of the proverbial rainbow makes it all the more worthwhile.

Of course, the process of buying a house involves a series of checks and inspections. But these inspections are not just about safety and efficiency. They can help you decide what you want to upgrade to simply make your house more functional. 

One particular way to make your new house a true home is to consider some effective electrical upgrades. These can take many different forms, but all can go a long way towards ensuring your home meets current safety standards. It’s also a great way of future-proofing your home so it remains at peak functionality for many years. 

Whether you intend for it to be your forever home or merely the current step in life’s journey, it’s worth getting on the phone with a licensed electrician and putting some of these worthy upgrades into action. 

man with cables and plug

The Importance of an Electrical System Assessment

But the first upgrade is certainly just as much about safety and efficiency as it is about functionality. 

Before you start all the essential tasks that are part and parcel of moving house, it’s important to assess the existing electrical system on the property. Many older homes will often still have their original wiring. They’ll also often have insufficient circuit capacity or no modern safety features. 

The first step is to find the house fuse box or electrical panel and assess whether:

  1. It meets current electrical standards and 
  2. It can capably accommodate modern appliances and devices. 

Be on the lookout for common signs of wear and tear. These might include things like frayed wires or discoloured and burnt-out power points. It’s also worth checking throughout the house for the placement and number of power points you have. Ask yourself – are they enough for your needs? 

A skilled and licensed electrical contractor will be able to pinpoint any key issues and recommend upgrades so your home is safe and future-proof.

Update Your Electrical Panels

Upgrading your electrical panel is one of the smartest things you can do when moving into a new house, especially if it’s an older property. Often called the fuse box or switchboard, the panel is essentially the nerve centre of your home’s entire electrical system. 

An outdated electrical panel will generally struggle to accommodate modern living needs such as powering multiple appliances, charging devices and running smart technology. Common indicators that suggest it’s time to update your panel include:

  • Tripped circuits
  • Flickering lights or 
  • It still uses fuses instead of circuit breakers. 

Modernizing your electrical panel will enhance safety and prevent overload. It’s also an easy way to go about increasing your home value

Install Energy Efficient Lighting

Energy efficiency and sustainability are important for 21st-century living, and your lighting is certainly one easy way to make your home more energy efficient. Here are some worthwhile options to consider:

  • LED bulbs: Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last for years.
  • Smart lighting systems: Remotely control brightness, colours and timers to optimise energy use.
  • Motion-sensor lights: Your lights only turn on when they detect movement, making them ideal for outdoor areas or rarely-used rooms. 
  • Dimmers: Adjust brightness to your mood and save energy when you don’t need full brightness.

By installing these solutions you’ll have better lighting and reduce your environmental impact and energy bills.

USB Powerpoints and Smart Outlets

In today’s highly tech-savvy lifestyle, installing USB powerpoints throughout the house is a smart choice that adds next-level convenience and functionality.

USB powerpoints allow you to directly charge your phone, tablet and other devices, all without the need for bulky adapters. They’re ideal for installation in bedrooms, living areas and kitchens; essentially the key areas of the house where we frequently use our devices. 

You can even take things to the next level with smart powerpoints that let you control appliances remotely via an app or voice command. Imagine turning off a forgotten appliance or setting a schedule for your coffee machine or lights – all from your phone! These upgrades will simplify your daily tasks and improve energy efficiency.

Home Automation and Smart Technology

Speaking of smart technology, many homeowners are turning to smart automation to transform their homes into high-performance, connected spaces. 

The great thing about home automation is you can do as little or as much as you like. If you just want to dip your toe in the water for now, you might consider something like smart thermostats or lighting systems. If you really want to go all out, do can start with them and expand with everything from smart security systems to automated blinds and even coffee machines!  

These technologies will make daily tasks more convenient and add value to your property. A licensed electrician can install them safely and efficiently in your home.

Critical Safety Upgrades

Safety upgrades in your new home’s electrical system are essential to prevent damage to your home and save your family from harm. Here are the essential safety upgrades to put in place:

  • Smoke alarms: Install interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and living area for maximum coverage.
  • Safety switches (RCDs): Life-saving protection by cutting power instantly in case of electrical faults or shocks.
  • Surge protectors: Protect your electronics from power surges caused by storms or grid issues.
  • Upgraded wiring: Replace old or damaged wiring to eliminate fire risks and improve reliability.

By doing these upgrades early you’ll have a safer living space and reduce the risk of unexpected electrical issues.

Get a Licensed Electrician On Board

If any of these electrical upgrades spark (pardon the pun) interest, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to implement them. 

Aside from ensuring safety and compliance, licensed electricians boast the necessary skills and training to carry out complex installations. They’ll minimise the risk of electrical faults and ensure your home meets strict electrical safety standards. They can identify potential hazards, recommend the best solutions and do the work to a high standard. 

Yes, flexing your DIY muscle with electrical work may seem tempting. However, it can lead to mistakes, void warranties or breach insurance policies. It’s also against the law in Australia for an unlicensed person to perform electrical work. 

Trusting a qualified and licensed expert is THE smart investment in your home and family’s safety.

Turn Your New Home into a Safe and Modern Space

Upgrading your electrical system when you move into your new home will make all the difference in safety, functionality and comfort. 

From maximising energy efficiency with modern lighting to the convenience of smart home technology, these upgrades will make your home truly work for you. Prioritise the essential safety features like upgraded wiring and surge protection and you’ll enjoy lasting peace of mind. Remember to always use a licensed electrician for expert advice and installation. 

These upgrades aren’t just practical; they’re an investment in your home’s value and your family’s safety. By doing these upgrades early, your new house will surely become a home. 

We hope you found this blog post on Electrical Upgrades to Consider When Moving Into a New House, useful. Be sure to check out our post on 7 Essential Electrical Upgrades for Your New Home for more great tips!


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