4 Ways An Electrician Can Make Your Home Safer When You Plan To Age In Place
If you've decided to age in place, you may want to make some upgrades to your home so you'll be safer and so daily life will be more convenient. One area of your home that might need a few upgrades is your electrical system. Here are some things you may want to discuss with an electrician.
1. Installing More Outlets In The Kitchen
When you get older, you may need to rely on more kitchen gadgets to prepare your meals. You may even find cooking in the microwave to be easier than preparing meals on the stove or in the oven.
An electrician can check your kitchen and recommend the upgrades needed. For instance, you might need a dedicated circuit for a microwave so you don't have to worry about tripping a breaker if too many things are plugged in when you turn the microwave on.
You may also want more outlets in general so you can use an electric can opener, electric pressure cooker, and other appliances at the same time. Using manual equipment might be too difficult if you have arthritis in your hands or if you can't stand for long periods when you need to slice vegetables quickly or open several cans in a row.
2. Improving Lighting
Improving lighting is also important as you get older. Good lighting reduces trip hazards, and it also makes it much easier to read. You may want lights installed under the cabinets to make cooking easier, or more lights installed in the hallways for when you need to use the restroom at night.
An electrician can install two-way switches so you can control the light from both entrances to a room to eliminate the need to walk in the dark. Smart lights are also an option that turn on as you enter a room and turn off when you leave.
3. Adding Ceiling Fans
If you don't have ceiling fans in your home now, you may want to install some to help keep your cooling costs lower in the summer. A fan keeps you cooler by blowing a breeze that evaporates sweat from your skin.
A fan may keep you cool enough that you can delay turning on your AC, and it might reduce your AC use during the summer. You might notice a reduction in your energy bills without having to sacrifice comfort.
4. Installing A Home Security System
An electrician can help make your home more secure so you don't have to worry about intruders as you age. A security system can also guard against fire, carbon monoxide, and water leaks. You may want a smart home system that automates the function of your home, or a basic system with exterior lighting, video monitoring, and alarms.
To learn more about modifying your home with your future in mind, contact an electrician services company in your area.