Rewiring a home is no easy task, and not one that you would probably willingly take on yourself—nor should you. However, sometimes whole-house rewiring is necessary in order to improve daily electrical use and to increase home safety. This type of job requires a team of expert electricians who are licensed and trained in this type of electrical service.

The demand for electricity in our homes has dramatically increased since the 1980s, and seems to only be rising. In addition to more powerful appliances, there are constant technological advances and new devices out on the market, all requiring electricity to run.

Even if your home is only a couple decades old, it could very well need a wiring upgrade, as this heightened demand for power can easily overwhelm an older wiring system. Additionally, if your home is over 5 decades old and still has its original copper wiring, you and your family could be in danger of fire risks and power surges.

Below are a few signs that indicate you could be in need of whole-house rewiring:

You have aluminum wiring: In the mid-60s through the mid-70s, aluminum wiring replaced copper wiring. However, aluminum wiring can overheat and cause fires, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you’ve confirmed that you home was built during this time, you’ll want to consult with a professional electrician.

Your circuit breakers are constantly tripping: Have you found yourself habitually going to the circuit breaker panel to reset tripped breakers? If this is the case, it could be a sign from your home that its electrical system can’t handle the current demands being placed on it.

You’ve noticed charred, discolored outlets: Marks such as these are indicative of electrical fires caused by shorts within the outlet. At the very least, the outlet will need an upgrade, but it’s best to replace all the wiring.

There is an acrid smell in the air: Have you noticed a burning smell when you turn on the lights in your home, with no clear source? Then it’s time to call an electrician, because something could be wrong with your home’s wiring and it will need replacement.

Electrical installation testing is a practice that has become more important over time. This is due to the increasing complexity of installations in both commercial and residential spaces. When it comes to electrical work, the top priority is always going to be safety. This focus is the reason electrical standards and wiring regulations exist in the first place. Electrical installation testing serves the purpose of identifying any possible deficiencies. These shortcomings could be areas in which an electrical system doesn’t meet regulations.

It’s important to have older electrical systems looked over to ensure they’re still in good working condition. At the same time, new installations need an inspection to make sure they conform to today’s stringent standards. You might also feel inclined to have testing done if you’ve recently purchased a building with preexisting installations. If you’re curious about what makes electrical installation testing so complex, or if you’re wondering why only a professional should be doing it, read on for more information.

There are different phases of an electrical installation to keep in mind. The first step is to perform a visual inspection, which is exactly what it sounds like — an expert will confirm the permanently wired electrical components are compliant with safety regulations. He or she will make sure there are no outward signs of damage, and that the required safety measures are present.

After the visual inspection, electrical testing begins. This is where having a qualified individual working becomes even more critical. Everything from specialized training to safety-oriented clothing is necessary for this aspect. In fact, non-authorized people might have to keep a certain distance away from the testing itself.

The testing will cover a building’s wiring, as well as its various components. This can include electrical panels, outlets, distribution boards and lighting. Essentially, the examination covers all systems that conduct electricity within a building. The electrician will use the tests to make sure every necessary precaution is in place to reduce the risks of injury or death due to electrical shock.

In some cases, the testing will call for exploratory work to complete the job as effectively and safely as possible. Parts of the system might need to be temporarily shut off for this. This means you should make sure you don’t have something important — and electricity-based — going on while the installation testing is taking place.

Homeowners are always looking for ways to  lower their energy costs, and we can’t really blame them for wanting to do so. There are so many ways to go about conserving energy – both large and small – and we’re here to help you with some  ideas. It’s important to remember that even small changes can go a long way, so if you’re on a budget, don’t worry. Not every change requires a green gadget or a pocket full of cash. Simply altering a routine can have a serious impact on your annual energy costs.

We know that this can be a daunting process, because the opportunities are endless! This is why we’ve compiled five simple ways to lower energy costs.

Adding Security Lighting to Your Home There is a great selection of security lighting systems for homes that can be customized and designed to fit the needs of your home. Home security lighting systems can help deter thieves while lighting the area around your house so you can see to walk after dark.

Advantages to Residential Security Lighting Walking outside your home after dark can be dangerous because you cannot see any obstacles that may be in your way. With security lighting, you have your path well-lit so you can make sure you can see where you are going and avoid the risk of tripping or falling.

As previously mentioned, security lights have been proven effective in deterring criminals. When they approach your home or storage buildings and the lights come on, they will be startled. They don’t want to be seen by the neighbors or police, so they will most likely leave and head to a home that doesn’t have such good lighting and protection.

Your home’s exterior lighting plays a significant role in your home’s appearance as well as safety. Another feature you may want to consider is adding floodlights. Adding floodlights to your landscaping and having them aimed toward your home can help accent the area and add an extra layer of protection by keeping your home in clear view.