Power Electric NY logoPOWERELECTRIC NY
Read Articles & Insights

From the Blog

Practical electrical advice from a team that wires NYC homes and businesses every day.

Latest Articles

Burnt out receptacle removed and replaced with a new 20 amp outletDecember 26, 2023
Common electrical problems in older properties and how to tackle them

5 of the most common electrical issues faced by homeowners living in aging properties

Enea · December 26, 2023

As properties get older, they require regular upkeep and repairs. The challenges associated with aging homes go far beyond cosmetic touch-ups — outdated wiring, undersized panels and worn fixtures quietly become safety hazards. Here are the five most common electrical issues we see in older NYC properties, and what to do about each.

Read Full Article — 5 of the most common electrical issues faced by homeowners living in aging properties
Occupancy sensor switches installed before and after replacementDecember 19, 2023
Energy Efficiency

5 Tips to make your home more energy efficient

Enea · December 19, 2023

Amid rising inflation and sustainability concerns, electricity consumption patterns in the home are evolving. More people are aware of their carbon footprint — these five upgrades pay for themselves while making your home more comfortable.

Read Full Article — 5 Tips to make your home more energy efficient
Burnt out receptacle removed and replaced with a new 20 amp outlet
Common electrical problems in older properties and how to tackle them

5 of the most common electrical issues faced by homeowners living in aging properties

Enea · December 26, 2023

As properties get older, they require regular upkeep and repairs. The challenges associated with aging homes go far beyond cosmetic touch-ups — outdated wiring, undersized panels and worn fixtures quietly become safety hazards.

1. Outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring

Many pre-1970s homes still run on wiring that wasn't designed for modern appliances. It overheats easily, isn't grounded, and is a leading cause of electrical fires. A whole-home rewire is the only safe long-term fix.

2. Undersized electrical panels

60-amp and even 100-amp panels can't handle today's combined load — central A/C, EV chargers, induction ranges, heat pumps. Frequent breaker trips are the warning sign. A 200-amp upgrade is the standard.

3. Two-prong, ungrounded outlets

Ungrounded outlets put both you and your devices at risk. Code-compliant GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and exterior locations are now mandatory across NYC.

4. Overloaded circuits

Older homes often have one circuit feeding entire floors. Splitting loads onto dedicated circuits — especially for HVAC, microwaves and EV chargers — eliminates trips and protects your wiring.

5. Failing or corroded service equipment

Meter cans, service entrance cables and weatherheads degrade over time. Loose connections create heat and arcing. Annual inspections catch these problems before they cause an outage — or worse.

Labeled breaker panel with neatly organized branch circuits
Home Maintenance

The rewarding benefits of regular electrical maintenance around the house

Enea · December 26, 2023

A safe house is every homeowner's goal. Everybody wants to secure their living space for themselves and their loved ones. When it comes to electrical systems, prevention is always cheaper — and safer — than emergency repairs.

Catch small problems before they become emergencies

A loose neutral, a corroded breaker or a cracked outlet doesn't shut your house down — until suddenly it does, usually in the middle of the night. Annual maintenance catches these issues during a 30-minute visit.

Lower your electricity bill

Faulty connections, undersized wiring and old fixtures all waste energy as heat. Tightening, retorquing and replacing aging components measurably reduces your monthly bill.

Extend the life of your appliances

Voltage spikes, dirty power and unbalanced loads kill electronics early. Surge protection at the panel and clean wiring keep everything from your fridge to your TV running longer.

Stay code-compliant and insurable

Most homeowner's insurance policies expect a system that meets current code. A maintenance log from an electrician protects your coverage and makes resale much easier.

Occupancy sensor switches installed before and after replacement
Energy Efficiency

5 Tips to make your home more energy efficient

Enea · December 19, 2023

Amid rising inflation and sustainability concerns, electricity consumption patterns in the home are evolving. More people are aware of their carbon footprint — these five upgrades pay for themselves while making your home more comfortable.

1. Switch every bulb to LED

LEDs use roughly 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 15 to 25 times longer. The payback period for a whole-home swap is typically under a year.

2. Install a smart thermostat

Heating and cooling is by far the biggest energy line item. A learning thermostat trims 10–15% off your bill without you lifting a finger.

3. Add motion sensors and timers

Closets, hallways, exterior lights and garages are constantly left on. Occupancy sensors eliminate the waste automatically.

4. Plug in a whole-home surge protector

One panel-mounted surge protector defends every device on every circuit and keeps appliances running at their rated efficiency.

5. Audit your phantom loads

Devices in standby mode (TVs, chargers, game consoles, cable boxes) can quietly draw 5–10% of your monthly usage. Smart plugs cut them off when they're not in use.

Need an electrician today?

We answer 24/7 and can usually be on site the same day. Free estimates across all five boroughs.

(917) 347-0014Get a Free Estimate