Assess
Before exploring home electrification, it is important to understand if your home is ready for such upgrades. Understanding the current state of your building can assist you in selecting necessary and cost-effective next steps. Start with an energy audit and an assessment of your home’s electrical panel and wiring. In this process, you will uncover key insights and first steps. Not sure where to start? Look into getting an energy audit and an electrical assessment from a trusted local contractor!
ENERGY AUDIT
An energy audit is an assessment offered by a local professional that includes a walkthrough of your property to identify deficiencies that can reduce the energy efficiency and comfort of your home, resulting in higher utility bills and uneven or extreme home temperatures.
Energy audits can include a simple walkthrough or a multi-hour assessment including advanced technologies. Whichever path you choose will lead to a deeper understanding of your home and what it needs to progress toward electrification.
In general, an energy audit will assess insulation conditions and levels, air sealing status, air leak sources, combustion safety issues, appliance efficiency, air duct sizing, moisture and ventilation status, and more. Information from your energy audit will help you plan your home electrification effort safely and smartly while lowering the risk of missteps.
Cincinnati’s utility provider, Duke Energy, does not presently offer free or low-cost energy audits due to changes in state law. There are a few local businesses that offer energy audits that can be found using a normal internet search. Some are free or low cost and there is a tax rebate to support increased affordability of this step.
Learn more at the US Department of Energy website.
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ELECTRICAL PANEL
The electric panel in the device in your home that receives electricity from the utility company and distributes it to each circuit, supplying the lights, outlets, appliances, and other electric devices you have in your home. An old or inefficient electric panel can be both costly and a safety hazard.
An updated or even new electrical panel may be necessary to ensure a safe and efficient home electrification process. Before electrifying your home, invite a certified local electrician to assess your panel and provide recommendations.
It is important to be aware of the dangers of overloading an electric panel, especially if you live in an older home, as they may not be equipped with the same safety and efficiency technology required in newer homes. Safety hazards associated with overloaded electric panels include sparking, fire, shock, and overheating appliances.
ELECTRIC WIRING
Electric wiring is the installation of cabling, switches, sockets, distribution boards, and light fittings in your home. A certified electrician needs to assess your wiring before proceeding with a home electrification process. Old, faulty, or frayed electrical wiring can be dangerous when asked to do more. Damaged electrical wires can cause connected appliances or lights to utilize excess electricity and run up your monthly bills. They can also result in power outages, electric surges, appliance damage, fires, and electric shock. When assessing your electric panel, your electrician should also assess the state of your electric wiring, especially if your home was built before 1940.
RESOURCES:
Find a Duke Energy backed contractor for home improvement and electrification needs
- An internet search of your local energy auditors can help you find affordable businesses with well-trained energy auditors.