Electrical Requirements for Heat Pump and HVAC Installations

Posted by admin on March 10, 2015, at 2:52 pm

When is the best time for an electrical upgrade in your Humble home? Right before your wiring becomes unsafe or inadequate for your home’s power requirements! A big renovation project including an air conditioning or heat pump installation is an ideal opportunity to plan for necessary electrical upgrades, since the work can be done when the insides of walls are exposed for other reasons. Sometimes safety considerations will make electrical work necessary as a standalone project. Unfortunately, wiring can sometimes be unsafe without showing any obvious danger signs.

When to Call for an Electrical Inspection

Have your home inspected for wiring safety by a licensed electrician if any of the following apply to your situation:

• Your home was built before the mid-1970s. Homes built in the 1960s and early 1970s may have aluminum wiring, which presents a significant fire hazard when the connections become loose over time. Homes built before the 1960s could have deteriorated insulation or circuits that were not built with modern power loads in mind.
• You have two-prong receptacles. Receptacles that aren’t grounded present a significant safety hazard. Kitchens and bathrooms should be wired with ground fault interrupt receptacles for additional safety in moist conditions.
• Circuit breakers trip or fuses blow frequently. Circuits that won’t stay closed may be unsafe due to loose connections or short circuits.
• Switches or receptacles that spark or smoke. Sparking, smoking or burning odors may indicate loose connections or other safety problems.

Is It Time for an Electrical Upgrade?

If any of the safety issues listed above are present in your house, you should have appropriate electric repairs and upgrades done immediately. Other good reasons for an electrical upgrade include adding capacity for new HVAC, heat pump or air conditioning. Many older homes were built with 60-amp circuits, but all major appliances, specifically stoves and washing machines,  plus the overall house-hold electrical loads require 200-amp circuits. Increasing your electrical capacity for use of not-yet-foreseen technological innovations is also a good idea.

Learn more about electrical services for your HVAC or heat pump upgrades from the professionals at Henscey Electric, Heating & Air Conditioning. Call us today at 888-718-7144 to schedule an appointment with our experienced electrical staff.