Why Old Homes in Colorado Springs Need Electrical Upgrades

Spoiler alert: It’s not just about flickering lights and weird smells.

Welcome to Colorado Springs, Where the Views Are Majestic and the Wiring Is… Vintage

Owning an older home in Colorado Springs has its perks, historic charm, classic craftsmanship, and cozy neighborhoods with mountain views. But when it comes to your electrical system?

Well, let’s just say it might be stuck in the past.

If your home is more than 20 years old, odds are your electrical system isn’t up to today’s energy standards. And if you’ve ever tripped a breaker just by using your microwave and toaster at the same time, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

Top Signs Your Home Needs an Electrical Upgrade

Let’s look at a few red flags. If these sound familiar, it’s probably time to get a professional opinion:

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Frequently tripped breakers
• Buzzing outlets or switches
• Warm or discolored outlet covers
• Two-prong outlets (no grounding)
• No GFCI outlets in wet areas like kitchens or bathrooms
• Not enough outlets (hello, extension cord spaghetti)

Why Electrical Upgrades Are Critical in Older Homes

1. Safety First

Outdated wiring is a major fire hazard. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, thousands of house fires each year are tied to aging or faulty electrical systems. If your home still has aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube setups, or an old Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, it may be putting your family at risk.

Pro tip: Learn more about Common Electrical Problems at Home to stay ahead of potential issues.

2. Keeping Up With Modern Life

Flat-screen TVs, air fryers, gaming consoles, EV chargers, home offices, today’s homes demand way more power than they did 40 years ago. If your system isn’t equipped for it, you’re likely dealing with annoying (and potentially dangerous) overloads.

Upgrading to a 200-amp panel or more can make your home safer and more efficient.

3. Home Insurance Considerations

Many insurance companies are cracking down on outdated systems. If you have an old electrical panel, getting or maintaining coverage could be tricky.

Find out more in our post: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Electrical Repairs?

What Goes Into an Electrical Upgrade?

An upgrade may include:

• Installing a new electrical panel
• Updating wiring to meet code
• Adding grounded three-prong outlets
• Installing GFCI and AFCI protection
• Upgrading your main service line
• Adding whole-home surge protection

We tailor every project to your home’s specific needs right here in Colorado Springs.

Visit our Electrical Panel Upgrades page for more.

Unique Electrical Challenges in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs isn’t your average city and neither are its electrical needs.

1. Altitude and Dry Climate

Dry air and high elevation can lead to more frequent electrical arcing. That’s where updated wiring and arc-fault protection come in.

2. Historic Neighborhoods

Living in a charming area like Old North End or Patty Jewett? Code compliance is a must, but so is preserving your home’s look. We specialize in getting both right.

3. Power Surges

From lightning storms to grid inconsistencies, surges are more common than you’d think. Modern systems with surge protection keep your electronics safe.

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices vary, but here are some ballpark figures:

• Panel upgrade: $2,000 – $4,000
• Whole-home rewiring: $8,000 – $20,000
• GFCI/AFCI upgrades: $100 – $300 per outlet or circuit
• EV charger install: $1,200 – $2,500

Want more details? Visit How Much Do Electricians Cost.

Ready for the Future?

Smart homes and electric vehicles are here to stay. Is your wiring ready for it?

Thinking of:

• Installing a smart electrical panel?
• Adding solar or battery storage?
• Upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC?
• Charging your EV at home?

Your old system might not be able to handle it. Check out our Guide to Installing a Home EV Charger and What Is a Smart Electrical Panel? to learn more.

Why Homeowners in Colorado Springs Choose Us

We’re The Electricians, local, licensed, and proud to serve our community. We’ve helped countless homeowners upgrade their systems safely and efficiently.

What You Get:

• Licensed and insured pros
• Transparent, upfront pricing
• Fast, respectful service
• Tons of 5-star reviews

Reach out today! Contact us for a free evaluation.

Bottom Line: Old Wiring Isn’t Worth the Risk

Whether your lights flicker or you’re just curious about your system’s safety, it’s smart to schedule an inspection. A modern electrical system protects your home, increases its value, and gets you ready for the future.

Questions? Need a quote? Want to know if your panel’s on the “naughty list”? Reach out here or call (719) 241-1558.

Stay safe, stay powered, and enjoy the peace of mind.