Top Electrical Upgrades for Your Long Island Home in 2024

1. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel (Especially If It's Over 20 Years Old!)

Does your home still have a 100-amp panel? If so, it might be time for an upgrade! Many older Long Island homes were built when electricity demand was much lower. With today’s high-powered appliances, home offices, and electric vehicles (EVs), a 200-amp panel is becoming the new standard.

🔌 Signs You Need an Upgrade:

• Lights dimming when using appliances

• Frequently tripping breakers

• A panel that still has fuses instead of breakers

💡 Pro Tip: If you're planning on adding central air conditioning, a home addition, or an EV charger, a panel upgrade should be your first step.

2. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

Long Island is no stranger to storms, and with unpredictable weather, power surges can be a real threat to your home’s electrical system. A whole-home surge protector prevents damage to your appliances, computers, and expensive electronics.

Why You Need It:
✅ Protects your TV, refrigerator, HVAC system, and more
✅ Saves you from costly replacement bills
✅ Reduces the risk of electrical fires caused by surges

💰 Cost: Typically between $300-$700 installed—a small price to pay for the peace of mind!

3. Add Outdoor & Landscape Lighting

Outdoor lighting does more than just make your home look beautiful—it improves security and increases curb appeal. From motion sensor floodlights to LED pathway lights, upgrading your outdoor lighting is a great way to add value.

🏡 Popular Choices for Suffolk County Homes:

• Motion-activated security lights (perfect for deterring intruders)

• Smart WiFi-controlled landscape lighting (change colors for holidays!)

• Low-voltage LED path lighting (energy-efficient & stylish)

📌 Pro Tip: Consider installing dusk-to-dawn sensors so your lights turn on and off automatically!

4. Install a Backup Generator

We all know how unpredictable Long Island weather can be. A backup generator ensures that when the power goes out, your home stays running. Standby generators can automatically kick in during an outage, keeping your refrigerator, heating, and even medical devices running.

⚡ Types of Generators:

• Portable Generators (cheaper but require manual setup)

• Standby Generators (automatically turns on and powers the whole house)

💡 Worth It? If you’ve ever lost power for days after a nor’easter or hurricane, you already know the answer!

5. Upgrade to Smart Home Electrical Features

Smart technology isn't just about convenience—it can help you save on your electric bill and improve home safety.

📱 Popular Smart Electrical Upgrades:

• Smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee) – save up to 20% on energy bills

• WiFi-controlled outlets – turn off devices remotely

• Smart circuit breakers – monitor energy usage in real time

🔌 Pro Tip: Suffolk County offers rebates for energy-efficient upgrades! Check out PSEG Long Island’s website to see if you qualify.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your electrical system isn’t just about keeping up with modern technology—it’s about safety, efficiency, and adding value to your home. Whether you need a simple panel upgrade or a full smart-home overhaul, investing in your electrical system is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Need a licensed electrician in Suffolk County, NY? Contact Long Island Electric Pro today for a free consultation!

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