Quaint older homes have been built and scattered throughout Texarkana, Mount Pleasant, and the greater Northeast Texas region. They offer beautiful craftsmanship, cozy layouts, and architectural character that’s hard to find in new construction. But behind the vintage lighting and antique hardware, these older homes may be hiding electrical dangers you can’t see—until it’s too late.
Why Older Homes Struggle with Modern Power Needs
When many of these homes were built, the average family had one TV, a few lights, and maybe a washing machine. Fast-forward to today, and we’re plugging in:
Large refrigerators and chest freezers
Wall or window A/C units or mini-split systems
Microwaves, dishwashers, and high-powered dryers
Computers, phone chargers, smart speakers, and game consoles
Multiple large-screen TVs, sound systems, and Wi-Fi routers
All of these add to the electrical load—more than outdated wiring and old circuit panels were ever meant to handle.
Without upgrades, this strain can lead to frequent power issues and even dangerous electrical fires.
⚠️ Common Electrical Problems in Older Homes
If your home is over 30 years old, it’s smart to stay alert for signs of electrical trouble. Here are some of the most common red flags we see:
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights flicker when the air conditioner kicks on or when you run the vacuum, that’s a sign your system is overloaded or has weak connections. It might also point to deteriorating wiring.
2. Frequent Breaker Trips
Your circuit breakers are designed to trip when a circuit is overloaded or shorted out. If this happens often, it means your system can’t keep up—or worse, there’s a short circuit or faulty breaker that needs urgent attention.
3. Two-Prong Outlets
These outlets don’t have a grounding wire, which is a major safety feature in modern electrical systems. Grounding helps prevent shock and reduces fire risk. It also means your outlets can’t safely power many modern appliances or surge protectors.
4. Aluminum Wiring
Homes built in the late ’60s to mid-’70s may contain aluminum wiring, which was used as a cheaper alternative to copper. Unfortunately, aluminum oxidizes more quickly, expands and contracts with heat, and can loosen connections, leading to arcing and fire hazards.
5. Outdated Panels (60 or 100 amps)
Modern homes typically require at least 200 amps of service to handle today’s electrical loads. Many older homes have small, outdated panels that aren’t just inefficient—they may also be unsafe or even recalled, like some Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels.
🔧 What We Can Do: Safe, Reliable Electrical Updates
At Blu Candor Electrical, LLC, we specialize in upgrading and restoring the electrical systems in older homes, preserving their charm while making them safe and functional for modern life.
Full Electrical Inspections
Our licensed electricians begin with a comprehensive inspection. We assess the wiring, breaker panel, outlets, and overall power load to identify any problem areas or code violations.
Panel Upgrades
If your home still runs on a 60-amp or 100-amp panel, we may recommend upgrading to a 150- or 200-amp system. This provides enough capacity for current and future electrical needs—and gives you peace of mind.
Outlet and Switch Replacement
We replace old, worn-out, or unsafe outlets with modern, grounded outlets. We can also add GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas, which protect against shock near water.
Aluminum Wiring Remediation
If your home has aluminum wiring, we offer two main solutions:
Rewiring sections with safe copper wire
Installing specialized connectors (like AlumiConn or COPALUM crimps) to ensure secure, fire-safe connections
Whole-House Rewiring (If Needed)
In severe cases—especially homes built before 1950—it may be necessary to re-wire the entire home. We work room-by-room to minimize disruption, replacing dangerous wiring with modern, code-compliant materials.
🧹 Respectful Work. Clean Results.
We understand that your home is your sanctuary, a space where comfort and safety are paramount. That’s why our dedicated team is committed to delivering an exceptional service experience by:
- Explains every step of the process
- Keeps the work area neat and clean
- Follows up to ensure your satisfaction
- Leaves no mess behind—just safe, functional upgrades
🎁 Special Offer:
$50 OFF Your First Service Call
Is your home 20 years or older? Don’t miss out on our special offer of $50 off your first inspection or service call! Just mention this post when you schedule your appointment, and take advantage of this fantastic discount. Your home deserves the best care—let us help you today!
You’ll receive:
A full walkthrough of your home’s electrical system
A prioritized list of repairs or upgrades
Honest pricing and no pushy upselling
We’ll help you make your home safer, smarter, and more comfortable—without breaking the bank.
✅ When Should You Call Us?
If any of the following apply to your home, now’s the time:
Built before 1990
Still using two-prong outlets or an old fuse box
Has aluminum wiring or an ungrounded system
Adding a hot tub, electric vehicle charger, or new appliances
Seeing any flickering, breaker trips, or unusual smells
We serve Texarkana, Mount Pleasant, Simms, and all of Northeast Texas with fast, friendly, and professional service.
💬 Let’s Talk
Your older home doesn’t have to be a safety hazard. With the right upgrades, it can be a safe, reliable, and energy-efficient space for years to come.
📞 Call us today or book your inspection online.
🔌 Mention this blog post to claim your $50 discount!