Should You Replace the Aluminum Wiring in Your House?

Aluminum wiring was commonly used in homes built throughout the 1960s and 1970s. If your home dates back to this era, it’s likely that you have aluminum wiring unless a previous owner had the electrical system updated.

However, if you do still have aluminum wiring in your home, there are a few benefits to replacing the wiring with copper.

Minimize Household Energy Waste

Most people don’t realize that the type of wiring in your home will affect your overall energy efficiency. This is because copper is 38.2% more conductive than aluminum. In simple terms, you can channel more electricity through less copper when compared to the amount of aluminum wiring your electrical system previously required.

A wiring upgrade will actually help you save space throughout your home for this reason. Since you don’t need as much copper to handle the same amount of energy as the aluminum wiring, you’ll need less space devoted to your home’s wiring system. This can make it easier to fully insulate your home.

Reduce the Need for Future Electrical Upgrades

While you’ll need an electrical panel upgrade anytime you change the way you use electricity in your home, your electrician shouldn’t have to replace your electrical wiring. They should only need to add additional wiring to handle the new appliances or electrical equipment you bring into your home.

Unfortunately, aluminum wiring tends to be fragile. If the electrician isn’t careful, they can split or break the aluminum wires in your home. Even on their own, aluminum wires break or fray due to bending or twisting.

These actions can increase the risks of arcs or electrical fires. Copper wiring is much more durable and easier to handle, so these hazards are less likely.

Protect Against Electrical Fires

Aluminum wiring has a lower melting point than copper. As the aluminum becomes overheated due to excessive energy use, it will start to melt. Once the metal melts, it can ignite other combustible materials that are close to the wiring. Within a short time, an electrical fire will start and spread to nearby materials in the home.

After replacing aluminum wiring with copper, you’ll significantly reduce these risks. It takes considerably more heat for copper to melt, and you’re unlikely to reach that level of overheating in a residential home. This makes copper wiring a safer choice when upgrading your home’s electrical system.

Guard Against Corrosion

Aside from the electrical wiring hazards that could compromise your home’s safety, aluminum wiring corrodes. The corrosion that occurs over time results in deposits forming on the wiring and between the connection points.

This disrupts the flow of electricity. As a result, less energy will flow to your appliances, and you’ll see more energy waste on your utility bill statements.

After an electrical upgrade that involves replacing aluminum wires with copper, you’ll avoid this situation. It takes longer for copper to corrode. When copper corrosion does occur, the wires will simply turn green. Energy efficiency will still remain constant since corrosion doesn’t affect copper in the same way that it causes aluminum to deteriorate.

Schedule an Electrical Inspection Today!

Ready to maximize the energy efficiency of your home in Colorado Springs? Peak Home Performance can provide you with a thorough electrical inspection.

Our skilled team can evaluate the condition of your home’s wiring and determine whether you have aluminum wiring that needs replacing. To get started, contact us to set up an appointment for your electrical inspection today.