If you’ve been looking at your electricity bill recently and wondering why so much power is being used, then it is worth investigating the value of having dedicated circuits for your major appliances.
They can reduce your power bill, provide an extra safety precaution against appliances overheating and reduce the chance of circuits tripping when overused.
A dedicated circuit will supply power to only one appliance, such as a large TV screen or fridge. In most homes, you’ll find shared circuits from which a toaster and kettle may draw the same power.
Each dedicated circuit has its own circuit breaker, which will be located in your electrical box. It will trip without taking out half the house or apartment when it overheats or suffers a power surge. This limits the possibility of damage to other appliances.
The optimal time to install dedicated circuits is when you have to update and rewire the home, or make the installation part of a major remodel.
The items you might consider for a dedicated circuit include: ovens and electric ranges; air-conditioning units; electric furnaces and water heaters; refrigerators; home entertainment system; HVAC systems; dishwasher, washer and dryer; garbage disposal and hot tubs.
While improvements to electrical safety will not necessarily significantly impact the value of your home, it is a good selling point.