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Old electrical systems may have more problems than newer ones. In some cases, like if your home has aluminum wiring, it may be necessary to update your electrical system. You should also update your home’s wiring if it still has knob and tube wiring, which is considered dangerous by modern building standards. If that applies to you, get in touch with an electrical professional near you to obtain a quote.

Typically, a local home energy auditor is responsible for performing energy audits. A home energy auditor will conduct one of three energy audits designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to determine the energy efficiency of your home. The auditor often provides analysis that can help guide changes and improvements to your home for better energy efficiency, giving recommendations as necessary.

It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.

Key considerations include:

• Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.

• System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

• Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.

• Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.

Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.

Upgrading a two-prong outlet to a three-prong outlet typically costs between $20 and $50 per outlet if the electrical box is already grounded. However, the cost can increase significantly if the system is not grounded, as this may require grounding the box or upgrading your electrical panel. Electricians generally charge between $50 and $100 per hour for labor, and the total cost for a more complex installation could range from $130 to $300.