Start the New Year Powered Right: 4 Electrical Upgrades That Make a Difference

As 2026 begins, many homeowners are focused on resolutions that improve comfort, safety, and long-term value. One area often overlooked? Your home’s electrical system. At Corrigan Electric, we believe that a properly powered home sets the tone for a smoother, safer year ahead.

Here are four electrical upgrades that can make a meaningful difference in 2026 and beyond.

1. Panel Upgrades: More Power, More Peace of Mind

Older electrical panels weren’t designed to handle today’s load. Between EV chargers, smart appliances, and growing energy demand, many homes built before the 2000s are pushing their panels to the limit. Signs like frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or outlets that feel warm aren’t just annoying; they could be dangerous.

A panel upgrade increases your home’s electrical capacity, improves safety, and ensures code compliance. It also prepares your home for future additions, whether that’s a kitchen remodel or installing a hot tub.

At Corrigan Electric, we evaluate your current setup, discuss your long-term needs, and install new panels with the clean workmanship and clear communication our customers expect.

2. Whole-Home Surge Protection

Kentucky weather can be unpredictable, and with increased storms comes increased risk of power surges. One lightning strike or grid disturbance can cause thousands of dollars in damage to appliances, electronics, and even HVAC systems.

Whole-home surge protection defends your entire system at the panel level. This is not the same as a plug-in surge strip; it’s a hardwired, professional-grade solution. We install these systems to meet code and protect what matters most.

If you’re already investing in modern appliances or smart home gear, surge protection is not optional. It’s a smart, affordable safeguard against avoidable damage.

3. Dedicated Circuits for High-Load Areas

One of the most common service calls we get in winter is overloaded circuits. Space heaters, sump pumps, garage freezers, and EV chargers can all overwhelm shared circuits.

A licensed electrician can install dedicated circuits that isolate these high-load devices, improving safety and performance. We commonly add dedicated lines for:

• Garages and workshops

• Kitchen appliances

• Home offices

• Laundry rooms

• Electric vehicle charging

It’s a simple way to keep your home running reliably while reducing fire risk and nuisance trips.

4. EV Charger Installation: The Right Way

With more Kentucky and Indiana residents driving electric, in-home charging is becoming a must-have. But not all EV chargers are the same, and neither are the installations.

Corrigan Electric provides custom EV charger installs that meet manufacturer specs and local code. We assess your electrical panel, load capacity, and garage layout to install the right charger with the right wiring.

Whether you’re upgrading to a faster charger or installing one for the first time, we handle the full process, from permitting to testing. No shortcuts, no guessing.

Power Into 2026 with Confidence

We’ve built Corrigan Electric on long-term relationships, not one-time transactions. If you're considering an upgrade this year, let us help you do it right, with licensed electricians, safe installation, and honest recommendations.

Because when your home is properly powered, everything else works better.

You Know Us at Corrigan. Give Us a Call. Your Electrician.