Scottsdale Neighborhood Spotlight: Electrical Tips for Old Town Scottsdale Homes

Old Town Scottsdale’s mid-century bungalows, 1960s to 1980s ranch homes, and newer properties give the town’s neighborhoods a lot of charm. However, it also has some unique electrical challenges. Many homes still have panels and wiring designed decades ago.

Older Old Town homes often rely on undersized panels, limited circuits, and fewer outlets, which pushes systems beyond the electrical loads they can handle. Remodeling and modernization are booming, with homeowners refreshing kitchens, creating open floor plans, and expanding outdoor living spaces.

The combination of aging infrastructure and new high-demand features makes it essential for Old Town homeowners to understand how safe, efficient electrical upgrades can protect their property, improve comfort, and prepare their homes for the future

Understanding Homes in Old Town Scottsdale

Many Old Town Scottsdale homes still have the original 60 to 100 amp panels, while modern homes commonly use 200 amp service to support higher loads. These older systems usually have fewer circuits and outlets, which leads to heavy reliance on power strips and extension cords.

Old Town homeowners frequently upgrade kitchens, add recessed lighting, and create open-concept spaces that need more circuits and well-planned lighting layouts. During these projects, the budget for panel upgrades, new circuits, and additional outlets so the electrical system matches the latest design, not just the old layout.

Scottsdale’s focus on energy efficiency also influences Old Town projects, encouraging the use of LED lighting, better controls, and efficient equipment. When homeowners modernize, it is a prime time to improve insulation, upgrade HVAC units, and plan for EV chargers or future smart-home additions.

Common Electrical Issues Homeowners Face

Old Town’s older homes frequently face issues like undersized or outdated breaker panels, ungrounded wiring, and circuits that trip when multiple high-demand appliances run at once. Some properties may still have aging or obsolete wiring methods that were acceptable when built, but no longer match today’s safety standards.

Scottsdale’s intense heat and monsoon storms put extra stress on electrical equipment, causing overheating, dust buildup, and frequent power surges. Homeowners should never ignore warning signs such as flickering lights, outlets or switches that feel warm, burning odors, buzzing panels, or breakers that trip repeatedly, as these can signal overheating or failing components.

Smart Electrical Upgrades for Old Town Homes

Upgrading an older panel to the modern capacity of 200 amps significantly improves both safety and flexibility for future additions. When planning remodels, Old Town homeowners should add dedicated circuits for large appliances, HVAC, and EV chargers, and ensure the panel has room for growth.

Adding GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas, and AFCI protection on bedroom and living-area circuits, significantly reduces the risk of shock and fire. Whole-home surge protection, combined with quality plug-in surge strips, is especially valuable in Scottsdale to help protect electronics and smart devices from repeated grid disturbances.

Lighting upgrades have a significant impact on Old Town homes. Upgrading outdated lighting with dimmers, LED recessed fixtures, and energy-efficient outdoor and landscape lighting helps reduce energy consumption, enhance indoor comfort, and improve curb appeal. During any major renovation, a load calculation helps ensure the system can safely support added circuits, new outlets, and high-demand appliances.

When to Call a Professional Electrician

Old Town homeowners should contact a licensed professional whenever they notice overheating, buzzing, frequent breaker trips, or visible rust or corrosion in the panel or meter. Regular inspections are crucial prior to major remodels, panel changes, or the addition of EV chargers, hot tubs, or large kitchen equipment.

For safe, code-compliant upgrades tailored to older Old Town properties, working with an experienced Scottsdale electrician is the best approach. A local pro can evaluate existing wiring, recommend panel or circuit upgrades, and design improvements that support both current needs and future plans.

Choosing the Right Electrician in Scottsdale

Old Town homeowners should search for an electrician who is insured, licensed, familiar with the permitting requirements in Scottsdale, and experienced with older homes and modern smart-home features. Checking reviews, asking about experience with panel upgrades, rewiring, EV charging, and LED lighting, and confirming permit and inspection practices are all essential steps.

For a deeper checklist on how to vet qualifications, communication, and safety practices, homeowners can refer to this helpful guide to choosing a trusted electrician in Scottsdale. Working with the right professional helps ensure Old Town Scottsdale homes stay safe, efficient, and ready for the next generation of upgrades.

Vale City Electric is a locally owned and operated electrical company proudly serving Arizona. We specialize in both commercial and residential electrical work, offering a wide range of services including:

panel upgrades

lighting installations

commercial tenant improvements

With a commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Vale City Electric is your trusted partner for all your electrical needs.

Scottsdale Neighborhood Spotlight: Electrical Tips for Old Town Scottsdale Homes