Some or even all of the utilities in your home might be routed through a particular closet. If your home has multiple floors, it might be on the ground level, but it could also be in the basement. It might even be off the garage. Utility closets are typically designed to be kept out of the way, but they house the utilities that impact your everyday life.
Electricity
Whether you get your power through a local utility, your own solar panels, or both, you have a circuit breaker somewhere serving as a crucial safety feature in your home. The utility closet is probably where that’s at.
Natural Gas
Found in most homes, it might be used for several different purposes. Specific applications include fireplaces, stoves, heating water, and, most often, as a source of central heat. Most heaters use natural gas to operate, burning it to generate heat.
Water
Residential water heater installation was something that helped many working-class homes start enjoying a feature and amenity that had been previously reserved for the affluent. Now, it’s a standard feature in nearly any home. You don’t just rely on it for washing your hands and bathing or showering. It’s also crucial to do certain loads of laundry and wash your dishes, pots, and pans.
Cable
Streaming services, video gaming, and online content have all reduced TV viewership over the last two decades. However, cable TV is still a common feature in many homes. Quite a few households actually rely on their cable service not just for TV but also for their online connectivity and phone service, too.
Internet
This is how you access anything from funny cat videos to remote work meetings for your profession. There are still many homes that don’t have broadband access, but most homes not only have an online connection but also have Wi-Fi all throughout the residence.
Telephone
Your landline might not go through the utility closet, but it can be essential for homes with bad wireless coverage or households that just want a solid backup option for emergencies.
You likely take all these utilities for granted, but if any of them were to be cut off, even for a short while, then you would surely notice it. Your utility closet probably doesn’t need your attention very often, but it’s important to know where it is and keep a clear path of access to it just in case.
