In your home, the electrical panel is the central hub where all your electricity is generated. Throughout your home, it powers every outlet, light fixture, and appliance. With age, it can become obsolete and may even become unsafe. In several ways, installing a new electrical panel is one of the most cost-effective ways to bring life back into an aged home. Typically, homeowners don’t upgrade their electrical system until there’s a problem, although these upgrades should be performed as part of proactive maintenance. You’re here for that, right? It’s good to see you taking care of your home!
Electric panels are your home’s brains. Sometimes they are referred to as a central load, the main switch, a breaker panel, or a distribution board. They all have the same purpose. With the panel, you can regulate all that electricity flowing through the wires and circuits so it can be safely distributed to devices in need, such as refrigerators and air conditioning units, when summertime rolls around again. You will no longer have to worry about buzzing lights and strange sounds caused by blown fuses thanks to a panel upgrade.
People usually assume when they buy a new house that the electrical panel will last as long as their new home. However, something can always go wrong.
What’s listed above is generally out of your hands. The following are some things that may have been happening in your property and might indicate it’s time to upgrade.
Electrical Shocks – The wiring is most likely faulty or improperly connected if you’re experiencing small shocks and tingling. If this is the case, there is a risk of electrical leakage when you touch the switch or outlet.
Burning Odors or Sparks – A small spark is not uncommon, but a large spark or recurring spark could indicate faulty wiring or a faulty circuit. Look for warm outlets or outlets that are discolored as well. You must consult an electrician about this issue, regardless of whether the problem is due to faulty wiring or overloaded circuits.
Dimmed Light When Using Other Appliances – In this case, your electrical system is incapable of supplying the current you need. In essence, an overloaded circuit sends electricity from other parts of the home to the appliances to meet the demand.
Breakers Frequently Tripping – If circuit breakers are overloaded or out-of-date, they trip. Crackling sounds may be heard in older panels. Your electrical panel needs to be updated.
Using Too Many Power Strips & Extension Cords – One of the more common symptoms is relying heavily on extension cords and power strips to keep your home powered. By upgrading your panel, you can add additional circuits and outlets around your property, allowing you to avoid the fire risk associated with using too many power strips and extension cords.
Old Panel – It’s time to update a panel when it’s over 25 – 40 years old. The panel might need some electrical repair work or it might need to be fully replaced.
Additionally, an electrical panel upgrade will enable you to accomplish things in your home that were previously impossible. You can, for example, upgrade your electrical systems to take advantage of new technologies and appliances. You may want to install a hot tub or EV charger but you have a deteriorating panel. There is a possibility that you won’t be able to do it without a panel upgrade as you don’t have enough electricity coming into your home.
A house built before the year 2000 that is 20 years old or older generally operates at a lower current (60-100 amps), whereas newer ones run at a higher current. This is due to an increase in the demand for energy in modern appliances. This means you need to upgrade to keep the electrical system in your house current with modern technology! These days, 200 amp breakers are most commonly used.
It’s also a safety factor. An old panel needs to be taken care of to ensure the safety of your home. Fires or other severe consequences can be caused by a broken panel. You and your family’s safety mustn’t be put at risk by an old and faulty panel.
Additionally, upgrading your electrical panel has many benefits. The benefits of an efficient system will not only save you money on your power bill but also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your whole house is not in danger from a fire that is triggered by an electronic device. Additionally, you will be able to use the new appliances you could not use before. Or if you were having issues with the power going out and won’t be installing new major appliances you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the power will be steady and always there when you need it.
Also, the value of your home increases when you sell your home after a new electrical panel has been installed. This enables you to add more appliances and protects expensive electronic equipment more effectively. You’ll get extra value to your home if you do it instead of leaving it to the new owner.
When it comes to getting a new electrical panel, the process is rather complicated. But don’t worry, The Speedy Electricians qualified technicians are here to help. What to expect during a typical electrical panel upgrade can be summarized as follows:
1. In the beginning, we will have the most important discussion of this entire process. We’ll assess the current issues that may be affecting your property right now to determine how much power demand is needed for your property. We will also ask you if you have any plans to add appliances to your home or have a more power demand that will be needed in the future. So you don’t have to upgrade the panel again.
2. Using this information, your electrician will determine the size of the new panel and the number of circuits to be installed.
3. They will work with the utility company to obtain any permits required for this work.
4. Any new circuits will be installed by the electrician, and your panel will be replaced or updated.
5. It’s done!
Electricity is a critical part of your home’s systems, so investing in a new 200 amp panel is a wise choice. Many factors affect the cost of updating your property, including its size, type (underground or overhead), and the number of floors you have. Discuss this matter directly with one of our qualified team members so that we can help you determine just what kind of upgrade may be most appropriate for your situation!
Because it can be difficult to determine the cost without this information. It’s best to get a quote for the best solution. Call us to get an estimate! We offer no-strings pricing. We will select the most appropriate panel for your home to fit the electrical requirements you have.
If you are looking for an electrical panel upgrade, we can help. If you need an electric system updated for your home or business, we’ve got the knowledge and experience to get it done promptly. If it’s an emergency electrician service you need with a problem panel or if you are planning an upgrade down the track. Call us today if you need more information about how we can provide this service for you!
