How & When to Upgrade a Residential Electrical Panel

Should I Upgrade My Home’s Electrical Panel?

As electrical technology advances, so does the need to upgrade residential electrical panels. If your home was built before 1980, it’s likely that your current electrical panel is outdated and needs an upgrade. The good news is that upgrading your electrical panel can not only increase your home wiring system’s safety but also give you more power outlets and a higher amperage rating for all your appliances.

Let’s break down what you need to know about upgrading your residential electrical panel.

An old or inefficient electrical panel can become a major issue when it's overloaded with new appliances, HVAC systems, and even solar panel units. When the energy load exceeds what the electric panels already installed in the home can handle, both safety and energy efficiency are compromised.

In this case, you should seriously consider upgrading your electrical panel to ensure that all of these components receive adequate power and that your house remains both safe and energy efficient. From choosing and installing a panel to calculating the amperage capacity needed to make sure everything works properly an experienced professional will be able to get your home functioning at its highest efficiency and safety standards.

How To Know When It’s Time to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

If you are unsure whether or not it is time to upgrade your electrical panel, look out for the following signs.

If your home is more than 40 years old

Upgrading your residence's electrical panel is essential if it was built more than four decades ago. Older homes with outdated panels may not be able to properly handle modern appliances and electronics, leading to either dangerous failure or sluggish, deteriorated performance.

If your home is in this category, you'll have peace of mind knowing that modern systems reduce the risk of overheating, shock, and fire significantly. Have an electrician inspect the panel to determine how much its wattage capacity will allow when adding new devices or services; they can also quote you on a potential upgrade.

You'll benefit from improved safety, enhanced power distribution, and the opportunity to alleviate the stress your system has been carrying for too long!

If you have a circuit breaker that frequently trips

Is your circuit breaker tripping frequently? It could be a sign that you need to upgrade your residential electrical panel. With the increased demand on our electrical systems, having an outdated electrical panel could put you at risk of an overload or worse - a fire.

An electrician can help you determine how best to upgrade your system. Your local utility company may even have incentives for upgrading to more efficient equipment, which can save you money in the long run.

Taking advantage of these upgrades not only improves safety in your home; it also helps conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in an upgraded panel is well worth the effort, so take some time to talk with an electrician about updating yours today.

If you have fuses instead of circuit breakers

Upgrading a residential electrical panel is an important safety measure that all homeowners should consider, particularly if you have fuses instead of circuit breakers. Fuses are not as reliable as circuit breakers can be, often at peak times, causing hazardous overloading, arcing, or even fire.

In addition to the safety aspects, upgrading a residential electrical panel may be necessary to ensure you are getting the most from your electricity, as new electronic equipment that you purchase is often more demanding than in previous years. In many cases, an upgrade will save money in the long run due to decreased energy consumption and improved wiring efficiency.

Ultimately, it's important for all homeowners to assess their unique needs and talk with an electrician before deciding to upgrade their residential electrical panels.

If you notice any sparks or burning smells coming from your electrical panel

If you start seeing sparks or smelling burning coming from your electrical panel, chances are it’s time to upgrade that residential panel. An upgraded panel comes complete with modern features like circuit breakers and wiring designed to prevent these dangerous situations.

Not only will upgrading your residential panel bring extra safety for anyone in the vicinity, but it can also mean more outlets for those devices you need to power up, such as air conditioning units, computers, lights, and more. A professional electrician should be called at once if you notice sparks or burning smells coming from your electrical panel – making sure safety comes first when upgrading a residential electrical panel.

If your electrical bill has increased significantly

Higher than normal electric bills can be a frustrating and expensive problem. If your electrical bill has been skyrocketing, it might be time to consider upgrading your residential electrical panel. Upgrading your residential electrical panel not only makes your home more efficient and electricity usage more manageable, but it can also help prevent property damage from potential overloading or overheating of the system.

The installation of a new panel also increases safety for your family, which is, without a doubt, priceless. The cost of upgrading may seem intimidating, but the cost savings from reduced energy usage can justify the initial investment in the long run.

If your electrical panels are no longer approved by the local jurisdiction

When it comes to the safety and functioning of your home’s electrical supply, there is no room for taking chances. If you have been informed that your circuits are outdated and no longer up to code, it's time to take action. To ensure that your family and possessions are safe from unexpected issues related to an unreliable power source, upgrading your residential electrical panel is the right thing to do.

Make sure you have a certified electrician taking care of it. Also, check whether you are eligible for any rebates available in your area, as they may help sweeten the deal financially. With the upgraded electrical panel soon enough, you can rest easy knowing that everything in your house is working according to today's regulations.

If you plan on selling your home

If you are planning to put your house up for sale, upgrading your residential electrical panel is a home improvement project well worth undertaking. Investing in a simple upgrade can drastically increase the appeal of your property and generate interest from potential buyers.

Securely housing the wiring leading in and out of your circuit breaker provides essential protection for household electronics and appliances, making it just as important for safety reasons as it is for value.

With today’s competitive market, properly maintaining existing panel components will mean far less hassle and expense in the future and provide peace of mind that everything is functioning effectively. Upgrading the electrical panel can protect the integrity of your home for years to come.

If your home has flickering or dim lights

Having flickering or dim lights in your home can be annoying and often indicates that it is time to upgrade your residential electrical panel. This can sound like a complicated problem, but luckily the solution doesn’t have to be difficult. An upgraded panel can easily prevent any future issues with lights as well as other electrical appliances around the house.

Additionally, having an up-to-date panel can even save you money long-term by increasing your energy efficiency. So, don't let dim lights keep you up at night - get an updated residential electric panel now before the problem gets any bigger!

Do I Need to Upgrade my Electrical Panel for solar?

Installing solar power in your home is an achievable and wise investment in green energy that will provide tremendous benefits to both you and the environment. But before you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy, there’s one important factor to consider: upgrading your residential electrical panel. A modern home should have at least a 200-amp model, but many older homes are equipped with panels rated much lower than this.

In order to ensure the reliable performance of an installed solar system and compliance with local building codes, upgrading your panel prior to installation is highly recommended. There are finance options available for qualified homeowners to help offset the installation costs, making taking this step an easy decision.

To take full advantage of all that solar installation has to offer and protect yourself against any potential future problems, upgrading your residential electrical panel is necessary before beginning the installation of your new and improved home system.

How To Upgrade a Residential Electrical Panel

Step One: Contact a Professional Electrician

The most important part of upgrading your residential electrical panel is ensuring that the job is done correctly. It’s best to hire a professional electrician with experience in these projects and can work with local codes and regulations.

A qualified electrician will also ensure that all safety precautions are taken during the installation process.

Step Two: Plan Ahead

Before starting any work on your home electrical system, always turn off the power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box. This will prevent any damage from occurring in case of an unexpected surge of electricity.

Additionally, plan ahead by ensuring that all necessary tools are available before beginning the project. Having the right tools on hand before starting can save time and money in the long run.

Step Three: Inspect Your Current System                                   

Once you have hired a professional electrician and gathered all the necessary tools, it’s time to inspect your current system. Your electrician should start by assessing your existing wiring, breakers, switches, and outlets, as well as any other components that may need repair or replacement during the upgrade process.

After an inspection is complete, your electrician can then determine what type of upgrades are needed for optimal performance and safety.

Step 4: Install New Circuit Breakers

Now that your electrician has inspected your current system, it's time to choose the right breaker box for your home and install new circuit breakers into it. Make sure that each circuit breaker is rated for the correct wattage – usually 15 or 20 amps – and that they are properly labeled so that they don't become overloaded with too many devices connected at once.

It's also important to note that some older homes may require special wiring in order for new circuit breakers to be installed correctly, so make sure to consult an experienced electrician if needed.   

Can I Upgrade My Electrical Panel Myself?

Can I upgrade my electrical panel myself? As with many DIY jobs, it really depends on the circumstances and your skill level. In most cases, it is recommended that you hire a professional electrician to make sure everything is done safely and according to code. Generally speaking, an electrical panel upgrade involves working with a high voltage system that can be dangerous for someone without experience.

You would need to shut off power to the home, remove wires and potentially modify circuits or add new breakers. If you aren't sure what needs to be done or lack the skills necessary to complete the job, trust a qualified electrical contractor who will assess your current system and determine the best solution for upgrading your panel.

How To Upgrade Electrical Panel to 200 amps?

Upgrading an electrical panel to 200 amps can be a daunting task, especially if you've never done it before. It's important to take the right safety precautions when trying to make this upgrade. To do this, you'll want to start by disconnecting the existing panel from its power source and then replacing the old circuit with a new 200 amp circuit breakers. After that, you should install a ground fault interrupter hookup to ensure your safety while using electrical appliances. Finally, after securing all bolts and screws, double check all of your connections before plugging it back into its power source. Following these steps will help ensure that you successfully upgrade your panel to 200 amps!

When To Upgrade Electrical Panel?

The best time to upgrade your electrical panel is when you’re renovating your home. This is because renovations can often increase the electrical load on your home, and an outdated electrical panel may not be able to handle this additional load. By upgrading your electrical panel, you can ensure that your home’s electrical system can safely handle the increased load.

Additionally, if you add new appliances to your home, such as a new air conditioner or a new clothes dryer, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel. This is because these new appliances will add to the electrical load on your home, and an outdated electrical panel may not be able to handle this additional load.

Suppose you have an electrician inspect your home’s electrical system, and they recommend that you upgrade your electrical panel; then you should also do so. This is because an electrician will be able to identify any potential problems with your current electrical panel and recommend a better option for your needs.

Lastly, if you experience problems with your current electrical panels, such as circuit breakers tripping frequently or lights flickering, then you should consider upgrading to a new one. These problems can often be caused by an outdated or overloaded electrical panel, and by upgrading to a new one, you can help to prevent these problems from occurring in the future.

Do You Need a Permit to Upgrade Electrical Panel?

Do you need a permit to upgrade your electrical panel? The answer is yes! Depending on where you live and the complexity of your project, pulling a permit for your electrical panel upgrade may be required by law. It's important to find out if you need one - failure to do so could result in hefty fines or even putting yourself or those around you at risk. Apart from the legal requirements, it is advisable to pull the necessary paperwork anyway since it will make sure your electrical system is safe and meets all codes and standards. So, when considering an upgrade, make sure that you look into how to obtain the proper permits before starting on any projects.

How much does it cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel?

How much will it cost to upgrade an electrical panel? The answer can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the required size of panel, labor costs, and any additional upgrades. Generally, panels range in price from approximately $500 to over $2000, depending on the complexity of the job. On average, a Colorado homeowner replacing a standard 150 amp breaker box alone can expect to pay around $1200 for parts and labor. Hiring a professional electrician is highly advised when upgrading an electrical panel as it can be dangerous work that involves a high level of technical skill. It is important to research local electricians and get quotes to ensure you get the best value for money before proceeding with any electrical upgrades.

Conclusion

Upgrading a residential electrical panel may seem like a daunting task, but knowing why it needs to be done and when it should be done will make the process easier. Remember – upgrading an older electrical system can help protect against potential fire hazards due to faulty wiring or overloaded circuits while also providing enough power outlets for your electronic devices.

With this information in hand, Greeley, Evans, Loveland, Johnstown & Windsor homeowners with older systems can confidently move forward with their plans to upgrade their residential electric panels today!

Why You Should Choose AC-DC Electric

If you’re still having trouble finding the right electrician to help you with your residential electrical issues, consider contacting AC-DC Electric. We maintain a network of reliable and affordable electricians who can offer assistance.

Our clients in Greeley, Evans, Johnstown & Windsor trust us for the following reasons:

Our Experience

At AC-DC Electric, we have been offering both residential and commercial electrical services for over four decades. Our experience has taught us the best ways to perform various procedures.

Our management and staff have seen electric systems evolve over time and have gained a deeper understanding of how they work. Thanks to our experience, we rarely encounter issues that we have never seen before.

Our knowledge

Each of our electricians and technicians is licensed, certified, and trained to provide high quality services. We understand the importance that electric systems play in both residential and commercial properties. This is why we handpick the best staff who are both knowledgeable and have demonstrated their ability in a variety of situations.

At AC-DC Electric, we foster an environment that encourages excellence. You can count on our electricians and technicians to get the job done with both speed and skill.

Our Transparent Pricing

Dealing with an electrical problem at home can be incredibly distressing, and many electricians and companies are willing to exploit people experiencing such issues by charging them high fees. At AC-DC Electric, we strive to provide high quality services at affordable rates.

Our experts can also offer you a free estimate before you hire them. This ensures you remain aware of how much you will need to pay before using our services.

If you’re ready to tackle your residential property’s electrical problems quickly, please contact AC-DC Electric today. Our experts are always happy and ready to help residents in Greeley, Evans, Johnstown & Windsor. Call today for a free estimate at 970-330-1656.