Do you know that there’s an unsung hero in your home working tirelessly for years to ensure your comfort and safety? It’s your electrical panel! Although you might not think about it very often, your electrical panel is the central hub for controlling electrical use throughout your home.
Not only does your electrical panel distribute power throughout your home, but it also plays a role in electrical safety with appropriate circuit breakers tripping when overloaded or a fault occurs. This prevents overheating and the risk of electrical fires.
But what happens when your electrical panel starts showing signs of age? Most panels last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on maintenance, use, and other factors before they need to be replaced.
In this blog, Potts Electric will discuss the signs you should look for when considering electrical panel replacement and the benefits of getting your replacement panel from trusted electricians.
When Should I Consider Electrical Panel Replacement?
Interested in knowing when you should consider getting an electrical panel replacement? Start with the age of your panel. The older your electrical panel is, the higher the likelihood of electrical fire and electrocution. Additionally, consider the electrical demand your family puts on your panel. Decades ago, houses were built with panels around 100 amps, whereas electrical load requirements with upgraded appliances might need a 200-amp panel.
There might also be signs that your panel needs replacement due to safety concerns. Perhaps it was installed incorrectly or is a brand that has been recalled. See additional signs below.
How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be replaced?
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Frequently tripped breakers
- Burning smells
- Signs of overheating like scorch marks and melting
- Old or outdated panel
Schedule Panel Inspection with Potts Electric
If you’re unsure whether or not you need an electrical panel replacement, it’s better to be safe than sorry later on. Call an electrician from Potts Electric to do a panel inspection. We’ll be able to give you our honest opinion about the state of your electrical panel and set your mind at ease.
Choosing to upgrade your electrical panel comes with fringe benefits, which you can read about below.
1. Improved Safety
Your current electrical panel might be over 40 years old and not meet the current safety standards. Getting an electrical panel replacement will reduce fire risks from an overloaded panel. Additionally, when you upgrade your electrical panel, you can incorporate safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI).
2. Increased Electrical Load
One of the most significant benefits of an electrical panel replacement and upgrade is that it provides you with additional electrical capabilities. If your current electrical panel is around 100 amps, upgrading to a 200-amp panel will allow you to upgrade your appliances without placing strain on your panel.
Add newer appliances
Newer appliances require an increased electrical demand from panels in homes. These appliances include tankless water heaters, heat pumps, and electric dryers and may necessitate a panel upgrade before installation. If you’re thinking about upgrading your appliances, it’s vital to get an electrician from our team to inspect your home’s electrical system.
Get more outlets in rooms
Opting for an electrical panel replacement can allow you to add more outlets to different rooms in your home. For example, is there a room currently where you rely on a power strip to plug in all your devices? Our electricians can add modern outlets, with USB ports, to rooms that require more power.
Home comfort upgrades
Wanting to add electrical upgrades to your home? An electrical panel makes it easy. Modern energy upgrades like solar panels might require an electrical panel upgrade down the road if you want to expand your photovoltaic (PV) system with solar batteries or an EV charger installation. Likewise, if you want to add a hot tub or a heated pool, you’ll need to invest in your panel.
Reduced flickering lights
Having an outdated electrical panel that is nearing the end of its lifespan can often present issues like flickering lights. Instead of living with this annoyance, look into an electrical panel upgrade.
3. Smart Home Capabilities
Have you been dreaming about outfitting your home with the latest in smart home technology? An electrical panel upgrade can make this a reality. Schedule a time for panel inspection from one of our electricians. We can walk you through the process of installing smart lighting, dimmers, speakers, switches and more. Additionally, we can ensure your electrical panel will keep up with your increased demand.
4. Improved Energy Efficiency
Getting an electrical panel replacement means you’ll save money on electrical bills. Newer electrical panels incorporate energy-efficient technology like smart meters and time-of-use controls. You can get real-time information about your energy usage, identify high areas of spend, and adjust your habits.
5. Possible Tax Credits and Rebates
Homeowners in Fenton and the surrounding area who opt for an electrical panel replacement could also take advantage of tax credits and rebates. Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners may be eligible to receive 30% of the installation cost—up to $600—for upgrades or replacements to panelboards, sub-panelboards, branch circuits, or feeders, as long as the equipment supports a load capacity of at least 200 amps. The panel also has to be installed in a manner consistent with the National Electric Code.
6. Enhanced Property Value
Take your home’s market value up a notch with an electrical panel upgrade. When you increase your home’s safety and electrical capabilities, you make it more attractive to prospective buyers. In this way, potential buyers will know the electrical panel will grow with their family and electrical needs and won’t need to be updated by them in quite a while.
Future Proof Your Home with Help from Potts Electric
Take your home to the next level with an electrical panel replacement. Not only will you increase your home’s safety, but you’ll also be future-proofing it for technological advancements down the line.
Potts Electric can provide you with expert electrical services whenever you need them. We cover everything from EV charger installation to electrical repair to rewiring, new construction, and, yes, electrical panel replacement. We can also handle all your electrical maintenance needs. It’s a good idea to schedule electrical panel maintenance and inspections. Our electricians will be able to check for faulty connections and any signs of damage.
Do you need an electrical panel replacement in Fenton, MO, and the surrounding area? Call an electrician from our team today to get started!
