Being one of the most important components of your house, your electrical or circuit breaker panel is responsible for the smooth functioning of all your house’s electrical tasks. From safe distribution of electricity to guaranteeing year-round comfort, your electrical panel does a lot for your house. But not knowing when it is time to upgrade this key component could result in power loss and even safety hazards. This is why our technicians at Laurelton Electric have created this guide on assessing the need for a circuit breaker panel upgrade.
7 Signs that Indicate the Need for a Circuit Breaker Panel Upgrade
As a homeowner, you’re probably aware of the significance of maintaining your electrical system. But do you know when it is the right time for a circuit breaker panel upgrade? Well, if not, then you’re in the right place because we have compiled a list of the 7 most crucial warning signs that point towards the need for a circuit breaker panel upgrade.
Here are the top 7 indicators you need to be wary of:
Breakers Tripping More than They Should
One of the top signs that your house needs a circuit breaker panel upgrade is that your breakers trip more than twice a month. This indicates a panel overload and can further lead to fire hazards caused by overheating problems. For such an issue, you shouldn’t wait around for a fire to break out and call a professional as soon as possible.
Flickering Lights Becoming a Routine
If your house has a lot of large appliances and you have recently started to notice dimming or flickering lights whenever those large appliances are in use, you probably have voltage issues or an unstable power distribution problem within your system, and you need to hire a technician for a circuit breaker panel upgrade.
An Ancient Fuse Box
Have you never replaced your current fuse box? Did you not feel the need to replace it when you moved into your existing house? If yes, then it would be a good idea to consider a circuit breaker panel upgrade because an outdated system or fuse box is no longer considered reliable or safe for the electrical needs of today’s houses.
A Panel that can’t Handle New Appliances
One of the biggest signs you need a circuit breaker panel upgrade is that your old panel can no longer handle the load and increased demand of your recently acquired home appliances. Modern energy needs demand modern solutions, which is why if your breakers keep tripping due to your new appliances, you shouldn’t give this issue a second thought and immediately contact a technician.
Visible Damage is a Red Flag
Have you recently observed signs of visible damage like physical distortion, corrosion, or scorching marks? If yes, you’re looking at the biggest red flags for a circuit breaker panel. Such problems require immediate attention from a trained electrician, as ignoring them could lead to chances of electrical risks and safety hazards.
Circuit Overload
If your house’s electrical system is relying on power strips due to a shortage of sufficient outlets, it can easily be susceptible to circuit overload. The chances of a fire hazard can be much higher in such scenarios due to constant strain on your electrical system, which causes wear and tear.
Endless Electric Bills
Noticing a gradual rise in electricity costs is another huge indicator of your panel struggling to handle its load. This leads to circuits draining more power from your panel than needed. Such an issue doesn’t just pose a safety risk but also costs you more through your electric bills.
Why A Circuit Breaker Panel Upgrade Is A Good Investment?
While many homeowners tend to ignore the above-mentioned signs for a panel upgrade due to the higher upfront installation and purchase costs, the long-term advantages of a circuit breaker panel upgrade are countless and can result in potential savings. Here’s how:
- The safety of your family and property should be your priority, and an upgrade can certainly help you reduce the risks of fire and other health hazards.
- A new panel means a much more efficient system that can not just reduce your monthly utility bills but also energy waste.
- If you ever think about putting your house on the market, a circuit breaker panel upgrade can be a huge selling point.
- You can bid farewell to emergency repairs and their costs because an upgrade means the prevention of potential electrical issues.
Conclusion
Your house’s electrical panel is not just a box on the wall. It is one of the most important elements of your house’s electrical foundation, and a problem with it is something you cannot just ignore. So, whether you’re seeing flickering lights or have been noticing a gradual increase in your overall energy costs for the past few months, you shouldn’t sit around until there is bigger and costlier damage and call a pro for a circuit breaker panel upgrade as soon as you can.
FAQs
1. What is a circuit breaker panel upgrade?
A circuit breaker panel upgrade involves replacing your existing electrical panel with a newer, higher-capacity unit to safely handle your home’s power needs.
2. How do I know if my electrical panel is outdated?
Common signs include flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, burning smells, or the panel being over 25 years old.
3. Can I upgrade my electrical panel myself?
No, electrical panel upgrades should always be handled by a licensed electrician due to safety risks and local code requirements.
4. How much does a circuit breaker panel upgrade cost?
The cost varies based on panel size and complexity but typically ranges between $1,500 and $3,000.
5. Will upgrading my panel improve home safety?
Yes, a new panel can reduce fire risks, improve energy efficiency, and allow for additional appliances or EV charger installation.
