ALA Certified Lighting Designer
ALA Certified Lighting Designer
Are flickering lights and tripping breakers common in your home? An electrical panel upgrade might be the solution. This guide explores the benefits of an upgrade, from recognizing the need to choosing the right electrical panel size for your home’s electrical services. We’ll help you make informed decisions for your future electrical needs.
Your electrical panel is the core of your home’s electrical system. It takes electricity from the utility company and distributes it throughout your home.
This powers your lights, outlets, and appliances. The main breaker in your electrical panel protects your home from overloads.
Several signs indicate you might need a panel upgrade. A warm electrical panel poses a fire hazard and requires immediate attention.
Older homes, especially those built over 20 years ago, often have outdated electrical panels. These may not support modern electrical demands.
Here’s when it’s time for an upgrade.
Upgrading your panel offers significant advantages. These include improved safety, support for modern appliances, and potential cost savings.
An upgrade accommodates high-power devices like heat pumps, EVs, and hot tubs. It also allows for adding new circuits for increased electrical capacity.
Upgrading helps prevent electrical hazards by mitigating overload risks. This enhances the safety of your home’s electrical system. A larger electrical panel can even save money in the long run.
Electrical panels have amp ratings that indicate how much electricity they can handle. Choose a panel that meets your home’s needs.
This choice depends on the size of your house and your electrical usage. You should also factor in potential future needs, such as installing an EV charger. Determining what size electrical panel is right for your home depends on these factors.
| Panel Size (Amps) | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|
| 100 | Suitable for smaller homes with minimal electrical needs. This might also work for individual circuits for hot tubs or HVAC systems. |
| 150 | Appropriate for modest-sized homes, though rarely installed now. These still function in older homes with updated wiring. |
| 200 | The standard for new constructions. Ideal for higher electrical demands and supporting modern appliances. This amp panel is becoming increasingly common. |
| 400 | Designed for larger homes with extensive electrical usage. Necessary for high-powered equipment and accommodates increasing power demands over time. |
An electrical panel upgrade typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, sometimes reaching $4,000. Costs depend on your location, the complexity of the upgrade, panel size, labor rates, and if the upgrading electrical panel requires making other home updates. This cost will also include the panel upgrade cost and the panel costs associated.
Additional expenses might include repairs to drywall, paint, and insulation surrounding the panel. The overall panel cost depends on various factors specific to each project. Getting a free quote can help you estimate your upgrade cost.
An upgrade is usually a valuable investment, accommodating increased electrical demands and enhancing safety. It prepares your home for future technologies like electric vehicle chargers and energy-efficient appliances. This also helps if you plan to add a hot tub or more air conditioners in the future.
A modern electrical panel can boost your property’s value. While a panel upgrade cost can be high initially, it offers substantial long-term benefits. If you have questions, asking frequently asked questions may get you the answers you’re looking for.
Sometimes a panel upgrade doesn’t require a full house rewiring. However, it might involve replacing certain wiring components to ensure compatibility and functionality. This might include updating wiring to support newer, more efficient air conditioning units.
New breakers might also be necessary for modern appliances and devices. This upgrade protects your circuits and electrical system from potential damage caused by outdated components.
Electrical work is dangerous and should be left to licensed professionals. Working with your main panel and main breaker, especially at higher amperages, involves significant risks. Improper installation can lead to fires and other hazards. Having general liability insurance does not make up for having qualified electrical services complete this type of work.
Licensed electrical contractors possess the expertise and experience for safe panel installations. They are also liable for any damages resulting from faulty workmanship. It’s crucial to prioritize safety when dealing with electrical systems.
An electrical panel upgrade offers critical benefits for homeowners. It enhances safety, supports modern technology, and increases your property’s value. Knowing what size electrical panel is required ensures a safe and reliable electrical supply to your home.
By understanding amp ratings and electrical loads, you can choose the right panel for your home. While there’s a wide range in typical cost and electrical panel upgrade cost, this investment secures your home’s electrical system and allows for future expansion.
Although the upgrade cost might seem substantial, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expense. A new electrical panel helps save money by preventing electrical issues and improving efficiency, adding significant value to homes built more than two decades ago.
