Upgrading your home’s electric service panel is an important consideration. Most newer homes use a 200-amp panel, while many older homes and most mobile or manufactured homes use 100-amp panels. Depending on the age of the panel and the electrical needs of your home, an upgrade could include moving from 100-amp to 200-amp service, from fuses to breakers, or both. Here’s what to consider when deciding on a panel upgrade.
What Amperage Service Does Your Home Currently Have?
Homes that were built in the 1970s or earlier often have 100-amp panels for electrical service. That was enough power to operate everything that was needed at the time, but a lot has changed since then. Now, most items in the modern home use more power than their older counterparts, and that can lead to breakers that trip frequently, overheated wires and outlets, and additional problems. If your service panel isn’t 200-amp, an upgrade can be the best choice.
Many people aren’t sure how much power is coming into their home. That’s especially true for people who have older houses that have been upgraded. Unless you’ve had the upgrade done yourself, or you’ve been specifically told during the purchase of the home that the panel was upgraded, asking an electrician can solve the mystery. That can give you important data about the service panel at your home, and help you determine what, if any, changes you want to make to it.
Is the Current Electrical Service Meeting Your Needs?
Your home should feel safe and secure, and proper electrical service is a big part of that. If you have outlets that overheat, dim or flickering lights, and other problems with the power to or in your home, those are big signs that your current electrical service may not be enough. Your panel could have lower service than what you actually need, or you may have too many outlets or switches on one breaker.
It’s also worth considering how you plan to use and improve your home for the future. For example, if you want to add solar panels, a home theater, or anything that’s going to use extra power, you may need an updated service panel before starting on those upgrades. Making changes will increase convenience, but also improve your safety.
Have You Considered an Upgrade of Your Service Panel in the Past?
The right electrical panel upgrade services can make a significant difference in how easily you can use the outlets, fixtures, and appliances in your home. If you’ve thought about updating the panel, but haven’t yet done that, now could be the right time. You don’t want to take unneeded risks, or deal with a lot of frustration, by continuing to use an older panel that doesn’t support your home’s electrical needs.
It’s very important to choose a quality, trusted electrical company to upgrade your home’s electrical panel. Because electricity can be dangerous if there are faulty breakers, wires, or connections, only licensed and bonded professionals should make electrical changes to your house. Then you know that you have the right level of power for your needs, and you also have the peace of mind you need to relax and fully enjoy your home, at the same time.
Modern Appliances Need Modern Electrical Service Panels
Modern appliances use more power than the appliances of the past. While they’re energy-efficient in most cases, they also have more technology built into them that requires power to operate. Using a brand-new refrigerator on a weak electrical circuit, for example, may mean that the breaker for that outlet trips frequently because it can’t handle the compressor cycling. That could lead to frustration and spoiled food, but an upgraded panel avoids that problem.
The Bottom Line on Service Panel Upgrades
If your home’s electrical panel is more than 40 to 50 years old, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Even if you haven’t seen problems with flickering lights, overheating outlets, or other issues, it’s important to have the right amperage to your fixtures and appliances. They may operate on a lower level of power, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for them. You can reduce the risk of electrical hazards and help your appliances last longer by upgrading your service panel today.
