Why You Should Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If your home has a circuit breaker system that is outdated, consider upgrading it. It’s a great way to improve your home and add value.
An electrical panel is the heart of a building’s energy system. It receives the wires that deliver electricity from APS and distributes them to different areas in the building.
Increased Safety
If you’re experiencing frequent electrical circuits tripping, mild shocks when turning on switches or appliances, or notice that your electric bills have increased, this is probably a sign that your home’s electric panel needs an upgrade.
An upgraded panel can help protect your electronics and appliances from power surges, avoiding the damage that can be caused by a single event. Power strips can only provide limited protection, but a professional electrician can install dedicated circuits that will prevent power surges from ever happening at all.
Depending on where you live and the scope of your project, an electrical service upgrade may require a permit. Our team will handle the necessary paperwork and ensure that your home’s new electrical panel is safe and up to code. We can also add GFCI outlets and arc fault circuit interrupters to your home’s electrical system as part of this process, increasing safety even further. We can often bundle projects together, saving you time and money.
Reduced Risk of Fire
When you upgrade your electrical panel, you’ll reduce the risk of fire in your home. That’s because a new system will house your wiring securely and will be equipped to handle power needs throughout the house. It will also reduce the likelihood of an electrical fire by replacing fuses with circuit breakers that can shut off power when the connections get too hot.
Fuses are outdated technology that shouldn’t be allowed to remain in your home. They pose a major fire hazard because they do not shut off electricity when they melt. This is a common cause of electrical house fires, especially in older homes.
A new electrical panel will have modern, more consistent power and may even save you money on your electric bill. A professional electrician can help you choose a new panel that will fit your house and power needs perfectly. The best part is that it can also increase your home’s value and potentially lower your homeowner’s insurance rates.
Increased Home Value
An electrical panel upgrade is an investment that will add value to your home. Newer panels offer the amp capacity to support higher-efficiency appliances, which can lower your energy bills each month. These savings will help offset the cost of your upgrade in the long run.
Depending on the age of your current panel, you may already be seeing signs that it’s time to replace it. Breakers that trip unnecessarily or fuses that constantly blow are a clear indication that the panel isn’t functioning properly. If you notice these issues, schedule a service appointment with an electrician.
A professional can recommend the right panel type for your home and install it safely. You can also ask the electrician to install additional circuits and outlets as part of your electrical service upgrade. This makes your house more appealing to potential buyers and could even help reduce your homeowner’s insurance premium. This is especially true if you switch from a fuse-box model to a modern circuit breaker panel.
Increased Efficiency
An electrical panel provides a safe way to regulate the electricity that runs through your home. It can also save you money on your energy bills because it provides a more consistent level of power. Old panels allow for fluctuation that can damage electrical appliances and equipment. Newer panels are able to handle higher power demands without a problem.
In addition, a new system may save you money on homeowner’s insurance. This is because the upgraded panel helps reduce the risk of fire, which can lead to reduced insurance premiums.
If you’re constantly resetting or flipping your circuit breakers, this could be a sign that it’s time for an upgrade. A certified electrician can inspect your panel and recommend the right amperage based on your home’s size and electrical demand. There are a variety of options available, including 200 amp panels, which can accommodate many modern appliances and electronics. You can also add additional breakers and outlets to your home with an electrical panel upgrade.