Electrical Panel Upgrade Considerations
You may think your current electrical panel is functioning completely fine. While this may be true in some ways, an upgrade is often a great way to ensure your safety and boost electrical efficiency. The process will begin with an inspection of your electrical system. We check for things like damage to breakers, loose connections, insufficient grounding, or overloading of circuits. We will also talk to you about your current electrical demands. By comparing your current demands to your existing panel, we can determine if a replacement is beneficial.
There are many reasons to consider upgrading or replacing your electrical panel.
- Less risk of electrical fire
- Convenience
- Better efficiency
- Expansion of capacity
- Future proofing
Upgrading your electrical panel involves choosing a new model. If your home is older, you probably have a 60-amp or 100-amp panel in place. This amperage was adequate decades ago, but not currently. If you have moderate electrical needs, a 150-amp panel will suffice. Households with slightly higher demands will benefit from a 200-amp panel. In rare cases, panels that are up to 400 amps may be necessary if you have a very large home, EV chargers, or many appliances. We strongly recommend that you consider your future needs as well, leaving plenty of room for expansion.
Electrical panels come with a certain number of breaker spaces. Having anywhere from four to eight additional panels is usually sufficient for future needs. We can also help you select a panel that’s equipped with smart features. You can monitor your energy usage any time using your smart device.
We recommend choosing an electrical panel from a reputable brand. Otherwise, you can face issues with code compliance, safety issues, and reliability concerns. We work with some of the best brands in the industry and can guide you through this process. In many cases, there may be warranty coverage that comes with a new panel. This will save you money if there are future repairs that are the result of manufacturer defects. There are also potential tax credits and rebates that are available when you upgrade. This can offset the cost of the upgrade, which is often a concern for homeowners. We can help you determine if your upgrade meets specific criteria requirements.
Upgrading your current panel may require an upgrade from your local energy provider as well. We can handle this part of the process for you as well as any necessary final inspections.
It’s normal for electrical panels to experience wear over time, decreases in efficiency, and safety concerns. We recommend scheduling an appointment annually so our team can inspect your electrical panel and the rest of your system. This is an opportunity for us to perform necessary repairs before problems strike.