Every electrical panel is exposed to wear and tear. Maintaining the electrical panel and having it regularly inspected by Safe Electric helps to keep it in good shape. However, over time, you might find you need an electrical panel upgrade. When this day arrives, you may ask yourself, “is it worth it to upgrade my electrical panel?”
Is it Worth It to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?
Unlike many home renovations, upgrading an electrical panel isn’t exciting. You won’t see a change in the home’s appearance, although you might notice an improvement in the electrical system’s performance. However, this investment is worth it when you consider what could happen if the panel malfunctions.
An outdated electrical panel, or one that is malfunctioning, serves as a fire hazard. It could put your home and your family at risk and you may remain unaware that it is doing so. When you ask yourself, “should I upgrade my electrical panel?”, think about your loved ones. Once you do so, you’ll see the benefits of this project, even considering the average cost of a home electrical panel upgrade.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Most electrical panels have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years when properly maintained. Nevertheless, you probably use more energy now than you did a few years ago. Modern appliances draw more electricity, and people have more electronic devices than ever before. An older panel might not handle the load that you are placing it under.
Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
How do you know when the time has come to upgrade the electrical panel? As previously mentioned, these devices last 20 to 30 years on average. If your panel has been in the home longer than that, call us. We will inspect the panel and help you determine whether upgrading the breaker box is a wise investment. Most times, it is.
Fuse panels serve a fire hazard, so you should replace them with an electrical panel. If your panel has any rust or damage, call us for an upgrade. We also help customers who have a warm panel or one that is putting off unusual odors.
If you notice any change with your electrical system, let us know. We will send an electrician out to figure out what the problem is and provide workable solutions. We want you to remain safe in your home and do whatever is necessary to ensure this is the case.
The Benefits of a Panel Upgrade
If your electrical panel is original to the home, consider the benefits of upgrading the electrical panel, particularly if the home is over 20 years old. You may ask, “Does a 1970s house need rewiring?” Our electrician is the best person to answer this question once they have inspected the panel and the electrical system in the home.
Upon completion of this inspection, our Safe Electric technician may recommend an upgrade if they believe it will benefit you. Improved safety is the main reason we recommend an upgrade. The upgrade reduces the risk of electrocution, an electrical fire, and more.
Furthermore, a panel upgrade will allow you to run modern technological systems without worrying that these systems are doing harm to your electrical system. Modern devices use more energy than their older siblings, and the electrical system in your home may not handle this load without a panel upgrade or rewiring of the home.
Upgrading the panel also adds value to the home. Potential buyers will know the panel functions properly and won’t need to be replaced in the coming months or years. They won’t need to worry about a costly repair bill soon after moving into the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit?
Most times, a permit is required when you are having electrical work done to the home. We secure permits on behalf of our customers, as our goal is to reduce the burden on you when we update a breaker box.
Will a new electrical panel save you money?
In addition, you want to know the cost of this project. One question we often hear is whether a new electrical panel saves you money. The peace of mind you get when this project is complete is priceless. In addition, having this work done may save you on your home insurance bills.
How much will this cost?
The cost of a panel upgrade depends on many factors. For example, the price will increase if you choose to go from a 100-amp panel to a 200-amp unit or if you move from a 300-amp panel to a 400-amp version. However, your panel upgrade adds to the value of the home, so you recoup some of the money you spend on this project when you sell the property.
Is it worth it to upgrade my electrical panel?
In most cases, the answer is yes. However, we require our Safe Electric technicians to only recommend this step when it is necessary or will benefit the customer. We put your needs before our own, which is why many homeowners in Columbus, Ohio won’t turn to anyone else when they need electrical work done in their residence.