Why You Should Consider a Panel Upgrade
Your home’s electrical panel supplies power to all of your outlets and appliances. However, as your home gets older and your electronics get more power-demanding, your panel can become outdated or inefficient.
Upgrading your electrical panel is a great way to improve your safety, energy efficiency, and the value of your home.
If your current electrical panel is too old to handle the power demands of your home, you may want to consider a panel upgrade. This will allow your appliances and other electrical devices to run smoothly without frequent circuit tripping or shocks. It will also protect your property from fires caused by faulty system wiring, which is the leading cause of house fires.
A typical panel upgrade will cost about $5,000. This includes the labor for a new panel and any work that is necessary to upgrade your electrical service. It is best to call an electrician for a price quote, since this will help you determine the cost of the project.
The cost of a panel upgrade can vary significantly depending on the amount of work that is needed to complete it. The amount of labor is the biggest part of the cost, but materials are also important.
In addition to a new panel, the costs can include replacing damaged circuits, worn outlets, and other issues that need to be addressed. These additional expenses can add up quickly, so it’s best to call an electrician before you begin the project.
Another factor that can affect the cost of a panel upgrade is the age of your current outlets. If it’s 25 or more years old, then you should consider replacing it immediately.
An older home will often need a higher-amperage panel to accommodate the electrical use of modern appliances, computers, electronics, and other equipment. This will be particularly true if your home has an older furnace or water heater, which use a large amount of electricity to operate.
If you’re planning to upgrade your PAN-L, the installation can take a few hours. During this time, the electrician will inspect your home’s wiring and replace it.
One of the most important things that an electrician will do is install a new fuse box. This is considered the oldest form of the electrical panel, and it can be dangerous if you do not change it out for a new one.
The cost of a panel upgrade can be quite high, but it’s an investment that pays off in the long run. It will enhance the safety of your family and home, and it will also improve your energy efficiency.
Safety
Although it’s unlikely you’ll be doing the panel upgrade yourself, a little pre-planning will go a long way in ensuring a less stressful and more productive panel upgrade. To get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to hire the right people for the job. One of the smartest decisions you can make is to hire a licensed electrician and let them do the hard work for you. This way, you’ll know that the job is going to be done correctly, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new-found electrical freedom. The only caveat is that you might have to wait a while for it.
Energy Efficiency
Electrical panel upgrades can help increase the energy efficiency of your home. They can also improve the safety of your home and protect you against costly repair bills down the road.
When it comes to upgrading your electrical panel, you should always make sure that it meets industry standards. This is especially true if you have a lot of modern technology in your house, including phone and laptop charging, televisions, smart-home gadgets, and more.
Outdated panels were not designed for all these demands, and when they’re overloaded with new appliances and HVAC systems, they can cause serious problems. They may not be able to handle the extra electricity needed for these devices, and this can result in breakers tripping and overheating.
These are problems that can lead to dangerous situations, such as fires. A new panel will have the latest circuit systems and technologies and will be able to prevent overloads from occurring.
Another reason to consider an upgrade is that it will help you stay up-to-date with electrical codes and regulations in your area. Many cities have strict electrical requirements that must be adhered to, so if your wiring is outdated, it could mean that you are not meeting these requirements and can potentially violate the laws of the city or even your homeowner’s insurance policy.
You should be aware that some upgrades to your electrical panel can cost a bit up front, so it is important to check if you are eligible for any rebates or tax credits prior to making this investment. You can find a list of outdated sites available here:
In addition, you should be aware that you will need to use less power when your system is more efficient, which will lower your electric bill. This can save you money in the long run, so it’s well worth the up-front expense to reap all of these benefits.
When you choose to upgrade your electrical panel, it is a good idea to ask for advice from an electrician. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that your new panel meets all of your needs.
Value
The cost of a panel upgrade depends on several factors, including its size and the type of work that must be done. There are also costs associated with getting a permit and arranging electrical inspections before, during, and after the installation.
In general, a panel upgrade is the smart way to make your home safer, improve efficiency, and save money on electricity bills in the long run. It may be time to consider a new panel if you’re planning to add a garage, install a new appliance or two, or do a major remodeling job that requires more electricity than the old one could handle.
For example, a 150-amp panel is enough to power a small home’s lights, fans, and appliances without the risk of overloading the circuit breakers or causing an electrical fire. A 200-amp unit is a good choice for larger homes that plan on adding several new appliances or even an entire new garage.
The best way to determine what your specific panel upgrade will entail is to get a quote from an electrician or contractor. Be sure to ask for a detailed estimate that includes the most important parts of the project, including the number of circuits and the location of your home’s electrical box.
A well-trained and experienced contractor should be able to provide you with an accurate cost estimate for your home’s panel upgrade needs. The key is to choose a company with the right combination of trust, experience, and reputation in order to get the most bang for your buck. The best way to find an honest and reputable electrician is to check the Better Business Bureau for reviews and customer satisfaction ratings. You should also get multiple quotes from different contractors before you settle on the right one for your home.
