If your home’s electrical panel is outdated or ill-equipped to handle today’s appliances, devices, and electrical equipment, then an upgrade is in order. This task is complex and time-consuming, and it is best left to professionals. The good news is that it will also increase your house value and improve your safety.
Many factors indicate the need for an electrical panel upgrade, including frequent circuit breakers tripping or a general dip in your electrical performance across multiple outlets in your home. In these cases, a new panel will resolve these issues and give you the reliable and functioning outlets that you need to enjoy your home’s comfort and convenience.
In addition, your older electrical system may not be able to keep up with the demands of modern appliances and electronics, leading to dangerous overheating or even fire. The best way to protect your home and ensure that your devices work safely is with a new service panel or “heavy up.”
The cost of an electrical panel upgrade depends on a number of factors, such as the size of your home and its electrical load. An electrician will be able to assess these needs and provide you with an accurate estimate. You can find a variety of online calculators that can help you get an approximate figure, but the best way to determine your electrical needs is through an in-home consultation with an experienced electrician.
An important factor in determining the cost of an electrical panel upgrade is how much amperage your new panel will need to handle the electrical load of your home. For example, if you install an appliance that requires a 240V circuit (such as a dryer or electric water heater), then your electrical panel will need to be upgraded to accommodate this requirement. Similarly, if you are installing a smart thermostat or energy-saving light bulbs, then these will need dedicated circuits that need to be added to your existing service panel.
Another cost to consider when estimating the price of an electrical panel upgrade is the potential cost of additional repair services that might be needed in your home as a result of upgrading your panel. These repairs might include fixing ungrounded outlets, moving your meter or changing the location of the outside mast, for example.
Upgrading your electrical panel is a project that should be handled by an experienced professional, particularly as it involves shutting off power to your home, removing wires, and potentially modifying your existing circuits or adding new ones. To make sure that the job is done correctly and meets all relevant standards, you should always hire a licensed and insured electrician to carry out this complex task. They will know how to properly shut off power, prepare the panel for removal and installation of the new one, and then add the proper circuit breakers to complete your electrical panel upgrade. They will also be able to recommend additional upgrades to your home to boost its electrical efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.