A home can experience many issues relating to electrical wiring due to an outdated electrical service panel. Flickering lights, unusual sounds coming from the fuse box, circuit breakers constantly tripping, smoke coming from outlets, or burning smells are some indications that you need an electrical panel upgrade.
One particular appliance that often gets overlooked by homeowners is the home’s electrical panel. A service panel upgrade is just as necessary and important as any other household appliance. To help you keep your home safe, we have created an outline of eight benefits of upgrading your electrical panel.
Table of Contents
Why Is It Important to Schedule a Service Panel Upgrade?
A lot of appliances currently used in the home are connected to the electrical panel. Appliances that rely on high-efficiency electricity need a hard-working panel to maintain their pace.
Smoking outlets and tripping breaks aren’t just a coincidence. They are safety hazards that can cause a fire or even a more significant disaster. If you notice these kinds of problems consistently, it could be due to your service panel.
Issues with your electric service panel require calling an electrician right away. Even if it seems like the electrical panel doesn’t pose any immediate danger, it is still recommended that it be replaced before it causes problems. There are so many advantages of a service panel upgrade that make it worth considering.
Advantages of a Service Panel Upgrade
1. Helps You Keep Your Lights On
Besides the peace of mind that a new panel provides, it ensures that the lights and appliances in your home will continue operating with no problems.
2. Increases the Value of Your House
If your house is on the market, it’s important to ensure your electrical panel is working correctly. Houses with outdated electrical panels will usually receive lower offers from potential buyers. This is because the buyers are taking on the enormous responsibility of upgrading the central electrical system.
Being able to tell potential buyers that they won’t have to worry about this repair for years can add a lot of value to your property when it comes time to sell.
3. Allows You to Install More Appliances
The next benefit of upgrading your electrical panel includes being able to install additional appliances in your home. Whether you need a new electric oven, washer, dryer, or hot water heater, your brand new electrical system will help you handle the power load. Buy state-of-the-art appliances without worrying about tripping your breaker, blowing fuses, or damaging current appliances.
4. Eliminates Flickering Lights
Not only will you eliminate problems with flickering lights and burnt-out appliances, but your house will also benefit from fewer power surges. A panel upgrade will also help add years of life to your home equipment. You will never have to worry about causing a fire or other disasters.
5. Install Additional Power Outlets
A service panel upgrade will allow you to increase the number of outlets available in your home. You will not have to worry about potential complications of installing new outlets in your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, or basement. Do you need to install a 240-volt outlet for your new electric vehicle charging station? No problem! Your new electrical panel is designed to handle the increased demand.
6. Helps You Reduce Your Homeowner’s Insurance Bill
Upgrading your electrical panel can also help reduce your homeowner’s insurance bill; An upgrade can qualify for a discount since you are reducing the overall risk of a fire and electrical complications on your property. In some cases, homeowners can even benefit from rebates and discounts from their local electric company because they decided to upgrade their existing panels.
7. You May Qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit
If you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home after January 1, 2023, you may qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit for up to $3,200. You can claim the credit for improvements made to your home through 2032. This means an electrical panel upgrade can be written off as a tax credit.
8. Allows You to Safety Renovate Your Kitchen and Living Space
Additionally, a new electrical panel is almost always required if you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, house or include an addition.
Replacing your service panel now could mean saving money in the future, especially if you decide to start a construction project. In particular, appliances that require a 240V circuit will always require a panel upgrade. While these appliances used to be rare back in the day, nowadays, dryers, water heaters, and even cars require this type of circuit.
Read More: Do You Need a Whole-Home Surge Protector?
Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Service Panel
If your home’s current service panel can no longer keep up with the amount of electricity running through your home, there will be some signs that indicate it’s time for an upgrade:
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping: If you experience frequent tripping of circuit breakers, it could be a sign that your electrical panel is overloaded. Upgrading to a higher amperage panel can help accommodate the electrical needs of your home.
- Burnt Smell or Scorch Marks: A burnt smell near the electrical panel or visible scorch marks are serious signs of electrical issues. These could indicate overheating and potential fire hazards, requiring immediate attention and likely an upgrade.
- Flickering Lights or Dimming: If you notice flickering lights or dimming when certain appliances are in use, it may indicate voltage fluctuations. Upgrading your service panel can help stabilize voltage levels and improve the overall performance of your home’s electrical system.
- Outdated Panel Type: If your service panel still uses fuses or has an outdated design, it may not meet current safety standards. Upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel enhances safety and makes it easier to manage electrical issues.
Professional Electrical Panel Installation and Repair Services
If you’re having problems with the lighting or outlets in your home, don’t put it off until the last minute. Our team of expert electricians provide reputable electrical panel installation and electrical panel repair services for homeowners in South Florida.
Upgrading your service panel can help immensely, especially when it comes to providing safety for you and your family. It is important to call an electrician and assess the need for a new service panel. This repair is one of the best things you can do if you want to increase your property value and enjoy some peace of mind.
Our team also provides other electrical services including generator installation, wiring replacement, ceiling fan installation, and light fixture replacement. Stay ahead of your electrical appliances and extend their life with a system upgrade. Contact our professionals for more details, or schedule an appointment today!
