Many homeowners have no idea when it is time to consider upgrading their home’s electrical panel. The assumption is that if it is still distributing power throughout the house, then it must be working just fine. But that is not always the case. Everything in your home will wear out over time. And in the case of your electrical panel, good timing on the replacement could save you time, frustration, and the potential of a life-threatening electrical fire in your home. Below are some of the factors to take into consideration when evaluating the function of your electrical panel and the wisdom in replacing it.
Safety First
Any time there are safety issues or slightly compromised safety, the electrical panel should be replaced. Not only could a faulty or worn panel result in an electrical fire, but it could cause damage to expensive appliances and electronics throughout your home. Contact your trusted electrical contractor immediately if you notice;
- Buzzing, crackling, or humming noises at the panel
- Heat coming from your electrical panel
- Breakers that are very difficult to reset or cannot be reset
- Any time you notice scorched marks or damage to your electrical panel
- If you see sparks when resetting a breaker
- Lights flickering throughout your home
- Frequently blown fuses or tripped breakers
Your electrical panel is the device that distributes power throughout your home. And when there is a safety issue at the panel, you are placing your entire home at risk for other electrical problems, a power failure, and potential hazards.
You Have A Fuse Box
If your home still uses a fuse box rather than a breaker box, it is time to check into a replacement. While fuses do the job, they do it in a more antiquated fashion. And when it is time for you to step in, it is far easier and faster to reset a breaker than install a new fuse. And finally, circuit breakers are more compatible with modern electrical features such as GFCI outlets, which are now a standard feature in any home’s moist or wet areas. This is certainly an upgrade that will increase the value and functionality of your home.
Outdated Technology
If you have an older home, you are well aware that the building standards were quite different half a century ago. And while you might love the charm of your established house, the electrical service might not be meeting your current needs. Home updates of new appliances and electronics can be almost impossible with outdated electrical service. Updating to 150 or 200 amp service for a new air conditioning system or kitchen appliance upgrade should be accompanied by an update to your outdated electrical panel.
Increasing Home Value
If you are beginning to look at the equity in your home, you might be thinking about adding a few updates. And one of the most beneficial to you and future owners is a state of the art electrical system. Adding new outlets to an older home is the first step in accommodating our technology-laden lifestyle. Power strips are a good indication that your home is not meeting your needs and will not appeal to a buyer in the future. Upgraded wiring, new and more abundant outlets, and a new electrical panel will all increase the value of your largest asset and make life more enjoyable around your house.
If you have concerns about the safety of your home’s electrical panel, call (703) 463-9866 immediately. We have team members available 24/7 to respond to electrical emergencies and issues that pose a risk to the safety of your home and your loved ones.
A licensed Circuit Doctor electrician will arrive promptly and evaluate your home’s electrical panel and any other issues related to the electrical system. Next, you will be provided with a no-obligation complete cost quote for any repairs needed to fix the problems. With your approval, the repairs can begin immediately to eliminate your stress and worry.
As with all of our work, electrical panel repairs and replacements are backed by our complete parts and labor warranty. And we provide a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on every job we complete.
