The modern electrical panel you have installed in your house is like a highway interchange for your house. It has to main jobs: to carry electricity to the outlets and fixtures in your home and to prevent overloads that could cause noise fires. But what happens when your electrical panel can’t keep up?
Maybe your home is a bit older, and the panel simply can’t handle the demand of modern appliances. Perhaps you are planning a renovation that will require additional electrical circuits. Whatever the reason, in this article we will discuss about all this and about signs you need a new electrical panel.
Signs You Need a New Electrical Panel
- Frequent Tripping of Breakers: If your breakers are constantly tripping, it’s a sign that your panel is overloaded and can’t handle the current draw.
- Dimming or Flickering Lights: Experiencing inconsistent lighting could indicate a loose connection or an overloaded panel.
- Frayed or Damaged Wiring: If you notice any exposed or damaged wiring near your panel, it’s a serious safety hazard and requires immediate attention from a licensed electrician.
- Aluminum Wiring: If your home was built before the mid-1970s, it might have aluminum wiring, which can pose fire risks. Upgrading to copper wiring often necessitates a new panel.
The Importance of Professional Installation
Electrical work should only be performed by a licensed electrician. Installing a new electrical panel is a complex process that requires expertise and adherence to strict safety codes. A qualified electrician will:
- Assess Your Needs: They’ll evaluate your current electrical system and determine the appropriate size and capacity for your new panel.
- Obtain Permits: The electrical work will likely require permits from the city. Your electrician can handle this process for you.
- Safe Installation: They’ll ensure the new panel is installed correctly and meets all safety regulations.
- Inspection and Approval: Once the installation is complete, they’ll arrange for a city inspection to ensure everything is up to code.
Beyond the Panel – Appliance Repair Considerations
Upgrading your electrical panel might coincide with the need for appliance repairs or replacements. With a new panel providing increased capacity, you might finally be able to add that dream appliance you’ve been eyeing. However, it’s important to ensure your existing appliances are in good working order before drawing more power.
- Schedule Appliance Checkups: Consider having a qualified appliance repair service technician check your existing appliances for any underlying issues.
- Assess Energy Efficiency: Look for Energy Star certified appliances when considering replacements. These appliances use less energy, saving you money on your utility bills in the long run.
How much does it cost to change or upgrade an electrical panel?
The cost to upgrade your home’s electrical panel varies widely depending on the scope of the work, but you should expect to pay (very roughly) $2,000 – $2,500. That’s for 100-amp service, though. More commonly, homeowners already have 100-amp service and need to upgrade to 200. The cost for that is approximately $3,500 to $5,000.
The only way to be sure about the cost is to have an electrician (or better yet: 3 different electricians) give you detailed quotes.
There are two reasons you’d want to upgrade your electrical panel: your service doesn’t provide enough power for your home, or you have fuses instead of breakers.
If your home has a fuse box, or your electrical service is below 100 amps, you should upgrade. Even if you already have 100-amp service, you might need to upgrade to 200- or 400-amp service, as many homes are running at capacity on 100-amp service.
If you’re not sure your electrical panel is enough, you can have an electrician estimate your service usage and tell you if you need an upgrade or not.
Investing in a Secure Future
Electrical panels are investments in the safety of your Seattle home.
By working with a licensed Seattle electrician and considering any potential appliance repair needs, you can ensure your home is equipped to handle your electrical demands for years to come. Some people pay attention to their electrical panel when an appliance breaks down. They rush to buy a new one or to repair the broken one and after a while they deal with the same issue over and over again.
This article was written to inform people about the relations between electrical panels and appliance repairs. Another goal was to show the importance of a new electrical panel in a Seattle home and why installing a new panel serves as a long-term investment for homeowners.