Hidden in the depths of homes, and sometimes hidden in our minds, electrical panels rarely get the care and attention they deserve unless something goes wrong. Lights begin flickering or go out entirely, appliances stop working at peak efficiency, and in worst case scenarios, fires erupt.
Before you have to suffer through outdated electrical panel consequences, it might be time to upgrade to a more robust unit outfitted for modern electrical needs.
This does not mean upgrading your panel just for the sake of upgrading, though.
There are specific circumstances that you can look out for to know it is time for an upgrade, like the age of your home and electrical circuits, a significantly higher electrical bill, or flickering lights.
Before we dive into how to know your electrical panel needs to be improved, let’s first discuss why it is important.
Why Should Electrical Panels Be Upgraded?
Many homes are decades old, and similar to how water heaters, siding, and other house essential get worn out and degrade, so do electrical panels. This is especially true since technological advances cause modern appliances to rely on more electrical output than in years past to operate efficiently. From solar panels to HVAC systems, decades old electrical output just can’t keep up with modern appliances.
Not only do outdated electrical panels cause appliances and lighting to perform poorly as well as increase your home’s energy consumption, but they can also pose a large safety hazard if overloaded, causing sparks and devastating electrical fires.
So, why should you upgrade your electrical panel? In short, to increase energy efficiency and to ensure the continued safety of your home as well as those who live in it.
Signs that It Is Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
It is rare that electrical panels installed in the past 5, 10, or even 20 years need to be upgraded. Their capabilities and safety features are typically still compatible with your home’s electrical needs. However, there are signs that you can be on the lookout for that indicate the panel is outdated. Here are some clues that you can watch for:
A Regularly Tripping Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is a safety device that protects electrical circuits by cutting off the flow of electricity if there is an excess, both protecting appliances and preventing potential fires. If a circuit breaker interrupts this electrical current on a regular basis, known as “tripping,” then it is a good indicator that the electrical panel does not have the capacity to handle that amount of electricity, meaning it may be time to invest in an upgrade.
Your Home Has Fuses
Similar to circuit breakers, fuses are safety devices designed to protect electrical circuits. However, fuses are essentially the older, less capable grandfather of circuit breakers as they can handle less loads than their modern counterparts. Many homes built in the 1960s or older may still have fuse boxes, but with modern homes relying heavily on electricity, these devices are no longer strong enough to handle electrical currents safely. For homes that still use fuse boxes, many electricians recommend upgrading to safer systems that use circuit breakers designed for today’s electrical capacities.
Sparks or Burning Smells
Smoke, sparks, or burning smells from your electrical panel is a sure sign that something is seriously wrong, either a short or overloaded circuit or a damaged component. If you notice any of these indicators, you need to take immediate action by shutting off the power and contacting an electrician to investigate the issue.
A Significantly Higher Electrical Bill
A worn out and outdated electrical panel does not manage electrical currents as well as they could, leading to less energy efficiency and higher energy consumption. You may notice this higher consumption by the fact that your electrical bill has increased significantly. Save yourself the headache of spending unnecessary amounts on wasted electricity by upgrading your panel and increasing energy efficiency.
Flickering Lights
Flickering or dim lights are a nuisance and can often be cured through the simple fix of changing a faulty bulb. Sometimes though, it is not actually the bulb that is faulty, but the electrical panel itself. If you have just changed the light bulbs and lights are still flickering, it could indicate that the panel is at fault and you need to upgrade.
Overall
Upgrading your electrical panel may be the furthest thing from your mind with everything else in your home that needs to be replaced. But taking the time to notice the warning signs of an outdated panel can significantly impact the performance of these other home components, from refrigerators to HVAC systems and more, saving you time and money in the long run.
Electrical Contractors Serving Wayne
At Bratcher Electric in Wayne, we make upgrading your electrical panel simple, using modern electrical innovations to both increase energy efficiency and lower electricity bills.
Ensure the safety of your home or business with our trusted electrical services. When our electricians show up, you will find them to be friendly, respectful of your home and prepared to address any electrical issue you are experiencing.