Older Texas homes weren’t built with modern energy demands in mind. Lights flicker, and circuits can trip, when you have too many appliances turned on at once. Getting an electrical panel upgrade promptly allows you to safely power higher-draw appliances, EV chargers, and smart HVAC systems without risk of electrical fires. Upgrade your home electrical panel today and protect your home value and family.
What’s the Purpose of My Home’s Electrical Panel?
Your home’s electrical panel is responsible for taking incoming power from the electrical grid and splitting it off into individual circuits. Your breakers are responsible for safely distributing electricity without causing electrical fires.
All power that comes into your home travels through your breaker panel first. Each circuit has a breaker that will trip if too much current is drawn through it. Tripped breakers will shut off power to that specific circuit to prevent fire damage.
Signs You Could Benefit from an Electrical Panel Upgrade | Electrical Panel Upgrade Needed
If your circuit breakers trip often, you smell burning inside your home, or lights flicker when high-draw appliances turn on, it may be time to upgrade your electrical panel. Upgrading your breaker box allows you to increase the number of breakers in your home.
- Flickering Lights: Appliances can cause a drop in voltage — call for an electrical upgrade
- Hot Breaker Box: Too much current or loose wiring — call to have electrical system checked
- Out of Breaker Space: Your circuits are maxed out — call to upgrade your breaker panel
If your breakers are tripping constantly, you may have already maxed out your current electrical infrastructure. Electrical panels trip for a reason! If your walls feel hot near the breaker box or you hear clicking sounds when your AC turns on, you should call for an upgrade.
You put yourself at risk for structural damage and wall fires if you continue to overload your circuits. Homes that are 20+ years old were not built to host modern appliances without issue. Older homes start at 60-amp service with the ability to upgrade to 100-amp service.
Why Upgrade My Home’s Electrical Panel?
You should upgrade your electrical panel because most old homes cannot host modern appliances. Electric car chargers and smart HVAC systems draw a lot of power and need upgraded systems.
Most households have multiple high-draw devices operating at all times. Operating high-wattage appliances on old 60-amp or 100-amp services can cause partial power outages.
By upgrading your electrical panel, you are allowing yourself room to install future technologies. Add EV chargers, power-hungry HVAC units, and run your high-demand appliances without overload.
Electrical Panel Replacement Process Explained
A residential electrical panel replacement requires permit acquisition, load calculations, grid disconnect, and installation of a new breaker box. A new electrical panel installation requires some time outdoors while electrical technicians connect your house to the power grid.
Your electrical technician will start their process by giving you an estimate of your home’s power usage. They will then calculate how many breakers you need and what amperage your household requires to run all of your devices.
Your technician will remove your old electrical panel and install a new, upgraded model. They will connect all of your breakers, reconnect the ground cable, and restore power to your home.
Why Get a New Electrical Panel Installed?
A new electrical panel provides you and your family with safety and efficiency and will increase the value of your home. Installing a new electrical panel gets you up to code!
Removing the danger of electrical fires caused by overloaded circuits can protect your home’s inner walls. You will notice your power stays more consistent when you upgrade your electrical panel. Electronics will run smoothly without sudden loss of power.
You also decrease your chances of inner wall electrical fires by upgrading your breaker box. Newer homes can obtain lower home insurance rates due to their being up to date on infrastructure. You’ll be ready to make future upgrades when you have the breaker capacity.
How Much Does it Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel?
Costs to upgrade an electrical panel can vary depending on what size service you need and if your home requires any additional wiring upgrades. Some things to consider when looking to upgrade your electrical panel:
If you have old metal wiring, your electrical technician may need to replace areas of your wiring before installing a new panel. Upgrading your service from 100 amps to either 200 or 400 amps will increase the price.
200 amps can support most families, but if you have outbuildings or want to install EV charger ports, you may need a 400-amp service. City fees and utility company hookup fees can also increase or decrease the cost to replace your electrical panel.
Investing in your home’s infrastructure can save you from costly electrical repairs and fry electronics during power surges.
Tips on Selecting the Correct Breaker Panel
To select the correct breaker panel, you need to know how many breakers you need and how many appliances you plan on running. Always buy your electrical equipment from quality manufacturers.
190-amp breaker boxes are the standard for most families. Larger households with workshops, RV hooks, and multiple EV charger ports will want to look into installing a 400-amp service.
Taking time to plan out what electronics you will add in the future can save you from an expensive electrical panel upgrade. Installing a panel with extra breaker space allows you room to grow as your family grows.
Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor
You should hire a professional electrical contractor who knows what they’re doing. Contractors who are familiar with local building codes and electrical requirements.
Not everyone is qualified to work with high-voltage power systems. Failing to hire a professional can invalidate home warranties and cause you to suffer electrical issues.
Electricians who are licensed by your state understand what your city requires from an electrical standpoint. A professional will contact your power company for you and streamline the upgrade process.
When you hire a licensed electrician, you know that your electrical system will be installed correctly and safely. Professional electrical contractors take pride in their work and always deliver quality results.
Who to Contact for Electrical Panel Upgrades
If you are looking to upgrade your electrical panel in the Texas Hill Country areas, including Liberty Hill and Bertram, give ADG Electrical Services a call. We are local family-owned electricians that cares about quality service and building relationships. Our family has been serving Texas since 1983.
We service all of your electrical needs, from breaker panel upgrades and electrical inspections to EV charger installation. We strive to put our customers first by creating long-lasting relationships based on integrity and safety.
Schedule your free in-home estimate or service today with ADG!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long will it take to replace my breaker box?
Replacing a breaker box can take you anywhere from 4-8 hours. Your electrical system will be turned off during this process.
Q. Can I replace my breaker box myself?
No. Replacing an electrical panel requires a permit, an electrical provider’s permission, and knowledge of how to work with electrical wattages. Don’t put yourself at risk for shock or fire hazards by attempting to replace your electrical panel.
Q. What is the difference between 100amp and 200amp service?
200-amp service gives you twice the amount of power that a 100-amp service does. You can run your air conditioner, electric car charger, and big appliances with no problem on a 200-amp service.