Electrical Panel Upgrade: Do I need it?

 

YOU’RE MAKING ADDITIONS OR UPGRADING YOUR HOME

If you’re adding a room, converting a garage or finishing a basement you’ll also be adding more appliances, lights and outlets. This will draw more power and may necessitate a larger capacity electrical panel. The same is true if you’re adding new devices to your home, like a hot tub or spa, or an electric car charger. Old and outdated electrical panels will not be able to handle powering a whole house full of new appliances. Most new appliances require a 220 volt circuit. An electrical panel upgrade will allow you to add new appliances to your home easily.

 

YOU OWN AN OLDER HOME

Some older homes, built before 1960, still have fuse boxes, as opposed to breaker boxes. A fuse works like a breaker, in that it interrupts the circuit in the case of overloading, which can prevent fires or other damage to the panel itself. The difference is, fuses only work once—once they’ve done their job they have to be replaced. Breakers, on the other hand “trip” and can be reset. Breakers are much safer than fuses. 

If your home has a fuse box instead of a breaker box it’s recommended to upgrade your electrical panel. Most panels last between 25 and 40 years. Even if your older home has a breaker box instead of a fuse box, it may still need to be upgraded so you will be able to install modern appliances and electrical equipment in your home.

Older homes, apartments, and condos may have 60-amp electrical panels installed and today panels can be upgraded to 200, 400, or as high as 600 amps. An electrical panel upgrade will insure the safety of your home.

 

SAVE MONEY

Upgrading your electrical panel will ensure your whole house is more efficient and will ensure a steady flow of electricity. This will save money on your power bill each month. Steady flow of electricity will also mean less power surges, burnt out appliances and electronics, and no more flickering lights. This will give longer life to appliances, electronics, and bulbs. Saving you the cost of replacements. A new panel could potentially save you money on your homeowner’s insurance as well. Your home becomes safer with a newer panel so you may qualify for a discount on your annual bill. An electrical panel upgrade will save you money in more ways than one.

 

INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME

New electrical panel and switchboards are not only more pleasing to the eye, they make your home safer and more modern. All three of these are strong reasons for an increase of value to your home. It will give you and future owners peace of mind that electrical hazards are not in your home. 

 

Modern lifestyles require new gadgets, appliances, tools, and even toys. There was a time when most homes got by on 60 amp panels, but our modern lifestyles now require more and more power. Upgrading your electrical panel will only improve the quality of your home, your safety, and ability to keep up with the times. If you think you might need a new electrical panel don’t hesitate to call Las Vegas electrician Fowler Electric LTD. Anytime you’re making upgrades it’s a good idea to be sure your electrical panel has sufficient capacity. 

Estimates are always free. Click HERE to easily schedule an appointment or give us a call at 702-778-4346.