Because electric panels are designed to keep your electrical systems and appliances running, they are an essential part of your home.
Many homeowners don’t consider the importance of their electric panels until something goes wrong. On the other hand, there are many benefits to upgrading it.
What Are Breaker Panels?
Before going into the advantages of upgrading your electric panel, you should know what is installed in your home. If your breaker panel has glass fuses, it is probably very outdated. If your breaker panel has switches that control the flow of electricity, it is more modern.
Old and outdated panels and breakers are more likely to fail. If your panel is around 15-20 years old, you should definitely consider upgrading it.
What Does an Electric Panel Upgrade Entail?
What you need to do to upgrade your electric panel will depend on the age and state of your system.
Upgrading may mean installing more breakers to your existing panel or going from 100-200 amps to 400 amps. An upgrade may entail removing your fuse box and replacing them with cheap federal pacific breakers that can safely increase your power supply.
A trained electrician can make recommendations to suit your budget and the size of your home.
Here are three reasons to upgrade your electric panel:
1. Higher Electricity Demands
If you’ve been purchasing high-powered appliances for your home office or kitchen, you’re probably putting strain on your electrical system because you’ll need more power.
When your electricity consumption is higher than when the original panel was installed, it may not be able to supply you with enough power.
2. Reliance on Extension Cords and Power Strips
Extension cords and power strips are a mainstay in any household – especially in the digital age. Chances are you’re charging all your phones, tablets, and laptops on a few power strips and extension cords to make the most of your electrical outlets.
However, even with modern electrical capacity, you may be using a lot more electricity than your old electric panel was designed to supply. Even if you have surge protection on your power strips, you cannot use them to deliver more electricity to your home. So, it’s time for a panel upgrade if you’re relying on surge protectors to meet your power demands.
3. Power Surges
While you can use power strips with built-in surge protection to prevent your devices from frying, stopping electricity surges at their source is much safer.
Call a qualified electrician to upgrade your electric panel to protect your devices and expensive appliances from power surges.
4. Decreased Risk of Fire
If your home is older, there is a greater likelihood that your wiring is worn or faulty – which creates a dangerous fire hazard.
Upgrading your electric panel by installing new circuits reduces the risk of an electrical fire and safeguards your property. You may also receive a significant discount on your homeowner’s insurance when you reduce the fire risk.
