Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system, quietly ensuring that everything from your refrigerator to your favorite streaming device stays powered up. But how do you know when it’s time to upgrade this essential part of your home, and more importantly, when you don’t need to? In this post, we’ll break down the key signs that indicate it’s time for an update, as well as when your current panel is still good to go.
When You Should Update Your Electrical Panel
Frequent Breaker Trips If you find yourself constantly resetting breakers, it’s a big clue that your panel can’t handle your home’s electrical load. This could be due to an older system or simply because your power needs have grown over time. Either way, an upgrade can prevent these frustrating disruptions.
Your Insurance Company is Requiring it Did you know that some insurance companies may require you to update your electrical panel to maintain or even get coverage? Panels from certain brands, such as Challenger, Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Sylvania, are known for having safety issues like faulty breakers that may not trip during an overload. These outdated panels pose a higher risk of electrical fires, which is why many insurers won’t cover homes that have them. Upgrading to a modern panel not only improves safety but could also lower your insurance premiums and ensure you meet your insurance company’s requirements.
Your Home Has a Fuse Box or a Panel Over 25 Years Old Older fuse boxes or panels often can’t keep up with today’s technology and may pose safety risks. If your panel is more than 25 years old, or if you’re still using fuses, it’s a good idea to consider upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel.
Flickering Lights or Unusual Smells If your lights flicker, or you notice a burning smell coming from your panel or outlets, these are signs of a potential electrical issue that should be addressed immediately. An upgrade might be necessary to prevent further complications or hazards.
You are Preparing to Sell Your Home In most cases, you will be required to upgrade an older panel when selling your home. This is generally flagged during the home inspection. If your main disconnect is also older, you may be required to update that as well.
When You Don’t Need to Change Your Electrical Panel
Sometimes, homeowners assume they need a panel upgrade when they really don’t. Here are a few situations where your current panel may be just fine:
Your Electrical System is Meeting Your Needs Without Issues If your panel is under 25 years old, doesn’t trip breakers frequently, and you haven’t noticed any signs of overloading, you’re probably in good shape. No need to fix what isn’t broken!
Minor Appliance Upgrades Adding a few low-wattage appliances like a new TV, microwave, or computer doesn’t typically require a panel upgrade. Your existing system can usually handle these small additions without a problem.
You’re Not Adding Living Space or Adding Major Appliances If you’re not planning any major renovations, such as adding a new room or addition, your current panel should be able to continue doing its job without an upgrade.
Your Home is Already Equipped with a Modern Panel If your home was built or had an electrical update within the last 15-20 years, chances are your panel is already up to code and designed to handle modern electrical loads. In this case, an upgrade isn’t necessary unless you’re experiencing specific issues.
There are Other Ways to Address Your Situation Sometimes, a panel change is really just not needed. As mentioned earlier, if your panel does not pose a safety threat or is newer, you may be able to get by just fine by finding another solution.
Bottom Line: When to Upgrade and When to Hold Off
Updating your electrical panel isn’t something to do just because your neighbor did it. It’s a decision that should be based on the unique needs of your home and your family. If you’re experiencing regular electrical issues, planning significant upgrades, or your panel is outdated, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade. On the other hand, if everything is running smoothly and you’re not planning any big changes, your current panel may be just fine for now.
Still Not Sure? Let’s Chat!
If you’re unsure whether your panel needs an upgrade, or if you just want to make sure everything’s running as it should, give Bryan Hindman Electric a call. Our experienced electricians can assess your system and provide honest, expert advice—no pressure, just the facts.
