Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Despite how much it impacts the different appliances and electricity-using devices inside your home, your electrical panel is likely to be out of sight and out of mind. At least, that’s the case until an issue arises. When you’re having a power problem at your home, only then do you check out your garage or utility closet and open the electrical panel to see what’s going on. If this is a frequent occurrence, though, you may need to ask yourself: Is it time for a new electrical panel?
Given that this panel connects external wires from the street to your home’s internal wires to provide you with electricity, having one that’s in good condition is important. The good news is that when yours is in bad condition and you need a new one, you’ll know. There are clear indicators that will tell you it’s time, and it’s important to know what those indicators are. Here are the signs you need an electrical panel upgrade:
Frequent Breaker Tripping
If you’re noticing that you’ve frequently found yourself needing to reset the breakers in your electrical panel, that’s a clear sign that something is wrong. Whether electrical capacity has been reached or there’s damage to the circuit boards, this is a good indicator that you need an electrical panel upgrade.
Dimming Lights
Your lights may dim during power surges and outages or when it’s time to replace the bulbs, but if you find that they’re dimming when your air conditioner kicks, you start your microwave, or you’re using another electricity-using appliance, that’s a sign that something is wrong with your electrical setup and a new electrical panel could be in order.
A Burning Odor Permeating Your Home
It’s important to remember that when your electrical wiring or any component of your circuit boards begin to overheat, it’s a major fire hazard. One potential sign that this is an issue at your home is a burning odor that may come from your panels. If that becomes an issue, it’s best not to put off your electrical panel upgrade.
Unexplainable Jumps In Your Utility Bills
If you can explain away increases in your energy bills, that’s fine. But when you see sudden and unusually high utility costs, that’s likely a sign that you need a new electrical panel. Rusted or weakened wiring can lead to inefficient electricity distribution, which can drive up your energy usage and, as a result, your bills.
General Signs of Wear & Tear
Of course, your electrical panel will eventually age to a certain point where normal wear and tear sets in. Whether it’s melting wires, panel rusting, or a generally outdated and unsafe electrical setup, an upgrade is worth looking into.
Know Who to Call for the Installation of Your New Electrical Panel
If you’ve noticed any of these signs at your home in the Tampa Bay area or you simply want your electrical setup inspected to make sure you don’t need an electrical panel upgrade, Meares Plumbing and Electrical is the team to call. Our seasoned electricians know what to look for, plus they know how to complete electrical repairs and installations with the utmost precision and efficiency. To learn more about the work we can do at your home, reach out to Meares Plumbing and Electrical today.
