Your electrical panel serves as the central hub for your home’s power distribution, directing electricity to every outlet, light, and appliance. However, like any component of your home, it can age or become obsolete over time.
If you live in Idaho Falls and wonder when to upgrade your electrical panel, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to know about the signs and benefits of an electrical panel upgrade and why it’s essential to call a licensed Idaho Falls electrician.
Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade
Your home’s electrical panel may not last forever, and there are several signs it’s time for an upgrade:
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: If your circuit breakers keep tripping, it’s a sign your panel is overloaded. This happens when the electrical demand in your home exceeds what your panel can handle. Upgrading to a larger panel can provide more capacity, ensuring a smoother flow of electricity.
- Flickering Lights: Have you noticed your lights flickering when you turn on appliances like the microwave or vacuum? This is often a sign of an overworked electrical panel struggling to distribute power.
- Outdated Panel: Older homes in Idaho Falls often have outdated electrical panels, like fuse boxes or panels that are no longer compliant with modern safety codes. If your home still has an old panel, upgrading can improve safety and performance.
- Expanding Your Home: Adding new rooms, appliances, or larger electrical systems (such as air conditioning units or hot tubs) may require more circuits than your existing panel can handle. In such cases, upgrading ensures your electrical system can handle the increased load.
Why Upgrading Is Important
- Increased Safety: An old or overworked electrical panel is more likely to cause electrical fires or shocks. Upgrading ensures that your home is safer by reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
- Code Compliance: Electrical codes are updated regularly to reflect current safety standards. An upgraded panel ensures that your home meets these standards, which can be important if you plan to sell your home in the future.
- Improved Efficiency: New electrical panels can handle modern energy demands more efficiently, preventing overheating and energy loss.
- Accommodating New Technology: If you’re adding modern smart home systems or planning to install an electric vehicle (EV) charger, a newer panel will provide the necessary power and connections.
Why You Should Call a Professional Electrician
Upgrading an electrical panel is not a DIY project. It requires specialized knowledge and the right tools to ensure everything is installed safely and up to code. A licensed Idaho Falls electrician, like those at Platinum Electric, can assess your current system, determine the right panel for your needs, and install it correctly. When you work with a professional, you can rest easy knowing that the job is done safely and efficiently.
Let Platinum Electric Handle Your Electrical Panel Upgrade
At Platinum Electric, we specialize in electrical panel upgrades for Idaho Falls homes. Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, an outdated panel, or expanding your home’s electrical system, we’re here to help. Don’t wait for an electrical issue to become a hazard—contact us today for an expert consultation and top-notch service.
We also provide services to Blackfoot, Collins, Chubbuck, Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rexburg, Jackson, Island Park, Shelley, Iona, and all surrounding areas.