Does Your Home Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Your New York home’s electrical system is the backbone of modern living, powering everything from lights and appliances to electronic devices. Over time, however, the demands on your electrical panel can increase, and it may struggle to keep up.
Recognizing the signs that your home needs an electrical panel upgrade is crucial for ensuring safety, preventing electrical issues, and meeting the growing power needs of your household.
With more than 42 years of experience, HomeOps can help you evaluate whether or not it’s time to upgrade your outdated electrical panel. Here are five typical signs that may indicate an upgrade is in order.
Sign #1: Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
One of the most common signs that your electrical panel struggles to handle the load is the frequent tripping of circuit breakers.
If you find yourself constantly resetting tripped breakers in your New York home, it’s a clear indication that the panel is overloaded. Adding more amps can distribute the electrical load more effectively, reducing the likelihood of tripped breakers and potential fire hazards.
Sign #2: Outdated Fuse Box
If your Smithtown home still has a fuse box rather than a circuit breaker panel, it’s a strong indication that your electrical system is outdated. Fuse boxes were common in older homes, with limited capacity compared to modern circuit breaker panels.
Upgrading to a circuit breaker panel not only provides better safety features but also allows for easier troubleshooting and maintenance.
Sign #3: Dimming or Flickering Lights
Dimming or flickering lights when you turn on appliances or other electrical devices can be a sign of voltage fluctuations.
This can occur when the electrical panel cannot provide a consistent power supply to all connected devices. An upgrade to a higher-capacity panel can stabilize the voltage, ensuring a steady and reliable power source for all your electronics and appliances.
Sign #4: Limited Number of Available Circuits
As technology advances, the number of electrical devices in a household tends to increase.
If your New York home has a limited number of circuits available, you may find yourself using multiple power strips or extension cords to accommodate all your devices. Upgrading to a larger panel with more circuits allows for a more organized and safer distribution of power, reducing the risk of overloading and potential fire hazards.
Sign #5: Home Renovations or Additions
If you’re planning on renovating your Smithtown, New York, home or adding new appliances, assessing whether your current electrical panel can handle the additional load is essential.
Upgrading the panel before undertaking major projects ensures that your home’s electrical system can support the increased demand, preventing potential safety hazards and the need for costly repairs in the future. Remember that many home upgrades result in overall energy efficiency.
Take Advantage of Electrical Panel Tax Breaks
The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $600 to upgrade your electrical panel. The panel must meet the National Electrical Code and have a load capacity of not less than 200 amps. HomeOps can recommend the best panel for your home.
Reach Out for Expert Electrical Advice
Your Smithtown, NY, home’s electrical panel is a critical component that requires attention and maintenance to keep up with the demands of modern living. Call HomeOps to assess your electrical service and panel. Call today at 631-296-0946 or request service online for a free quote.