Electricity is a fundamental component of a functional household that can quickly become inconvenient or dangerous when your electrical system is malfunctioning. Yet, many people don’t maintain their electrical panel or notice it’s aging until things start to go wrong.

If you repeatedly call a certified electrician to hunt down your electrical problems, you may need more than a temporary repair. To help you know when it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade, we have compiled a list of some of the most common signs.

Your Home is Older

Older homes can have some interesting, inventive electrical wiring installations, some that may even raise an eyebrow and question whether it ever passed inspection. Unfortunately, even well-wired electrical panels will eventually become dated and unable to withstand the demand of your electrical needs.

Certified electricians estimate the lifespan of an electrical panel to be between 20 and 30 years; if your home is older than that, it is worth an inspection and possible replacement.

Your Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping

While you add new devices and appliances to your home, one thing remains constant—your current electrical panel and circuitry. Without an upgrade, you’ll continue to tax your electrical system until it can’t handle the load and blows the breaker. There could be a faulty component somewhere or an unexpected power surge.

However, you should never assume that is the source of the problem if it persists. Instead, call a certified electrician to determine whether any issues could lead to an electrical fire.

Your Breakers Don’t Reset

Your breakers trip as a safety precaution within your electrical system. If you go to reset the breaker and it immediately trips again, then your problem may be a short circuit. So, while the problem may not be the panel itself, you could have a live, hot electrical wire touching a neutral one.

After your electrician determines you don’t have a short circuit, they can inspect your entire system and assess whether it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade.

Your Lights Dim or Flicker When You Turn on Other Appliances

When there is a disturbance to the flow of electricity in your house, it disrupts anything currently powered on, such as your lights. For example, flickering lights could indicate a loose connection or an overloaded circuit if it occurs when you turn on an additional appliance. 

Replacing your electrical panel may solve the problem, but your electrician will thoroughly assess where the issue stems from before making a recommendation.

You Often Rely on Power Strips and Extension Cords

Older homes or poor electrical layout design can leave you with limited power outlets, especially when trying to set up that fancy new entertainment and gaming system. While a surge protector is necessary to protect your computer, you should never use multiple in one room or extension cords for more than a few minutes.

It is time to upgrade your electrical panel and circuitry throughout your house so you don’t overload electrical outlets. If you continue to use too many power cords, you increase your risk of overheating the outlets and sparking a dangerous electrical fire.

Protect Your Family and Home With a New Electrical Panel

When the lights are flickering, and the microwave keeps blowing the breaker, you either have a tricky ghost or need an electrical panel upgrade by a certified electrician. They can eliminate one possibility and fix any electrical problems they discover. 

The qualified experts at Heat Mechanical Cooling & Heating in Waxahachie, TX., will thoroughly inspect your home’s electrical and troubleshoot any issues, including replacing your electrical panel. Their trustworthy and knowledgeable team works efficiently to ensure your electrical is upgraded and safe for your entire family.

Don’t leave it to chance and risk inconvenient power outages. Book your electrical inspection, maintenance, or installation online or call 972-937-0697 today!