When Should Homeowners Get an Electrical Panel Replacement?

Signs a Home Needs a New Electrical Panel

Electricity is essential to daily life but can be dangerous if used improperly. The electrical panel is the heart of the electrical system, so if it has a problem, the whole house has a problem, and electrical hazards can occur. This blog post will explain some signs that indicate an electrical panel should be replaced or upgraded.

Fuse Box

fuse boxThough people occasionally use fuse boxes and electrical panels interchangeably, there is a big difference between the two. Fuse boxes are an older technology that stopped being installed in new homes around the 1960s and 1970s when it was replaced by electrical panels.

So, if a home still has a fuse box, it is likely outdated and needs to be replaced with an electrical panel. Electrical panels contain circuit breakers that can be reset when a circuit breaker trips. However, fuse boxes contain fuses that can only be used once and must be replaced when a blown fuse occurs.

It’s Damaged or Old

old electrical panelA damaged, corroded, or older electrical panel can be a problem, leading to electrical hazards, and should also be replaced. They typically have a lifespan of around 25 to 40 years, so if a home’s panel is within or exceeds that range, it should be inspected by an electrician to see if it needs replacing.

If the electrical panel is damaged or shows signs of rust and corrosion, it’s another signal an electrical panel replacement is necessary. These issues can affect the panel’s safety and the safety of the electrical system since a damaged, rusted, or corroded panel can be a fire hazard.

Circuit Breakers Trip Regularly

If a homeowner frequently has to reset the breakers in their electrical panel, then an electrician should be called to inspect the system and determine the best solution, whether the panel is outdated and needs replacing, outdated wiring that needs to be updated, or there is a circuit overload, often due to the addition of appliances.

If the household’s energy consumption is too high, causing overloaded circuits, an electrical panel upgrade may be needed to add a new circuit to provide the proper energy supply for the household’s needs. Homeowners should have their electrical systems evaluated by a professional when circuit breakers trip often to ensure the correct solution is implemented.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving the Wenatchee area. They offer flat-rate pricing, financing, and same-day service. Call them for electrical panel replacement and repair services in Wenatchee, WA.

Home Improvement

Electrical Home Improvements to Make in 2024

Start the New Year With Beneficial Home Upgrades

With a new year comes the desire to start fresh. One of the best ways to do this is to add new upgrades to a home, including electrical system enhancements that can benefit the household. This article will recommend electrical upgrades that can benefit homeowners and their households significantly.

Install Ceiling Fans

fans Installing ceiling fans is one way to save on energy bills and add increased comfort to a home. They offer the following advantages:

  • Energy efficiency: Ceiling fans help keep homes comfortable without using the HVAC system more than necessary. They can be used with the heating and cooling system in both summer and winter by changing the direction the fan blades spin.
  • Better air circulation: Fans help circulate the air throughout a house, preventing homes from becoming stuffy.
  • Additional cooling: Fans can make rooms feel cooler without actually changing the temperature of the room or needing to run the air conditioner more.
  • Flexible controls: Some ceiling fan models have a remote control to allow homeowners to adjust the fan speed and lights easily.
  • Lighting options: Most ceiling fans have built-in lights, allowing homeowners to use the fixtures as both a light and a fan.

Upgrade the Indoor Lighting and Switches

An electrical upgrade many homeowners overlook is upgrading the indoor lights and switches. These are relatively simple changes that can make a big difference in a house. Some popular and beneficial lighting upgrades include:

  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED lights. LED lighting is more energy efficient and can last longer, saving homeowners money.
  • Smart lighting systems allow homeowners to control the lighting from a smartphone or with voice control.
  • Dimmer switches let households create ambiance in rooms and let homeowners save on energy bills by only using the amount of light they need in a room.
  • Recessed lighting adds a modern and sleek look to homes while adding a lot of light.
  • Pendant lights or chandeliers over kitchen islands, dining room tables, or entryways add to a home’s decor.

Add an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

charging stationIf homeowners have an electric vehicle, adding an EV charging station to their home can be incredibly convenient. One of the biggest inconveniences of owning an electric car is finding a place to charge it and waiting for it to charge. Owners might have to wait for a charging station to open up and then sit in their car until it finishes charging. An electric vehicle charging station installation at home can help people avoid these problems and allow them to charge their cars while in the comfort of their own homes.

An EV charging station installation at home can also save money over time, as charging at home can be more cost-effective and affordable than public charging stations. Homeowners can charge their vehicles outside of peak hours when the electricity rates are lower. Other cost incentives property owners can enjoy are an increased home value and even potentially some tax incentives. It can also result in time savings. Homeowners will not need to spend time searching for a public charging station. Instead, they can charge it overnight and start their day with a fully charged car.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving Wenatchee, WA, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward, flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and trustworthy recommendations. Call them today for electrical services in Wenatchee, WA.

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This Halloween, Prevent an Electrical Scare

Homeowners Should Avoid Electrical Problems When Decorating

Electrical problems can pose major threats to a household during Halloween. Malfunctioning wiring or broken lights and decor can put families at risk. However, homeowners can help prevent and catch electrical problems by following tips from electricians as they decorate their homes for Halloween.

Tips to Prevent Issues With Electric Decorations

Halloween is a fun and festive time, and holiday decorations can add to it. From inflatable pumpkins and ghosts to fun holiday lights, decor can make homes welcoming. It can also create safety risks and potential electrical hazards. To avoid risks when decorating for Halloween and the following holidays, homeowners should take the following precautions:

  • Check lights and decorations for damaged wires, loose bulbs, or other issues, and don’t use them if found.
  • Avoid damaging wires with staples or nails, and find a safer way to hang lights and decor.
  • Only use lights and electric decorations outside that are made for outdoor use.
  • Turn off lights and decor at night before going to bed or leaving the home.
  • Prevent putting holiday decor near open flames, fireplaces, or space heaters.

Homeowners can also hire electrical professionals for holiday light installations to ensure everything gets done as safely as possible and looks great.

Avoid Overloaded Electrical Outlets

overloading outletsWhile decorating the home and yard for Halloween can be fun, it can also cause overloaded outlets and circuits. This can lead to electrical risks as too much power is drawn from a single outlet or circuit. Instead, homeowners should spread out the power draw when decorating by using different outlets and circuits to power lights and electric holiday decorations.

An electrical circuit overload can cause dangerous situations, like electrical fires or shocks, so homeowners should also watch for signs of an overloaded circuit, including:

  • Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
  • Dim or flickering lights
  • Burning smell
  • Sounds such as buzzing, cracking, or sizzling

Watch for Symptoms Electrical Repairs Are Needed

electrical repairHomeowners should call an electrician for electrical repairs at the first signs of an issue to keep their home and family safe. Some signs of electrical problems that homeowners should watch for include:

  • Damaged or fraying wires
  • Outlets give off sparks or are hot to the touch
  • Outlets are scorched and have burn marks
  • Burning smell or smoke
  • Unusual sounds
  • Lights flicker or dim
  • Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving Wenatchee and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical and holiday lighting services in Wenatchee, WA.

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Table of Content

The Right Time To Upgrade the Electrical Panel

Upgrading the Electrical Panel

Like the HVAC unit and hot water heater, electrical panels often go unnoticed unless they stop working. Electrical panels, however, should be checked from time to time. If homeowners wait until these panels are screaming for attention, they could have a significant problem on their hands. It’s important to replace them when they’re ready, not when they demand it, to avoid any disasters.

Upgrade If They Notice Faulty Wiring

electrical panel

Faulty wiring is one of the most dangerous elements that warrant the replacement of the electrical panel. Suppose that wiring is sparking, misfiring, or not turning on the appliances. In that case, homeowners need to immediately shut off the electricity to the house and fix their electrical panel. When they fix the panel, they’ll be able to change the wiring simultaneously and ensure a safe and functional job.

Faulty wiring can cause sparks to occur behind the panel and create a fire that starts inside the home walls. By replacing the panel, homeowners address the faulty wiring and ensure everything is up to code. The best way to go about this is to contact a professional, as these replacementscan be dangerous.

Upgrade When Installing New Appliances

thumbs up

If they have older electrical panels in the home, it’s good to keep in mind that they were installed to handle appliances requiring a certain amount of electricity. As homes are upgraded or remodeled and new appliances are created, homeowners could benefit from upgrading their electrical panel. This way, newer appliances won’t have an issue integrating with the electrical system, and the panel will handle it. 

No one wants a panel dealing with a surplus of power and constantly throwing the breaker. The one way to ensure that this doesn’t happen is by upgrading the electrical panel to handle the greater degrees of power required by newer appliances.

In general, homeowners need to plan on replacing the electrical panel every 25-40 years on average to keep up with their house’s needs. If they’re moving into a home or currently live in one with a panel of this age, it would be a good idea to replace it before they start running into problems.

Upgrade When Adding Circuit Breakers

fixing a electrical panel

Circuit breakers function as a way to keep the home safe while using electricity. If homeowners have an electrical current that gets too high, the circuit breaker will trip, preventing electricity from flowing to their home. It’s a safety feature that they can’t live without.

If they find themselves installing or adding circuit breakers to the panel, it could be good to upgrade the entire panel instead. By upgrading the panel, homeowners provide their homes with the ability to access the energy flow they need without causing circuits to trip or appliances to cease working. 

An upgraded panel is key to enjoying a house with all the electricity homeowners need daily.

Local, Expert Electricians

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. proudly provides electrical services in Wenatchee, WA. They offer comprehensive diagnoses, personalized recommendations, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For any plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work in the home, their local experts will provide trustworthy recommendations and quality workmanship to get their customer’s life back on track.