Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade this Winter?

Are you thinking about an electrical panel upgrade this winter? As the cold season arrives in Washington, your home’s energy demands can increase. Can your electrical panel handle the extra load of holiday lights? An electrical panel upgrade can prevent safety hazards and save you from power issues when you need warmth and light the most.

Not sure if it’s time for an upgrade? Take the following advice from Dadz and call us for a helping hand! 

Understanding Your Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel works like a traffic cop for your home’s electricity, making sure the flow of power goes where it’s supposed to. Every time you switch on a heater, light up a Christmas tree, or run your microwave, your panel springs into action, sending power to those circuits. 

But if your panel is 25 to 40 years old, it might not be up to the task. Winter in Washington means more of us use heaters and appliances that keep us cozy. An old panel might get overwhelmed, leading to potential risks like electrical fires or damaging your gadgets. Upgrading your panel ensures it can handle the high demands of the season, keeping your home running smoothly and safely.

Signs You Need an Upgrade

Do you need an electrical panel upgrade this winter? Look for clues that your panel is struggling. Watch for some of the most common warning signs mentioned below.

Flickering Lights

When lights flicker or dim, especially when you use other appliances, it’s a hint that your panel is working too hard. This can happen when too many devices are running at once or if there’s a loose connection somewhere. Consistent flickering is a signal that your panel may need an upgrade to cope with your home’s electrical needs.

Tripping Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to shut off when they’re overloaded to prevent wires from overheating. If breakers trip frequently, it’s a clear sign that your panel can’t handle the amount of electricity you’re using. This is common in winter when heating systems and holiday decorations are in full swing.

Electrical Panel is Warm to the Touch

After running your electrical system for a while, touch the panel’s surface. It should be cool or at room temperature. If it’s warm or hot, this indicates that the electrical panel is overheating, which can be dangerous. Overheating may be the result of overloading or a malfunction within the panel itself.

Age of Your Panel

Electrical panels are built to last. But if yours is more than 25 years old, it’s time to have it inspected. Older panels may not meet current safety codes and likely weren’t designed for today’s electrical demands. An aged panel could mean outdated technology that needs an upgrade to support modern electronics.

New Appliances Straining Old Panels

Today’s gadgets and appliances often draw more electricity than those from decades past. If you’ve recently added high-powered electronics or appliances, your panel might be under extra stress trying to keep up. An older panel may not only struggle but also might not protect your new investments from electrical surges.

The Benefits of Upgrading

Upgrading to a new panel means your home can safely handle more electrical devices at once. This is crucial for modern homes where the use of multiple high-demand appliances simultaneously is common. 

With a new panel, you can run your heating system, cook, and use other appliances without worrying about overloading the system.

Several other benefits include the following:

Enhanced Safety

Newer electrical panels are designed with the latest safety standards in mind. They offer better protection against electrical fires and have more reliable circuit breakers that reduce the risk of shock and other electrical hazards. This means a safer living environment for you and your family.

Increased Home Value

An updated electrical panel might be a strong selling point if you ever decide to sell your home. It reassures potential buyers that the house can handle electrical loads safely and efficiently. This kind of upgrade is often seen as a value-adding improvement to your home.

Preparation for Modern Electrical Needs

As we continuously use advanced technology, the electrical demands of homes increase. Features like an at-home EV charging station are becoming more common and require a modern panel to support them. By upgrading now, you’re setting your home up to be future-ready.

Peace of Mind During Winter Storms

A robust electrical system is particularly important during Washington’s winter storms. With a new panel, you can have confidence that your home will stay powered through adverse weather. This means your lights stay on, your space remains warm, and you remain connected even when winter is at its worst.

Professional Assessment is Paramount 

Do you need an electrical panel upgrade this winter? Even if you don’t see any signs, it might be worth checking out with the help of a licensed electrician. This is especially true if your electrical panel is old or you do not know the age of your electrical panel.

A professional electrician can help in the following ways.

• Determine the age of your electrical panel, which is crucial since older panels may not meet current standards or handle modern electrical loads.
• Uncover any underlying problems that may not be immediately apparent without a professional inspection.
• Check for outdated wiring or components that could pose a safety risk or cause inefficiency in your electrical system.
• Evaluate whether your current electrical panel can support new appliances or technology you plan to use.
• Offer assurance that your electrical system is safe and reliable, especially during high-demand winter months.
• Suggest necessary upgrades or repairs that could prevent potential hazards and improve the overall functionality of your electrical system.
• Ensure your electrical system complies with the latest local building and electrical codes, which might have changed since your panel was installed.
• Provide official documentation of your electrical system’s status, which can be important for insurance purposes or if you’re considering selling your home.

Contact Dadz for an Electrical Panel Upgrade

An electrical panel upgrade helps you stay ahead. As technology advances, so does the need for reliable power. Preparing now can save you from the stress of electrical problems during the winter months.

Don’t wait until your lights go out. Consider an electrical panel upgrade this winter and keep your home safe, warm, and well-lit through the season. Dadz is the go-to electrician in Lynnwood, WA for electrical panel upgrades and more.