If your home is more than a few decades old, your service panel is likely outdated. While this doesn’t necessarily mean anything wrong with it, an outdated service panel can’t provide the same level of safety and reliability as a newer one.
There are a few different reasons why you might want to upgrade your service panel with the help of West Lake Village Electricians. We have exceptional panel upgrade services that will benefit your property for a long time.
- First of all, newer service panels are much better at handling higher loads of electricity. This is important because the average home uses much more electricity than it did a few decades ago.
- In addition, newer service panels come with several safety features that older panels don’t have. For example, they typically have circuit breakers instead of fuses. Circuit breakers are much better at protecting your home from electrical fires.
- Finally, newer service panels are more aesthetically pleasing than older ones. If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, an updated service panel can make it more appealing to potential buyers.
If any of these reasons resonate with you, it might be time to upgrade your service panel. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and what you can expect.
Benefits and Advantages of A Service Panel Upgrade
A service panel upgrade is a great way to improve the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. By upgrading to a new panel, you can enjoy many benefits and advantages, including improved safety, increased capacity, and more flexibility in your home’s electrical system.
- Improved Safety
One of the biggest benefits of upgrading to a new service panel is the improved safety it can provide. With an older panel, there is an increased risk of electrical fires and other hazards. You can help protect your home and family from these risks by upgrading to a newer panel.
- Increased Capacity
If you have ever added new appliances or electrical fixtures to your home, you may have found that your old panel could not handle the increased demand. By upgrading to a new panel, you can increase the capacity of your home’s electrical system, making it easier to add new appliances and fixtures in the future.
- More Flexibility
Another advantage of upgrading to a new service panel is the increased flexibility it can provide. With an older panel, you may be limited in terms of where you can place new appliances and fixtures. With a new panel, you will have more freedom to choose the placement of these items, making it easier to create the layout you want in your home.
- Improved Efficiency
Upgrading to a new service panel can also improve the efficiency of your home’s electrical system. With an older panel, you may find that your electricity bill is higher than it could be. By upgrading to a newer panel, you can help reduce energy costs and save money on your monthly bills.
- Enhanced Value
Finally, upgrading to a new service panel can enhance the value of your home. If you ever decide to sell your home, potential buyers will be impressed that you have made this upgrade. This can lead to a higher sales price and a quicker sale.
If you are considering upgrading your home’s electrical system, consider the many benefits and advantages of upgrading to a new service panel. By doing so, you can enjoy improved safety, increased capacity, more flexibility, and enhanced value in your home.
Top Reasons Electrical Panel Upgrade is Costly & Is it Worth It?
An electrical panel upgrade is a necessary home improvement that adds safety and value to your property. However, the project can be expensive, with the average cost running between $1,500 and $2,000. There are a few reasons for this high price tag, and West Lake Village Electricians is here to help.
Why are panel upgrade services so costly? Here are the top five reasons:
- The project requires a permit
One of the reasons electrical panel upgrades are so costly is that they require a permit. You’ll most likely need to obtain a permit from your local municipality before starting the project. The permit cost will vary depending on your location, but it’s typically several hundred dollars.
- You need to hire a licensed electrician
This is not a project you can DIY; it’s important to have a professional handle the work to ensure it’s done properly and up to code. The cost of hiring an electrician will vary depending on their experience and location, but you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for the service.
- The materials are expensive
Another factor contributing to the cost of an electrical panel upgrade is the price of the materials. This includes the cost of the new panel itself, as well as any wiring or other materials that are needed. The cost of the materials will vary depending on the quality and brand of the products you select.
- The project takes time
Another reason electrical panel upgrades are costly is that they can take significant time to complete. This is particularly true if you have a new panel installed; the electrician will need to run new wiring from the panel to your home’s electrical outlets. The project can take several hours or even a few days to complete, depending on the size and layout of your home.
- You may need to make other repairs
Finally, it’s important to note that an electrical panel upgrade may uncover other needed repairs. For example, if your home’s wiring is old or outdated, the electrician may recommend replacing it as part of the panel upgrade project. This can add to the project’s overall cost, but it’s important to make any needed repairs to ensure your home is safe and up to code.
As you can see, there are a few reasons why electrical panel upgrades are so costly. However, the project is important and offers safety and value benefits for your home.
Is it Worth It to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
If you’re considering whether or not to upgrade your electrical panel, you should consider a few things. First, consider your current panel’s age and whether it’s up to code. It may be time for an upgrade if it’s more than 20 years old.
Additionally, consider how much power you need and whether your current panel can handle it. If you’re regularly blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, that’s a sign that your electrical panel may be overloaded.
Another thing to consider is the cost of upgrading your electrical panel. While the initial investment may be significant, it could save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs. An upgraded electrical panel can make your home more energy-efficient, saving you money on your monthly utility bills.
So, is it worth it to upgrade your electrical panel? Ultimately, that decision depends on your specific situation. However, if you’re experiencing problems with your current panel or if it’s outdated, upgrading to a new one can provide many benefits.
To get an appointment with our team at West Lake Village Electricians, please feel free to give us a call or email us. Our top experts are always available to assist you!