Your electrical panel plays a big part in how efficient your home is when it comes to energy use. Some people also call their electrical panel the circuit breaker. No matter what you call it, the panel serves as the central “hub” for all of your home’s electricity.
So, why would you need to upgrade your electrical panel? Well, as technology advances we have more and more needs for electricity in our homes. When your home was first designed, there was a certain amount of electrical power allotted to each room in your home. When you have more things to plug in, your electricity needs increase.
Most circuit breakers last between 25 and 40 years, so if your home is in that age range it may be time to upgrade your electrical panel. If you need an electrician in Algonquin, IL, give our team a call. We can help explain the process of upgrading your electrical panel based on your personal needs and your home’s design. In the meantime, you can read on for additional signs that it’s time for an upgrade.
Fuse Box
If your home was built before 1960, you may have a fuse box. This is a big indicator that it’s time for an electrical upgrade for your home. Fuse boxes preceded electrical panels, and there is a key difference between the two. When you have an electrical surge in your home with an electrical panel, you trip a breaker and it turns off. But with a fuse box, the entire fuse blows and you have to replace it. This can be dangerous and costly.
Your Home’s Age
Fuse box or no fuse box, if your home is at least 25 years old it’s time to think about an electrical upgrade. Just think about it – 25 years ago we didn’t have near the technology that we have today. Your capacity for electricity is likely lower than your true needs. For example, breaker boxes that were installed two decades ago were designed to handle between 60 and 100 amps. The electrical panels being installed today can handle as much as 200 amps – two to three times as much electricity.
Tripping Breakers
If you trip breakers in your home while completing daily activities, that’s a problem. For example, maybe you can’t blow dry your hair in the bathroom while your phone charges in the same room.
It could be that you don’t have enough electrical power in a room to handle your needs, or you could have wiring issues due to the age of your home. Either way, you want to find a solution. In some cases, you may be able to get by with electrical repairs. But if the problems persist, you definitely want to invest in an electrical upgrade.
Flickering Lights
Your lights can flicker due to a power surge passing through your home. In newer homes, this doesn’t happen because of the greater electrical capacity. But in older homes, a power surge can have a greater impact. If you notice your lights flickering pretty often, it’s because there’s too much demand compared to your home’s electrical capacity.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!