Our DC Metro Technicians Help Homeowners Upgrade Outdated Electrical Panels for Improved Efficiency, Safety, and Performance
Your home’s electrical panel is its MVP, connecting external wires from the street to your internal wiring to power everything from your lights and HVAC system to your large and small appliances. As technology advances and energy needs grow, ensuring your electrical panel is up to the task becomes crucial. Fortunately, R&A’s prompt, professional, industry-certified DC Metro technicians can help you do just that. Owner and Master Electrician Robert Juarez leads our experienced team in providing electrical system inspections and panel upgrades for residential clients throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, inspection, or service appointment.
Residential electrical panels don’t last forever. Though they have an average lifespan of 25 years or longer, factors like use, maintenance, and evolving technological demands mean you could find yourself needing an upgrade sooner than expected. Our skilled and safety-conscious technicians can help you determine when the time is right.
Signs That It’s Time for an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Is your home still running on an outdated electrical panel? Chances are that, if it is, it will tell you. Here are signs that it might be time to consider upgrading your home’s electrical panel:
- Frequent circuit breaker trips. An occasional circuit breaker trip typically isn’t cause for concern, but if your breakers trip frequently, it can indicate that your electrical panel is struggling to meet the demand for electricity and could benefit from an upgrade.
- Outdated panel. Older electrical panels often lack the capacity to support the increased power demands of modern gadgets and appliances. If your home was built before 1973 and has a fuse box or decades-old panel, an upgrade can help you improve safety and enhance capacity.
- Dimming or flickering lights. Although dimming or flickering lights aren’t immediate causes for alarm, in some cases, they can be a sign of an overloaded circuit or circuits.
- Warm or hot breakers. Circuit breakers that feel warm or hot to the touch are working harder than they should, which can lead to overheating and pose a fire hazard. An upgraded electrical panel can distribute the energy load more effectively.
- Scorch marks or burning smell. Any burning smell near—or scorch marks on—your electrical panel is a sign of dangerous overheating, possibly due to loose connections or overloaded circuits. An immediate inspection and upgrade is necessary to prevent potential electrical fires.
- Too few outlets, too many power strips. Insufficient outlets can lead to an excessive—and hazardous—reliance on power strips and extension cords. Upgrading your electrical panel can provide additional circuits and outlets to better meet your energy needs.
- Sparks or electrical shocks. Seeing sparks or feeling an electrical shock when touching switches or outlets is a serious safety concern that can indicate faulty wiring or a deteriorating electrical panel. An immediate upgrade is essential to eliminate electrical fire hazards.
- Appliance compatibility issues. Modern appliances often require more power than older electrical panels can provide. If you're experiencing compatibility issues or frequent disruptions when using high-powered appliances, our technicians can upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate your household’s energy needs.
Regular inspections and maintenance and paying attention to signs from your electrical system can provide valuable insight into whether it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel.
Whether it’s time for a routine inspection or you’re experiencing issues with your electrical system, you don’t have time to wait around for unreliable and inexperienced tradespeople. Turn to R&A for exceptional service and impeccable craftsmanship you can count on.