- You live in an older property: While this one may be fairly obvious, it is worth stating, simply because you want to make sure your home is completely safe for your family. When most older properties were built, a 60-amp panel was sufficient. However, with today’s technology and appliances, you most likely want to upgrade to a 200-amp panel.
- Your lights are flickering and your appliances are underperforming: These are definite signs that your panel is overloading, and likely needs an upgrade. It’s also a sign that the panel isn’t as safe as it could be.
- You are considering a remodel or significant upgrade to your home: If you are thinking of upgrading your appliances in the near future, or adding an air conditioner to your home, this is also a good time to consider an upgrade. A remodel is also a good time to upgrade your panel, as you may be adding lighting that your current panel won’t support.
- You have fuses, not circuit breakers: If your home was built before the 1970s, it may have a fuse-based system rather than a circuit breaker. Though fuses perform the same function as circuit breakers, they are outdated, and don’t trip when they are overloaded.
- Your breakers are frequently tripping: While breakers are designed to trip as a safety feature, if you are continuously visiting your breaker box, it’s a definite sign that your current panel isn’t supporting the amount of electricity your home needs.
