Many Denver Homes Require Electrical Panel Upgrades to Meet Modern Energy Demands.
As a homeowner in the Metro Denver area, you rely on your home’s electrical system to keep everything running smoothly—from powering your lights and appliances to supporting your smart home devices. However, as homes age and electrical demands increase, the need for electrical panel upgrades and replacements becomes more crucial. Many homes require electrical panel upgrades to meet modern energy demands, especially with the increasing use of high-power devices and safety concerns.
Your home’s electrical panel (also called a breaker panel or fuse box) is the central hub where electricity enters your home and is distributed throughout the circuits. It houses the circuit breakers, which control the flow of electricity to different areas of your home. These breakers serve an essential safety function by shutting off power in the event of an overload, short circuit, or fault, protecting both your home and appliances from damage.
Below we talk about why upgrading or replacing your electrical panel is essential and how it can enhance the safety, functionality, and efficiency of your home.
How to Know When It’s Time for an Electrical Panel Upgrade or Replacement.
There are several signs that may indicate it’s time for you to hire an experienced licensed electrician to upgrade or replace your electrical panel. Click here to read: 6 Signs Your Electrical Panel Should be Replaced or Upgraded.
Is it Dangerous if a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?
Yes, it can be dangerous if a circuit breaker keeps tripping. Many of today’s homes have appliances that were not around when the house was built. These items require more electrical panel capacity to avoid overloading a circuit.
Frequent tripping indicates that the electrical circuit is experiencing issues such as overloads, short circuits, or ground faults. These problems can lead to overheating and increase the risk of electrical fires! While circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by interrupting the flow of electricity during such faults, repeated tripping should not be ignored. It’s essential to identify and address the underlying cause to ensure the safety of your electrical system.
Use This Circuit Capacity Calculator to Help Estimate if you are Overloading a Circuit.
If you’re having circuit and panel capacity issues, please call us to schedule a free estimate.
Click this link to check your Circuit Load: Circuit Capacity Calculator
Benefits of Upgrading or Replacing an Electrical Panel.
1. 200 Amp Electrical Panel Installation
As homes add more electrical appliances, devices, and systems, such as energy-hungry HVAC systems, high-powered kitchen appliances, and multiple smart devices, the demand on your electrical panel increases. Older panels, particularly those designed to handle 60-100 amps, might struggle to support modern electrical loads, leading to frequent breaker trips, system malfunctions, or even fire hazards. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel ensures your system can accommodate your home’s growing needs.
2. Safety Concerns
Electrical safety is one of the top reasons to consider an electrical panel upgrade or replacement. Older panels, especially those installed more than 20 years ago, may not meet current safety codes. Panels made by certain manufacturers, like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, are known for having faulty circuit breakers and pose serious risks of fire or electrical hazards. Upgrading to a modern panel improves safety, complies with local building codes, and reduces the likelihood of electrical failures.
3. Improved Energy Efficiency
Newer electrical panels are designed to be more energy-efficient, which can help lower your utility bills. Outdated panels may not effectively distribute power, leading to power losses or inefficient use of electricity. A modern panel, equipped with the latest technology, can help optimize energy distribution, ensuring that your home’s electrical system runs smoothly and efficiently.
4. Home Renovations and Additions
If you are remodeling or expanding your Metro Denver home, such as adding a new room, finishing a basement, or installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, your existing panel may not be capable of handling the additional load. Upgrading your panel ensures that your electrical system can handle the increased demand and that the new circuits are installed safely.
5. Avoid Costly Repairs
When an outdated or malfunctioning electrical panel is left unchecked, it can lead to more severe problems like electrical fires, overheating, or system failures that require costly repairs. By upgrading your electrical panel early, you can avoid these expensive and potentially dangerous situations.
In the Metro Denver area, where extreme weather conditions, newer technologies, and expanding home sizes are common, ensuring your electrical panel is up to the task is essential for both safety and efficiency.
Whether you need an upgrade to meet growing electrical demands, replace an outdated panel, or enhance energy efficiency, investing in a new electrical panel can provide long-term peace of mind and help you avoid costly repairs or dangerous hazards.
Contact licensed and experienced electricians like Electri-Serve to assess your home’s electrical system and determine whether an upgrade or replacement is needed. Call us at 303-892-0027 or use our online contact form.
