This post will help you decide whether your home requires an upgrade and determine the additional features you might add to the upgrade process. First, let’s review the benefits panel upgrades bring to your home.
Reducing Electricity Costs
Enhancing the capacity of your existing panel and upgrading your system to a newer model can help you save on electricity costs in the coming years. Recently manufactured panels are usually far more energy efficient than legacy panels.
Lower Insurance Costs
When you upgrade your electrical panels, you’ll also benefit from lower insurance costs. Insurance companies offer preferred pricing to customers with modern electrical equipment. So you’ll save money on your electrical bills and insurance costs if you upgrade.
Safer Home
Many older circuit breaker panels panels have been deemed unsafe by modern standards. Zinsco panels and Federal Pacific Electric Panels require replacement to protect against the risk of electrical fires and electric shocks.
Minimizing Potential for Power Outages
Newer electrical panels can protect your appliances against potential power-surge related outages. Upgrading your electrical panel is also the best way to reduce instances of power loss. If you’re constantly dealing with circuit overloads and breaker box issues, a new panel will stabilize the power supply to the home. While the latest panels also offer additional protective measures such as circuit protection, further safeguarding your equipment against outages.
Meeting Higher Power Demands
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation or a basement upgrade in the near future, adding an electrical panel will ensure that all the new appliances for your ideal space will have an adequate power supply. Before beginning your upgrade project, discuss the improvements with your local electrician. Find out exactly how much capacity you’ll need for new appliances and home features, and ensure you can accommodate the panel upgrade within your renovation budget.
Your Electrical Panel Upgrade Options
Once you’ve understood the benefits of the upgrade process, it’s time to consider the size of the electrical panel you’ll need in the home. The main options include:
100 Amp Electrical Panels
100-amp panels are generally the smallest size for an electrical panel to function effectively in the modern home. It’s the minimum amperage required under the National Electrical Code and will provide enough consistent power for several 240-watt devices and an air conditioning system to run simultaneously.
150-to-200 Amps
If you have a large family and home in which several appliances are being used at the same time often, you might select a larger 100-to-200 amp electrical panel. 200-amp panels can fit more circuits and have a far higher load capacity than 100-amp panels.
If you’re comparing the 100-amp panel and the 200-amp panel, the 200-amp is a strong choice for future-proofing your home capacity. The 200-amp option is suitable if you’re planning to renovate in future and would like the flexibility to add more appliances and enhance electrical stability throughout the home.
Call Your Local Electrical Company for Panel Upgrade Guidance
You should always hire a professional electrician for electrical panel replacement work. Licensed electricians work on older homes and older model panels frequently. They train for years to work on electrical wiring and respond to issues such as power surges and flickering lights with precision.
If you’re deciding between a 100 and a 200-amp panel and are unsure, call Custom Electrical Services.
We offer electrical inspection services and decades of experience in electrical panel upgrades throughout Iowa, including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City.
Call today to speak with a licensed electrician about your panel upgrade.
