Is Upgrading Your Home’s Electrical Panel Worth It?

Your home’s electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system, powering everything from kitchen appliances to home offices. When the panel is outdated or overloaded, it can create safety risks, increase energy bills, and limit your ability to run multiple devices at once.

Upgrading your electrical panel is a smart way to improve safety, efficiency, and convenience in your home. But how do you know when it’s time for an upgrade, and what benefits can you expect? In this guide, we’ll cover the top five benefits of upgrading your electrical panel and answer common questions homeowners have about this essential home improvement.

1) Greater Capacity

When you have an older home, your electrical panel may not be able to handle modern residential electrical needs. An electrical panel upgrade typically increases your home’s amperage, allowing you to use more appliances and electronics at once without overloading your system. Greater capacity ensures you have ample electricity to power all of your devices without worrying about tripped breakers or overloads.

2) Increased Safety

Upgraded electrical panels often offer improved safety features, such as more sensitive circuit breakers. Faster reacting circuit breakers reduce the risk of electrical fires in the home. Modern electrical panels also typically include arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). AFCIs detect electrical arcs and GFCIs monitor the flow of electricity, quickly cutting power if conditions become dangerous.

3) Reduced Insurance Premiums

Many insurance providers offer reduced insurance premiums for homes with modern electrical systems due to the lower risk of electrical fires. Some companies reward proactive upgrades that lower risk of accidents and claims. In some cases, your insurance company may require an upgrade if your panel is old and considered unsafe. Switching to a modern electrical panel not only protects your home, but also can save you money in the long term.

4) Improved Energy Efficiency

Another benefit of upgrading your home’s electrical panel is the improvements you’ll see to your energy consumption. Modern electrical panels are designed to distribute electricity evenly, resulting in higher efficiency. The even distribution of power reduces strain on your appliances and wiring. Additionally, if you’re considering adding energy-efficient upgrades such as solar panels or a home EV charger, it’s a great idea to get a new electrical panel beforehand.

5) Add Power Outlets

Your current electrical panel may not be meeting your power needs. If you frequently experience flickering lights or power surges, your system may not be supplying enough power. Once you upgrade your electrical panel, you can have an electrical professional install additional outlets to support modern energy demands. This is especially important if you are planning a renovation or adding new appliances.

Is Upgrading Your Electrical Panel Worth It?

Upgrading your electrical panel is absolutely worth it if you live in an older home, are regularly experiencing circuit breaker trips, or are planning on adding energy-efficient upgrades like a new HVAC system or EV charger. It reduces the risks of overload and electrical fires while providing the capacity needed for modern electrical needs.

How do you determine if you need to upgrade your electrical panel?

There are several signs that may indicate it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel, including: Residential electrician fixing a home's electrical panel.

Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses
Flickering or dimming lights
A panel that’s hot to the touch or makes buzzing sounds
You need to use multiple extension cords or power strips to meet your power needs
You have an older panel (25+ years old) that might not meet current safety standards

Schedule an inspection with a licensed electrical professional if you notice any of these signs.

What happens if you don’t upgrade your electrical panel?

If you push off upgrading your electrical panel, you may run into issues such as electrical fires, damaged appliances, and higher utility bills. If you overload your electrical panel, you may not be able to safely add modern conveniences to your home. Also, if your panel is deemed unsafe or obsolete by your insurance company, they may deny related claims or refuse coverage.

Upgrade Your Electrical Panel With a Licensed, Local Residential Electrician

As you can see, it’s essential to upgrade your electrical panel at the right time. If your home needs a modern electrical panel, partner with Powering Pacific Northwest (PPNW). Our licensed and bonded residential electrical experts are equipped to handle panel upgrades efficiently and safely.

Our electricians take care of everything, giving you a safe, efficient, and long-lasting electrical system. Work with the best residential electricians in Oregon and Washington for your home’s power needs.

Find a contractor today.