Your home’s electrical system is a complex series of wires, currents, and more that power every aspect of your home. The heart of your setup is the electrical panel; it’s where all the connections meet and evenly distribute power throughout your home. Keeping your panel in good condition helps ensure that your power consumption stays efficient and you won’t experience any interruptions in your service. 

However, knowing when to upgrade your electrical panel can often give homeowners fits.  So how do you know it is time to upgrade your electrical panel? The Sasquatch Home Services team is here to help with these signs to look out for!

How Long Are Electrical Panels Supposed to Last?

Before you can replace an outdated electrical panel, you should know how long it should last in the first place. With the proper maintenance routine and no catastrophic accidents ruining your system, a typical panel can last anywhere between 25 to 40 years. With a time frame that wide, knowing what signs to look out for can help put you in a better position to make a replacement when you need it the most. 

You’re Renovating Your Home

Home renovations give you the perfect time to upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate your new energy needs. Newer appliances may require more energy to operate efficiently, and older panels may struggle to meet the increased demand. Upgrading your system will help ensure you don’t experience any energy issues, flickering lights, or other problems tied to your electrical panel. 

Frequently Tripping Breakers

Your circuit breakers are essential to protecting your electrical system from pushing beyond its limits. If you find that your breakers trip when you turn on certain appliances, it could mean that your system is older and trying to channel too much electricity. If you have to constantly reset your breaker, it could mean it’s time to upgrade. 

Flickering Lights

Unless your lighting system comes equipped with a dimmer switch, you don’t want to see your lights shifting intensity over the course of a day. Flickering or irregularly dimming lights can potentially trace back to issues with your electrical panel and its ability to channel power properly. 

Strange Odors or Discoloration

Anytime you’re dealing with electrical issues, you can use your other senses to help identify potential problems. If you smell burning plastic, feel a warm panel, or see melted wires, your electrical panel could be an underlying cause. These issues could be tied to an electrical panel that has been damaged or compromised and could potentially lead to electrical fires. 

It’s an Older Unit

If you’re dealing with an electrical panel that has begun to reach the end of its life, it may be time to upgrade. Since electrical panels can last anywhere between 25-40 years, you should make regular inspections to ensure that it’s running as smoothly as possible. If you find that the system has started to deteriorate, you can make the necessary changes to help improve your home’s energy efficiency and safety before anything worsens. 

Trust the Best Electrical Panel Repair Services on Vancouver Island

When you need to upgrade your home’s electrical panel, you want to get the best team for the job. We’ll help overhaul your system and significantly reduce the risk of an electrical fire in newer or older homes. Contact the Sasquatch Home Services team to schedule an appointment and learn about our financing options today!