5 Benefits of Electrical Panel Upgrades for Modern Living

Every home with electrical service has an electrical panel that acts as the connection between interior circuits and the exterior line that comes into the house. Without such a connection, it wouldn’t be possible to safely run the household circuits that power everything from lights to appliances and electronic devices. The electrical panel is a non-negotiable piece of kit.

Also worth noting is that a good electrical panel should work flawlessly for decades. But should a homeowner be content with a panel that is already 25-30 years old? Maybe, maybe not. It really depends on the home’s needs.

These days, thanks to all our electronic gadgets and the prevalence of the internet of things (IoT), there are worse things that a homeowner could do than upgrade his electrical panel. In fact, there are quite a few benefits to upgrading.

1. Increased Electrical Loads

Yesterday’s electrical panels were engineered to safely handle yesterday’s needs. Modern needs are more energy-hungry. Our panels need to be able to carry heavier loads to power all our electrical devices. That’s the primary reason for upgrading.

Here in Salt Lake City, UT, SameDay knows that as an electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractor, modern homes are equipped with more energy-hungry appliances and devices than ever before. Upgrading to a new panel offers higher amperage and more circuits than their older counterparts. The result is consistent and safe power with fewer breaker trips.

2. Enhanced Safety

Safety is always a concern when we’re talking about older electrical panels. The reality is that electricity is dangerous. If it’s not handled properly, it could lead to all sorts of problems, such as electrical shock and fire. And one of the biggest risks with older panels is electrical overload.

Upgrading enhances safety through designs intended to carry heavier loads. Not only that, but modern panels also have built-in safety features designed to prevent short circuits, fires, and other issues. A new panel is just safer.

3. Future Support

As residential power needs have increased, engineers and manufacturers have been working hard on developing more energy-efficient appliances and devices. They have also been working to make homes smarter. Upgrading to a new panel provides support for all the new things engineers are coming up with. In a sense, a new panel helps to future-proof a home for the next several decades.

4. Increased Circuits and Outlets

Have you ever stayed in a hotel room or cruise ship cabin that only had one or two outlets? That is not enough for the modern traveler. Imagine having the same problem in your home. Many homes with older panels do. But upgrading to a new panel gives a homeowner the ability to run more circuits and have more outlets. That can only help at a time when we are charging all sorts of devices from phones to computers and game boxes to streaming devices.

5. Increased Property Value

Last but not least is upgrading the electrical panel in order to increase property value. Let’s face it, buyers are less interested in homes with dated electrical systems. They really don’t want to put the money into upgrades themselves. So a home with upgrades already completed is more valuable on the market. Buyers will pay more for it.

If your home’s electrical panel is over 25 years old, you should probably think about an upgrade. At least look into it to see how much it would improve your home’s electrical system. This is one upgrade that is definitely worth the investment. Conversely, not upgrading might not be worth the money saved.