Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. Every light, appliance, outlet, air conditioner and electronic device ultimately depends on it.
Unfortunately, many Central Florida homes were built when households used far less electricity than they do today.
Here are seven signs it may be time to replace or upgrade your electrical panel.
1. Your Breakers Keep Tripping
An occasional tripped breaker isn’t necessarily a major problem. Frequent tripping, however, can indicate overloaded circuits, a failing breaker or an electrical system struggling to meet your home’s power demands.
If resetting breakers has become routine, schedule a professional electrical inspection.
2. You Still Have a 60-Amp or 100-Amp Service
Older homes may have electrical systems designed for significantly lower power consumption.
Today’s homes can simultaneously operate central air conditioning, electric water heaters, kitchen appliances, computers, entertainment systems, pool equipment and other high-demand devices.
Depending on your home’s load requirements, upgrading to a modern 200-amp electrical service may provide the capacity needed for today’s technology and future improvements.
3. Your Lights Flicker or Dim
Do your lights dim when the air conditioner starts?
Do lights flicker when you use certain appliances?
While the cause isn’t always the electrical panel, recurring dimming or flickering should be evaluated by a licensed electrician.
4. You’re Installing an EV Charger
Buying an electric vehicle can change your home’s electrical requirements.
Before installing a Level 2 EV charger, an electrician should evaluate your panel capacity and perform the appropriate load calculations.
Some homes already have sufficient capacity. Others may require electrical modifications or a panel/service upgrade.
5. You’re Adding High-Demand Equipment
A panel evaluation is smart before installing equipment such as:
- EV chargers
- Hot tubs
- Pool equipment
- Electric water heaters
- Large HVAC systems
- Additional appliances
- Major home additions
Planning the electrical infrastructure first can help prevent problems later.
6. Your Electrical Panel Is Old
Age alone doesn’t automatically mean a panel must be replaced. However, older equipment deserves closer inspection, especially when paired with frequent breaker problems, overheating, unusual sounds, visible damage or insufficient capacity.
Certain older panel types can also present additional safety concerns.
7. You Notice Burning Smells, Heat or Buzzing
Never ignore burning odors, unusual heat, discoloration, buzzing or signs of arcing around an electrical panel.
These symptoms require prompt professional attention.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Replacement Cost in Orlando?
There isn’t one universal price.
Electrical panel replacement cost can depend on the existing equipment, service size, amperage requirements, meter equipment, grounding, permitting, utility requirements and the complexity of the installation.
The best approach is to have a licensed electrician inspect your current system and determine exactly what your home requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 200-amp electrical panel?
Not every home does. Your electrician can calculate your home’s electrical load and recommend the appropriate service capacity.
Can I install an EV charger without upgrading my panel?
Possibly. If your existing electrical system has adequate capacity and breaker space, a full panel upgrade may not be necessary. A professional load calculation should determine this.
Can an electrical panel affect home safety?
Yes. Damaged, improperly installed, overloaded or malfunctioning electrical equipment can create serious safety concerns.
Schedule an Electrical Panel Evaluation in Central Florida
If you’re concerned about your home’s electrical capacity, don’t wait until repeated electrical problems become a bigger issue.
A-Lumination Electric provides electrical panel replacement, repair and upgrade services throughout Orlando and Central Florida.
Call 407-298-1412, or email photos of your panel to estimating@a-lumination.com for a Free Remote Quote.