Electrical panel replacement is an important home upgrade, so you want to get the most out of it. Breaker panels aren’t replaced that often. Some can last as long as 40 years. Therefore, you need to ensure a new panel provides enough power to all the appliances and devices in your home. When selected and installed properly, it can also improve safety and efficiency and ensure your electrical system is up to code.
Here are valuable tips for getting the most out of your electrical panel upgrade:
Consider Your Safety
Electrical panel replacement is a job for a professional. Nonetheless, the project won’t get very far if safety precautions aren’t taken. The first step is to turn off the main power supply. Any amount of live electricity during panel replacement can lead to a dangerous fire, shock, or electrocution. During the planning phase, we also recommend the following precautions:
- Clean the area so there’s no clutter where the electricians work.
- Plan for a disruption in power and set your schedule accordingly.
- Let family members know to avoid potential safety hazards.
When providing electrical services, contractors wear gloves, safety glasses, and other safety gear and have professional tools designed to perform the work efficiently and avoid injury.
Choose the Right Electrical Panel
Do you know the difference between a load center and a breaker panel? They’re the same thing. However, there are more complex issues to consider. Not addressing them can lead to choosing an underpowered panel or violating local codes. Think of the following points when selecting an electrical panel:
- Load: Add up all the power requirements of your appliances, devices, and electronics to determine the electrical capacity needed to run them.
- Panel Type: The main breaker box serves your entire home, but depending on the application, you may need a lug panel or subpanel.
- Size: An electrical panel’s capacity is measured in amps. Most residential breaker panels installed today are at least 200 amps, but higher capacity units are available.
- Safety Features: Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), and other built-in safety features protect against common hazards.
- Future Needs: To future-proof your investment, consider your electrical needs as your family and home grow; this can yield long-term savings. It can also increase property value as a potential buyer won’t need electrical upgrades for some time.
Know What You’ll Need to Spend
The cost of electrical panel replacement varies considerably. While the price of the panel is a significant factor, it’s only one variable. The project cost also depends on what an electrician charges for labor. The more experience they have and the more complex the job, the higher their hourly labor rate. You’ll also pay more for the following electrical services:
- Permits and inspections
- Wiring and other upgrades
- Circuit breaker replacement
- Surge protectors
- Grounding systems
- Disconnect switches
- Relocating a panel
- Structural modifications
- Switching from a fuse box
Understand Local Regulations and Requirements
Replacing an electrical panel is a substantial project. Building codes, permits, and inspections add a whole new dimension to its complexity. A permit for electrical panel replacement is required in most jurisdictions; the process of applying for one requires submitting plans, paying a fee, and waiting for a review to be completed.
Skipping the permitting process can result in costly delays and rework. That’s not to mention potential fines and legal issues. The idea is to prevent hazards and accidents. Inspections are often performed at various stages of a project to ensure the work is compliant and done correctly. All codes for wiring, circuitry, and equipment must be met.
Complications, liability issues, safety concerns, and voided warranties can make your electrical panel replacement project a waste of money instead of a valuable home upgrade.
Find a Qualified Electrician
Hiring a licensed electrician ensures you’ll get the most out of your electrical panel. It also has other advantages, from safety to legal compliance and quality assurance to liability coverage. The work is covered in case of any accidents, and, at the very least, the risk of electrical hazards, malfunctions, or repairs is minimized (if any issues occur, the company should provide a guarantee).
Therefore, it’s important to be proactive when seeking a qualified contractor by checking the following:
- The electrician is licensed and certified in the work you need them for.
- Their experience, as it’s defined by their track record and references.
- The contractor is insured to protect you and your property.
- Technicians demonstrate clear communication and listen to your concerns.
- A written estimate includes a breakdown of materials, labor costs, and other expenses.
Learn How to Improve Energy Efficiency
Knowing how to maximize energy efficiency lowers your electric bills and also helps get more out of electrical panel replacement. Newer panels are designed to better manage energy consumption. But without other improvements and changes in habits, you may not see the difference. Here are some ways to make your home (and electrical panel) more energy efficient:
- Use Energy Star-rated appliances.
- Turn appliances/devices off (or use programmable timers) to minimize energy wastage.
- Integrate smart home devices, including thermostats, lighting controls, and energy monitors.
- Install LED lighting in place of incandescent bulbs.
- Turn power strips off when plugged-in devices aren’t in use.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors.
- Improve your home’s insulation.
- Properly maintain your HVAC system.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient, double-glazed windows.
Know How to Maintain the Electrical Panel
Proper maintenance ensures your breaker panel stays reliable for many years. You can sustain its efficiency and even extend its lifespan by following these basic maintenance practices:
- Keep It Clean: Remove dust and debris from around the panel regularly; this improves ventilation and prevents overheating.
- Visual Inspections: Look for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion and call a professional if something doesn’t seem right.
- Label Circuits: The more easily you can identify circuits, the quicker you can troubleshoot and maintain your electrical panel.
- Test the Breakers: Periodically test the circuit breakers; turn them off and then on to ensure they cut power as they’re supposed to.
- Keep the Area Dry: Moisture can trigger electrical malfunctions and cause corrosion. Fix any leaks immediately and address any sources of moisture.
- Install Surge Protection Devices: Surge protectors provide a defense against internal surges, lightning strikes, and other sources of voltage spikes.
- Keep Detailed Records: Store all records of inspections, maintenance visits, and repairs in a secure place for future reference.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance: Routine inspections by a qualified electrician ensure potential problems are identified and resolved before major damage occurs.
Schedule Electrical Panel Replacement with Air Stars
Air Stars is a leading electrical services company in Keizer, OR. There are often questions about whether DIY vs. hiring electricians is better, but not with electrical panel replacement. This is a complex job that requires a skilled electrician. Our professionals help homeowners with electrical panel upgrades that increase power and improve safety. To request an appointment and receive an estimate, call (503) 897-9292 today.
