Green Volt Electric prides itself on educating consumers so they understand the scope of a job and when they should call a licensed professional.
Maintaining Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel is the hub to all the connections in your home or business. Routine Maintenance is key to maximize the safety and longevity of your electrical panel. Green Volt recommends having a licensed electrician conduct a routine maintenance at least every three years. An electrician will inspect your electrical panel for signs of wear and tear, rust, dust, and debris. In addition, your connections will be tested, and a thermal check will be conducted. This maintenance provides a peace of mind that your property and the occupants are safe.
When Do You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Electrical systems typically need to be replaced between 25-30 years from the date it was built or installed. Naturally, there are outliers to this time range, and every situation should be looked at separately to determine the best route for that Owner.
Benefits of Upgrading or Replacing Your Electrical Panel?
- Upgrading your electrical panel will replace corroded connections and faulty wires decreasing the risk of fire.
- Upgrading protects your home from power surges. Protecting your electronics from a power surge or lighting will save you money.
- Upgrading your electrical panel will ensure you have the capacity to deal with modern appliances. If you are intending to install a major new appliance to your home (such as an air conditioner or hot tub), your existing electric panel may not suffice. If you add an air conditioner without upgrading your electric panel, then the power provided by your electric panel might not be enough, and the circuit breakers will keep tripping.
- Ensuring a steady flow of electricity. You don’t have to worry about flickering or dimming lights.
- Future Proofing – If you’re thinking of selling your home, then being able to offer a recent upgrade is a sure sign that the infrastructure of the home is up to par; furthermore, it means the future owners will not need to do it for the foreseeable future, potentially boosting your home’s value.
Signs Your Electric Panel Needs an Upgrade!
- The electrical panel is older than the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan
- If you find yourself using power strips or extension cords in your home, then it’s a strong sign that you are using more electricity than your space was designed for.
- You observed any of these issues with your electrical panel: 1) Rust and mold around the panel, 2) Hissing noises in your panel, 3) Smoke has come out of your panel, and 4) Warmth around the panel.
- Small electric shocks when touching appliances
- Frequently blown fuses / circuit breakers tripping
- Unusual burning smell
- Scorch marks or sparking on power outlets
- Electrical cords feel warm
- No power in parts of your home or building
- Dimming / flickering lights
Cost varies for replacing, but it is far less than the cost caused by an electrical fire, or the losses from an insurance non-payout. Let Green Volt Electric your qualified electricians in Durham, North Carolina give you a quote today.
