Affordable Electric

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel? Here’s What to Know

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. It’s responsible for safely distributing electricity throughout your house and protecting your appliances, lighting, and devices from overloads and electrical faults. But like any part of your home, panels age over time, and older systems may no longer meet your household’s needs or today’s safety standards.

At Affordable Electric, we specialize in breaker panel upgrades and replacements across the Charlotte area. Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, or an outdated fuse box, our team can help you upgrade with confidence and safety.

Signs Your Panel Needs an Upgrade

If your panel is over 25 years old, it’s a good idea to have it inspected. Many older systems were built for lower energy demand and may struggle to handle modern appliances, electronics, and HVAC systems. Here are common warning signs:

  • Breakers trip frequently, even under normal use
  • Lights dim or flicker when appliances turn on
  • You hear buzzing or smell burning near the panel
  • The panel feels warm to the touch
  • You have a fuse box instead of circuit breakers
  • The panel lacks space for additional circuits

If you’re adding a new appliance, installing an EV charger, remodeling, or switching to a home office setup, your panel may need to be upgraded to support the added load.

Why Upgrading Matters

A new breaker panel can improve the safety, efficiency, and capacity of your entire electrical system. Upgrades allow for better grounding, AFCI and GFCI protection, and more consistent power delivery. Most importantly, a modern panel reduces the risk of electrical fires and provides peace of mind that your home is protected.

Upgrading your panel also makes your home more attractive to future buyers. A newer panel is a strong signal that your home’s infrastructure is up to date and ready to meet modern demands.

Professional Installation from Licensed Electricians

Electrical panels should only be installed or upgraded by licensed electricians. Improper installation can be dangerous, violate local codes, and even void homeowner’s insurance policies. At Affordable Electric, our team ensures all installations are code-compliant, fully permitted, and tailored to your home’s specific needs.

We’ll evaluate your current panel, discuss your energy use, and recommend the right size and type of upgrade. Whether you need a 100-amp, 150-amp, or 200-amp panel, we make the process smooth, transparent, and safe from start to finish.

Schedule a Panel Inspection or Upgrade Today

Don’t wait until you’re left in the dark. If you suspect your panel is outdated, overloaded, or unsafe, contact Affordable Electric today to schedule an inspection. Our team proudly serves Charlotte and surrounding areas with honest service, transparent pricing, and reliable results.

Proudly serving Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis & Saint Paul, MN with over 30+ years experience
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