Most of the time, you probably don’t think much about your home’s electrical system. As long as the power is flowing into the home and the lights are still on, everything seems fine. But wear and tear over time can put a real strain on your wiring and system.
After enough decades have passed, any electrical system needs to be upgraded or replaced. Replacing your wiring or electrical panel doesn’t come cheap, but it can future-proof your home’s energy needs for decades to come.
Generally speaking, any electrical panel that’s older than 25 years could need to be replaced, and the older it is, the more likely that is to be the case. Warning signs that it’s time to upgrade your wiring include burning odors near the panel, circuit breakers that frequently trip, and signs of rust, corrosion, or water damage on your electrical panel. If your home was built in the 1960s or 1970s and includes aluminum wiring, pros recommend replacing the wiring, since it transmits heat and can pose a fire hazard.
When you hire a pro to replace the panel, they’ll remove the panel, conduct all the necessary wiring replacement, and install the new panel and component. Your pro will also handle applying for permits and coordinating the work with the power company. Their expertise will help you determine what kind of upgrade you need and what factors to take into account. They’ll also make sure the job is done in compliance with safety regulations and electrical codes. Replacing a panel requires a permit in many localities, so be cautious of a pro who says you don’t need to bother with permits.
On average, you’ll pay between $1,200 and $2,000 for this work, depending on the scope of the job, how much extra amperage is required, permit fees and parts. The amperage represents one of the most important decisions. Some older homes have 100-amp panels, and if you have a lot of energy-hungry appliances, you might want to upgrade to a 200-amp panel, which will take up a bit more space and cost a few hundred dollars more. If you have a larger home or use electrical heating or air conditioning, you’ll probably want that upgrade.
This is a fairly big job with a lot of different elements, so expect it to take a while to get on the schedule. The more information you can provide your electrician up front, the better. The more they understand the job, the more they can prepare and be ready to fulfill your needs.
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