Your electrical panel receives energy from the power grid and distributes it throughout your home. Think of it as the heart at the center of your electrical system. As your home ages and electrical demands grow, your electrical panel may need maintenance or, in some cases, a full replacement to ensure safe, reliable operation.

Here are some key signs that your home needs an electrical panel upgrade by a licensed electrician.

Frequent circuit breaker trips

Your electrical panel supplies power to various circuits, each of which powers different parts of the home. These circuits are controlled by breakers that automatically trip if the circuit is overloaded. This protective measure prevents appliances from being damaged and wiring from overheating.

If your breakers occasionally trip, it’s not necessarily a sign of a problem. Often, you can just flip the breakers back on and carry on as normal. However, if your breakers keep tripping, it usually means the circuits are being overloaded. Circuit breaker problems like these indicate your panel is struggling to keep up with your home’s power needs.

Flickering or dimming lights

If you notice your lights flickering or dimming, particularly when multiple appliances (such as your washer, dryer, dishwasher, or even the kettle) are on, it’s a sign of a problem. It usually means the electrical panel is overloaded, causing interruptions and fluctuations to the power supplied to your lighting. This issue is annoying on its own, but it can also be an early sign of electrical danger. An electrician can inspect the system and determine whether an overloaded or outdated electrical panel is the cause.

Use of multiple power strips or extension cords

If you’re using multiple power strips in extension cords in every room, your power needs have likely exceeded your home’s system capacity. Over-relying on power strips isn’t just unsightly, but it can also lead to overloaded circuits, as they probably weren’t intended to power so many devices. In these cases, it’s better to invest in electrical panel replacement, which will allow you to safely add more outlets to your home.

Burning smell, buzzing, or heat from the panel

Burning odors, buzzing noises, or heat coming from your electrical panel are serious safety concerns. These symptoms usually indicate damaged wiring or an overheating panel, which puts you at risk of electric shocks or even a dangerous electrical fire. Don’t wait to have this problem addressed. Contact an electrician to inspect the panel and replace it if necessary.

Home still has a fuse box or an older 60-amp panel

If your home is older, it may still use a fuse box or an outdated panel. Fuse boxes and 60-amp panels were standard at one time, but these days, they’re rarely able to handle modern electrical needs. Attempting to power a home’s worth of devices and appliances on these systems puts you at risk of overloaded circuits, fires, and damage. For your safety and convenience, have your outdated panel replaced as soon as possible.

You’re adding new appliances or remodeling

If you’re making major home updates, such as installing a new HVAC system, putting in an EV charger station, or adding new appliances during a kitchen remodel, you’ll probably need more capacity from your electrical system. Installing a new panel ensures your system can safely power all the devices you’ll need, as well as give you space to add more appliances and devices in the future.

Risks of Ignoring Electrical Panel Issues

There are many signs to let you know when to upgrade an electrical panel, but what happens if you don’t? You run some serious risks by ignoring electrical panel issues.

The most severe risk is electrical fires or electric shocks, which can cause serious injury and damage to your household. Additionally, an outdated or broken panel may damage appliances during a power surge or outage.

Panel problems can also strain your budget. The longer you use an outdated or unmaintained electrical panel, the more your utility bills will rise due to inefficiency, regardless of your power usage habits.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

Several key benefits make the electrical panel upgrade cost a worthwhile investment. A panel upgrade offers the following benefits:

• Improved safety from fires, shocks, and other hazards
• Compliance with all local electrical codes
• Superior energy efficiency
• Reliable power to all modern appliances and electronics
• Protection for your devices
• Steady, reliable lighting
• Increased home value
• Ability to add more devices and appliances in the future
• Peace of mind for your household

Why Choose Republic Home Services for Electrical Panel Upgrades?

Why do homeowners in Waxahachie, Red Oak, Ennis, and surrounding areas choose Republic Home Services for reliable electrical panel upgrades? Here are a few reasons to choose us for expert electrical services:

• We employ a team of highly-skilled licensed electricians who arrive quickly, work efficiently, and always treat clients and their homes with the utmost care and professionalism.
• We’re proud to offer transparent, no-gimmicks pricing, meaning the price we quote is what you pay.
• For vital repairs, we help make services more affordable with flexible financing and a rotating selection of coupons and special offers.
• When we recommend a service after an inspection, you can trust that we’re offering the work you really need.

Our services don’t just stop at electrical. We also employ a team of certified HVAC professionals who provide comprehensive HVAC services with a focus on holistic home comfort. Whether you need a panel upgrade to accommodate a new air conditioner or you’re tired of your lights flickering every time the furnace kicks in, rely on us to make your home safe and efficient.

Republic Home Services is a Texas-proud team of locals who bring expertise and a deep commitment to community to every job. Whether you need urgent panel replacement or a quick inspection, we’ll treat you like a neighbor — because that’s what you are.

Upgrade Your Electrical Panel With Republic Home Services

If you’re experiencing electrical panel issues in your Texas home, it might be time to have your system looked at by the pros. The team at Republic Home Services is ready to help, offering comprehensive inspections, repairs, and replacements for electrical panels, wiring, and more. Don’t let an outdated or faulty panel put your family and home at risk. Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection or upgrade services.