Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Upgrade Your Service Panel

Signs You Need a Service Panel Upgrade in Acton, MA

It’s 2019! As you settle into the new year, it’s likely that you have heard people talking about their resolutions. Perhaps you’ve made resolutions of your own as well! If you’re a homeowner looking to make improvements around the house, it’s best to start with your electrical system. If you are living in an older home that hasn’t had electrical updates in decades, you may have noticed that your appliances aren’t running as smoothly as they should be. This is because the electrical service panel in your house is outdated and unable to keep up with the increased demand of 21st-century electronics. So, why not start 2019 with an electrical update? Here are a few signs that you need a service panel upgrade in Acton, MA?

You Live in an Old Home

Did you know that wiring problems are one of the leading causes of residential fires in the country? If your home’s wiring isn’t up to code, your home could be at risk. Older wiring may not meet code and wire insulation and other materials tend to deteriorate over the course of time. Some of these warning indicators of faulty wiring include:

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Slight shock or tingling sensation when touching appliances
• Constant burning smell
• Sparking or discolored power outlets

If you notice any of these signs, it would be wise to contact Papalia.

You Frequently Use Extension Cords

Extension cords should only be used as a last resort, or during periods of brief use like for holiday decorations or party lighting. Other than being a tripping hazard, excessive extension cord use could lead to damaged outlets, sparks, or even fires.

You Still Have Fuses

If your home was built in the 1970s or before, it’s likely that you have a fuse based electrical system. Sure, fuses and circuit breakers do the same thing, but fuses are still outdated. Circuit breakers don’t melt, blow, or trip like fuses do. Upgrading is in your best interest – not only will it raise the value of your home, but some insurance companies won’t even cover homes with outdated electrical systems.

Installing New Large Appliances

If you are installing large appliances in your home, especially one that requires large amounts of energy, you should check your electrical panel and fuse box. The panel may not be able to handle the amount of power to keep these appliances running. These appliances include refrigerators, hot tubs, air conditioner, and other large devices.

Electrical panels provide fairly wide amounts of power amps, ranging from 100-400 amps. If your amps do not meet your electrical consumption needs, your circuit breakers will trip any time you try to turn on the hot tub or air conditioner.

You Are Upgrading Your Home or Other Appliances

If you are expanding your home, remodeling or installing new appliances, this might be the ideal time for upgrading your electrical panel. If you are installing any new appliances, you will need to upgrade your panel.

In any of these cases, it is ideal that your upgrade your system for safety purposes. Take this into consideration. About 51,000 house fires a year are caused by improper and malfunctioning electrical panels, so it would be wise to contact an electrician as soon as possible.

Why Choose Papalia Home Services?

Upgrading your home’s electrical service panel is not a DIY project. Since this is the hub of all the electrical activity in your home, professional assistance is necessary for efficient and safe installation. A poorly installed panel can end up being no improvement over your old system, or in a worst-case scenario, can pose a risk of electrical fire in your home, endangering you and those who reside in your home with you. The expert electricians at Papalia are trained, certified, and ready to safely upgrade your service panel today.

Start 2019 off with safety. Call Papalia Home Services today to schedule your service panel upgrade!