You will never be set for Christmas without your light decorations! However, before you can hang your multicolored lights, you want to check on your electrical panel. Do you think it has the capacity?
For sure, you want to hang all the different lighting styles you have kept inside boxes this whole year. But remember, you can’t overload your circuit. There’s one thing you can do, though. You can get a panel upgrade near me.
There are several reasons you should upgrade your panel. According to professionals from Zoom Electricians, upgrading your panel will increase power, lower utility bills, reduce maintenance costs, and improve electrical safety. To learn more about these, we have created a helpful guide. Please read on!
You Should Upgrade Your Electrical Panel for These 4 Reasons!
You might not have realized it, but upgrading your electrical panel brings a number of benefits. Especially with the upcoming Christmas celebration, an upgraded panel will accommodate the different light decors you wish to hang. So what are these benefits we’re talking about?
- Expanded electrical service: With an upgraded panel. You will expand your electrical service. This means your home’s power can cater to more appliances, lights, and other devices. And with your Christmas preparations still ongoing, you can feel confident adding more light decors.
However, you can’t be too lax. The rule of thumb still is to keep your lights in three strands and dedicate several outlets for your lights. Remember that your circuit’s load should be at most 80% of its capacity.
- Lower utility bills: Did you know you can lower your utility bills with an upgraded panel? It’s possible! Imagine your old and worn-out panel. It works with too much effort, thus using more energy. With an updated one, you can trust that it will work efficiently.
There’s nothing much better than saving money on electricity. An upgraded panel will be an excellent investment with benefits you will see and prove.
- Reduced maintenance cost: You can also save on maintenance costs if you upgrade your electrical panel. Why is this so? Simply, your newly-upgraded panel has better capacity. You will not have to worry about power surges in appliances because your panel meets their power needs. It will save you from spending on appliance repairs.
Upgrading your panel will also prevent related electrical problems, such as trips caused by overloading. An upgrade would seem like an all-in-one solution to your frequent electrical issues.
- Improved electrical safety: Finally, it improves electrical safety. Above anything else, it’s safety that you want to put first. An upgraded electrical panel will provide better protection from trips, power surges, and fires. You can ensure that your home and your family are much safer from any electrical accidents.
This Christmas, you will feel the added protection from your upgraded panel. It will provide sufficient power for your lights, preventing power-hogging. Your Christmas will be better minus the flickering and dimming lights!
How Much Does A Panel Upgrade Cost?
We knew you’d ask! To be straightforward, the panel upgrade cost is worth it. Overall, it will be a great investment to meet your lighting needs this Christmas. Prices may vary due to different factors, such as the following:
- Panel type: On average, you could spend $1,300 and $3,000 for an electrical panel upgrade. But this could easily change with different panel types. You can choose to install fuse boxes, main breakers, subpanels, and main lug panels. Depending on what you require or prefer, the charges may differ.
- Amperage: Since it’s an upgrade, you will have to increase the amperage of your panel. 100, 150, 200, 300, and 400-amp panels have varied costs. A 100-amp will be between $500 – $1,500, 150-amp between – $500 – $1,75,0, 200-amps between $750 – $2,00, 300-amp between $1,800 – $3,500, and 400-amp between $1,500 – $4,000. Most households have a 200-amp panel capacity.
- Electrician fee: The labor fee for your hired technician may cost from $40 to $120 per hour. Remember to hire a licensed electrician, so you get a reliable service. Additional charges may be included if the electrician does more complex work.
- Panel location: Talking about added fees, your panel location could be a factor. If your panel is located in a much-accessible area, that should be easy. However, if you need your electrician to tear down a wall to make access to its location, you may have to pay more.
- Upgrading materials: Upgrading your service panel may cost more because of the materials used. If the electrician needs to change worn-out or frayed electrical wiring, then that’s an addition to the overall cost.
If you wish to avail of the most reasonable panel upgrade cost in San Diego, you can call Zoom Electricians. They have great deals for different electrical replacements and upgrades.
We hope you find our blog helpful! To get more reliable electrical safety tips, read more of our articles on this website. If you are in need of reliable electrical services, you can contact Zoom Electricians.
