Much of our homeβs fixtures are a leave-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. While we mightΒ do the dishes daily, we donβt need to rewire our home that often. Many home upgradesΒ only take place because the existing system has failed. Your washer starts acting up,Β and you run out to a local retailer to buy a new one. However, one part of your homeΒ that you may want to consider upgrading is your breaker box. Here are four reasons toΒ replace your electrical panel sooner rather than later.Β
Youβre still using a fuse boxΒ
Mind you, we admit that we used both terms βbreaker boxβ and βelectrical panelβ justΒ now. That, however, was intentional. A fuse box is a much older style of electricalΒ panel. When the small wire within the fuse received too much power, it would breakΒ and kill the electricity within that circuit.Β
Gradually, breaker boxes replaced fuse boxes over time. However, some older homesΒ may still use a fuse box. Functionally, they do the same thing β stop the circuit fromΒ overloading and starting a fire. However, practically speaking a breaker box is moreΒ efficient and saves you the hassle of finding a fuse when one needs to be replaced.Β
You have a breaker box, but itβs more than fifteen years oldΒ
Letβs assume you have a breaker box, as most homes do. In fact, weβd be surprised toΒ find a newer construction with a fuse box.Β Β
That being said, βnewer constructionβ is relative. Some place the expected lifespan ofΒ a breaker box around twenty-five years. A few have even predicted that a well maintained breaker box can last upwards of 40 years. So why are we saying more thanΒ fifteen years old is the cut-off point for a replacement?Β
Itβs a two-fold reason. One, some breaker boxes from the past few decades are underΒ recall. The only way to know if yours falls under that category is to have it looked at byΒ a professional. The second is all about your power needs. The modern home looksΒ much different than it did even a decade ago. We have more βbackyard oasisβ types ofΒ features, home gyms are far more common, and the internet of things has taken over.Β Power needs are simply more intense than they were in years past.Β
Youβre planning to add new featuresΒ
Speaking of a backyard oasis, this is one of the biggest reasons to at least have yourΒ breaker box looked at, expanded with a sub-panel, or fully replaced. Pools, garages,Β hot tubs, and saunas all have more intensive power needs than your gaming consoles.Β The more big-ticket items you add to your property, the more power youβll need.Β Replace your electrical panel with one that can cover all of your needs.Β
Your home keeps tripping breakersΒ
Finally, if youβre continually tripping breakers, it could be that thereβs a fault with yourΒ electrical panel. Replacing it today can help save the headache of resetting the breakerΒ constantly β not to mention maintaining your homeβs safety.
Other reasons to replace your electrical panelΒ
There are, of course, other reasons to replace your electrical panel ranging fromΒ flickering lights to inadequate circuit setup. When you need someone to help youΒ replace your electrical panel, turn to the experts: R&T Yoder Electric. Our team will treatΒ you professionally from the moment we arrive until we leave. Contact us today to getΒ started!