Electrical Panel Upgrades

A big factor in saving money on your electric bill is the proximity of your panel box to where the electricity enters the house and the proximity to major electricity-consuming appliances, like dryers. There are also often sub-panels in a home. These may also need to be upgraded. In a basement, your panel should be several feet above the basement floor in case of flooding or water seepage issues. You should have room in your new panel to add breakers. Don’t forget a whole house shut off switch - this is a quick, safe and easy way to shut off power fast in case of an emergency

Typically, a home today has about a 200 amp panel. Newer construction is even using 400 amp panels. If your panel uses 100 amps or less, you should definitely consider an upgrade. Consult with a licensed electrician to determine the size and electrical capacity that will best suit your needs.

You will need to check, but most likely, you’ll need to get a permit for any electrical work done in your home. Your electrician can do this for you, but you should also check and see what the cost is if you go and file it yourself. Sometimes it can save you a few hundred dollars in labor.

Upgrading the electricity in your home is not a do-it-yourself project. Electricity is not something to mess with and upgrading an electric panel involves a lot more knowledge and training than it takes to install a ceiling fan. Check around for referrals for a reliable and honest licensed electrician. Call a few and talk to them about what you need. Don’t take the cheapest quote unless you’re sure you’re getting quality and experience, too.

A typical upgrade to 200 amps can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $3,000. Going up to 400 amps can run $2,000 to $4,000. If you want to put in an extra sub-panel or replace one, expect to pay $500 to $1,000. Ask your electrician what his estimate includes and what the possibilities are of your costs going up after they start the job.

An upgrade like this will likely involve both the inside and outside of your home. Your licensed electrician will know, for example, if the wiring coming into your house meets code where it is or if it needs to be raised. This is an important safety issue, so make sure your electrician talks with you about it.