Have you ever used a new appliance and had the whole house experience a blackout? If you've been living in the same home for years, blackouts might be a regular occurrence.
For those in a rental contract, blackouts might also be common if you're staying in an old house. So, what's the deal with the annoying blackouts?
Well, there might be a problem with the electric panel, and you might need to upgrade it. In this article, we'll discuss why you might need an electric panel upgrade and when you should do it.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are the first sign and reason to upgrade your electric panel. If this isn't scary enough for you, we'll tell you why.
Flickering lights are a byproduct of faulty wiring. Other than problems with the lights, faulty wiring will cause a burnt smell and can even cause shocks when touching certain appliances, such as microwaves or laptops. You’ll also find scorch marks and sparks on power outlets or sockets in your home. Another thing to watch for is if your electric panel feels warm.
Tripping Circuit Breakers
You’ve installed a new air conditioner, and your circuit breakers trip each time you turn on the air conditioner. So, what's the problem? Circuit breakers trip and shut off electrical flow because a circuit is overloaded.
The reality is that electric panels need to be upgraded every 25-40 years. If your home is still using an old electric panel, it won't be able to handle new appliances.
This is because an old electric panel doesn't have the capacity to handle too much electricity.
These days, modern homes run on new and advanced appliances. With an ancient electric panel, your home may experience blackouts daily. When this happens, you know it's time to upgrade your electric panel.
Power Strip Usage
Are you using more and more power strips to charge devices all over your home? Using many power strips means you're using more electricity than your electric panel can handle.
Twenty years ago, two or three wall sockets were enough for a home. These days, we need more sockets due to the overflowing demand for electricity.
If you have a bunch of extension cords and power strips all over the home, it's definitely time to upgrade your electric panel. To learn more about the danger of power strips and some tips to protect your family and your home, click here.
Your Home Safety
Besides upgrading your home's electricity capability, you’ll be doing your home a favor by ensuring it's safe to live in. By being prepared and ensuring your electric panel is upgraded, your home will be safer from fires and other electrical disasters.
Also, investing in an electric panel upgrade can increase your home's value. For those planning to move, upgrading your electric panel will be a selling point for potential buyers, because they won’t need to upgrade it.
If you're unsure whether your home needs an electric panel upgrade, you can hire a professional to inspect it. They can also help you determine what steps you need to take to ensure your electric panel is in good shape. They might suggest you change the wires or upgrade the entire panel. Either way, it’ll be a good investment for your home.
Author Bio: Diana is a business community manager at Basement Guides.
