How do I know if my home needs an electrical panel upgrade?

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. If your home is more than 25 years old, or if you still have a 100-amp service, you are likely due for an upgrade. At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we look for four major red flags that indicate a panel needs to be replaced immediately: Dangerous Brands (Federal Pacific & Zinsco): Many homes built in Tyler between the 1950s and 1980s still use these specific panels. They have lost their UL listing because they are known to jam and fail to trip during a surge, causing fires. "The 100-Amp Bottleneck": Modern homes require 200-amp service. If you have a 100-amp panel, you likely don't have enough capacity to run modern AC units, electric dryers, and kitchen appliances simultaneously without dimming the lights. Physical Warning Signs: Rust on the bottom of the panel, buzzing sounds, or breakers that feel hot to the touch are signs of internal corrosion and arcing. Expansion Plans: If you plan to install a hot tub, EV charger, or a tankless water heater, a standard panel upgrade is almost always required to handle the massive power draw.

What exactly is involved in an electrical panel upgrade?

An electrical panel upgrade (often called a "Heavy Up" by electricians) is a complete overhaul of your home's electrical service entrance to increase its capacity—typically upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps. At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, this process involves more than just replacing the breaker box on your wall. To safely bring more power into your home to handle modern AC units and appliances, we typically replace three core components: The Service "Riser": We replace the pipe and wires running up the side of your house to the utility lines, allowing more electricity to flow from the grid to your home. The Meter Base: We install a new exterior housing for your electric meter that is rated for higher amperage. The Grounding System: We drive new copper grounding rods into the earth to meet current National Electrical Code (NEC) safety standards, protecting your electronics from surges. The Breaker Panel: Finally, we replace the indoor panel with a modern system that has more "slots" for circuits and advanced safety breakers (AFCI/GFCI).

Do I need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger or renovate my home?

Often, yes. This is especially true if you are adding a Level 2 EV Charger, which typically requires a dedicated 50 or 60-amp circuit. This single appliance can draw as much power as your entire central air conditioning system. At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we determine this by performing a Load Calculation on your home. We add up the amperage of your lights, AC, and appliances to see if your current panel has "room" left in the tank. You will likely need a panel upgrade if: You have a 100-Amp Panel: This is common in older East Texas homes. A 100-amp service simply cannot handle the load of a modern household plus an electric vehicle charger without tripping the main breaker. You are Remodeling a Kitchen: Modern electrical codes are strict. They require dedicated circuits for the dishwasher, microwave, disposal, and refrigerator. Older panels often physically lack the empty slots to add these new breakers. You are Adding a Hot Tub or Shop: These require significant dedicated power, often pushing a standard residential panel past its safety limit.

Electrical Panel & Upgrades | Patriot Electric Heating & Cooling

It safely distributes electricity from the utility company to every outlet, switch, and appliance in your property. Over time, as homes age and electrical demands increase, an outdated or insufficient electrical panel can become a significant safety hazard and a bottleneck for your daily electrical needs.

At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we provide expert electrical panel services, including upgrades and replacements, throughout Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, our licensed and certified electricians are dedicated to ensuring your home's electrical infrastructure is safe, reliable, and capable of handling your modern power requirements.

Understanding when your electrical panel needs attention is crucial for safety and efficiency. Here are the key signs and reasons to consider an upgrade or replacement:

Frequent Breaker Trips: If your circuit breakers are constantly tripping, especially when you use multiple appliances simultaneously, it's a clear sign your panel is overloaded or struggling to handle your home's electrical demand. This is not only inconvenient but can also indicate a fire risk.
Flickering or Dimming Lights: Lights that flicker or dim, particularly when an appliance turns on, suggest that your electrical system is strained and not providing consistent power.

Outdated Panel (Fuses or Small Capacity):

Fuse Boxes: If your home still uses a fuse box instead of a modern circuit breaker panel, it's a strong indicator that an upgrade is overdue. Fuse boxes are less safe and less convenient than circuit breakers, which can be reset instantly after tripping.
Low Amperage: Many older homes were built with 60-amp or 100-amp panels, which were sufficient for the electrical needs of their time. Modern homes, with numerous high-power appliances (e.g., HVAC systems, electric ovens, clothes dryers, dishwashers, computers, TVs, EV chargers), often require 150-amp or 200-amp service to operate safely and efficiently.
Warm or Buzzing Panel: If your electrical panel feels warm to the touch, or if you hear a persistent buzzing sound coming from it, these are serious warning signs of potential overheating or loose connections, indicating an immediate need for professional inspection.
Burning Smell: Any burning smell coming from your electrical panel is an emergency. Immediately shut off your main power if safe to do so, and call emergency services (911) and an electrician. This indicates active overheating or an electrical fire.
Rust or Corrosion: Visible rust or corrosion on the breakers or wiring inside your electrical panel can compromise connections and indicate moisture issues, leading to dangerous electrical faults.
Adding Major Appliances or Renovations: If you plan to install a new central air conditioner, an electric vehicle charger, a hot tub, a large kitchen appliance, or undertake a major home addition or remodel, your existing panel may not have the capacity or dedicated circuits required. An upgrade ensures your new additions operate safely.
Selling or Buying a Home: Electrical panel issues can be a deal-breaker during home inspections. Upgrading your panel before selling can increase your home's value and appeal. As a buyer, an inspection might reveal an outdated panel, making an upgrade a necessary negotiation point.
Two-Prong Outlets (Ungrounded): While not directly a panel issue, if your home predominantly has two-prong, ungrounded outlets, it's a strong sign that your electrical system, including your panel, is outdated and needs a comprehensive upgrade to meet modern safety standards.

Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and overloaded circuits.
Increased Capacity: Safely powers all your modern appliances and electronics without tripping breakers.
Improved Reliability: Provides consistent and stable power throughout your home.
Future-Proofing: Prepares your home for future electrical demands, such as smart home technology or additional appliances.
Code Compliance: Ensures your electrical system meets current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Increased Home Value: A modern, safe electrical panel is an attractive feature for potential buyers.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your electrical system is safe and efficient provides invaluable peace of mind for your family and property.

When you choose Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling for your electrical panel upgrade or replacement, you can expect a professional and meticulous process:

Thorough Assessment: Our licensed electricians will inspect your current electrical panel, assess your home's total electrical load, and discuss your current and future power needs.
Personalized Recommendations: We'll provide clear explanations of our findings and recommend the appropriate panel size and type to meet your requirements.
Transparent Pricing: You'll receive a detailed, flat-rate estimate with no hidden fees, so you know the cost upfront.
Permitting and Code Compliance: We handle all necessary permits and ensure the installation strictly adheres to local and national electrical codes.
Expert Installation: Our certified electricians will safely and efficiently remove your old panel and install your new, upgraded electrical panel with precision and attention to detail.
Testing and Verification: After installation, we meticulously test the entire system to ensure proper functionality, safety, and optimal performance.
Customer Education: We'll walk you through your new panel, explain its features, and answer any questions you may have.

Don't compromise on electrical safety or efficiency. If you've noticed any of the signs mentioned above, or if you're planning a major electrical addition to your home, contact Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling today. We are your trusted experts for electrical panel upgrades and replacements in Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (903) 978-1007 or reach out online to schedule a consultation!

JT came and listened well to what we wanted. He was able to thoroughly explain our options based on our wants. When we agreed on what was needed, he went right to work and took care of everything, including picking up the permit from the city before moving the panel outside. It took three visits to get it done but he and his helper were working the whole time they were here. He even stayed late and advocated for us to get a late-in-the-day inspection and then to get our power back on. I highly recommend him.

How do I know if my home needs an electrical panel upgrade?
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power system. If your home is more than 25 years old, or if you still have a 100-amp service, you are likely due for an upgrade.

At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we look for four major red flags that indicate a panel needs to be replaced immediately:

Dangerous Brands (Federal Pacific & Zinsco): Many homes built in Tyler between the 1950s and 1980s still use these specific panels. They have lost their UL listing because they are known to jam and fail to trip during a surge, causing fires.
"The 100-Amp Bottleneck": Modern homes require 200-amp service. If you have a 100-amp panel, you likely don't have enough capacity to run modern AC units, electric dryers, and kitchen appliances simultaneously without dimming the lights.
Physical Warning Signs: Rust on the bottom of the panel, buzzing sounds, or breakers that feel hot to the touch are signs of internal corrosion and arcing.
Expansion Plans: If you plan to install a hot tub, EV charger, or a tankless water heater, a standard panel upgrade is almost always required to handle the massive power draw.
What exactly is involved in an electrical panel upgrade?
An electrical panel upgrade (often called a "Heavy Up" by electricians) is a complete overhaul of your home's electrical service entrance to increase its capacity—typically upgrading from 100 amps to 200 amps.

At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, this process involves more than just replacing the breaker box on your wall. To safely bring more power into your home to handle modern AC units and appliances, we typically replace three core components:

The Service "Riser": We replace the pipe and wires running up the side of your house to the utility lines, allowing more electricity to flow from the grid to your home.
The Meter Base: We install a new exterior housing for your electric meter that is rated for higher amperage.
The Grounding System: We drive new copper grounding rods into the earth to meet current National Electrical Code (NEC) safety standards, protecting your electronics from surges.
The Breaker Panel: Finally, we replace the indoor panel with a modern system that has more "slots" for circuits and advanced safety breakers (AFCI/GFCI).
Do I need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger or renovate my home?
Often, yes. This is especially true if you are adding a Level 2 EV Charger, which typically requires a dedicated 50 or 60-amp circuit. This single appliance can draw as much power as your entire central air conditioning system.

At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we determine this by performing a Load Calculation on your home. We add up the amperage of your lights, AC, and appliances to see if your current panel has "room" left in the tank.

You will likely need a panel upgrade if:

You have a 100-Amp Panel: This is common in older East Texas homes. A 100-amp service simply cannot handle the load of a modern household plus an electric vehicle charger without tripping the main breaker.
You are Remodeling a Kitchen: Modern electrical codes are strict. They require dedicated circuits for the dishwasher, microwave, disposal, and refrigerator. Older panels often physically lack the empty slots to add these new breakers.
You are Adding a Hot Tub or Shop: These require significant dedicated power, often pushing a standard residential panel past its safety limit.

Reach Out Today

Electrical Panel & Upgrades

Electrical Panel & Upgrades by Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling in Tyler, TX & Surrounding Areas

Your electrical panel, often called a breaker box, is the central nervous system of your home's electrical system

Why You Might Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade or Replacement:

The Benefits of a New Electrical Panel:

Our Electrical Panel Upgrade Process

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FAQ

How do I know if my home needs an electrical panel upgrade?

What exactly is involved in an electrical panel upgrade?

Do I need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger or renovate my home?

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