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99 6th St SW #202, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Your electric panel is the gateway for all of the electricity that powers your lights, outlets, and appliances. If it’s outdated, it becomes a very serious risk. Electrical fires and power surges usually trace back to a panel that can’t keep up anymore. Mr. Electric is here to help homeowners spot the early signs of trouble before they lead to dangerous and expensive consequences. We offer professional electrical panel replacement, repair, and installation services. Keep reading to find out what to watch for and when to call a local electrician.
Circuit breakers are supposed to shut off power when there’s too much electricity flowing through a circuit. This prevents overheating and fires. If your breakers are tripping all the time, then it’s a red flag. Frequent tripping could mean that your panel can’t handle the demands of your home anymore. It’s very common in houses that were built before today’s energy-hungry lifestyle. Think of how many laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, and appliances you have around your house and compare that to what the average family had in 1990. If your panel wasn’t designed to support your current needs, then it’s important that you upgrade, especially if you’re interested in integrating a smart home system or EV charger. A qualified electrician in Lake Alfred can inspect your panel and help you decide whether a repair or a full electrical panel replacement is necessary.
If your lights dim or flicker when a larger appliance kicks on, then your panel is struggling to supply steady power across your house. Over time, these small disruptions can damage electronics and appliances. It’s usually a symptom of outdated wiring. Electricians can track down the source of the issue and provide solutions that will keep your property safe and your energy flowing.
If you ever smell a burning odor close to your electrical panel, see scorch marks or melted wiring, then it’s overheating. At this point, you’re dealing with an extremely serious safety issue that could cause an electrical fire. Panels can overheat for many different reasons, including moisture exposure, corrosion, loose connections, or age-related deterioration. The problems usually develop slowly and go unnoticed until it’s almost too late. If you notice these signs, shut off the main power and contact an electrician immediately.
Does your home still have a fuse box? Then it’s way past time for an upgrade. Fuses were common in houses built before the 1960s. They technically still work, but they aren’t up to today’s safety standards. Fuses don’t trip and reset like modern breakers. Instead, they melt and have to be replaced every time they blow. There’s a temptation to use fuses with a higher rating than what the circuit can handle, but this actually increases the risk of a fire. Even if you’ve never had an issue with your fuse box, a modern electrical panel will bring your home up to code and improve its safety. Most insurance companies also prefer beaker panels, so you’ll see a return on your investment in terms of appraisals if you plan to sell in the future.
Upgrades and additions are great for your property value and lifestyle, but they can stress out your electrical system if it isn’t prepared. If you’ve added a hot tub, a new HVAC system, a second refrigerator, or converted your garage into a home office, then you’re going to need extra power from your panel. You might not be sure what your current panel can handle. If so, it’s well worth getting an inspection from professional electricians. They can calculate your usage and determine if you need a subpanel or a full upgrade.
Most residential panels are built to last around 25 to 30 years. After that, the parts start to wear out, and materials degrade. Some older panels, like those made by Federal Pacific Electric or Zinsco, are known for problems. These brands have a history of design flaws and have been tied to fire hazards. If your panel is pushing 30 or if you know it’s an older brand with a bad safety record, it’s wise to schedule an inspection.
Is it time for your home to have the power it needs? Call Mr. Electric today. Our reliable electricians can spot issues so you can avoid emergencies. Getting a new panel will add instant value to your property, give you peace of mind, and give you a strong foundation for whatever technologies become available in the future. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.