Imagine: You’re using a corded saw in your garage, your kids are playing video games in the living room, and your partner is blow drying their hair. One of the kids goes to microwave some popcorn and that’s it—the breaker trips and you’re all in darkness. Is this a frequent occurrence in your home? 

While a tripped breaker can be annoying, it’s not the worst-case scenario. The worst case is that your old electrical panel doesn’t trip correctly, there’s too much power going through your wiring, and parts start to melt and smoke, putting your home at risk. 

With an electrical panel upgrade from Brower Mechanical, you can avoid problems like these so your home functions more efficiently (and safely) for you and your family. 

When to Upgrade Your Home’s Electrical Panel 

Older panels may not be able to handle the electrical load of the ever-growing number of appliances and gadgets that make our lives easier. But it isn’t always easy to tell when it’s time for a home electrical panel upgrade. 

If you’re not sure whether it’s time to schedule a residential electrical panel upgrade at your Sacramento or Elk Grove home, keep an eye out for these signs: 

• Crackling sounds emitting from the electrical panel

• Rust and gunk on the circuit breakers

• The electrical panel is warm to the touch

• Your appliances can’t run at full power

• Your breakers keep tripping

• Any evidence of water in or near your electrical box

• There are empty spaces in the fuse box where a fuse was previously removed

• Any discoloration around outlets on the walls

• Chipping or cracking of the outlets or the plates around the outlets

• Outlets are near a water source or outside but don’t have a red test button on the outlet (a sign there is a ground fault interrupter)

The Cost of a Residential Electric Panel Upgrade

The cost of upgrading an electrical panel can vary depending on several factors, including: 

• The scope of work – Are you looking to add a small secondary electrical panel? Or rewire and electrify your entire house? Prices will vary depending on how much work you need done. 

• Site conditions – If the existing wiring and conduits need to be replaced before a new electrical panel can be safely installed, your project costs will be higher. 

• Project location – Where your home is located can impact the overall cost of your project as rates often vary from one market to another. 

Brower Mechanical will work with you to find the properly-sized electrical panel for your home, both for now and for the future. We also have rebate and financing options available to help keep project costs within your budget. 

Benefits of Updating Electrical Panels in the Sacramento Area

An electrical service panel upgrade will make your home safer and help it function better for you and your family. But those aren’t the only reasons to consider replacing your electrical panel. An electrical panel installation can also prepare your home for electrification. 

Home electrification is becoming increasingly common in California as homeowners look for ways to use cleaner energy while saving money. Some of the many benefits of an all-electric home include: 

• Better efficiency and lower energy costs 

• Less fossil fuel consumption 

• Ability to power your entire home with solar panels and solar batteries 

• Reduced risk of gas and carbon monoxide leaks in your home 

• Reduced number of open flames and fire safety risks in your home 

Brower Mechanical offers comprehensive services for electrification, including heat pump and mini split installation, heat pump hot water heaters, solar panel installation, and more. We are experts serving the Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Rocklin, Auburn, Davis, Yuba City, Lincoln and Granite Bay, Grass Valley areas, and beyond. 

Start your electrical panel replacement today! Call (916) 624-0808 or contact us to get a free quote.