Is Your Electrical Panel Up to the Task?
In today’s world of ever-increasing energy demands, it’s crucial to ensure your home’s electrical system can keep up. One of the most important components of this system is your electrical panel. At C. Albert Matthews, we often encounter homeowners who are unaware that their panel may be outdated or struggling to meet their household’s needs.
Here are five telltale signs that it might be time to upgrade your electrical panel:
1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If you find yourself resetting circuit breakers more often than you’d like, it could be a sign that your panel is overloaded and unable to handle your home’s electrical demands.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
When lights flicker or dim unexpectedly, especially when using high-powered appliances, it may indicate that your panel is struggling to distribute power effectively.
3. Burning Odors or Discoloration
Any smell of burning plastic or visible scorching around outlets or the panel itself is a serious warning sign. This could indicate dangerous overheating and requires immediate attention.
4. Age of the Panel
If your home’s electrical panel is more than 25-30 years old, it may not be equipped to handle modern electrical loads safely and efficiently.
5. Lack of GFCI Protection
Older panels may not include ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, which is now required in areas near water sources to prevent electrical shocks.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your Cambridge, Easton, Algonquin, Trappe, Centreville, or Denton, MD home, it’s time to consider an electrical panel upgrade. At C. Albert Matthews, our experienced electricians can assess your current setup and recommend the best solution to keep your home safe and powered up for years to come.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today to schedule an electrical panel inspection and ensure your home’s electrical system is up to par!