Every homeowner’s top priority is to keep their family safe. A properly functioning electrical panel—which controls the flow of electricity throughout your home —plays a major role in household safety. When something goes wrong with this electrical control system, you need to act fast. An upgraded system not only provides more efficient power and reduces your electricity bills but also keeps your family safe.
To learn about the top five signs that when you need to upgrade your electrical panel, keep reading.
1. Burning Smell
If your electrical panel produces a burning smell, it’s time to take a closer look. Typically, the burning smell originates from burning plastic in the unit or burning wood in the walls. Either way, this problem poses a major safety risk to your family. Contact a Maitz technician to replace your damaged electrical panel.
2. Melted Wires & Scorch Marks
System overheating also produces a burning smell. If you notice melted wires or scorch marks inside the panel, your system is producing too much heat. Possible causes for this overheating include dated wiring and defective circuit breakers. If this happens, go ahead and replace the system.
3. Rusted Electrical Parts
Rusted electrical parts are a sign that water has entered your system. Whether it’s a leak in the wall or high humidity levels, a moist electrical panel is a safety hazard. If the issue goes unaddressed, it can result in system failure, electrocution, or even a house fire. The only solution is to replace the electrical panel.
4. Fuses, Not Circuit Breakers
Every breaker box contains either fuses or circuit breakers to protect the electrical system from hazardous electricity overloads. Although both components serve the same purpose, fuses are less effective because they don’t trip in response to electricity overloads. This poses a fire risk. If your electrical panel contains fuses rather than circuit breakers, you need to replace it.
5. Aging System
For most homeowners, electrical panels generally last between 25 and 40 years. Although yours may reach the 40-year mark, any panel over 25 years old poses safety concerns. To ensure the safety of your home and your family, schedule an inspection with a Maitz technician.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
- Greater Efficiency: An upgraded electrical panel will distribute electricity more efficiently throughout your home.
- Safer: You can rest easy knowing that your home and your family are safer with an upgraded electrical panel.
- Increased Market Value: If you decide to put your house on the market after installing a new electrical panel, its value to potential buyers will increase.
- Cost Savings: Despite the upfront cost of purchasing a new electrical panel, you’ll save money on monthly electricity bills with a more efficient system.
- Reduced Maintenance: A new electrical panel will require little to no maintenance.
Contact Maitz Home Services for All of Your Electrical Needs
When you need quick, expert electrical services you can trust, call the technicians at Maitz Home Services. We offer quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, and upfront pricing. As the trusted electrical contractor in the Allentown, Pennsylvania area since 1964, we provide our loyal customers with reliable, elite service to help them feel comfortable and safe within their homes.
If you’re ready for an upgraded electrical panel, schedule a service with us today.