October 10, 2023

Benefits of Panel Upgrades – Enhancing Your Property's Safety, Efficiency, and Value

5 Min. Read

Upgrading your home’s electrical panel may not be the most exciting topic, but it is an essential aspect of modern living.

With the increase in energy consumption from various devices and appliances, especially as we further transition into a new technology landscape, electricity demand is growing tremendously, and your panel may need increased capacity and updated wiring, or you may be looking to increase your energy efficiency and take advantage of newer features that offer greater customization, control, and monitoring.

There is immense potential when transitioning to smart panels, and in this article, we’ll cover the considerations you should understand before any panel installation or update.

The Importance of Electrical Panel Upgrades

Upgrading the electrical panel in your home is a critical step in home electrification that comes with significant benefits. Here, we explore this process considering three key factors: safety, property value, and energy efficiency.

Improves Fire Risk and Safety Standards

If your electrical panel is more than 30 years old, or if you’re unsure of its age, upgrading your electrical panel is a smart decision, but at the very least you should have it inspected by a licensed electrician to ensure everything is functioning safely and efficiently as an outdated panel might fail or lead to additionaly concerns for your home. Indications that your panel needs to be inspected by a licensed electrician and may need to be replaced or upgraded include the following:

• Flickering lights
• Buzzing or crackling noises from the panel itself
• Obsolete or recalled panels from companies such as Zinsco, Federal Pacific, Pushmatic, etc

A load calculation should always be performed whenever an electrical load is added to the main panel to ensure the existing panel can safely accommodate the new load. These significant risks can compromise your electrical devices’ safety and proper operation and even cost you money due to inefficient use of power. Upgrading to a new electrical panel brings numerous safety enhancements, such as:

• The ability to handle higher power loads such as EV charging, HVAC, or an electric range.
• Increasing overall capacity to support additional devices and upgraded appliances.
• Better protecting your existing electrical system and infrastructure.

Enhances Property Value

If selling your property is on your mind, upgrading your electric panel boosts your property value, as smart panels are a savvy homeownership investment. A modern electrical system can handle and efficiently regulate the electrical demands of everyday living, enhancing the property’s value. This modernization signals to potential buyers that your property is future-proof, avoiding the need for immediate upgrades.

An electrical panel upgrade increases the appeal and market value. It differentiates your property, making it attractive to buyers seeking modern, efficient systems.

Improves Energy Efficiency

Today’s electrical panels are designed with energy efficiency in mind. If you decide to upgrade your electrical panel with a smart panel option, it can further manage power distribution, reducing energy loss and supporting a highly-efficient home or workplace.

This more sustainable and energy-efficient panel will also offer benefits beyond the environment, translating into actual savings for your home. Modern electrical panels can reduce monthly bills by maximizing energy use and counterbalancing the initial upgrade costs, and even more so with the implementation of a smart electrical panel.

Opting for a more energy-efficient panel enhances safety and efficiency, supports the environment, and helps lower utility bills, offering comprehensive benefits.

Benefits of Upgrading to a Smart Panel

The evolution of technology has given rise to more intelligent panels, offering numerous advantages over traditional electrical panels. These benefits include real-time energy usage data, enhanced safety, and remote control features.

You’ll Get Real-Time Energy Usage Data

Smart electrical panels take your home’s energy management a step further. They provide real-time data about energy usage, offering previously inaccessible insights. With this detailed information, homeowners can make informed decisions about energy use, find ways to reduce consumption, and potentially decrease energy bills.

Enhanced Safety

Smart panels are a real upgrade to home safety and efficiency. These advanced systems are equipped to provide homeowners with detailed information about power consumption, enabling informed decisions about energy use.

Smart panels also offer load control to specific home areas, optimizing power distribution. If your home is equipped with solar, a backup generator, or a battery storage system, an intelligent panel allows for a comprehensive understanding of your entire electrical system and available energy supply and demands – allowing you to maximize its performance.

Additionally, smart panels can detect faults and excessive power use within the electrical system. This proactive feature ensures potential safety hazards are addressed before they escalate, enhancing the safety and efficiency of your property.

Remote Control Features

The convenience offered extends to smart panel remote control features. Homeowners and business owners can monitor and manage their electrical systems from a distance, even automating how their electrification technologies interact.

This feature is particularly convenient for those often away from their property, as it allows control over the electrical system from anywhere, ensuring efficient energy usage regardless of location.

Upgrading Your Electrical Panel: What to Consider

Upgrading your smart circuit board involves more than just swapping out the old with the new. Don’t forget to consider the importance of working with a professional electrician, how big your panel should be, and whether a new panel upgrade makes sense for your family.

The Importance of Hiring a Qualified Electrician

First, don’t upgrade your electrical panel yourself. You should work with a professional electrician to install your new panel according to the rules and local codes. Plus, hiring a professional ensures your new panel will work correctly.

The Size of Your Electrical Panel

Consider the size of your home’s electrical panel when planning. Opting for a larger panel provides space for additional circuits, making it a smart choice. This is an excellent way to ensure your property can handle the power needs of today’s technology and appliances, regardless of the future.

Aspects of a Smart Panel Upgrade

Consider upgrading to a smart panel. Remember, smart electrical panels offer benefits such as real-time energy data, better safety features, and the ability to control things remotely. You should examine your current and future needs to see if these features align with your preferences and needs.

Embrace a Brighter, Safer Future with Qmerit

Qmerit ensures the safety and compliance of your home while embracing the latest electrical standards. Our comprehensive solutions connect you with qualified electricians specializing in panel upgrades, providing peace of mind.

Upgrading your electrical panel addresses current issues and future-proofs your home, enhancing safety and energy efficiency. Take the first step towards modernizing your electrical systems and contact Qmerit today.