When struggling with whether to replace or repair your electrical panel, you might end up in the dark. In recent years, it seems like replacing something is always easier than repairing something.
Whether it’s a phone screen with a crack, a scratch on a bumper, or the electrical panel for your home, the answer tends to be the same. “It’d be easier just to get a new one.” Although this may be true, the replacement always comes with a price, and it is hardly ever very low. Do you know your Electrical system? And, does it need repair?
Sparing yourself the costs of a new electrical panel, you could attempt a repair. Surely this would save you some cash. In the long run, however, it may not be worth it.
When determining this decision, it can be hard to decide what is best for you and your family. At Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical, we want to provide you with as much information as possible before making this choice. This is why we’ve compiled a list of signs indicating whether to replace or repair your electrical panel.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
This usually indicates a need to replace your electrical panel. Excluding blackouts and dimmer switches, there is no reason why your lights should be dimming. Outdated panels tend to cause dimming and flickering due to the sheer age of the parts in the system.
If you notice your lights dimming when you use the microwave or blow dryer, feel free to give us a call. We can have an expert technician inspect your panel to determine if it can produce enough electricity for your home.
Panel is Warm.
A replacement may be necessary if your electrical panel is warm to the touch. If you noticed this is the case, or you smell burning around the panel, it could be exposed wiring inside. This can sometimes be a very dangerous situation for you and your family due to the threat of a possible fire. To ensure you are safe, you may need to install a new electrical panel.
However, a warm panel doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need a new system. An experienced expert-level electrical professional can determine whether or not to replace or repair, and explain in further detail.
Failed Circuit Breakers
Are you concerned that you might have a failed circuit breaker in your home? Failed circuit breakers in your electrical panel most likely indicate a repair is necessary. Put in place to stop the flow of electricity, breakers prevent overload in your system. When one of them fails, it typically just needs to be replaced by a professional. In this scenario, replacing the panel is unnecessary.
Regularly Tripping Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers that trip once or twice on an occasional basis are usually fine. Now and then, a tripped breaker needs a quick panel reset to start functioning properly again. This is a normal occurrence.
However, if this happens regularly, replacing the electrical panel may be the only fix. Homes that are a bit older tend to have this problem more than newer ones because of the change in standards over the years. This may lead to a need for breaker panel repair or replacement. Older systems may struggle to produce enough electricity for all the electricity needs of the home, thus leaving you with a need to upgrade.
With any of these issues, please give us a call! We have technicians fully trained and licensed to provide excellent repairs while giving outstanding customer service. Don’t be in the dark, give us a call at (623) 201-5066.
