How to Choose the Right Electrical Panel for Your Clearwater Home
Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing panel or want to build a new home, choosing the best electrical panel will make sure your home stays safe. An electrical panel works to distribute electricity throughout your house. You want to select something efficient, convenient, and functional. Plus, it needs to be able to meet your daily energy demands. Let’s look at some options to find the best one for your Clearwater home.
How Does an Electrical Panel Work?
The electrical panel has many names. You might have heard it called a distribution board or breaker box. These metal boxes are the home for your circuit breakers. This is the panel where you can control all the electricity in your home. When the electricity enters your house from the main power lines, it will be distributed to the box and moved to different parts of your home.
These circuits are connected to the breaker. If there is a problem with the electricity, the circuit will “trip” and shut off the power. These safety features help to prevent overloads, short circuits, and other problems that could lead to a fire. Sometimes, the entire electrical panel will trip, shutting off power to your home. While resetting the switches may be inconvenient, these important safety features protect you and your house against serious electrical problems.
What You Need to Know When Choosing the Best Electrical Panel
Now that you know the purpose of an electrical panel, you will want to choose one that fits the needs of your household. First, you will want to determine the correct amperage for your panel.
Electrical panels can safely handle various amounts, running from 100-amp to 400-amp. If you have a small household with few appliances, then a 100-amp panel may be able to meet your needs. The 150-amp and 200-amp panels are the middle-of-the-road options. These are commonly found in modern houses. They can accommodate the regular electrical usage needs of an average household. However, 400-amp panels are better options if you have heavy electrical loads or want to upgrade your panel in the future.
Along with amperage, you will need to choose the number of circuits in your electrical panel. Each breaker connects to a different circuit in your home, such as the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and garage. You might want to think about your future needs. If you plan to add more appliances or a new addition to your home, you will want panels that can accommodate that. Some panels will allow you to add extra breakers as needed.
Also, consider what type of circuit breaker you need for your home. Yes, there are several different types. These can help protect your house from ground or arc faults. In most cases, your electrical panel will have standard circuit breakers. These are the most common ones.
However, if you have areas around water, choose a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breaker. These breakers will shut off if any moisture is present near the outlet. An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaker can help protect your home from any faults that could result in a house fire. New panels will often have a combination of standard, GFCI, and AFCI breakers. When selecting a new panel, you will want these safety features to protect your home and family.
Does the brand name matter? For many people, the answer is yes. Not all electrical panels are the same. Many brand names pride themselves on their reliability and durability. If you choose a cheaper panel, it could be made with lower-quality parts than the others on the market. You might just want to invest in a high-quality panel from a trusted brand, especially when it comes to the safety of your home. Some top brand names include Siemens, Square D, and Eaton.
If you are ready to select a high-quality electrical panel, think about the installation costs. You will want to hire a licensed electrician for the job. This is not a do-it-yourself project. These costs can increase depending on the size, brand, amperage, and installation location. In Clearwater, the price of a new electrical panel, including installation, ranges from $1,000 to $3,000.
When Is It Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
With all those basics in mind, when should you think about upgrading or replacing your existing electrical panel? Sometimes, there are red flags that can indicate when a new panel will be needed.
If you are experiencing frequent breaker trips, your current panel might be struggling to keep up with your energy demands. It may be time to look at upgrading the panel in your home. Also, age can play a factor. Homes with older panels or fuse boxes may not meet modern safety standards. If your panel is over several decades old, consider installing a modern one.
Sometimes, you need to connect new appliances or add more circuits in your home. That will require you to draw more power. If you have an increased electrical demand, it could be time to think about a new panel that can meet your needs. In these cases, talk to an electrician about your upgrade options.
There are other reasons why you may want to upgrade your panel. While there is an initial installation expense, you can save on your energy costs down the road. Newer electrical panels can help distribute electricity more efficiently. In turn, that could lower your energy bills. Along with that, they can handle higher loads without strain, which can make your electrical system more energy efficient.
Newer electrical panels can boost the value of your house. Buyers want homes updated with modern electrical components that meet current standards. In turn, that makes your home a more attractive option on the market.
Choosing the Best Electrical Panel for Your Clearwater Home
Choosing the best electrical panel in Clearwater can be difficult. However, with the help of the Mister Sparky team, we can provide you with a few options that fit your needs and budget. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find the right panel, contact our office for a consultation.