What is the nerve center of your home? It’s the electric control panel. Hidden in your basement or furnace room, it makes sure all the important things in your home that rely on electricity continue to run. That means your furnace and AC, your appliances and electronics, and your lighting. And while these panels can last for decades, if they start to malfunction, that can present some major risks including:
- Fire
- Power outages and the resulting damage to your home and possessions
- Increased energy costs
- Non-compliance with safety standards
Given these risks, it is important to watch for signs your control panel may need to be replaced. Here are 14 signs.
Current Problems
Here are some problems you may be experiencing that may indicate you need a new panel.
1. Burning smells. If you sense burning smells, that means your breakers or wiring may be burning or melting. That is a fire hazard and should be addressed immediately.
2. Hot to the touch. If you touch the control panel and it is hot, that is another sign of overheating, and a potential fire hazard. This should also be addressed immediately.
3. Flickering lights. If your lights are flickering or dimming, that may mean your panel is overloaded. This frequently occurs when you are using large appliances or your air conditioner is running.
4. Tripping circuit breakers. This is another sign your panel is overloaded
5. Power surges. Power surges are another sign of an overloaded panel. Surges can cause damage to appliances and electronics.
6. Higher electric bills. This could be a sign of degraded components, inefficient power supply or loose connections in your control panel, causing it to be less efficient.
7. Physical damage. Burn marks, corrosion and rust on the panel and breakers are other signs the panel needs to be replaced.
8. Strange noises. You should not hear humming, popping or buzzing from the panel. If you do, that is a sign of trouble.
You’re Not Having Problems, However…
Even if you are not having problems, here are other signs you may want to consider a new panel.
9. Old age. Panels that are 25 years old or older should be replaced.
10. You are considering improvements that use a lot of energy. These include:
a. Adding additional appliances, such as a second refrigerator or freezer
b. Buying an electric car which requires an EV charging station
c. Purchasing a new central air conditioner
d. Adding onto your home
e. Renovating or remodeling your existing space
11. Your panel is undersized. Most homes today have 200-amp panels. If yours does not, it is undersized.
12. Your panel uses fuses and not circuit breakers. If your home was built before 1990, the panel may use fuses and not circuit breakers. Fuses are less reliable than circuit breakers and present a greater risk for fire.
13. No room for additional circuit breakers. Newer panels provide the option of adding additional breakers as the need for power increases. A panel that does not have that option is not optimal.
14. You’re using more power strips and extension cords. You are probably relying on power strips and extension cords if you cannot add additional breakers. That means you do not have enough outlets, and the panel cannot provide enough power.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for a New Electric Control Panel
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric’s licensed electricians can help you select and then install a new electric control panel. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 98 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we are the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.