For a homeowner in Fort Worth, your electrical system is what runs your home. From everyday tasks to your home's modern conveniences, your electrical panel is where it all comes together. But when your electrical panel—your home's electrical system's beating heart—begins to fail or age, you are left with frustrating, and possibly hazardous, issues. So how do you know if you need an electrical panel upgrade for your DFW home? It's important to know the answer so that your home stays safe and functional.
3 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Fort Worth
Like your body, your electrical panel might give some subtle clues that it is worn out and needs help, so pay attention.
Flickering Lights and Tripped Circuit Breakers
If you notice your lights get dim or flicker when you turn on an appliance or if you find your circuit breakers are constantly tripping, it is usually because the electrical load is more than what your panel can handle. It is not uncommon for older Fort Worth homes that were built before today's electrical demands to become overloaded, and a panel upgrade might just be what your home needs.
Outdated Electrical Panels or Damaged Components
Most residential homes built in Fort Worth prior to the '90s have old-fashioned fuse boxes or panels that are no longer safe. For example, Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco Electrical Manufacturing produced panels that were known to fail and have a risk of fire. If you can see signs of age or rust, or you smell a burning odor, contact a licensed electrician right away.
New High-Electricity Appliances or EV Chargers
We use far more electricity today than in years past and if you have a lot of modern electronics or plan to install a high-demand electric appliance like a central AC unit or electric vehicle charger, a residential panel upgrade might be in order. You can safely operate more appliances and electrical devices in your home with an electrical panel that can handle it.
Why an Electrical Panel Upgrade Is a Smart Move for Your DFW Home
When it comes to your home's electrical system, a panel upgrade is more than just making a quick fix. It's an investment that brings value to your home, improves its safety and functionality, and gives you peace of mind for years to come.
A More Secure Home
When an electrical panel is outdated and unable to meet your home's electrical needs, your family's safety can become a concern. Electrical fires are a reality and they are dangerous. Upgrading your electrical panel to one that meets modern safety standards and building codes can significantly reduce the likelihood of a house fire and save your family. When you rely on a licensed electrician for the work, you can feel secure that the panel upgrade will be done correctly and that it will meet all safety requirements.
More Capacity
When your panel is upgraded, your electrical system will have greater capacity to support your needs. You will be able to use all of your household appliances, power your smart home tech, and more. When you add new electrical loads to your home with a higher capacity system in place, your panel won't trip as easily and your family will continue to live comfortably.
A High-Value Home
Homeowners in Fort Worth know that updating an electrical panel can increase their home's value. If you plan to sell your home, a new electrical panel and a functioning electrical system will demonstrate that it is ready for today's lifestyle. Buyers are often more likely to purchase a home because of a functional panel.
How to Upgrade Your Panel in Fort Worth
When you have identified the need for a panel upgrade, it's time to call in the professionals. We begin with an evaluation and assessment of your current electrical panel and your residential electrical needs. Once we have identified what the project entails, we will acquire permits from the City of Fort Worth so that everything we do will be compliant with the building codes and safe for your family. The upgrade usually takes one day, during which power to your home will be temporarily shut off for safety. Our qualified technicians will safely remove the old panel, install a new higher ampacity panel and move circuits to the new panel. Once installed the system is tested and finally inspected by the city to verify it adheres to local, and national codes.
Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Fort Worth
Cost to Upgrade Electrical Panel in Fort Worth
Fort Worth electrical panel upgrade costs can vary based on a number of factors, such as amp increase (such as from 100 amp to 200 amp), difficulty of the existing wiring and any other electrical work that may be required. Expect costs in the DFW area to generally range from around $1,500 to $5,000 or more. This includes permitting and labor.
This is an investment, but consider long-term benefits regarding safety, efficiency and home value. KSI Electric gives you free no pressure quotes so you know the costs before we start. Upfront pricing.
Consider an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Fort Worth
If you are noticing signs of an outdated electrical panel or planning major electrical additions to your Fort Worth home, you may want to look into an electrical panel upgrade. KSI Electric has been protecting DFW homes since 1995 offering licensed & insured residential electrical services in the area. We care about your home as much as we would our own providing code-compliant work and peace of mind.
Do not wait until you have a problem. Give us a call at (817) 932-5882 or visit ksiresidentialelectric.com for a free quote. Let us, a family built electrician team make sure your home's electrical system is safe, reliable and ready for the future.
Electrical Panel Upgrade FAQ's
How do I know if I need an electrical panel upgrade?
Consider upgrading if your breakers are tripping frequently, lights are flickering or if you still have a fuse box in your home. In addition, if your panel is older, shows signs of rust or scorching or you are planning to add new, major electrical appliances such as an electric vehicle charger or a new HVAC system, an upgrade is likely necessary for safety and to ensure sufficient power.
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?
For residential electrical panel upgrades, the actual installation for most licensed electricians will take one full day. The entire process however, can be longer including the initial assessment, permit process with the city of Fort Worth and final city inspection. This can be several days to a couple weeks depending on the time it takes to obtain a permit from the city. Your power will usually only be off during the day of the installation.
What is the average cost for an electrical panel upgrade in Fort Worth?
Costs to upgrade your electrical panel in Fort Worth is typically around $1,500 to $5,000 or more based on complexity of the job, new panel size (such as upgrading from a 100 amp panel to 200 amp service) and adjustments to wiring. It is best to obtain a free, no-pressure quote from a licensed residential electrician like KSI Electric to find out what the costs will be for your specific home.
