Upgrading your old panel with a new electrical panel can improve your home’s energy efficiency. A new panel gives you the power you need, when you need it. Thanks to the improved energy efficiency, you may save money on your electric bills over the life of the new panel.
Why Your Outdated Panel Is Costing You Money
Electrical panels last between 25 and 40 years. There are a few reasons why electrical panels become less efficient over time. As your electrical panel ages, the panel’s parts can show signs of wear and tear. The panel may use more electricity to operate. When you consider the added demands of modern smart appliances, smart lights, and other new technologies, your old electrical panel may not deliver enough electricity when you need it.
As the panel’s components age, the wires, breakers, fuses, and other components can degrade. This wear and tear increases electrical resistance. As electrical resistance increases, the panel gives off heat and loses more energy.
Dust, dirt, and debris can also increase resistance in the panel. Over time, dirt and dust can build up inside the panel. This debris can restrict airflow around the panel and increase resistance. Your electrical panel will try to manage the extra heat, which requires more energy. This causes a decline in energy efficiency. As your panel uses more energy, you may notice an increase in your electricity usage. Your electric bills will rise.
As breakers, wires, and other components deteriorate, you may experience frequent electrical problems. If you notice flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, and other power disruptions, that’s a warning sign of deteriorating parts and decreased energy efficiency.
The metal connections and other components also may become corroded due to temperature fluctuations or exposure to moisture. Corrosion can be a serious problem. It interrupts the flow of electricity and increases resistance. Corrosion can lead to overheating or warm spots on the panel. Replacing or repairing corroded parts can lead to high repair bills.
The Benefits of an Upgraded Electrical Panel
A new electrical panel is better at managing the flow of electricity throughout your home. The new panel manages the flow of electricity so that you get the power you need when you need it. Upgraded electrical panels also reduce the electrical resistance that causes energy loss and decreased efficiency.
An upgraded electrical panel can also handle your home’s energy demands more efficiently than an older unit. For example, if your home has an old panel that uses fuses instead of circuit breakers, these panels often can’t handle the power demands of modern appliances. Air conditioners, washers, dryers, and refrigerators all require more power than older appliances. As more appliances integrate WiFi capability, AI technology, and smart home features, you can expect new appliances to demand more energy to function. A new panel can manage the needs of these appliances without wasting energy.
A modern electrical panel can also prevent safety issues like power surges and arcs that force your devices to work harder. When your appliances and electronic devices work harder, you’ll notice a decline in efficiency and an increase in your utility bills. Modern electrical panels often include new technology to reduce electric fluctuations. These panels have better circuit breakers made from newer materials to ensure better power distribution.
You’ll also benefit from a new electrical panel’s safety features, such as surge protection and arc fault protection. Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) detect an arc between components in the electrical panel. Arcs can damage the components and cause electrical fires. The AFCI cuts off the electricity to stop the arc and prevent fire or damage to the panel. This feature can also reduce energy loss caused by arc faults.
Although some homeowners hesitate to invest in an upgraded electrical panel, the upfront cost may pay off later. In addition to lower electrical bills, you also may be able to save money with rebates from the government or utility company. If you’re considering adding solar panels or other technology to improve energy efficiency, a new electrical panel can supply the power required to support these systems. With an electrical panel that is ready for these new technologies, you can integrate other energy-saving technology into your home, such as smart thermostats and smart lights. Together, this technology can help you reduce your energy consumption.
If you’re tired of wasted energy and high electric bills, you can install an upgraded electrical panel. Although this upgrade requires some money up front, you can recoup some of this cost later on through lower electric and repair bills. A new electrical panel gives you the capacity and safety features you need to protect your electrical devices and improve energy efficiency.