Electrical Panel Upgrades: When & Why You Need One

Does your home’s electricity ever feel a little, well, moody? Maybe lights flicker when the fridge kicks in. Maybe you’re resetting breakers more often than you’d like. Electrical panels are the silent backbone of your home’s power—until something goes wrong.

At Heintz Electric, we see it every week: families living with outdated systems that quietly struggle to keep up. It’s not just about convenience. It’s about safety, code compliance, your home’s future—and peace of mind for everyone under your roof.

Why Upgrade Your Panel?

Think of your electrical panel as the traffic controller of your home’s power. When it’s running smoothly, every room gets what it needs. But with today’s appliances, smart home devices, and charging stations, yesterday’s panels aren’t always up to the job.

Here’s why an upgrade matters:

• Safety: Old panels can overheat, spark, or even catch fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that electrical failures are a leading cause of home fires.
• Capacity: Adding an EV charger, upgrading your kitchen, or finishing a basement? You’ll need more power than a vintage panel can deliver.
• Reliability: No more resetting tripped breakers or dealing with flickering lights.
• Code Compliance: Building codes change. So do insurance requirements. Many older panels aren’t up to today’s standards.

Signs It’s Time

Your home might be talking to you. Here’s what to watch for:

• Flickering or dimming lights—especially when large appliances turn on.
• Frequent breaker trips—if you’re resetting more than once a month, pay attention.
• Warmth or burning smell from the panel or outlets.
• Visible rust, corrosion, or buzzing at the panel.
• Your home is over 30 years old and the panel has never been replaced.
• Limited breaker space—no room for new circuits.
• You still have a fuse box instead of breakers.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time for a professional assessment.

Quick Safety Checklist ⚠️

• Never touch a warm or sparking electrical panel.
• Don’t ignore burning smells or buzzing.
• Keep the area around your panel clear.
• If in doubt, call an electrician—fast.

When It’s an Emergency

Some situations can’t wait. Call for immediate help if you notice:

• Smoke or fire at the panel.
• Burn marks or melted wires.
• Repeated breaker trips with no clear cause.
• Water leaks near your electrical panel.

Heintz Electric offers 24-hour emergency service. Don’t risk your safety.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Replacing or upgrading an electrical panel isn’t a weekend project. This isn’t like swapping out a light fixture or outlet. Panels handle high-voltage electricity—mistakes can be catastrophic.

A licensed electrician brings more than tools. They have training, permits, and the know-how to keep your home and family safe. Plus, professional work is required by most city codes and insurance policies.

What Pros Do On Arrival

Here’s what to expect from a professional panel upgrade:

• Assess your current electrical system, including wiring and load.
• Calculate your home’s power needs now and for future plans.
• Inspect for code compliance and unsafe wiring.
• Obtain permits and schedule inspections.
• Remove the old panel safely.
• Install, label, and test the new panel and breakers.
• Clean up, review the new system with you, and provide all documentation.

The Upgrade Process

Upgrading your panel is a step-by-step process, usually completed in a day:

1. Assessment and Planning: An electrician will evaluate your needs, discuss options, and review any required upgrades to wiring or circuits.
2. Permits and Scheduling: Most local authorities require permits for panel replacements. Your electrician will handle the paperwork and coordinate inspections.
3. Power Shutoff: For safety, your home’s power will be temporarily turned off.
4. Panel Replacement: The old panel is carefully removed, new breakers installed, and all connections checked.
5. Inspection: A licensed inspector may review the work to ensure it meets current codes (like the National Electrical Code, NEC).
6. Power Restoration and Testing: Power is restored, all systems tested, and final walkthrough completed.

Prevention & Maintenance

A new panel is a fresh start, but it still needs care:

• Schedule regular electrical safety inspections (every 3-5 years).
• Avoid overloading outlets or adding unauthorized circuits.
• Watch for early warning signs—flickers, trips, or odd smells.
• Keep the area around your panel dry and unobstructed.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

• Ignoring old or undersized panels, hoping for the best.
• Using tandem breakers to “make room” in a crowded panel (often a code violation).
• Failing to upgrade wiring or circuits when adding new appliances.
• Attempting DIY fixes without training.

Costs & Time Factors

The cost of an electrical panel upgrade depends on:

• Size of your home and panel.
• Complexity of your wiring.
• Local permit and inspection fees.
• Any needed upgrades (like surge protection or grounding).

Most projects take 4–8 hours. It’s an investment in safety and reliability.

Timeline & Disruption

Expect your power to be off for several hours during the swap. Plan ahead:

• Unplug sensitive electronics.
• Keep your fridge and freezer closed.
• Notify family or home office users.

Your Heintz Electric technician will keep you informed every step of the way.

Seasonal Considerations

Panel upgrades can be done year-round, but extreme weather may delay outdoor work or inspections. If you’re planning a big summer project—like installing a pool, spa, or EV charger—schedule your upgrade before the rush.

FAQ: Electrical Panel Upgrades

Do I need a bigger panel if I add a hot tub or EV charger?
Most likely, yes. Modern amenities draw significant power.

Is my old panel dangerous even if I have no issues?
Panels over 30 years old or those with obsolete brands (like Zinsco or Federal Pacific) can be a hidden hazard—even without obvious symptoms.

Can I upgrade just some breakers?
Sometimes, but if your panel is outdated, replacing individual breakers won’t fix capacity or safety issues.

Code Compliance & Certificates

All panel upgrades performed by Heintz Electric meet or exceed NEC standards and local building codes. After completion, we provide the proper certificates for insurance and resale purposes.

Boosting Your Home’s Capacity

A new panel opens doors. Want to add a workshop, remodel your kitchen, or install smart home automation? Upgrading your panel means your home is ready—now and for whatever comes next.

If you’re searching for Panels & Breakers in Minot, or need “Electrical System Installation near you,” Heintz Electric is here to help.

The Heintz Electric Difference

Our team brings decades of experience to every home. We handle everything—assessment, permits, installation, and inspection—so you can enjoy safe, reliable power with zero headaches.

Ready for Peace of Mind?

If you’ve spotted any warning signs—or just want an honest assessment—call Heintz Electric. We’re your neighborhood electrician for safe, code-compliant panel upgrades and more.

Call Heintz Electric now — or reach us anytime at  877-315-8745 .