Living in Virginia in August means you’re expecting two things. Storm season is far from over, and the heat isn’t going away anytime soon. You must know what your circuit box can handle during back-to-school routines, high A/C usage, and powerful thunderstorms. If your panel isn’t up to the task, you might experience flickering lights, tripped breakers, or bigger electrical issues down the line. Let’s explore why this is so important and how to determine whether you need a checkup or an electrical panel upgrade.

All About Your Electrical Panel

Your home’s circuit panel is effectively the traffic controller for all the electricity in your home. It safely routes power to all circuits and protects your home by tripping circuit breakers if something attempts to draw too much power. However, like other home items, an electrical panel doesn’t last forever. Increased demand and time can cause your panel to become overloaded or outdated.

Why Late Summer Is a Stress Test for Your Electrical System

Late summer in Virginia is full of frequent storms and high heat. Both of these things can push your electrical panel to its limits. Here’s how.

You’re likely running your air conditioner at full blast.
You’re spending more time indoors using your appliances and electronics.
Thunderstorms can cause power surges.
Once kids return to school, they use laptops, chargers, and more to draw power.

These factors combine to put stress on your electrical panel and can cause minor electrical issues to surface or worsen.

5 Signs You May Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Several signs you can look out for will tell you your panel is struggling. If you suspect an issue, watch out for these red flags:

Your circuit breakers are frequently breaking. It’s not abnormal for this to happen occasionally. But if it is happening often, there is something wrong.
Your lights are dimming or flickering. It is a sign that your electrical panel is not sending enough power to your lights.
You can hear a buzzing sound from your panel, or it feels warm to the touch. These are signs that your panel is overworked and likely needs upgrading or replacing.
Your panel is twenty or more years old. While they can last longer than this, it might be time for a replacement if they are old and you notice other issues. In addition, older panels might not meet modern safety standards.
You’ve added new appliances, a hot tub, or an EV charger to your home. These devices use a lot of power. So, if your electrical panel isn’t ready for the extra demand, you may face problems.

The Benefits of an Upgrade

So, what are the benefits of an electrical panel upgrade? Upgrading your electrical panel can resolve existing electrical issues. On top of that, it will prevent new problems. For example, it can provide improved safety, support for modern appliances, consistent performance even under a heavy load, and peace of mind during power surges/outages.

Consider Whole-House Surge Protection

Pop-up storms are common in Virginia in the late summer and can cause power surges. Installing a whole-house surge protector gives your home a layer of defense by protecting your HVAC system, electronics, and appliances.

Smith & Keene is offering a bonus of $100 off whole-home surge protector installation through July 31st.

Stay Ahead of the Storm

Get ahead of the next storm and stop your panel from reaching its breaking point. It’s time to take action. Let the licensed electricians at Smith & Keene evaluate your system and recommend the right solution. This could be routine maintenance, surge protection, or an electrical panel upgrade.

Contact us to schedule your electrical inspection today and stay powered up through the season.

Call The Experts

Contact your expert heating, cooling, and electrical team at Smith & Keene to navigate the process. From purchasing the best thermostat to meet your home’s equipment needs, to properly installing it for optimum efficiency, our team is ready to help.