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Electrical Panel Upgrades: Enhance Your Home's Electrical Capacity
Electrical Panel Upgrades: Enhance Your Home's Electrical Capacity
Walk into an older home in Mishawaka or Valparaiso and you may find the same panel that’s been there for decades. Back then, families ran a fridge, a stove, and maybe a TV. Fast forward to today and we’ve added smart appliances, HVAC systems, gaming setups, and EV chargers. That old panel just wasn’t built for the load.
When your system can’t keep up, the signs show up quick. Breakers trip when you’re making dinner, lights flicker when the AC kicks on, or worse, you smell something burning near the panel. A home electrical panel upgrade (sometimes called a breaker box replacement or circuit breaker panel upgrade) brings your home’s power system up to speed.
Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Homeowners across Fort Wayne, Niles, and beyond call us for upgrades when they start seeing things like:
- Breakers that won’t stop tripping. Resetting them gets old fast and it’s usually a sign of overload.
- Flickering or dim lights. Common when appliances or HVAC units turn on.
- A panel that’s decades old. Anything 25 to 30 years or older is due for a change.
- Burning smells or scorch marks. These are urgent warning signs of overheating.
- No space for new breakers. Remodels, hot tubs, and EV chargers need room your old panel may not have.
- Fuse boxes. If your home still runs on fuses, it’s long past time to replace the panel.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
Upgrading isn’t just about convenience. It’s about safety and peace of mind. Here’s what a 200 amp panel upgrade can do for your home:
- Safety first. A new panel lowers the risk of fire and makes sure your wiring is protected. Older panels can overheat under today’s demand, while modern breakers shut circuits down in a fraction of a second if something goes wrong.
- Room to grow. You can add new appliances, remodel, or install an EV charger without overloading the system. Many Indiana and Michigan homeowners upgrade before finishing a basement or adding a hot tub so they know the extra demand won’t cause constant trips.
- Support for today’s tech. From smart thermostats to home offices and entertainment systems, a modern panel delivers steady, reliable power for sensitive electronics.
- Less hassle. No more running to the basement to flip breakers every time the microwave and dishwasher run together. A properly sized panel handles those loads with ease.
- Home value. Buyers and inspectors pay close attention to electrical systems. A documented upgrade shows your home is safe, efficient, and ready for modern living.
Think of it like giving your house a stronger backbone for everything that runs on electricity.
Our Electrical Panel Upgrade Services
At Home Comfort Experts, we make the electrical panel upgrade process as simple as possible. When you schedule a breaker box replacement, here’s what happens:
- Assessment. We look at your current panel and listen to your needs.
- Recommendations. We explain your options, including whether a 200-amp panel upgrade makes sense.
- Professional work. Our licensed electricians replace the panel safely and to code.
- Upfront pricing. You know the cost to upgrade electrical panel to 200 amps before the job starts.
- Follow-up. We stand by our work and are here for ongoing service.
We use equipment that meets NEMA panelboard standards, so you know your new system is built to last.
Electrical Panel Upgrades in Indiana and Michigan
From Mishawaka to Fort Wayne and across Niles and Valparaiso, families rely on Home Comfort Experts for safe and professional upgrades. If you’re dealing with constant trips, flickering lights, or you just know your panel is outdated, it may be time to replace it.
Our electricians make the process straightforward and safe. Call Home Comfort Experts today to talk about whether a breaker box replacement or circuit breaker panel upgrade is right for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most upgrades can be done in a single day, though larger projects may take longer if wiring changes are needed.
If you’re adding large appliances, planning a remodel, or installing an EV charger, 200 amps is often the right move. It prevents overload and gives you room for future growth.
Costs vary depending on the home. Factors include the age of your wiring, where the panel is located, and how much work is needed to bring everything up to code. An in-home assessment gives you the most accurate number.
Yes. Even if it “works,” an outdated panel may not be safe. Panels that are decades old often fail inspections and can become fire hazards.
Yes, but only temporarily. During installation, the power will be shut off for safety. Once the new panel is in place, power is restored, usually the same day.
Look for signs like warm spots around the panel, a buzzing sound, or scorch marks near breakers. Frequent tripping and flickering lights are also red flags.
Yes. A modern panel is often a selling point for buyers and can make the home inspection process much smoother.
