Your electrical panel can only handle so much. When it reaches the limit, you can run into problems that signal it’s time for an upgrade. We’re going to run through some of those with you right now.
We don’t want to scare you, but overloading your electrical panel comes with risks of major appliance damage, an increased risk of fires, and an increased risk of electrocution.
That’s why you need an electrician in White Oak, OH to handle your electrical panel upgrade. Let’s talk about the signs that it’s time for an upgrade.
Scorch Marks on the Outlets
Small black or brown marks on your outlets are a sign that your electrical panel is experiencing some trouble. Power converts to heat, and when your panel is overloaded, you run into trouble.
If you see scorch marks around any electrical outlets, fixtures, or any wiring in your home, it’s a clear sign that your panel is enduring too much.
While there is a chance that this may just be the sign of a faulty outlet that needs to be replaced, it’s often something more than that.
You Hear a Buzzing or Crackling Sound From Your Panel
Your panel isn’t supposed to make a crackling noise. If you get close and listen to it and hear a crackling or popping noise, that’s a big red flag.
A little bit of light buzzing or humming is okay and nothing to be concerned about. If it’s loud enough that it could interrupt a conversation, it needs to be checked.
This problem is likely to lead to our next issue: burning smells.
Bad Burning Odors
If you pick up on a burning scent anywhere in your home, there’s a chance that it’s electrical. While it could be your furnace burning off some old dust from the off-season, it’s advised to act as if it’s the electrical panel to err on the side of caution.
This isn’t a small problem: it’s a big red flag and an immediate sign that something is wrong with your electrical panel. This is the point where you really can’t delay any longer.
You Have No Clue When Your House Was Last Rewired
If you’re a new homeowner or you simply don’t have the documentation to inform you of the last time your home was rewired, it’s probably been too long.
While your house should only need to be rewired every 10-20 years on average, it’s still a big task. It’s not something that you call a technician for and expect them to handle it in a single afternoon.
As we become more dependent on electricity and certain purchases become more power-hungry, such as PCs and home entertainment equipment, rewiring is often overdue.
It’s Time for an Upgrade
Upgrading your electrical panel is one of those home improvement projects that you can’t just put on the back burner. If you see any signs that we’ve mentioned today, you need to schedule your upgrade as soon as possible. We’re at-the-ready to help you get started and put those unnecessary risks to bed.
Contact JM Mechanical Heating & Cooling as soon as you suspect that you need an electrical panel upgrade. We’ll help you take care of everything from the top down.