If you’re living in an older home or noticing odd electrical behavior, you might be wondering: is it time to upgrade your electrical panel?
For many Houston homeowners, the electrical panel is out of sight and out of mind—until problems arise. But this component is crucial: it distributes electricity throughout your home and protects your circuits from overload by tripping breakers when necessary. When your panel becomes outdated or overworked, it can pose real risks—from frequent power outages to serious electrical fires.
Let’s take a closer look at the warning signs that it’s time for a panel upgrade, and why choosing Smart Choice Electrical is the right call to keep your home safe, up to code, and future-ready.
1. Circuit Breakers Trip Often
If you’re constantly heading to the garage or utility room to flip your breakers back on, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a red flag.
Frequent breaker trips typically signal:
- An overloaded panel, struggling to handle your current electrical usage
- Faulty breakers or outdated components
- Short circuits or wiring issues somewhere in the system
Breakers are designed to trip as a safety measure, but if it’s happening frequently, your panel likely can’t keep up with your home’s energy demands. This is especially common in older homes where the panel was installed before today’s power-hungry appliances and electronics became the norm.
📌 Pro tip: If your panel feels warm to the touch or emits a buzzing sound when breakers trip, shut off power and call a professional immediately.
➡️ Learn more about our circuit breaker replacement services in Houston.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Do your lights flicker when you use your microwave? Or dim when the AC kicks on? This isn’t just annoying—it could mean your electrical panel is struggling to maintain consistent voltage.
Common causes include:
- Voltage fluctuations from an overloaded panel
- Loose or corroded wiring within the panel
- Insufficient capacity for newer appliances
These symptoms often point to an outdated or underpowered system. Left unchecked, inconsistent voltage can damage electronics and appliances over time.
🌟 A panel upgrade ensures your home receives steady, balanced electricity—eliminating flickers and protecting your devices.
➡️ You can also consider our lighting upgrades as part of a full-home electrical refresh.
3. Your Panel Is 25+ Years Old
Like most systems in your home, electrical panels have a shelf life—typically 25 to 40 years, depending on brand and usage. If your home was built in the 1980s or earlier and hasn’t had an upgrade, your panel may be well past its prime.
Some panels, like those from Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco, have even been linked to electrical fires due to defective breaker designs.
Other risks of old panels:
- Lack of arc fault protection
- Inability to handle modern electrical loads
- Difficulty getting replacement parts
💡 If your panel has a rusted cover, outdated labeling, or looks visibly worn—get it inspected. Even if it’s still functioning, it may no longer meet Houston city codes or insurance requirements.
➡️ Schedule a residential electrical inspection with Smart Choice to evaluate your panel’s condition and safety.
4. Burn Marks, Melting, or Strange Smells
One of the most serious signs of trouble is any indication of burning, charring, or a plastic-like odor near your panel.
This could mean:
- Overheating breakers or wires
- Arcing due to loose connections
- Potential electrical fire risk
These symptoms require immediate attention. If you see dark discoloration around the panel, notice melted wires, or smell something burning, do not attempt to reset breakers or touch the panel.
📞 Call us at (713) 955-5350 for 24/7 emergency electrical repairs in Houston.
5. You’re Expanding Your Home or Adding Major Appliances
Planning a home addition, new HVAC system, or a modern kitchen renovation? What about installing an EV charger or pool equipment?
All these upgrades increase your home’s electrical demand. If your current panel doesn’t have enough amps or space for new circuits, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-capacity model (typically 200 amps or more).
Common upgrades that may require a panel upgrade:
- Tankless water heaters
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Hot tubs or pools
- Home offices with multiple electronics
- Smart home automation systems
💡 Want to be sure? Our electricians can perform a full electric load analysis (also applicable for homes) to determine if your panel can handle the load—or if it’s time for a modern upgrade.
➡️ We also specialize in EV charger installations and smart home solutions that rely on stable power systems.
6. There’s No Room for New Circuits
Your current panel may still be functional—but if it’s full and can’t accommodate any new circuits, that’s a problem.
This often happens in older homes with smaller 100-amp panels. If you’ve already added several circuits over the years, you may have maxed out your available slots.
In these cases, your only options are:
- Install a sub-panel (a temporary fix)
- Or upgrade your main panel to a larger capacity
Choosing a full upgrade gives you future flexibility, avoids clutter, and ensures everything is housed safely in one place.
Why Houston Homeowners Trust Smart Choice Electrical
At Smart Choice Electrical, we’ve helped thousands of Houston homeowners bring their electrical systems up to date—with expert craftsmanship, clear pricing, and code-compliant work.
Why choose us for your panel upgrade?
- ✅ Over 30 years of combined electrical experience
- ✅ Licensed, bonded, and insured professionals
- ✅ Personalized consultations based on your home’s layout and usage
- ✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- ✅ 24/7 availability for emergency repairs and urgent inspections
Whether you live in The Heights, West University, Spring Branch, or beyond—we’re Houston locals, and we know the unique electrical challenges that Gulf Coast homes face.
Don’t Wait for a Power Failure—Upgrade Proactively
Waiting until something goes wrong with your electrical panel can cost you more in the long run—whether in damaged electronics, emergency repairs, or worse, a home fire.
If you’ve noticed flickering lights, breaker trips, or your home still runs on an old panel, it’s time to act.
👉 Contact Smart Choice Electrical today at (713) 955-5350 for a professional evaluation or to schedule your panel upgrade.
We’ll help you power your future—safely, efficiently, and reliably.
