With everyone at home more often during the holiday season, you may notice that your electrical...
As summer temperatures rise, so does the demand on your home's electrical system. With air conditioning running full blast, EVs needing frequent charges, and kids home from school using every electronic device they own, your system might feel the strain. This is where a heavy-up, or an electrical service upgrade, comes in clutch. Upgrading your electrical panel can increase the amperage coming into your home, ensuring it can handle anything your summer electrical needs may throw its way.
What is a Heavy-Up?
A heavy-up is, put simply, an upgrade to your home's electrical panel that increases its capacity. This means more amperage, or more electrical power, can flow into your home, leaving it better equipped to handle modern energy demands. Most older homes were built with 60-100 amp panels, but today's busy household often requires 200 amps or more to safely and efficiently power all appliances and devices. Here are a few reasons why you may want to consider a heavy-up:
- Accommodating Increased Demand: On a sweltering summer day, everyone is in the house to avoid the heat. That means everything is going at once, and all these activities can place a significant load on your electrical system. A heavy-up ensures your home can handle the demand without overloaded circuits or tripped breakers.
- Boosting Safety: Older electrical panels might not have the capacity to support the array of modern appliances and devices. This can lead to overloaded circuits, which pose a fire risk. Upgrading your electrical panel to a higher amperage can mitigate these risks, providing peace of mind that your home is safe.
- Future-Proofing Your Home: As technology advances, the electricity demand will continue to grow. Upgrading your electrical panel prepares your home for future needs, whether it's more smart home devices, additional EV chargers, or new appliances. A heavy-up is an investment in the long-term functionality and safety of your home's electrical system.
How a Heavy-Up Works
A heavy-up increases the amperage capacity of your electrical panel. If your current panel is rated for 100 amps, upgrading to 200 amps means your system can handle a higher electrical load. This is especially crucial during peak usage times, like hot summer days.
The process involves replacing your current panel with a larger one and upgrading other electrical system components as needed. It might include upgrading the service entrance cables, the meter socket, and the grounding system to ensure everything is up to code and capable of handling the increased load.
Benefits of a Heavy-Up:
- Reliability During Peak Demand: Summer often brings peak electricity usage. With a heavy-up, your electrical system can handle the load of air conditioning, EV charging, and all the electronic devices your family uses without issue. This reliability is crucial for comfort and convenience.
- Increased Home Value: An upgraded electrical system can increase the value of your home. Prospective buyers are often looking for modern homes that can handle today's electrical demands. A heavy-up is a selling point that can make your home more attractive on the market.
- Better Performance: With an upgraded electrical panel, you'll notice improved performance from your appliances and electronics. There's less risk of flickering lights, tripped breakers, or power surges, providing a smoother and more reliable electrical experience.
Why You Should Choose Wilcox Electric for Your Heavy-Up
Wilcox Electric has extensive experience in performing heavy-ups and electrical service upgrades. Our team of licensed electricians ensures that every upgrade is done safely, efficiently, and up to code. We understand that every home is unique, so our team will assess your specific needs and provide a solution that ensures your electrical system can meet your household's demands now and in the future.
As you prepare for the demands of summer, consider the benefits of a heavy-up to ensure your home's electrical system is ready to handle the load. From running the AC to charging your EV, a service upgrade can provide the power and safety you need.
Contact Wilcox Electric for a consultation. Our team of experienced electricians will help you upgrade your electrical panel, ensuring a worry-free summer and a more efficient home for years to come.
