Imagine stepping into your home and commanding your electrical system with a few taps on your...
When your home has a few decades under its belt, there's a good chance the electrical system hasn't kept pace with your lifestyle. The charm of an older home is great, but older wiring and panels can fall short when it comes to powering today's homes. If your home was built 30 years ago or more, it might be time to consider a panel change. Upgrading old electrical panels is one of the most requested services provided to homeowners in the Washington, D.C., area.
Why Panel Changes Are So Common in D.C. Area Homes
Homes built in the 1960s, ‘70s, or even the ‘80s, weren't designed with today's electrical loads in mind. With more devices, appliances, and smart systems in play, many older electrical panels are stretched beyond their capacity.
Over the years, Wilcox Electric has worked on countless homes with outdated service panels that weren't equipped to handle things such as central air conditioning or home automation hubs. That's why requests for panel upgrades and heavy-ups are among the most common reasons homeowners reach out to schedule an electrical consultation.
How an Outdated Panel Impacts Your Home
If you've noticed lights that flicker when appliances kick on or circuit breakers that trip more often than they should, your electrical panel might be sending you a message. Even if you're not dealing with those red flags, an older panel could be limiting what you can safely and effectively add to your home. That could mean anything from smart thermostats to EV chargers or even a new HVAC system. But if your panel isn't equipped to handle the extra demand, you might notice things don't run as smoothly, with the added strain on your system; and it can make future upgrades harder to pull off.
What is Achieved with a Heavy-Up?
A "heavy-up" refers to upgrading your service panel to allow for more amperage. Essentially, it increases the amount of power your system can handle. Many older homes were built with 100-amp service. For a household today, especially one planning to add central air or expand its technology footprint, 200 amps is often the better fit.
This kind of upgrade isn't about looks; it's about making sure your home can keep up. A stronger panel allows your system to safely power what you need today, with room to grow as your family's electrical needs evolve.
Why a Professional Assessment Is Essential
Deciding whether your home needs a panel change or heavy-up isn't something to guess at. The safest, most effective way to move forward is to bring in a licensed electrician for a full panel assessment.
At Wilcox Electric, we specialize in working with older homes in the D.C. metro area and understand the unique needs that come with aging infrastructure. A professional inspection will take into account your current usage, future plans, and safety standards to help determine whether your system is due for an upgrade.
A Smarter, Safer Home Starts at the Panel
Flickering lights or breakers that trip without warning aren't just annoying. They can be signs that your electrical system is working harder than it should. Updating your panel helps create a more reliable setup so your home can handle today's demands without skipping a beat. Whether you're planning a renovation or simply want things to run more smoothly day to day, a panel change can make a noticeable difference in how your home performs.
Thinking About an Upgrade? Wilcox Electric Can Help
If your home is older and your electrical system is starting to feel outdated, it might be time to explore a panel change or heavy-up. Wilcox Electric has been serving D.C. area homeowners since 1989, offering expert assessments, thoughtful upgrades, and reliable service.
Schedule a consultation with Wilcox Electric to learn how an updated panel can ensure all your electrical needs are safely met.
