25 Jul Pros & Cons of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

Upgrading your home’s electrical panel is a major decision that comes with real implications for safety, functionality, and long-term value. For homeowners in Houston and Dallas, especially those living in older houses or expanding their electrical usage, a panel upgrade can be one of the smartest electrical improvements you can make. But it’s not without its trade-offs. Below, we break down the practical advantages and limitations of upgrading your electrical panel, giving you a clear picture of what to expect when you take this important step.

Why Electrical Panels Matter

An electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity from your utility provider to different circuits throughout the house. When it functions properly, you barely notice it. When it doesn’t, you could face flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or even dangerous overloads. Modern households are using more power than ever, from HVAC systems and kitchen appliances to electric vehicle chargers and home offices. If your panel can’t keep up, the entire home suffers.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

1. Increased Electrical Capacity

One of the primary benefits is the ability to handle more power. Older homes may still operate on 60 or 100 amp panels, which are insufficient for today’s needs. Upgrading to a 200 amp panel (or higher) allows you to safely run more appliances at the same time without overloading the system. This matters if you’re expanding your HVAC setup, installing a generator, adding an EV charger, building an outdoor kitchen or workshop, or making other major electrical additions.

2. Improved Safety and Code Compliance

Outdated panels, especially certain brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, are well-documented fire risks. These panels often fail to trip during overloads, leaving wires vulnerable to overheating. A modern panel is not only safer but also built to meet the latest electrical codes and standards. If you’re planning to sell or remodel your home, having a compliant panel can streamline inspections and appraisals.

3. Fewer Breaker Trips and Power Interruptions

Frequent breaker trips are a common sign your panel is overloaded. An upgraded panel with higher capacity and properly distributed circuits reduces nuisance trips. It also ensures sensitive electronics, like computers and smart devices, receive steady, uninterrupted power, protecting them from damage.

4. Support for Modern Living

A smart home setup, solar power integration, and electric vehicles all require a modern panel. With more homes in Texas adopting whole-home generators and battery storage systems, having a panel that supports these technologies is a major convenience. Brotherlylove Electric frequently installs panels designed for seamless generator transfer and energy monitoring integration.

5. Higher Property Value

An upgraded panel can increase your home’s marketability and appraisal value. Many buyers see a new electrical panel as a sign of a well-maintained home. For homes in growing cities like Dallas and Houston, where electrical demands are steadily rising, this upgrade signals future readiness.

Drawbacks and Considerations

1. Cost of Installation

Depending on the size of the panel and complexity of the home’s layout, the cost to upgrade can range from $1,500 to $3,500 or more. Costs can rise if the upgrade requires:

• Utility company coordination
• Moving the panel to a different location
• Rewiring parts of the home
• Updating the grounding system

While it’s a one-time investment, it’s still a significant expense for most homeowners. That’s why it’s important to choose a licensed and insured contractor that does the job right the first time.

2. Potential Permit and Inspection Delays

Upgrading a panel requires a permit and inspection in most Texas jurisdictions. While this ensures the job is done safely and up to code, it can introduce scheduling delays. Homeowners should prepare for this added time, especially if the upgrade is tied to a larger project like a remodel or generator installation.

3. Temporary Power Disruption

During the panel replacement process, your home’s power will be shut off, usually for several hours, sometimes for a full day. Though this is standard, it may require planning if you work from home or have sensitive equipment. At Brotherlylove Electric, care is taken to minimize downtime and coordinate the job around your schedule.

4. Wall and Surface Repair

Panel replacements occasionally involve cutting into drywall or modifying the surrounding structure. Though electricians will restore basic functionality and seal the work area, homeowners are sometimes left with minor cosmetic repairs to patch or paint.

5. May Reveal Larger Issues

Opening up an electrical system often exposes deeper problems, such as deteriorated wiring, poor previous repairs, or code violations. While this can be seen as a long-term benefit by fixing issues you didn’t know existed, it may also increase the project scope and cost. Hiring a trusted local team helps ensure these discoveries are handled with transparency and care.

When Is It Time for an Upgrade?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but these signs are strong indicators that your panel needs attention:

• Your home still uses a fuse box or outdated panel brand
• Breakers trip frequently, even under normal use
• Lights flicker when appliances start
• You hear buzzing or see signs of heat at the panel
• New devices or systems are planned (EV charger, generator, solar)
• You’ve had recent additions or plan a remodel

Brotherlylove Electric routinely handles panel upgrades throughout Houston and Dallas for exactly these reasons, offering tailored service that matches your home’s power needs with today’s demands.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Electrical panel upgrades are not DIY-friendly. They involve working directly with high-voltage components, coordinating with the utility company, and meeting strict code requirements. In cities like Houston and Dallas, where demand is high and regulations are specific, experience matters. A good contractor should be fully licensed and insured in Texas, offer clear quotes and scope before starting work, know the local permitting and inspection process, provide high-quality materials and workmanship, and stand behind their work with a satisfaction guarantee.

Brotherlylove Electric meets all these standards. With over a decade of service across the Greater Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas, they’ve built a reputation on quick response times, transparent pricing, and a commitment to doing the job right.

What to Expect During the Upgrade

Once you schedule the upgrade, your electrician will start with an initial assessment to evaluate your current system and determine your power needs. After that, they’ll pull the proper permits and arrange utility coordination if needed. On installation day, your power will be shut off while the old panel is removed and the new one is installed. Additional wiring or subpanels may be added if necessary. The job concludes with an inspection to confirm compliance and a final power-up with testing.

Putting Power Back in Your Hands

Your home’s electrical system should support your life, not limit it. Whether you’re upgrading for safety, convenience, or long-term planning, a panel replacement is one of the best ways to future-proof your property. If you’re in the Houston or Dallas area and you’ve been dealing with flickering lights, tripping breakers, or planning a major upgrade like a home addition or whole-home generator, now is the time to act.

Brotherlylove Electric has been serving Texas homeowners since 2010. We offer expert panel upgrades tailored to your home’s needs, backed by licensed professionals and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today to schedule your electrical panel upgrade and keep your home running strong.