Signs Your Electrical Panel in Missoula, MT Is Due for an Upgrade
You turn on the microwave, and your lights start to flicker? Are you having to reset breakers on a regular basis just to get by? Or perhaps you have some nagging doubts about whether that old panel in the basement is a hazard to your family.
These are the kinds of questions we field at Hometown Electric for Missoula homeowners. We have been a licensed and insured presence in the area since 2020, earning a spotless 5.0-star rating from more than 80 Google reviews. Should you have any concerns about your electrical panel, pick up the phone at (406) 508-1970 and we will put you on the right path.
Think of your electrical panel as the heart of the system in your house; it safely channels power to all your outlets and appliances. Yet no panel is built to last indefinitely. With the proliferation of new devices and electronics in today’s home, an older unit can quickly become outdated.
There is no need to let it become a major issue, though. Most panels will give warning signs before they fail. Being aware of these signs is good for your wallet and for the safety of your home.
Breakers That Will Not Stay Put
You will trip a breaker from time to time, and that is to be expected. But if you are making a habit of trudging down to the panel to flip a switch back on, take note. It is a clear indication that the panel cannot keep up with your home’s electrical demands.
Lights That Dim or Flicker
When the air conditioner or dryer comes on, do your lights dim with them? An isolated flicker is one thing, but a consistent pattern means, the panel is having difficulty keeping up with your home’s electrical demands.
Age of the Panel
It is not uncommon in Missoula to find homes still operating on panels from decades past. They were never designed for modern power requirements.If your panel has never been professionally inspected or you are unsure of its age, here are some things to consider:
- Fuses are being used in place of breakers
- The make and model is no longer in production
- There is rust or corrosion evident
- You have run out of space for new circuits
- The panel has never been upgraded since you put down roots
In such cases, a professional opinion is in order.
Burning Smells or Discolouration
Do not ignore this. Scorch marks around the breakers, or a burning odour in the vicinity of the panel, are indicators of overheating and a potential fire. Call an electrician immediately.
A Warm or Noisy Panel
Under normal circumstances, a panel is cool and silent. Any buzzing, humming, or crackling you hear, or a panel that is warm to the touch, is cause for concern.
An Overabundance of Power Strips
Some homeowners try to compensate for an antiquated panel with a tangle of extension cords and adapters. If you cannot plug in what you need without resorting to them, you are short on circuits. A new panel gives you the capacity to meet your home’s electrical needs.
Remodelling or New Appliances
If you have plans to put in a hot tub, an EV charger, or a new HVAC system, these are heavy on the power. Confirm your panel can take the load before you begin. It is much simpler to do an upgrade as part of a remodel than to address the fallout after the fact.
Why You Should Make the Change
An overloaded panel is a source of frustration and a safety liability. Putting in a new one adds efficiency and room to grow, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with it.
Hometown Electric is ready to help when the time is right. We are fully licensed and insured and back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We offer free estimates and are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If any of the above has rung true for you, do not put it off. Give us a ring at (406) 508-1970 and let us inspect your panel.
