Safety And Efficiency
Safety And Efficiency | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Apison
When your Apison home’s lights flicker, breakers trip, or you’re planning to add high-demand appliances, it’s time to consider electric panel upgrades. HEP’s certified electricians make the process simple, starting with a thorough load assessment and ending with a clean, code-compliant installation. We replace outdated, undersized panels with modern equipment that distributes power evenly, supports smart devices, and drastically reduces the risk of electrical fires.
Beyond safety, our solutions boost efficiency. A new panel lowers energy waste, accommodates future solar or EV charging stations, and often qualifies for homeowners-insurance discounts. HEP schedules at your convenience, keeps your space tidy, and backs every project with a satisfaction guarantee—so you can power your life in Apison confidently and worry-free.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my electric panel in Apison?
Older panels—especially those installed before the early 1990s—were never designed to power today’s electronics-heavy households. Upgrading to a modern 200-amp panel lowers the risk of breaker failures, arcing, and fire, while giving you the capacity needed for HVAC upgrades, EV chargers, hot tubs, and other high-demand appliances. In many cases, insurance companies now require or incentivize panel replacements to eliminate obsolete brands such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco that have documented safety issues.
What warning signs tell me my current panel is unsafe or undersized?
Common red flags include frequent breaker trips, flickering or dimming lights when large appliances start, hot breaker handles or a buzzing panel, faint burning smells, scorch marks, corrosion, or missing labeling. If your panel still uses screw-in fuses or has fewer than 12 breaker spaces, it almost certainly lacks the capacity and modern safety features (AFCI/GFCI) required by the current National Electrical Code.
How does a panel upgrade improve energy efficiency as well as safety?
A new panel uses copper bus bars, tighter breaker connections, and modern surge protection, all of which reduce electrical resistance and wasted heat. More importantly, the additional circuit spaces let us run dedicated lines for large loads rather than overtaxing shared circuits—cutting voltage drop and helping motors (HVAC, refrigerators) run at their designed efficiencies. The upgrade also prepares your home for smart breakers and whole-home energy monitors that provide real-time usage data so you can fine-tune consumption.
Do I need a permit in Apison for an electric panel replacement, and who handles it?
Yes. Hamilton County Building Inspection Services requires a permit and final inspection for any service-equipment change. As a licensed and insured electrical contractor, we obtain the permit, coordinate with EPB or Volunteer Energy Cooperative for the temporary disconnect, and schedule the inspector. You simply approve the work; we handle all paperwork and code compliance.
How long will my power be off during the upgrade, and will I need to leave the house?
A straightforward meter-base and panel swap takes 4–8 hours. We shut power off after the utility disconnects the meter, remove the old panel, mount the new one, transfer circuits, bond/ground, and perform torque checks. Once the inspector signs off, the utility reconnects the service and power is restored the same day. Most clients stay home; we only ask that refrigerators and sensitive electronics be left closed or unplugged until power returns.
What does a panel upgrade cost in the Apison area, and what factors affect the price?
Typical turnkey pricing ranges from $1,800 to $3,500. Key cost drivers include the amperage rating (100 → 200 amp), whether the meter base or service mast also needs replacement, panel brand/feature upgrades (copper vs. aluminum bus, factory surge protection), relocation of the panel to meet current clearance codes, and the number of new circuits or AFCI/GFCI breakers requested. We provide a free on-site evaluation and a fixed-price proposal so you know the exact investment before any work begins.