Energy Management
Energy Management | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Fayetteville
When the lights flicker or breakers trip, it’s more than a nuisance—it’s a signal that your home’s heart needs attention. HEP’s licensed electricians specialize in electric panel upgrades that bring Fayetteville houses up to today’s safety and efficiency standards. By replacing outdated fuse boxes and overloaded breaker panels, we give your appliances the steady power they crave, lower the risk of electrical fires, and lay the groundwork for smart-home tech and future solar or EV installations.
From the first inspection to the final circuit test, our team handles every detail, pulling permits, coordinating inspections, and cleaning up like we were never there. You’ll enjoy transparent pricing, prompt scheduling, and a workmanship guarantee that keeps your family powered and protected for years to come. Ready to feel the difference a modern panel makes? Call, click, or text HEP today and discover why Fayetteville homeowners trust us for electric panel upgrades.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my electrical panel in Fayetteville?
Modern households run far more high-demand appliances—HVAC systems, EV chargers, smart devices, and home offices—than the 60- or 100-amp panels installed in many older Fayetteville homes were ever designed to handle. A panel upgrade boosts available amperage (typically to 200 A or higher), adds more breaker spaces, and provides safer, more reliable power distribution. Upgrading reduces the risk of overloaded circuits, nuisance breaker trips, and electrical fires, and it positions your home to adopt future energy-saving technologies such as solar, battery storage, or whole-home automation.
What signs indicate that my home needs an electric panel upgrade?
Common warning signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering or dimming lights when appliances start, warm breaker slots or a buzzing panel, limited open breaker spaces, the presence of fuses instead of breakers, and appliances that cannot be added because the panel is at capacity. Insurance carriers may also require replacement of obsolete brands (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco) known to have safety issues.
How does an upgraded panel improve energy management and efficiency?
Newer load centers can integrate smart meters, energy-monitoring breakers, and whole-home surge protection. These features let you track real-time consumption down to individual circuits, identify energy hogs, and automate load shedding during peak-rate periods. Pairing a modern panel with high-efficiency appliances can cut annual utility costs by 10-30 %, and advanced surge protection extends the life of sensitive electronics.
What is the upgrade process and how long will my power be off?
A licensed Fayetteville electrician begins by assessing your service size and coordinating with Ozarks Electric Cooperative or SWEPCO for a temporary disconnect. On installation day, power is typically off 4–8 hours while the old panel and meter base are removed, new equipment is mounted, breakers are labeled, and grounding and bonding are verified. After the utility reconnects and the City of Fayetteville or Washington County inspector signs off, power is restored and the electrician performs a final safety check.
Do I need permits and inspections for a panel upgrade in Fayetteville?
Yes. The City of Fayetteville Building Safety Division (or the appropriate county authority if you live outside city limits) requires an electrical permit for any service upgrade. The work must comply with the 2023 Arkansas Electrical Code, which is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020. A licensed master electrician pulls the permit, schedules the inspection, and ensures grounding, bonding, AFCI/GFCI protection, and labeling meet code before the utility reconnects service.
What does a typical electric panel upgrade cost and are financing options available?
In Fayetteville, a straightforward 200-amp panel and service upgrade for a single-family home runs $2,000–$3,500, depending on panel location, wiring condition, and utility requirements. Complex projects—such as relocating the meter base, upgrading to 400 A, or adding whole-home surge protection—can reach $4,000–$7,000. Many electrical contractors offer 0 % short-term financing or partner with lenders for extended payment plans, and certain energy-efficiency upgrades may qualify for federal residential energy credits (up to 30 % of costs) or local utility rebates.