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Why Upgrading Your Electrical Panel Is Essential for Older San Antonio Homes

San Antonio is filled with charming, character-rich homes—many built decades ago. While these properties offer historic charm and unique architecture, they often come with outdated electrical systems that weren’t designed for today’s energy demands. One of the most important modern upgrades you can make is replacing or upgrading your electrical panel.

At Good Electric, we specialize in helping San Antonio homeowners improve the safety and functionality of their homes by upgrading aging panels. Whether you’ve noticed flickering lights or tripping breakers or are planning a major remodel, upgrading your panel can improve your quality of life and protect your property.

What Is an Electrical Panel?

Your home’s electrical panel, a breaker box or distribution board, is the hub of your entire electrical system. It distributes power to various parts of your home and includes breakers designed to shut off electricity if circuits are overloaded.

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In older homes, these panels may be outdated or no longer compliant with safety codes. In fact, many older San Antonio homes still operate with 60-amp or 100-amp panels, which simply can’t keep up with the demands of modern appliances and devices.

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Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

If your electrical panel is outdated, overloaded, or malfunctioning, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Here are some common signs:

• Breakers trip frequently or won’t reset

• Lights flicker when appliances are in use

• You use multiple extension cords or power strips

• There’s no room to add new circuits

• The panel is warm or makes crackling sounds

• You’re installing a new HVAC system or a large appliance

• Your home still has a fuse box

These issues aren’t just inconvenient—they could point to serious safety concerns. Overloaded or failing panels increase the risk of electrical fires, appliance damage, or power outages.

Why Electrical Panel Upgrades Matter

An upgraded panel is about more than preventing breaker trips. It’s an investment in the safety, efficiency, and future-readiness of your home. Here’s how:

1. Improves Safety
Older panels may not be equipped to handle modern loads and may lack critical safety features like arc fault protection or ground fault interrupters. A modern panel reduces fire risks and ensures the safe operation of all your electrical systems.

2. Supports Modern Technology
Smart home devices, electric vehicles, HVAC upgrades, and kitchen remodels all require more electricity than homes were designed for decades ago. An upgraded panel ensures you can safely support all your tech.

3. Increases Home Value
Buyers are increasingly savvy about home infrastructure. An upgraded electrical panel makes your home more attractive on the market and can support other future improvements like solar power.

4. Prevents Future Repair Costs
Fixing damage from power surges, blown breakers, or damaged wiring is costly. A panel upgrade gives you peace of mind that your system is built to handle the load.

5. Code Compliance
Outdated panels may not meet current electrical codes in San Antonio, especially if you’re planning a home renovation or addition. Upgrading ensures compliance and may be required to pass inspection.

What’s Involved in an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

At Good Electric, we take care of the entire upgrade process—from initial inspection to final testing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Electrical Load Assessment: We evaluate your current energy use and future needs.

• Removal of Old Panel: If needed, we remove the outdated fuse box or panel.

• Installation of New Breaker Panel: We install a modern panel with ample capacity and safety features.

• Wiring Updates: We inspect and upgrade wiring connections as needed.

• Testing & Inspection: Your new panel is thoroughly tested and brought up to code.

• Cleanup and Walkthrough: We leave your space clean and explain how to use the new panel confidently.

Depending on the condition of your current system and home layout, upgrades are typically completed in a single day.

Why Older San Antonio Homes Are at Higher Risk

Homes built between the 1950s and 1980s may still have Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco brand panels, both of which have a known history of safety failures. These panels have been associated with breaker malfunctions, fire hazards, and non-compliance with modern electrical standards.

If your San Antonio home falls into this age range and still has the original panel, you should evaluate it as soon as possible—even if you haven’t noticed any problems yet.

Trust Good Electric for Your Panel Upgrade

We’ve been helping homeowners in San Antonio modernize their electrical systems for years. Our licensed electricians are trained to handle panel upgrades safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with Texas building codes.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Fully licensed and insured for residential and commercial electrical work

• Detailed inspections and recommendations tailored to your home’s needs

• Transparent pricing with no surprise fees

• Clean and courteous service from start to finish

• Quick turnaround times so you can get back to enjoying your home

Whether you’re updating your home’s electrical infrastructure or adding more power for a new appliance, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Schedule Your Electrical Panel Upgrade Today

Don’t wait until your panel fails to take action. Upgrading now can prevent expensive issues later and give you the confidence that your home is powered safely and efficiently.

Call Good Electric today for a free estimate and consultation. Let our team bring your electrical system up to speed with today’s demands—safely, professionally, and with the hometown service San Antonio homeowners trust.