Why Your Home’s Electrical Panel May Need an Upgrade (Even If Everything “Seems” Fine)

When homeowners in Joshua, Texas, or nearby communities like Burleson, Cleburne, Godley, and Crowley think about home upgrades, they usually picture things like new countertops, new flooring, or a remodeled bathroom. But one of the most important upgrades — and one that protects your home more than almost anything else — is your electrical panel.

Electrical panels are often ignored until something goes wrong. The risk is that “nothing seems wrong” does not mean your panel is safe. Many homeowners live with outdated, overloaded, or unsafe panels simply because they don’t realize what to look for. And with today’s modern appliances, home additions, and technology-heavy lifestyle, many older North Texas homes simply weren’t built for current electrical demands.

Upgrading your electrical panel isn't about aesthetics, though it will look better. It is about SAFETY, CAPACITY, UPGRADING and UP TO CODE. It will make maintenance easier as well as provide peace of mind. If you want to add surge protection to your entire home this could be done while upgrading your electrical panel.

Don't wait for a small problem to become a hazard!

That’s where working with a licensed master electrician like Dakota from D.W.D. Maintenance Services becomes essential. Unlike handymen or unlicensed installers, a master electrician can diagnose serious issues, ensure compliance with Texas electrical codes, handle any required permits, and make sure your home is protected.

Below, we break down the signs your panel may need an upgrade, why electrical load matters, and how an expert evaluates your system. This article is not a DIY guide — electricity is one area where cutting corners can have life-threatening consequences. Instead, it’s designed to help Joshua-area homeowners make informed decisions.

Why Electrical Panels Become Unsafe Over Time

Many houses in and around Joshua are 20–40+ years old. While the homes were built well, the electrical demand back then was dramatically lower.

Think about what your home uses today:

• Multiple TVs and gaming consoles

• Smart appliances

• Large HVAC systems

• Electric vehicle chargers

• High-demand kitchen equipment

• Outdoor kitchens and patio lighting

• Shop tools or hobby equipment

If your home’s panel was installed before these modern demands became normal, the system may now be overloaded, outdated, or unsafe — even if nothing has tripped yet.

Older panels were often built to meet the minimum requirements of their time. Panels from the 1970s–1990s were typically sized for 60–100 amps. Modern homes, by contrast, commonly require 150–200 amps, sometimes more.

Also, many popular panels once used are now obsolete and could be dangerous.

Warning Signs Your Panel May Need an Upgrade

Here are the most common indicators homeowners in Joshua and nearby cities see before calling D.W.D. Maintenance Services:

1. Breakers Trip Often — Especially When Using High-Demand Appliances

If your oven, microwave, AC, or space heater causes a trip, that’s a big sign your electrical load is too high.

2. Lights Flicker or Dim

This usually means circuits are overloaded or wiring is failing.

3. You Smell a Burning or “Hot” Odor Near the Panel

This can indicate arcing or melted insulation — a severe fire hazard.

4. The Panel Feels Warm to the Touch

Panels should never feel warm or vibrate.

5. You See Scorch Marks, Rust, or Corrosion

Moisture intrusion or overheating can deteriorate components.

6. Your Home Still Uses Fuses

These are decades out of date and should be replaced immediately.

7. You’re Adding Major Appliances or Doing Renovations

Any remodel affecting electrical load usually requires a panel assessment.

What a Master Electrician Checks That Others Don’t

Handymen can “install things,” but they cannot legally or safely evaluate system capacity, pull electrical permits, or perform code-compliant upgrades.

A licensed master electrician like Dakota performs a detailed evaluation that includes:

✓ Load Calculations

Texas and National Electrical Code (NEC) require calculations to determine whether the home’s panel can support total appliances, lighting, HVAC, and specialty circuits.

✓ Panel Age and Brand

Some brands — like old Federal Pacific panels — are now widely recognized as fire hazards.

✓ Wiring Conditions

Aluminum wiring, outdated materials, or deteriorated insulation can all create hidden risks.

✓ Grounding and Bonding

Proper grounding is a critical safety factor in preventing electrocution and fire.

✓ Permit Requirements

Many cities near Joshua — including Burleson, Cleburne, and Crowley — require permits for panel upgrades. A master electrician handles this for you.

✓ Future Expansion

If you plan to add a workshop, hot tub, RV hookup, EV charger, or new appliances, your panel may need expansion space.

Why Homeowners Should Not DIY or Hire an Unlicensed Installer

Electrical panels are not like changing a light fixture. Mistakes are catastrophic:

• Arc flashes

• Home electrical fires

• Damaged appliances

• Shock or electrocution

• Insurance refusing claims due to unlicensed work

In fact, per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, electrical issues cause more than 40,000 residential fires annually (source: https://www.cpsc.gov). This is why hiring a licensed professional is not optional — it’s essential.

What an Electrical Panel Upgrade Includes

When D.W.D. Maintenance Services handles an upgrade, Dakota ensures:

• Code-compliant upgrades

• Proper grounding

• Correct breaker sizing

• New copper bus and breakers

• Replacement of deteriorated connections

• Surge protection options

• Capacity for future add-ons

• Final inspection (if required)

Homeowners typically experience:

• Fewer breaker trips

• Improved home value

• Safer operation

• Longer lifespan for appliances

• Peace of mind

• 
  

Serving Joshua, Burleson, Cleburne & Surrounding Areas

If you live in:

• Joshua

• Burleson

• Cleburne

• Godley

• Crowley

• Keene

• Alvarado

… an electrical panel upgrade may be one of the smartest home investments you can make.

Final Thoughts

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. If it’s aging, overloaded, or outdated, the risk isn’t inconvenience — it’s safety. With a licensed master electrician like Dakota, you get the assurance that the job is done with precision, expertise, and long-term safety in mind.

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