If you’re a homeowner in Skagit or Whatcom County, you’ve probably invested time and money into improving your home’s comfort and safety. But there’s one critical component that often goes unnoticed: your electrical panel. An outdated or undersized panel can create serious problems, especially as modern homes demand more electricity than ever before. If your panel can’t keep up, you may be facing safety hazards like fire risks, power surges, or overloaded circuits.

Noticing flickering lights, blown fuses, or warm outlets? Don’t wait. Schedule an electrical panel inspection with Andgar Home Comfort today to stay safe and secure.

Why Electrical Panels Are So Important

Your home’s electrical panel is essentially the control center for all of your electrical systems. It distributes power from the utility line into various circuits that supply electricity to outlets, lights, appliances, and devices. When a panel is working properly and sized correctly, it helps maintain safe, consistent energy flow throughout the home.

But when a panel becomes outdated, it can lead to:

Limited circuit capacity, making it difficult to add new appliances
Overloaded circuits that trip frequently
Reduced protection against electrical fires or surges

Older panels were not designed to support the many devices that today’s homes typically use. Homes built more than 30 years ago often have panels that top out at 100 amps, while many modern homes need 150 to 200 amps or more to operate safely.

Warning Signs That Your Electrical Panel May Be Outdated

You don’t need to be an electrician to recognize when something might be wrong with your panel. Knowing the signs can help you take proactive steps to avoid costly repairs or dangerous situations. Here are some common red flags to watch for:

Frequent breaker trips or blown fuses: This may indicate that your circuits are drawing more power than your panel can handle.
Flickering or dimming lights: Especially when turning on large appliances, flickering lights can point to inconsistent voltage regulation.
Warm or discolored panel surfaces: A panel that feels hot or looks scorched should be inspected immediately.
Buzzing or crackling sounds from the panel: Unusual noises may signal loose connections or faulty wiring inside the panel.
Limited space for additional breakers: If your panel is full, you may not be able to safely add new appliances or circuits.
Overuse of extension cords or power strips: These temporary fixes can mask the need for more circuits and create new hazards.
Recent additions of high-power appliances or EV chargers: New equipment can easily exceed the capacity of an older electrical system.

If you recognize one or more of these symptoms in your home, it may be time to have a licensed professional evaluate your panel.

What Are the Risks of Keeping an Outdated Panel?

Many homeowners assume that if the lights turn on and the outlets work, everything is fine. But hidden behind the walls, an outdated panel can quietly increase the risk of dangerous electrical problems. Here are some of the most common and serious risks:

Electrical Fires: Older panels and wiring can overheat or short circuit, which significantly increases fire risk.
Power Surges: Sensitive electronics such as computers and smart devices can be damaged or destroyed by inconsistent voltage or unprotected surges.
Insurance Complications: Some insurance providers are reluctant to cover claims related to outdated or defective electrical systems. This could affect coverage or premiums.
Non-compliance with Modern Electrical Code: Many older panels, like certain brands phased out due to safety issues, no longer meet today’s building codes. This could become a problem during a remodel or home sale.
Limited Home Functionality: An undersized panel may prevent you from installing energy-efficient appliances or systems that could improve your home's performance and value.

Keeping your electrical panel updated is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and family from these avoidable risks.

Why Modern Homes Need Updated Panels

With more electric vehicles, home offices, and energy-efficient upgrades, the average household now requires far more power than it did even a decade ago. If you’ve made any of the following changes recently, it’s especially important to evaluate your panel:

Added an electric vehicle or installed a Level 2 EV charger
Upgraded your heating and cooling system to a high-efficiency model
Renovated your kitchen or added new electric appliances
Built a home office with multiple devices and electronics
Added a hot tub, outdoor kitchen, or other power-intensive feature

Each of these changes adds demand to your electrical system. An outdated panel may not just struggle but may become a safety liability.

To meet these demands safely, many homeowners upgrade to 200-amp panels or install subpanels to provide additional circuits. These updates help ensure your home’s electrical system can operate efficiently without overloading.

How Andgar Home Comfort Can Help

At Andgar Home Comfort, we specialize in electrical solutions that put your safety and peace of mind first. Our licensed electricians can inspect your current electrical panel, evaluate its capacity, and recommend smart, code-compliant upgrades that fit your needs and budget.

We never push unnecessary upgrades. Instead, we aim to provide clear, expert advice that empowers homeowners to make confident, informed decisions. Whether you need a full panel replacement or just want to assess the safety of your current system, our team is ready to help.

Learn more about our electrical services and how we serve communities throughout Skagit and Whatcom Counties.

Take the First Step Toward a Safer Home

Don’t let an outdated electrical panel go unchecked. If you’ve experienced any warning signs or added new appliances or technology recently, now is the time to act. Protect your home from potential fire risks, power surges, and system failures.

Reach out to our team today using our online contact form or call us at (360) 614-4543 to schedule a professional panel inspection or upgrade consultation. Your safety is our priority.