Panel Installation In Charlotte, NC
The electrical panel in your home is an integral part of daily functions. It powers your entire home, from the outlet that powers your vacuum to the fridge that keeps your food cool. Unfortunately, like any other element or system in your home, your electrical panel isn’t immortal. It, too, can wear out and require replacement after a time.
When this happens, our team is here to help. Our experienced electricians routinely install and replace panels for homeowners and business owners throughout the greater Charlotte, NC, area. So, if your electrical panel is at the end of its lifespan, we can help by installing a replacement.
Understanding Electrical Panels
Residential electrical panels are typically rectangular metal boxes with doors. They’re usually tucked away in an out-of-the-way corner of your home, like the laundry or maintenance room. They might even be recessed into your garage wall, tucked neatly out of the way.
Inside the box, you’ll find the essential breakers that power your home. The breakers should be labeled according to the area of your home they control, such as the kitchen or a specific bedroom. Above these smaller breakers, you’ll usually find a main circuit breaker that regulates power to your home.
If your home was built before the mid-1960s, it might still have fuses. Circuit breakers didn’t become a readily available option until around that time. Fuses serve the same role as circuit breakers, but unlike breakers, they can’t be reset.
Everything in your home’s electrical panel, whether it’s fuses or circuit breakers, is usually powered through an electrical meter outside your home. The power it supplies travels through wires inside the walls of your home to outlets throughout, supplying the power you need for appliances, lights, and more.
Signs of a Faulty Electrical Panel
Unfortunately, electrical panels don’t last forever. If your electrical panel is on its way out, you might notice a few telltale signs, including:
Dimming or Flickering Lights
Your lights shouldn’t flicker or dim, so if they do regularly, there’s a good chance your electrical panel is well on its way to retirement. The only time your lights should dim is when you’re intentionally doing so using a dimmer switch.
Flickering isn’t normal in any normal circumstance and usually indicates an electrical problem. Sometimes, the flickering might be as simple as a loose bulb, but if the problem is widespread, you’re probably dealing with a more significant problem.
You might notice that the dimming or flickering happens when you’re using an appliance, like your air conditioner, hair dryer, or toaster oven. If so, your electrical panel probably needs some attention.
Burning Smell
If you smell a burnt odor emanating from your electrical panel or the general vicinity, call an electrician immediately. This smell is usually the result of overheated components within the electrical system, such as wires and insulation. The heat can cause an electrical fire, so you must call an electrician as soon as possible.
The burning smell might not always mean you need a total panel replacement—sometimes, repairs will cut it. However, in some cases, a complete panel replacement might be necessary, especially if the damage is severe. It all depends on the specifics of the issue and what caused it.
Unusual Noises
Quiet humming from your electrical panel isn’t abnormal. The vibration of the electrical currents produces a soft sound, so it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if you hear buzzing, loud humming, sizzling, crackling, hissing, or popping, there’s likely a problem with the panel or components within it.
Sometimes, the buzzing can indicate an overload in the wire or outlet, but other times, it might indicate an improperly grounded or loose wire. It can also be a sign of damaged or defective breakers or corrosion and rust buildup. Some problems are easily repairable, but others may require a total panel replacement.
Tripped Breakers
Your electrical system has circuit breakers, which are electrical switches that protect the circuit from damage due to ground faults, short circuits, and overloads. When the system detects a problem, the breaker automatically trips to prevent fires, overheating, and damage to plugged-in appliances.
While an occasional tripped breaker stemming from too many appliances plugged in isn’t unheard of, breakers that frequently trip are a problem. It can be due to a faulty electrical panel, signaling it’s time for a replacement.
Or, if you’ve recently upgraded your appliances or added appliances to your home, it could be a sign that your electrical panel isn’t equipped to handle the extra electricity your home is absorbing. Either way, a replacement or upgrade might be necessary to correct the problem.
Rust
Corrosion on an electrical panel is a problem. When rust takes hold of your electrical panel, it leads to corrosion, which eventually disintegrates the metal housing around your panel. The lack of metal housing around the interior components leaves them susceptible to moisture.
Those components, over time, may become corroded, too, which can cause circuit breaker malfunctions and electrical fires. So, if you see corrosion on your electrical panel, call an electrician. Unfortunately, once corrosion takes hold, the only option is to replace the damaged components.
Our Panel Replacement Services in Charlotte, NC
At Parks, we offer comprehensive electrical panel installation and replacement services in Charlotte, NC. We handle everything from start to finish, ensuring your new panel works safely and efficiently and can accommodate your home’s electrical needs.
Installation
If you need a new electrical panel installed in your Charlotte, NC, home, we can help. We’ll assess your home’s electrical needs, evaluating pertinent factors, such as the number of appliances you have and the size of your home. Using this information, we’ll determine the appropriate capacity and specifications for your new panel.
We’ll select a suitable location for your new panel and set up the necessary wiring, connecting the panel to the main power supply. We’ll label each breaker based on the corresponding circuit it controls, ensuring you can easily identify and manage electrical loads.
Once everything is installed, we’ll run a few tests to ensure the panel and circuits can handle your home’s electrical load.
Replacement
If your electrical panel has reached the end of its lifespan, we can replace it for you. We’ll examine the old panel to identify issues, such as insufficient capacity or outdated components. With this information in mind, we’ll recommend an appropriate replacement panel that suits your home’s electrical needs.
Once we remove the old panel, we install the new one, reconnecting existing circuits and adding new ones as needed. Lastly, we complete a comprehensive inspection and test the new panel to verify that it’s fully functional and safe.
For both new installations and replacements, we’ll walk you through the basics of your new panel. We’ll make sure you’re familiar with it and what maintenance is necessary to keep it in tip-top shape.
Call Parks at 704-596-8200 to schedule a Panel Installation in Charlotte, NC, or the surrounding areas today.
Why Choose Parks for Your Charlotte, NC, Panel Installation & Replacement
Parks HVAC is proud to be a trusted choice for panel installations and replacements in Charlotte, NC, and beyond. We serve residents in many surrounding areas, including Indian Trail, Indian Land, Matthews, Weddington, Waxhaw, and Huntersville.
We’re a family-owned and operated company with a knowledgeable team ready to help you navigate your electrical woes. Whether you need an electrical panel installed or replaced, we’re here to help. When you work with our team, you can expect us to do it right the first time. That’s the Parks way.
We’re proud to offer:
Transparent Pricing
We always supply detailed estimates on all service calls and replacements to ensure you know what to expect cost-wise. This way, you won’t have to stress about any hidden fees popping up later on—every expected cost is included in the estimate!
Military Discounts
We offer 15% discounts to those who have served or are currently serving in the military. It’s our way of conveying our genuine appreciation for your service to our country.
Straightforward Scheduling
Electrical panel issues can be a nightmare, but scheduling an appointment to address the problem shouldn’t have to be. We do our best to make scheduling as easy as possible. Simply fill out the online form, pick a day that works for you, and we’ll come to replace your electrical panel.
Experience and Expertise
Our knowledgeable team has been serving residents of the greater Charlotte, NC, area for over 50 years. We’ve helped countless homeowners and business owners navigate their electrical woes, leveraging our experience and expertise to remedy the problem. So, if you run into an issue with your electrical panel and enlist our help, you can rest assured knowing your project is in good hands.
Outstanding Customer Service
We know that electrical headaches rarely happen at convenient times. We’re dedicated to providing the help you need when you need it. So, if you have questions or concerns about your panel before, during, and after installation, we’re here to help.
Panel Installation in Charlotte, NC or the surrounding areas by calling 704-596-8200 today.
Charlotte, NC Panel Installation Services FAQs
How Do I Know If I Need a New Generator?
It can be difficult to determine if you need a new generator, especially if the issues are minor or not immediately noticeable. However, signs such as frequent power outages, your generator struggling to start, or excessive noise during operation could indicate that it’s time for a replacement.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Generator Is Failing?
If you think your generator is failing or you’ve noticed signs that could indicate a problem, contact a professional technician immediately. A failing generator can leave you without power when you need it most, so it’s crucial to address the issue quickly. Your technician will inspect the unit to diagnose and repair any problems or recommend a replacement if necessary.
Can I Prevent Generator Failures?
While it’s impossible to prevent all failures, regular maintenance and inspections can significantly reduce the risk of generator issues. Scheduling routine maintenance can catch problems early before they turn into major failures.
How Much Do Generator Installation Services Cost?
The cost of generator installation services varies based on the specifics of the job, including the type of generator and the complexity of the installation. At Parks Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electrical, we provide upfront cost estimates so you know what to expect.
What Should I Do if My Generator Stops Working?
If your generator stops working, the first step is to ensure it’s properly connected and has fuel. If it still doesn’t operate, contact a professional technician to diagnose and fix the issue. Timely service can prevent further damage and ensure your generator is ready when you need it.
Does Installing a New Generator Take a Long Time?
Installing a new generator can often be completed relatively quickly, sometimes in just a few hours. However, the actual installation time depends on the type of generator and the complexity of the job.
Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of a New Generator?
Your insurance company will determine your coverage based on your policy, but some homeowners’ insurance policies may cover the cost of a new generator, especially if it’s needed due to a covered event. It’s best to contact your insurance company to clarify what’s covered.
Call Now for Same-Day Electrical Panel Installation Services
For Charlotte homeowners, electrical panel installations should be entrusted to the trusted experts at Parks Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. We have proudly served the Charlotte area for over 50 years, offering unparalleled customer service. With licensed, experienced electricians, Parks can help homeowners with electrical panel installations, upgrades, and maintenance.
When something goes wrong with your pipes, give us a call for same-day service. Contact us today for a free estimate for a generator installation!
