Electrical Panel Upgrade in Austin

Meet Today's Power Demands with an Upgrade

In many Austin homes, the electrical panel is struggling to keep up with the demands of modern technology. From air conditioners working overtime to new appliances and EV chargers, outdated panels can lead to frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, and an overloaded system that poses a significant safety risk.

At StarTech Electric, our licensed electricians have been helping our neighbors safely modernize their electrical systems since 2006. As a family-owned business led by a master electrician, we have the expertise to make sure your home has the power it needs, safely and reliably.

For a professional electrical panel upgrade in Austin, call StarTech Electric at (409) 405-4417 or request your free estimate online.

Signs Your Electrical Panel Is Outdated

Your electrical panel is the core of your home's electrical system, but it does not last forever. An outdated or failing panel can be inefficient at best and a serious fire hazard at worst. Recognizing the warning signs is key to knowing when it is time for a professional upgrade.

It may be time to call an electrician if you notice:

• Frequently Tripping Breakers: If your breakers trip whenever you use common appliances like a microwave or hair dryer, your panel is likely overloaded and cannot handle the electrical demand.
• An Old Fuse Box: Panels that still use screw-in fuses instead of modern circuit breakers are obsolete and were not designed for the power needs of today's homes.
• Flickering or Dimming Lights: When lights dim as a large appliance like an air conditioner kicks on, it is a classic sign your system is strained.
• Crackling Sounds or a Burning Smell: Any strange noises or smells coming from your panel are serious warning signs that require immediate professional attention.
• Planning Major Additions: If you are renovating, adding a room, or installing a major new appliance like a hot tub or electric vehicle charger, an upgrade is often necessary.

Do not wait for a small problem to become a major hazard. An inspection can determine if your panel is keeping your home and family safe.

Our Electrical Panel Upgrade Process

At StarTech Electric, we understand that an electrical panel upgrade is a major job that requires precision, expertise, and a strict focus on safety. Our process is designed to be thorough and transparent, ensuring your new panel is installed to the highest standards and meets all local codes.

Here is the approach our licensed electricians take:

• Initial Consultation and Load Calculation: We start by discussing your current and future power needs. We perform a detailed load calculation to determine the correct panel size for your home.
• Permitting and Coordination: We handle the process of pulling the necessary electrical permits with the city of Austin and coordinate with the utility company for the service disconnection and reconnection.
• Safe Removal of the Old Panel: On the day of the upgrade, we begin by safely disconnecting the main power. We then carefully remove your old breaker box or fuse panel.
• New Panel Installation: We professionally install the new, high-capacity circuit breaker panel, ensuring it is properly mounted and grounded for maximum safety.
• Circuit Wiring and Labeling: Each circuit is meticulously connected to the correct new breaker, and we clearly label the entire panel so you can easily identify every circuit in your home.
• Final Inspection: Once the utility company restores power, we conduct a final test of the entire system and walk you through the new panel to ensure everything is perfect.

Our team at StarTech Electric is committed to a seamless process that leaves you with a safe, powerful, and reliable electrical system.

Why a Professional Must Handle Your Panel Upgrade

An electrical panel upgrade is one of the most complex and dangerous electrical jobs in a home. It is absolutely not a do it yourself project. Attempting this work without extensive training and licensing can lead to severe injury, electrocution, or a devastating house fire.

A licensed electrician is trained to work safely with the high-voltage service lines that connect to your home. They understand the strict requirements of the National Electrical Code and local Austin regulations, ensuring your new installation is fully compliant, which is critical for safety and home insurance.

Furthermore, a professional will correctly calculate your home's electrical load to install a panel that is properly sized. This prevents future overloading and ensures a balanced system where all components work together safely, protecting your home and your valuable electronics for years to come.