Homes built before the latter part of the 20th century typically had a 100-amp power supply. Older homes often have only 60 amps. Newer homes may have 125-amp service, but with the rise in electrification even that may not be enough if the latest electrical equipment and appliances are added or planned.
Electric vehicle chargers can draw 17 or more amps on their own. Same with an electric range. Add an electric oven, and those three things alone can consume nearly half of the power of a 100-amp service. Throw in 35 or so amps for lighting and small appliances and electronics, and an older home may be at or over its limit, especially with longer stretches of darkness coming. And with the holidays around the corner, the last thing you want is to be tripping breakers with overloads.
Fortunately, there are ways to solve this problem. Here are a few.
Add More Power
Adding more power is the best solution in the long run. But it can be expensive and time consuming…if your utility can even do it. Presuming you can get more juice from your electricity provider, you’ll need to arrange it with them (and pay for it) and have a licensed electrical contractor install an upgraded service panel to handle the added load. They may also need to run dedicated circuits for additions like a car charger, a heat pump system, or changing to an all-electric kitchen.
While upgrading your electrical service is an excellent long-term investment, it can be challenging, and upfront costs can be high, so be sure to hire a reputable, licensed electrical contractor to do the work correctly and safely.
Add a Smart Panel
Several companies are making so-called smart panels that direct power to where it’s most needed, reducing or shutting off power to various unused or lower demand home circuits.
They do this by either monitoring your historical usage or with direct input from you. For instance, it may shut off power to your EV charger until other demand drops overnight. They can also save you money by matching demand to times when electricity rates are lowest.
They act similarly to smart thermostats, and most can be regulated from a smart phone or other Wi-Fi enabled controller. You can learn more about smart panels in this article in the Washington Post.
Add a Smart Meter
Electric utilities are rolling out “smart meters,” some optional, some mandatory. They operate much like smart panels with one exception: the utility company controls them. While they usually work by analyzing your usage patterns and operate accordingly, the utility can also implement power reductions known as “brown-outs” if the overall demand on their system threatens an overload, such as during peak air conditioning use during the summer.
For an example of how a smart meter works, see this article on the Xcel Energy website.
Wondering What’s Right for You? Let Us Help
Choosing the right power system and using it safely requires a knowledge of usage needs, electrical circuitry, and codes. Don’t risk injury, shock, fire hazards, or expensive repairs by getting in over your head.
If you’re thinking about adding safe, reliable power or have any problems or concerns about your electrical service, the pros at Allstar Electrical Services are ready to help. We offer homeowners, builders, and businesses reliable, professional electrical work that is safe and up to code.
Call Allstar Electricalat 303.399.7420 or visit our website. We’ve served Colorado’s Front Range for over 20 years, are top-rated by the BBB, and are an Angi’s® Home Advisor certified contractor.