Homeowner’s Guide to Electrical Panel Upgrades, Santa Rosa

Key Takeaways:

• Your electrical panel powers your entire home; everything’s at risk when it fails.
• There are signs that you may need service, such as tripping breakers, flickering lights, burning smells, or an old fuse box.
• An electrical panel upgrade supports EV chargers, solar systems, and smart appliances.
• Upgrading improves safety, performance, and home value, especially before selling.
• APG Electric offers expert service in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, focusing on quality, compliance, and future-ready solutions.

Most homeowners don’t think about their electrical panel, and that’s fair. It’s usually out of sight, quietly powering everything from your kitchen to your EV charger.

But when issues arise, your panel is often where the story starts.

Are you unsure if you need a repair, upgrade, or complete replacement? It’s one of the most common questions from Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Sonoma County homeowners.

Here’s a clear, straightforward guide to help you determine what your panel needs and when to take action.

Why Your Electrical Panel Matters More Than You Realize

If your panel can’t keep up, your home may need an upgrade to stay safe and fully powered because:

• It’s the foundation of your home’s electrical system: Every outlet, light, and appliance runs through your panel. If it’s outdated or faulty, it can affect your whole house.
• It protects your home from electrical hazards. A well-maintained panel helps prevent overloads, short circuits, and potential fire risks while keeping your system up to code.
• It determines what your home can handle: From EV chargers to kitchen remodels, your panel controls how much power your home can safely support.

Outdated panels can raise red flags during inspections or delay insurance approvals, primarily if your home still uses a fuse box or a known-risk brand.

Signs You Might Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Most of the time, your panel gives you hints before things get bad. But those hints can be easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for.
Here’s what to watch for:

• Breakers tripping all the time: If you’re resetting them every other day, your system’s overloaded.
• Lights that flicker or dim when appliances kick on: That’s your panel waving a red flag.
• Using a fuse box: Fuse boxes are unsafe for modern homes, so be careful.
• A strange burning smell or warm panel: If you notice either, call an electrician immediately.

Other things to consider:

• Remodeling or adding rooms: Adding more space or rooms will cost more power to your electrical system.
• New big appliances (or an EV charger): This equipment drains massive amounts of electricity.
• Panels 30 years and older: Panels age like everything else and need a regular checkup.
• Selling your home soon: Outdated panels scare buyers and their lenders fast.

But not every issue means you need a brand-new panel.

What Happens During an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

Sometimes, a simple electrical panel repair is all it takes. During an upgrade, an electrician will:

• Check how much power you use now and what you’ll likely need later (especially if you’re adding an EV charger, hot tub, or major appliances).
• Install a brand-new panel with more amps — most homes move up to 200 amps.
• Replace service wires and grounding if needed to meet today’s safety codes.
• We double-check everything, label every circuit properly, and ensure it’s ready for the next 20+ years.

Depending on your home, it could take a few hours or a full day.

What’s the Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel?

Upgrading your electrical panel isn’t cheap, but it’s one of those investments you’ll be grateful for, especially when a big storm rolls through or you add new tech.

Here’s what affects the cost:

• How significant the upgrade is: Jumping from 100 amps to 200 amps costs more than a basic swap.
• How your power lines come in: Overhead service is usually simpler (and cheaper) than underground setups.
• How old the home is: Older homes sometimes need extra grounding or wiring updates.
• Permits and utility coordination: These add cost, but they’re not optional — they keep you legal and safe.

In Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, a typical upgrade runs between $1,000 and $3,000+, and more complex jobs (especially ones tied to solar panels or full rewires) can reach $8,000.

Why Sometimes Full Replacement Is the Only Safe Option

Sometimes, complete electrical panel replacement is the safest.

You’ll want a complete replacement if:

• Your panels are made by Federal Pacific or Zinsco (both are significant fire risks).
• There’s severe rust, melting, or visible damage.
• It can’t support today’s safety standards, like AFCI and GFCI breakers.
• Your insurance company refuses to cover your home because of it.

No amount of repairs or upgrades can fix the above issues.

Working with a Local Electrician Makes All the Difference

At APG Electric, we know Sonoma County neighborhoods inside and out. We’ve worked in homes built in the 1950s, navigated PG&E blackout schedules, and understand this region’s permitting and safety requirements. That means faster diagnostics, more innovative solutions, and fewer surprises.

Here’s what you can expect from us:

• Straightforward, honest advice: There’s no pressure, no upsells, just honest answers.
• Transparent pricing: We walk you through every cost so there are no surprises later.
• Work that meets and exceeds code: Every installation is clean, compliant, and built to last.
• Professionalism you can rely on: We arrive on time, respect your space, and clean up before we leave.

You don’t have to worry about electrical work. We care for everything so you can enjoy a powered home safely and reliably.

Your panel might be hidden from sight, but it’s working hard to keep your home safe and comfortable. If your lights are flickering, breakers are tripping, or you’re planning a renovation or adding a new appliance, get ahead before bigger problems appear.

At APG Electric, we make home electrical projects easy and painless. Whether it’s a repair, upgrade, or full replacement, we’ll make your home safe, efficient, and future-proof.

Let’s get your power where it needs to be and keep it there. Call (888) 424-2871 today to book your appointment.

FAQs – Homeowner’s Guide to Electrical Panel Upgrades

1. How do I know if I need a repair or a complete upgrade?

If you experience a faulty breaker, you might need a repair. But if your system gets strained when you turn on everyday appliances, you must consider a complete upgrade or replacement.

2. How long does a panel replacement take?

Most standard replacements take a whole day. Larger or more complex jobs may take longer, especially in older homes.

3. Will upgrading my panel help with insurance?

Yes. Many insurers offer better rates or discounts for homes with safe, modern electrical systems.

4. Which panels are considered unsafe?

Federal Pacific (FPE) and Zinsco panels are known to be unsafe and should be replaced as soon as possible.

5. Can I DIY my electrical panel upgrade?

No, and it’s not worth the risk. Electrical panel upgrades require licensed electricians and strict code compliance. DIY work can result in serious injury or void your home insurance.