Most people don’t think about their electrical panel until something starts acting up. The lights flicker, a breaker keeps tripping, or half the house suddenly loses power. In Fort Collins, where older homes and new builds sit side-by-side, your panel plays a big role in how safe and reliable your system really is.
So how do you know when it’s time to call a home electrician in Fort Collins about an electrical panel upgrade instead of just resetting breakers and hoping for the best? Here are seven signs to watch for.
- Breakers Trip All the Time
A breaker that trips occasionally is doing its job. But if you’re resetting the same breaker every week, the circuit may be overloaded or the panel is struggling to handle your home’s demand. An electrician can check whether you just need a new circuit or if the whole panel is outdated.
- Lights Flicker When Appliances Run
If the lights dim or flicker when you turn on the microwave, dryer, or AC, your system may be near its limit. This can point to loose connections, unbalanced loads, or a panel that’s simply too small for today’s electrical use.
- You Still Have a Fuse Box or an Old Panel
Many Fort Collins homes still have older panels or fuse boxes that were never designed for modern loads: EV chargers, hot tubs, home offices, and large appliances. If your panel looks old, crowded, rusty, or has scorch marks, it’s time to have it inspected.
- Not Enough Spaces for New Circuits
If every breaker slot is taken and your solution has been more power strips and extension cords, you’re asking a small system to do a big job. A panel upgrade or subpanel gives your electrician room to add safe, dedicated circuits instead of patchwork fixes.
- You’re Planning Major Upgrades
Finishing a basement, adding a workshop, installing a hot tub, or setting up a Level 2 EV charger? Before you start, a residential electrician in Fort Collins should check if your current panel can safely support those extra loads.
- Buzzing, Heat, or Burning Smells
If the panel is warm to the touch, buzzing, or has a faint burning smell, that’s a safety issue. These can be signs of loose or failing connections, and they need quick attention from a professional—not a DIY fix.
- Inspectors or Insurance Flag Your Panel
Sometimes a home inspection or insurance review is the first time anyone really looks at the panel. If they flag it as outdated or unsafe, don’t ignore it. An electrician can explain what’s wrong in plain language and lay out your options.
Why Call Three Crowns Electric?
Upgrading a panel isn’t just swapping hardware. It involves permits, code requirements, load calculations, and coordination with the utility. Three Crowns Electric has extensive experience with panel repair and replacement in Fort Collins homes. They’ll inspect your system, explain your options, and complete the work safely so your electrical system is ready for how your family actually lives.
If your breakers are telling you there’s a problem, it might be time to listen. A quick panel check today can prevent bigger issues down the road.