Learn More About the Cost of a Breaker Box Replacement
For many homeowners, the cost of a breaker box replacement tends to be among the more significant home upgrades they’ll face. However, the exact cost to replace or upgrade your electrical panel varies quite a bit. This can make it tricky to plan financially for the event that your breaker box needs to be replaced.
At TCA Electric, we’re often asked about the cost to complete a breaker box replacement. While the only way to provide a precise answer is to complete a full inspection and provide a quote or estimate, there is a typical price range for this service that may help as you plan your electrical project. Let’s take a look at the typical cost as well as the range of factors that can impact the final price.
How Much Does a Breaker Box Replacement Cost?
The typical average cost of a breaker box replacement that we’ve seen has been around $5,000, though the cost can range anywhere from $3,000 to $9,000 or more depending on your situation. The final price will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of the project, the type of panel you need, whether you’re making an upgrade or simply a replacement, and a number of other things. Let’s take a look at some of the cost factors that will be considered.
Do You Need a Replacement or a Service Upgrade?
In some situations, it may be the case that you don’t need to replace your breaker box at all. For some homeowners, you may have a panel that includes additional space and capacity for higher electrical service. A future-proof panel like this may be providing you with 100 amps of power but have space for up to 200 total.
If this is the case, you may not need to replace your breaker box fully. Instead, a service upgrade may be able to bring your home from 100 amps to 200 amps without the need for a full replacement. However, this situation is relatively rare, and you should first consult with a professional electrician to determine if your panel can accommodate additional power.
Major Cost Factors for a Breaker Box Replacement
With the above situation covered, let’s assume that you do indeed need to fully replace your breaker box. If this is the case, there are a number of factors to take into consideration that can significantly impact the final cost.
- How much power do you need? – Depending on the type of electrical panel you need, the cost may be higher or lower than average. While replacing your existing breaker box with another 100-amp panel is not recommended, you’ll still face a choice of anywhere from 200 amps to 400 amps of power. More power requires more expensive electrical panels and, often, a more complicated installation process.
- Do you want a smart panel? – Smart electrical panels are an attractive option for many homeowners. These devices can provide real-time load analyses and other data to help you more efficiently use electricity in your home. However, while they do tend to save you money over the long term, smart panels will cost more than traditional breaker box options.
- Do you have a fuse box? – While few homes still use fuse boxes, the process of replacing a fuse box with a modern electrical panel will typically be more involved and time-consuming—and therefore pricier.
- How convenient is accessing your panel? – Is your electrical panel in a convenient location? Are you considering relocating it? Access issues can make replacing a breaker box more difficult, and sometimes upgrading to a new panel will require additional upgrades (such as rewiring) to complete.
Contact TCA Electric for a Complete, Transparent Quote!
As you can see, the final cost of a breaker box replacement can vary quite a bit. In addition, while you may be able to answer some of the above questions yourself, it’s best to consult with a licensed, professional electrician before making any decisions about your electrical panel.
At TCA Electric, we’re here to help! Our experienced and friendly electricians make quality and service our top priorities. We’re always here to answer your questions, and we’ll help you choose the best new breaker box to serve your needs now and into the future. If you need a quote for an electrical panel replacement, reach out to our team today!