What Brevard County Homeowners Need to Know about Replacing Electrical Panels
As a homeowner in Brevard County, you rely on your electrical panel (also called a breaker box or circuit panel) every single day, whether you’re charging your phone, running the AC, or powering your home office. But did you know that many homes in the area still operate with outdated or unsafe panels that can pose serious risks?
In this article, we’ll walk you through why replacing your old circuit panel is not just a good idea, it could be essential for your home’s safety, function, and future value.
Why Replace Your Old Circuit Panel?
Here are the top reasons Brevard County homeowners choose to upgrade their breaker boxes:
1) Fire Safety and Peace of Mind
Outdated panels like Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Challenger, and Pushmatic are known for failures that can lead to electrical fires. Many insurance companies will not cover homes with these brands due to their dangerous track records.
2) Your Panel Can’t Handle Today’s Load
Older homes often have panels rated for just 60–100 amps. But between EV chargers, air conditioners, smart tech, and home offices, most modern households need at least 150–200 amps. Constant breaker trips or reliance on power strips are warning signs.
3) You’re Renovating or Adding Appliances
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, installing a hot tub, or finishing your garage, your current panel may not have enough capacity. An upgrade ensures you’re ready for new circuits and increased load.
4) You’re Selling Your Home Soon
While you can sell a home with an old panel, be prepared for:
- Buyer pushback during inspections
- Reduced appraisal value
- Delays or dropped contracts
- Insurance or loan approval issues
Replacing the panel before listing can improve resale value and speed up your closing.
5) It’s Just Plain Old
If your panel is over 30 years old—or you’re seeing rust, buzzing sounds, hot breakers, or burn marks—call a licensed electrician immediately. These are signs of serious issues.
Can You Sell a Home with an Old Panel?
Yes, but you may run into:
- Higher insurance premiums (or denied coverage)
- Buyer negotiations or walkaways
- Lender requirements for upgrades
- Mandatory code updates
Pro tip: A new circuit panel is one of the smartest pre-sale investments you can make. It tells buyers, “This home is safe and move-in ready.”
When Should You Replace Your Circuit Panel?
You should consider upgrading your breaker box if:
- You have one of the recalled/problematic brands
- You’re experiencing tripping, flickering, or power loss
- You’re planning renovations, or adding large appliances
- Your home is over 30 years old
- You’re buying or selling a home in Brevard County
Trust Eau Gallie Electric – Brevard County’s Residential Electrical Experts
Whether you’re upgrading your home’s electrical system for safety, capacity, or code compliance, Eau Gallie Electric is here to help. With decades of experience and a reputation for quality, honesty, and professionalism, we’ve helped thousands of local homeowners protect their homes and prepare for the future.
Our Licensed Electricians Offer:
- Circuit panel inspections & upgrades
- Full-service residential electrical work
- Emergency repairs
- Code-compliant installations
- EV charger setup & smart home support
Ready to Upgrade Your Circuit Panel?
Don’t wait for an inspection or an emergency to find out your panel is a problem.
Call Eau Gallie Electric today at 321-259-2885 ext. 216. Request a Residential Electrical Service Online
We’re proud to serve homeowners across Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Cocoa, Satellite Beach, and all of Brevard County.