Summary
The NEC’s Optional Load Calculation Method can help you find out whether your electrical panel safely supports your power needs. This method is used by industry professionals to calculate how much electricity you currently use when planning upgrades like EV chargers or heat pumps. Caccia Home Services offers a free calculator that can apply this method for you and compare your home’s current power draw to the capacity of your electrical panel so you can see whether it needs upgrading.
If you live in a home that was built more than 15 years ago, there’s a good chance your electrical panel won’t be able to keep up with modern conveniences like EV chargers, home spas, or heat pumps.
Older 60-amp and 100-amp panels were built in a time when homes here in the Bay Area really only needed to power the basics. Today’s appliances draw significantly more electricity, so trying to run them without upgrading first can completely overwhelm the panel or even start a fire.
Use the free tool below to estimate how much capacity your current panel has compared to how much you’ll need if you want to install new tech. If you’re in the red zone, contact our team at Caccia Home Services and get a quote for an electrical panel upgrade.
How to Use This Calculator
To get your results, just follow these simple steps:
- Square Footage: This is the total square footage of your home. If you don’t know, your best guess is fine, or you can use a median average of around 1700-2000 square feet.
- Panel Size: This is the size of your panel and/or service. You’ll usually find it on your main switch or breaker. If you can’t find it, check out the video further down in this post for a walkthrough.
- Current Major Appliances: Check the boxes for which appliances you have now and what you plan to add when you upgrade your panel.
- Get Your Result: Click “Estimate Load” to get your results.
If the tool suggests you need an upgrade, click “Schedule an Evaluation Now” to schedule an assessment. It’s that easy!
Free Home Load Capacity Estimator
Modernize Your Home’s Power Center
If your panel is nearing capacity, we can help you upgrade safely and efficiently.
Choose Caccia Home Services for Your Panel Upgrade
Caccia’s licensed electricians have decades of experience helping homeowners here in the Bay Area with their electrical needs. We know how to handle the job safely at every step and follow a proven process that helps make panel upgrades that future-proof your home as painlessly and stress-free as possible.
When you partner with us to upgrade your electrical panel, you benefit from:
- Thorough initial assessments that help us identify exactly what you need.
- Help with permits and inspections so you don’t need to stress over the details.
- Transparent, upfront quotes that let you know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Safe, high-quality work that meets modern code and keeps your home safe.
Whether you’re already experiencing panel problems like power outages or you want to install an EV charger, you can trust us to get the job done right the first time around. And when the safety of your loved ones is at stake, why take chances?
Our team is ready and waiting to help. Call us at (650) 294-8454 or schedule service online now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrades
How much does it cost to upgrade my electrical panel?
To give you an accurate quote, we’ll need to assess your current setup and ask you a few questions about your current usage. Use our free upgrade cost calculator to get a ballpark figure before you call.
How can I save money on the cost of my panel upgrade?
You may qualify for federal tax credits and/or local rebates. Use our free rebate finder tool to narrow down your options and get helpful information about each program.
How can I tell the age and/or amperage of my current panel?
Geno can help you with that! Watch the video below for a quick and easy walkthrough of how to find the date your panel was made. You’ll find the amperage (or size of your service) nearby on the main switch.