Proudly Serving New Bern, Havelock & Morehead City, NC
A whole-home generator is a great way to provide peace of mind during inclement weather. However, installing a standby generator may require upgrades to your home’s electrical system.
Your generator will need a transfer switch to connect the generator safely. If you have an older home, you may need a new electrical panel to support your electrical system and the addition of the generator.
Comfort First Heating & Cooling can handle your standby generator installation and electrical panel upgrade. Backed by over 50 years of home service experience, we’ll make the process seamless.
Call Comfort First today to request a free replacement estimate in Jacksonville.
What is a Transfer Switch?
A transfer switch allows you to safely power your home from your generator. Its primary job is to disconnect your home from the utility grid and then connect it to the standby generator.
This prevents damage to your electrical system and ensures that your generator can’t backfeed the utility grid, endangering repair workers who are trying to restore power.
There are two types of transfer switches:
- A manual transfer switch requires you to start the generator and throw a switch to connect it to your home.
- An automatic transfer switch can detect a power outage, start the generator, and automatically transfer your power to and from the generator.
Transfer switches are far safer and more convenient than connecting cords to a portable generator, but an automatic transfer provides the ultimate convenience and ease of use.
Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If your electrical panel is over a few decades old, you may need a new one to connect your whole-home generator. Here are a few signs that it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade:
- There’s no room for expansion: If your electrical panel doesn’t have space for more breakers, you’ll need a new panel to support additional appliances or a whole-home generator.
- Your lights dim or flicker: If your lights dim when large appliances turn on, you may need to upgrade your panel to one with a higher current rating.
- Circuit breakers trip frequently: Frequent tripped breakers can indicate that your electrical panel is overloaded.
- The breakers are failing: If you notice breakers that are hot to the touch, see smoke, or smell burning plastic near the electrical panel, there may be bad connections or an overloaded panel.
- The panel is outdated: You need a new panel if you have a fuse box or an aging panel.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
An electrical panel upgrade can provide several benefits for your home and family, including:
- Greater electrical safety and peace of mind
- The ability to add new circuits
- Higher current rating for large appliances
- Enhanced energy efficiency
- Lower utility bills
- Electrical code compliance
Schedule an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Make sure your home is ready for your new generator with an electrical panel upgrade from our team at Comfort First. We offer excellent service with great customer reviews and honest pricing.
We also offer financing options on approved credit to make upgrading your home easier, and all our generator installations are backed by our generator installation guarantee.
Call our team at Comfort First today to schedule your electrical panel upgrade in the Jacksonville area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do electrical panels last?
The typical electrical panel will last 25 to 40 years as long as there are no manufacturing defects or installation errors.
How do I choose the correct amperage for my transfer switch?
Your transfer switch must be able to handle the load from all the devices you’ll use during a power outage. Our team at Comfort First can calculate your home’s load requirements and recommend the best transfer switch.
Any switch you choose will need to match the generator’s rated output for the highest levels of safety and performance.
How far can a generator be from a breaker box?
Generators can be placed as much as 60 to 70 feet away from the breaker box to help reduce noise, but placing them too far away can affect power delivery due to resistance in the lines.
