Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade? Here’s How to Tell
When it comes to your home’s safety and efficiency, your electrical panel
plays a bigger role than most homeowners realize. It’s the control center of your entire electrical system, distributing power to outlets, lighting, appliances, and more. If your panel is outdated or overloaded, it could lead to serious issues—including fire risks, tripped breakers, and inconsistent power supply.
At Hammond Services, we help homeowners in Austell, GA
and the surrounding areas
stay safe and up to code. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to upgrade your panel, here are the key signs to watch for.
1. Your Home Still Has a Fuse Box
If your home uses a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Fuse boxes were common in homes built before the 1960s and are not designed to handle the electrical demands of modern households.
Why it matters: Older systems lack the safety features and capacity needed for today’s appliances, smart home devices, and HVAC systems.
2. Breakers Trip Frequently
It’s normal for a breaker to trip once in a while, but if it’s happening consistently, that’s a red flag. This usually means your panel is overloaded or a specific circuit is drawing more power than it can safely handle.
Don’t ignore this: Repeated breaker trips
are often the first sign your system is operating beyond its limits.
3. You’re Planning Major Home Upgrades
Thinking about installing a new HVAC system, EV charger, hot tub, or upgraded kitchen appliances? These all draw more power—and your panel needs to keep up.
If your panel is 100 amps or less, consider upgrading to a 200-amp panel
to support these additions safely and efficiently.
4. You Notice Flickering Lights or Power Surges
Do your lights dim when the AC kicks on or when you run the microwave? Are you seeing unexplained power surges? These issues may indicate an electrical panel that’s struggling to distribute power evenly across your home.
Left unchecked, this can damage sensitive electronics and create fire hazards.
5. Your Panel Feels Warm or Smells Like It’s Burning
This is a critical warning sign
that something is seriously wrong. If your panel feels hot to the touch, smells like burning plastic, or you see scorch marks, shut off the power and call a licensed electrician
immediately.
6. There’s No Room for Additional Circuits
Older panels often max out with 8–16 circuit spaces. If you’ve added new appliances or a finished basement and your electrician says there’s no more room in the panel, an upgrade is the only safe solution.
The Bottom Line: Better Safety, Better Efficiency
Upgrading your electrical panel not only improves safety, but also allows your home to run more efficiently. Plus, it’s a smart investment if you’re planning to sell your home or add high-powered systems like HVAC upgrades or smart home tech.
At Hammond Services, we provide expert electrical panel upgrades in Austell, Powder Springs, Mableton, Lithia Springs, and surrounding areas. Our licensed electricians will assess your current setup and recommend the best solution for your home’s needs—no pressure, just honest advice.
Call Hammond Services
or visit hammondservices.com
to schedule your electrical inspection or panel upgrade today.
Learn when whole-home repiping makes sense for older homes in Griffin and Newnan. Hammond Services provides expert plumbing solutions.
Discover why excess humidity affects comfort and how your HVAC system can restore healthy air balance in your home.
Griffin homeowners: Learn the signs your AC may need replacing before it breaks down during a Georgia summer.
Hammond Services Now Serving Metro Atlanta Homeowners With Expert HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Solutions For over four decades, Hammond Services has built a reputation as one of Georgia’s most trusted home service providers. Known for dependable heating and air conditioning, expert plumbing work, and safe, code-compliant electrical solutions, the team at Hammond Services is proud to announce their expansion into Metro Atlanta. Homeowners in the greater Atlanta area now have access to the same high-quality service that customers in south metro Georgia have relied on since 1979. Why Metro Atlanta Homeowners Can Count on Hammond Services With so many HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies to choose from, it’s important to know who you can trust. We know how it feels when something goes wrong in your home. You’re stressed and want it fixed fast, but you also want it done right the very first time. That is what drove us to open our doors over 40 years ago. The Hammond family started this business back in 1979 and they are still living in the neighborhood today. Our reputation is built on honest work, reliable customer service, and a commitment to solving problems the right way, not just the fast way. Metro Atlanta homeowners can now benefit from: Licensed, insured technicians and plumbers Prompt, on-time service Upfront pricing with no surprises Emergency availability A full guarantee on all work From simple repairs to full installations, Hammond Services does it all—and now they’re doing it across the Atlanta metro area. Full-Service HVAC for Metro Atlanta Homes Whether you’re battling Georgia’s summer heat or keeping warm during an unexpected cold snap, your home’s HVAC system matters. Hammond Services offers: Air conditioning repair , maintenance , and installation Heating system repair and replacement Indoor air quality improvements HVAC tune-ups and inspections Energy-efficient system upgrades As the seasons shift, having a dependable HVAC partner makes a difference. With Hammond Services, Atlanta homeowners get quick response times and trusted expertise to keep their homes comfortable all year. Expert Plumbing Services From a Name You Know From water heater installations to stubborn clogs, plumbing problems can disrupt your day fast. Hammond Services provides: Drain cleaning and clog removal Water heater repair and replacement (tank and tankless) Pipe leak detection and repair Toilet, faucet, and sink repair or installation Sump pump and sewer line services Whether it’s routine maintenance or a plumbing emergency, Metro Atlanta residents now have a reliable team on call. Safe, Dependable Electrical Services Electrical problems can be both inconvenient and dangerous. Hammond Services brings licensed expertise to every project, including: Electrical panel upgrades Lighting and ceiling fan installations Outlet and switch repairs Whole-home surge protection Backup generator installation Whether you’re renovating, upgrading your system, or simply need a safe fix, Hammond’s certified electricians are ready to help. Serving Griffin, Newnan, Austell, and Now the Greater Atlanta Area With deep roots in south metro Georgia, Hammond Services is proud to now serve a wider area. The expansion into Metro Atlanta means faster response times and more accessible home service solutions for homeowners across: Griffin Newnan Austell Douglasville Fayetteville Peachtree City McDonough Stockbridge And more nearby communities If you’re in the Metro Atlanta area and need trusted help for your home’s HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems, Hammond Services is just a call or click away. Ready to Schedule Service? Experience the professionalism and reliability that has made Hammond Services a household name since 1979. With decades of experience, licensed technicians, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, they’re ready to bring comfort, safety, and efficiency to more Georgia homes than ever before. Call or book online today to schedule your service with Hammond Services—now proudly serving Metro Atlanta.
Small leaks can turn into big summer headaches. Hammond Services explains the risks for Austell, Douglasville, and surrounding areas.
AC running but not cooling? Hammond Services explains common causes Georgia homeowners face. Serving Griffin, Newnan & South Metro Atlanta.
Schedule your AC tune-up early in Georgia to beat the heat. Here are 5 smart reasons to book service before summer starts.
Backflow isn’t just a plumbing issue—it’s a serious risk to your health and property. When water flows in the wrong direction, it can carry contaminants into your clean water supply. Scheduling regular backflow prevention service is a smart and necessary step.
Choosing the right size HVAC system is one of the most important decisions homeowners can make when it comes to comfort and energy efficiency.
Is your HVAC system acting up? Discover 10 signs it's time for a professional tune-up from Hammond Services.
