If you live in an older home in Lakewood, WA, your electrical panel may be due for an upgrade—and you’re not alone. Many homes in the Puget Sound region were built long before modern appliances, EV chargers, and expanded living spaces became common. At Mercurio’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we help homeowners ensure their electrical systems can safely and reliably support today’s demands.
While it’s not always an emergency, an outdated or overloaded panel can pose serious risks, including electrical fires or shock hazards. Protecting your family and your investment starts with understanding when an upgrade is needed. This guide outlines why electrical panel upgrades matter, key warning signs to look for, and how Mercurio’s can help you plan a safe, code-compliant solution.
Electrical Panels
Your home’s electrical panel is the hub that distributes power to every room, appliance, and device. In a place like Lakewood, where dependable power is essential, keeping this system up to date helps prevent outages, flickering lights, and system strain.
Older or undersized panels can increase energy waste, drive up utility bills, and compromise safety. Upgrading your panel improves system efficiency, increases capacity, and gives you peace of mind knowing your home can handle today’s electrical load—especially if you’re adding high-draw appliances, remodeling, or planning for electric vehicle charging.
Why Panel Upgrades Are More Common in Lakewood
Lakewood is home to a wide range of vintage properties—from 1940s bungalows to mid-century ranches. Many of these homes were built with 100-amp panels or fuse boxes that no longer meet modern power needs.
Common reasons for upgrades include:
- Adding EV chargers or solar panels
- Installing central air systems or electric heating
- Renovating kitchens or adding home offices
- Powering hot tubs or entertainment systems
As families add new appliances and modern conveniences, their electrical load often exceeds the original panel’s capacity. That’s why electrical panel upgrades in Lakewood, WA, have become increasingly common—and important.
Signs Your Home May Need an Electrical Upgrade
Not sure whether your panel needs attention? Watch for these common signs:
- Frequent breaker trips or flickering lights
- Overheating, burning smells, or outlet discoloration
- Use of an outdated fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel
- Recent remodeling or home additions without electrical upgrades
- Plans to install an EV charger or other major appliances
- Buzzing sounds, sparking outlets, or breaker malfunctions
If you notice any of the above, it’s time to call a licensed electrician. These symptoms often point to safety hazards or capacity issues. Mercurio’s offers expert home electrical inspections to evaluate your panel and recommend next steps.
Circuit Breakers and Electrical Panels: What You Need to Know
Circuit breakers are critical components of your panel, designed to cut power in the event of an overload or short circuit. In older Lakewood homes, outdated panels and breakers may not provide sufficient protection.
At Mercurio’s, our licensed electricians install and upgrade panels with modern, high-capacity breakers that safeguard your appliances, wiring, and outlets. Whether you're adding new appliances, expanding your living space, or converting to electric heat, we ensure your panel is built to handle it safely and efficiently.
When you choose Mercurio’s, you get:
- Honest recommendations tailored to your home
- Code-compliant upgrades done by licensed professionals
- Competitive pricing and courteous, on-time service
What a Panel Replacement Involves
An electrical panel upgrade isn’t just a quick swap—it’s a complete service to bring your home up to today’s safety codes and load requirements. Here’s what it typically involves:
- Load calculation to determine your home’s current and future electrical needs
- Permit and code compliance with Lakewood City and WA state regulations
- Removal of the old fuse box or low-amp panel
- Installation of a modern 200-amp (or greater) panel as part of our comprehensive electrical solutions
- Testing and inspection for functionality and safety
Our skilled technicians handle the entire process, from consultation to cleanup, so you can feel confident your home is safe, efficient, and ready for the future. If any urgent issues arise during your upgrade, our team is equipped to provide immediate electrical work to resolve them quickly.
Are You Planning for EV Charging or Home Expansion?
One of the top reasons homeowners in Lakewood call us is for EV charger installation. Whether you’ve already purchased an electric vehicle or are planning to, most Level 2 EV chargers require a dedicated 240-volt line, which older panels can’t always support.
Likewise, if you’re finishing a basement, adding a workshop, installing a hot tub, or planning lighting upgrades, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel to safely power new circuits. If you’re considering a renovation, addition, or your next project, a panel upgrade can ensure your home is ready for future electrical needs.
Mercurio’s specializes in residential electrical service, providing expert solutions for all your home electrical upgrades.
Explore our EV charger installation services to learn more about compatibility and panel requirements.
Why Choose a Local Electrician for Your Panel Upgrade
When it comes to electrical panel upgrades, working with a local electrician in Lakewood, WA, makes all the difference. A licensed professional who understands local codes and regulations will ensure your upgrade is completed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with city and state standards. Local electricians offer reliable service, competitive rates, and are equipped to handle any electrical issues that may arise during your project. Plus, you’ll benefit from prompt responses to phone messages and the peace of mind that comes from working with someone who truly cares about your community. For a panel upgrade that’s done right the first time, trust a local expert who’s dedicated to keeping your home safe and functional.
Get a Free Estimate for Your Electrical Panel Project
Thinking about upgrading or repairing your electrical panel? Start with a free estimate from a licensed electrician in Lakewood, WA. Reputable electrical service providers will assess your electrical system, discuss your needs, and provide a detailed breakdown of costs—including materials, labor, and permits—so you can plan your project with confidence. A free estimate ensures you know exactly what to expect, helping you make informed decisions about your home’s safety and efficiency. Don’t wait until electrical issues become urgent—contact a licensed electrician today to schedule your free estimate and take the first step toward a safer, more reliable electrical system for your home.
Schedule a Home Safety Check with Mercurio’s
At Mercurio’s, we’ve been proud to serve the Lakewood service area and the greater Puget Sound region for decades. Scheduling an appointment with us is easy and convenient. We understand the unique challenges of older Lakewood homes—and how to upgrade them safely and efficiently.
When you schedule a home inspection, our licensed electricians will:
- Evaluate your panel and total load
- Identify potential safety risks
- Recommend next steps (only if necessary)
- Answer your questions and explain options clearly
For every appointment, we provide a clear arrival time so you know exactly when to expect us. We respond to every phone message and strive to reply to each phone message promptly, ensuring you receive timely updates and answers to your inquiries.
We don’t oversell—we advise. And we’ll walk you through your upgrade options with care and transparency.
Book your home inspection with a team you can trust: Call us today to schedule your appointment.
