If you live in Sacramento or one of its nearby cities, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Carmichael, Rocklin, Roseville, chances are your home’s electrical system has seen better days. Many houses around here were built in the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s, and the panels in those homes weren’t designed for the kind of load we put on them today.
At Old Town Electric, we’ve seen this story play out hundreds of times. Homeowners call us because their breakers trip every weekend or their lights flicker when the dryer kicks on. They’re not sure if they need a panel upgrade vs. replacement, but they know something’s not right.
Here’s how we help you figure it out, and how to choose the option that keeps your home safe and future-ready.
What’s the Difference Between a Panel Upgrade vs. Replacement?
Let’s start simple.
A panel upgrade usually means increasing your system’s electrical capacity. Think of it as giving your home more breathing room. We keep your existing panel box (if it’s in good shape) and upgrade the guts, breakers, service wire, and sometimes the meter or main disconnect.
A panel replacement, on the other hand, means removing the old box entirely and installing a brand-new one. This is the right call when the panel itself is damaged, outdated, or unsafe to modify.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Scenario | Panel Upgrade | Panel Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Panel box is in good condition | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Panel brand is obsolete or recalled | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Home needs more amperage (100A → 200A) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Sometimes |
| Corrosion, rust, or burn marks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Adding solar, EV charger, or hot tub | ✅ Yes | ✅ Possibly |
Why It Matters for Sacramento Homeowners
Older homes in the Sacramento area weren’t built with modern electrical loads in mind. When your panel was first installed, it might’ve powered a fridge, some lights, and maybe one TV. Now?
You’ve got a whole lineup — smart appliances, HVAC, pool pumps, EV chargers, security systems, and more.
We see it all the time in Fair Oaks and Carmichael. Homes built in the ’70s still running on 100-amp service while families plug in everything from Teslas to tankless water heaters.
That’s a problem waiting to happen.
An undersized or aging panel can lead to:
- Frequent breaker trips
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Overheating wires
- Fire hazards
- Code violations during remodels or solar installs
Upgrading or replacing your electrical panel isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety and compliance. SMUD and PG&E both require certain capacity and grounding standards for new service connections, and your insurance company expects your panel to meet code, too.
Real Example: Fair Oaks Home Built in the ’70s
We recently upgraded a panel for a family off Madison Avenue in Fair Oaks. Their 1974 home still had an old Zinsco panel — one of those models known for failing to trip properly. They’d started noticing lights flickering and their breakers felt warm to the touch.
Our inspection showed that while the box looked okay on the outside, several breakers were arcing inside. Replacing individual components wasn’t an option — that brand’s been discontinued for decades.
So, we handled a full panel replacement. New 200-amp service, fresh grounding, and plenty of space for their new EV charger.
Result? No more flickering, safer system, and room to grow.
We see this same situation often across Sacramento’s older neighborhoods — East Sac, Arden-Arcade, and Carmichael especially.
Our Process at Old Town Electric
Whether it’s a panel upgrade vs. replacement, our approach is the same: thorough, transparent, and done right the first time.
Here’s how we handle it:
- Inspection & Load Calculation
We start by checking your current panel, wiring, and overall system demand. Then we calculate your home’s electrical load to determine if you truly need more capacity. - Permit & Utility Coordination
We handle all SMUD or PG&E permitting and inspections. You won’t be stuck on the phone trying to figure out what form you need — we do it for you. - Material & Equipment Selection
We only use panels and breakers from reliable, modern manufacturers like Square D and Eaton. - Installation Day
We disconnect service, swap or upgrade your panel, verify every breaker and connection, and coordinate the inspection. You’re typically back up and running the same day. - Final Safety Check
Before we leave, we test voltage, grounding, and all major circuits. No loose ends — literally.
It’s a clean, straightforward process. But it takes real experience to do it right and pass inspection the first time — something our Sacramento electricians take pride in.
What Affects the Cost?
We get this question a lot: “How much does a panel upgrade or replacement cost?”
It depends on a few key factors:
- Amperage increase (100A → 200A or higher)
- Condition of existing wiring
- Location of the panel (garage, basement, exterior wall)
- Grounding and bonding requirements
- Need for trenching or meter relocation
To give you a general idea:
- A panel upgrade in the Sacramento area usually runs between $2,000 and $4,000.
- A full panel replacement with new service gear and permits might land around $3,500 to $6,000 depending on complexity.
We’re always upfront about pricing — no surprise add-ons or “inspection fees.” And we help homeowners explore rebates or financing when available through SMUD or local programs.
Common Misconceptions About Panel Work
Let’s clear up a few myths we hear all the time:
“If my breakers work, my panel’s fine.”
Not always. Breakers can appear functional but fail to trip under overload — a serious hazard.
“Upgrading my panel will raise my power bill.”
False. It doesn’t increase consumption; it just makes your system capable of handling higher loads safely.
“Any electrician can handle a panel job.”
Technically, yes. But not every electrician knows Sacramento’s local permitting, SMUD coordination, or grounding codes. That’s where hiring local matters.
Why Work With a Local Sacramento Electrician
Working with a local pro means more than just convenience. It’s about code knowledge and real-world experience.
At Old Town Electric, we understand how Sacramento homes are built — and how their electrical systems age. We’ve seen panels rust faster in areas like Carmichael where moisture sneaks in through unsealed outdoor boxes. We know which older homes in Fair Oaks still have aluminum wiring and what it takes to make those systems safe.
We also coordinate directly with SMUD and city inspectors daily. That means your upgrade or replacement passes the first time, avoiding costly delays.
When you choose a local electrician near Sacramento, you’re getting a team that’s seen it all — and fixed it all.
Benefits of a Properly Upgraded or Replaced Panel
When your panel’s up to date, your whole home benefits.
Here’s what Sacramento homeowners can expect:
- Improved safety — no more overheating wires or faulty breakers.
- Capacity for modern living — run multiple high-load devices without trips.
- Peace of mind during remodels — code compliance and inspection readiness.
- Support for future upgrades — solar, EV chargers, hot tubs, or home additions.
- Higher resale value — buyers notice a clean, modern panel and documented permits.
We’ve had homeowners in Folsom tell us they finally feel comfortable running the oven, dryer, and A/C together — something they couldn’t do before without popping breakers.
That’s the kind of everyday improvement that makes it worth it.
How to Know Which Option You Need
Still unsure about panel upgrade vs. replacement?
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Upgrade if your panel is in good condition but undersized.
- Replace if it’s outdated, damaged, or unsafe to modify.
And if you’re still not sure, let our team take a look. We’ll inspect, explain, and recommend what makes sense — not what pads a quote.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in Fair Oaks, Sacramento, or out in Rocklin, the question of panel upgrade vs. replacement comes down to safety, capacity, and peace of mind.
We’ve upgraded panels in dozens of homes across the Sacramento area, from post-war ranches in Carmichael to newer builds in Folsom. Every home is a little different, but one thing never changes: you want reliable power, safe wiring, and a system that’s built to last.
If you’re ready to modernize your home’s electrical system, contact Old Town Electric. Our local team proudly serves homeowners throughout Sacramento and surrounding cities. We’ll help you decide whether an upgrade or replacement is the right fit, and handle it with craftsmanship you can count on.
