Electrical Panel Replacement and Upgrades

Panel Upgrade ("Heavy-Up") vs. Panel Swap-Out — What’s the Difference? What’s Right for Your Home?

When it comes to your home’s electrical system, your service panel is the heart of everything. It powers your lights, appliances, HVAC system, home office, EV charger — and keeps your family safe.

As a family-owned electrical company, we’ve helped hundreds of local homeowners decide between a panel swap-out and a service panel upgrade (aka " heavy-up") to a 200 amp or greater service ). And we understand that this decision isn’t just technical — it’s about safety, investment, and peace of mind.

Let’s walk through the difference so you can make the best choice for your home and your family.

What Is an Electrical Panel Swap-Out?

A panel swap-out (sometimes called a panel replacement) means replacing your existing electrical panel with a new one of the same amperage capacity.

For example:

• Replacing an old 100-amp panel with a new 100-amp panel

• Upgrading a damaged or recalled panel with modern breakers

• Replacing a rusted or unsafe enclosure

When a Panel Swap Makes Sense:

• Your panel is outdated or unsafe

• Breakers are failing or overheating

• You have a recalled brand (like older problematic models)

• You are not adding significant new electrical load

A panel swap improves safety and reliability, but it does not increase how much power your home can handle.

For many homes, especially older properties that aren’t adding major new appliances, this is a practical and cost-effective solution.

What Is an Electrical Panel Upgrade (aka "Heavy-Up")?

A heavy-up is an electrical service upgrade — typically increasing your home’s capacity to 200 amps or more.

This isn’t just replacing the panel. A true heavy-up may include:

• A new 200-amp (or 225-amp) panel

• Upgraded service entrance cable

• New meter base

• Utility coordination

• Grounding system upgrades

• Inspection and permitting

It’s a bigger job — but it transforms what your home can handle safely.

2026 Special! Only $1899 for most Heavy Up jobs - see more prices and details here!

Why More Homeowners Are Choosing 200-Amp Service (or Higher)

Homes today use dramatically more electricity than they did 30–40 years ago.

Think about what you may have now or in the future:

• EV charger

• Electric range or double ovens

• Tankless water heater

• Central air conditioning

• Home office equipment

• Hot tub

• Finished basement

• Smart home systems

Many older homes were built with 100-amp service, which simply wasn’t designed for today’s demand.

If you’re planning renovations, adding square footage, installing solar, or buying an electric vehicle, a heavy-up often becomes necessary — not optional.

Signs You May Need a Service Panel Upgrade "Heavy-Up"

We always evaluate your home honestly and thoroughly. Some common signs include:

• Flickering lights when appliances start

• Frequently tripped breakers

• Panel is full with no room for additional circuits

• You’re adding high-draw appliances

• Your home still has 100-amp service

• Insurance concerns about outdated panels

Our goal isn’t to “sell you bigger.” It’s to recommend what keeps your family safe and your system reliable long-term.

Service Panel Upgrade/Heavy-Up vs Panel Swap: Side-By-Side Comparison

The Safety Factor: Why This Decision Matters

Electrical panels are not an area where shortcuts should ever happen.

A proper heavy-up requires:

• Accurate load calculations

• Code-compliant grounding and bonding

• Utility company coordination

• Permits and inspections

• Clean, organized panel wiring

When done correctly, your panel should be neat, clearly labeled, cool-running, and built to last decades.

As a small, family-run company, we take that personally. We treat every home like it’s our own — because our name is on every job.

Our Personal Approach to Service Panel Work

When you call us, you’re not calling a big corporate dispatch center. You’re calling neighbors who care about:

• Showing up on time

• Explaining everything clearly

• Protecting your home during the work

• Leaving the space cleaner than we found it

• Standing behind our work

We understand that inviting someone into your home requires trust. That’s why we walk you through:

1. Your current panel condition

2. Your home’s load calculation

3. Your future plans

4. All available options

5. Transparent pricing

No pressure. No upselling. Just honest guidance.

Will a Service Panel Upgrade/Heavy-Up Increase Home Value?

In many cases, yes.

Realtors and home inspectors frequently flag older electrical systems. A modern 200-amp panel signals:

• Updated infrastructure

• Safer wiring

• Room for expansion

• EV readiness

• Renovation potential

It’s one of the most practical upgrades you can make — especially if you plan to stay in your home long-term.

When a Panel Swap Is the Smarter Choice

Not every home needs a heavy-up.

If:

• Your electrical demand is stable

• You’re not adding large appliances

• Your amperage is already sufficient

• The issue is age or brand defect only

Then a panel swap may be the responsible and cost-effective solution.

Our job is to evaluate — not assume.

Why Experience Matters in Service Panel Upgrades

Panel upgrades are one of the most technical and regulated parts of residential electrical work. We're among the area's best cheap electricians in Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun counties.

A heavy-up affects:

• Utility connections

• Grounding systems

• Load balancing

• Breaker compatibility

• Arc-fault and GFCI protection requirements

• Local electrical codes

Mistakes can be dangerous and expensive.

We specialize in electrical service panel repairs and upgrades. This isn’t a side service for us — it’s a core part of what we do.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Safety, Not Just Amps

Whether you need a panel swap or a full heavy-up, the most important thing is that your home’s electrical system is:

• Safe

• Code-compliant

• Properly sized

• Built for your family’s needs

As a local, family-owned electrician service company, we believe in doing things the right way — not the fast way.

If you’re unsure what your home needs, we’re always happy to take a look, answer your questions, and give you honest guidance.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about amps.

It’s about protecting the people inside the home.