Is Your Electrical Panel Ready for 2026?
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. In 2026, with the rise of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and home battery systems, many St. Louis area homes are finding their panels aren't up to the task.
Signs Your Panel Needs Attention
Warning Signs to Watch For
Immediate Concerns (Call an electrician now) - Burning smell near the panel - Scorch marks or discoloration - Buzzing or crackling sounds - Warm or hot panel cover - Frequent breaker trips (more than once a month)
Planning Concerns (Schedule an assessment) - Panel is over 25 years old - Using multiple power strips and extension cords - Lights dim when appliances start - Only have a few open breaker slots - Still have a fuse box instead of breakers
The Age Factor
Panels installed before certain years may have specific issues:
| Era | Common Issues |
|---|---|
| Pre-1965 | May have fuse boxes, knob-and-tube wiring |
| 1970s-1980s | Federal Pacific, Zinsco panels (fire hazards) |
| 1980s-1990s | May be undersized for modern demands |
| 2000s+ | Generally adequate, but capacity may be limited |
Important: If you have a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco panel, replacement should be a priority. These panels have documented safety issues.
Understanding Panel Capacity: 100A vs 200A vs 400A
100 Amp Service Typical for: Older homes, smaller homes without electric heating or AC
Can support: - Standard appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer) - Central AC (just barely) - Limited additional circuits
Cannot support: - EV charging (Level 2) - Heat pumps (most) - Hot tubs - Multiple high-draw appliances simultaneously
200 Amp Service Current standard for: Most modern homes in St. Charles and St. Louis County
Can support: - All standard appliances - Central AC and heating - EV charging (Level 2, 40-50 amp) - Heat pump (air or ground source) - Hot tub OR workshop, but not easily both
Limitations: - Adding multiple EVs challenging - Heat pump + EV + workshop may exceed capacity - Home battery systems may require careful load management
400 Amp Service Growing necessity for: Future-proofed homes, all-electric homes
Can support: - Multiple EVs - All-electric heating (heat pump) - Home battery system - Pool equipment - Workshop with heavy equipment - Future expansion
Cost: Significantly more than 200A upgrade, requires utility coordination
Panel Upgrade Costs in St. Louis Area (2026)
| Upgrade Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Panel replacement (same amperage) | $520 - $2,120 |
| 100A to 200A upgrade | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| 200A to 400A upgrade | $2,500 - $4,500+ |
| Panel relocation | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Subpanel addition | $500 - $1,500 |
What affects cost: - Distance from meter to panel - Conduit requirements - Grounding system upgrades - Permit fees (varies by municipality) - Utility fees for service upgrade
Do You Need a Panel Upgrade for an EV?
This is one of the most common questions we get. Here's the reality:
You Probably Need an Upgrade If: - Current panel is 100A - You have fewer than 4 open breaker slots - You want a 50-amp (Level 2 faster) charger - Adding EV charging would exceed 80% panel capacity
You Might Be Fine If: - Current panel is 200A with available capacity - You're okay with 40-amp charging - You can use smart load management - You plan to charge primarily overnight
Smart Panel Alternative Smart panels like Span can help you avoid costly upgrades by intelligently managing loads. They can: - Automatically reduce EV charging when other loads are high - Monitor circuit-level usage in real-time - Provide app-based control of individual circuits
Cost: $3,500-$6,000 installed, but may save $2,000-$5,000 in panel upgrade costs.
Heat Pumps and Panel Requirements
Heat pumps are becoming popular in the St. Louis area for their efficiency (3x better than traditional heating). But they need power:
Heat Pump Water Heater: 15-30 amp circuit (usually no panel upgrade needed)
Mini-Split Heat Pumps: 15-30 amps per head (1-2 units usually fine)
Whole-Home Heat Pump: 30-60 amps (often requires panel assessment)
If you're planning to add a heat pump AND an EV charger, definitely get a professional assessment first.
The Assessment Process
What happens during an electrical panel assessment:
- Visual Inspection: Check for damage, proper labeling, code compliance
- Load Calculation: Determine current demand vs. panel capacity
- Future Planning: Discuss planned additions (EV, heat pump, etc.)
- Recommendation: Upgrade, maintain, or smart panel solution
- Quote: Detailed cost breakdown if work is needed
Planning for the Future
When upgrading your panel, consider:
- Size up: Going from 100A to 200A costs nearly the same as 100A to 150A
- Add circuits: Extra breaker slots cost little during upgrade
- EV-ready: Install conduit for future EV charger even if not adding now
- Smart panel option: Consider Span or similar for flexibility
- Generator transfer switch: Add provisions even if not installing generator
Next Steps
If your panel shows warning signs or you're planning to add EVs, heat pumps, or other high-draw equipment, don't wait until you have problems.
Is your panel up to the challenge? First Choice Electric provides free panel assessments for St. Charles and St. Louis County homeowners. We'll evaluate your current system, discuss your future plans, and provide honest recommendations. Schedule your assessment today.