Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system—routing electricity to your lights, appliances, outlets, and essential devices. When your panel is outdated, overloaded, or malfunctioning, it can create serious safety hazards and limit your ability to keep up with today’s modern energy demands.
In growing Arizona communities like Avondale, Goodyear, and Phoenix, many homes were built decades ago—long before electric vehicles, smart homes, and high-efficiency HVAC systems became the norm. If your home is more than 20–30 years old, chances are your electrical panel is no longer equipped to handle your daily power needs.
At JRod Electric LLC, we’ve been helping Arizona homeowners upgrade and modernize their panels for over 26 years. Whether you’re renovating a home in Litchfield Park, preparing for an EV charger in Phoenix, or dealing with recurring breaker issues in Tolleson, here are the top 7 signs you may need an electrical panel upgrade—and why acting quickly could protect your property and your family.
- Your Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently
If your breakers are constantly tripping when you use multiple appliances—or even just when the AC kicks on—your panel is likely overloaded. This is a common issue in homes throughout Avondale and the West Valley, where older panels were not designed to support modern appliances like:
- Electric ovens and dryers
- Pool pumps
- Tankless water heaters
- Central air conditioning units
- Home office equipment
While a single trip now and then might be normal, frequent breaker trips are a red flag. It means your panel is struggling to safely distribute power across your home—and that’s something you shouldn’t ignore.
- Flickering or Dimming Lights
Are your lights flickering, especially when major appliances start up? This is another sign of an overloaded or aging panel. If the power draw from your AC or refrigerator causes your lights to dim, it’s time to have your electrical system inspected.
In Goodyear, where summers are intense and AC use is constant, this issue is especially common in older homes. JRod Electric LLC can evaluate your system and recommend safe, long-term solutions—whether that’s a new breaker panel or an upgraded service entrance.
- Your Panel Feels Warm or Smells Like It’s Burning
This is a serious warning sign.
If your panel is warm to the touch, emits a burning odor, or shows signs of scorching or discoloration, turn off power and call a licensed electrician immediately. These symptoms suggest:
- Overheating wires
- Loose connections
- Arcing
- Potential fire hazards
We’ve seen this firsthand in homes throughout Phoenix, often from DIY work or outdated aluminum wiring systems. Don’t risk it—JRod Electric LLC is fully licensed, bonded, and insured (ROC# 337770) to handle panel repairs and full replacements safely and professionally.
- You Still Have a Fuse Box
If your home is still using a fuse box instead of a modern breaker panel, it’s past time to upgrade.
Fuse boxes were standard in homes built before the 1960s and aren’t designed to support modern power demands. Not only are they harder to maintain, but they lack built-in safety features that newer panels provide.
Homes in older neighborhoods in Avondale or Phoenix often still rely on these outdated systems. JRod Electric can replace your old fuse box with a new, code-compliant breaker panel that’s safer, more reliable, and ready for the future.
- You’re Renovating or Expanding Your Home
Planning a remodel? Building an addition? Upgrading your kitchen? All of these projects will increase your electrical load.
Before you start installing new lighting, HVAC, or appliances, it’s critical to ensure your panel has enough amperage and space for additional circuits. At JRod Electric, we frequently support general contractors and homeowners during remodels in Avondale, Litchfield Park, and Goodyear, ensuring every system is up to code and ready for inspection.
We can:
- Evaluate your panel capacity
- Upgrade from 100 amp to 200 amp or higher
- Add sub-panels for new rooms or outdoor spaces
- Handle all permitting and inspection coordination
- You’re Installing an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger
As more homeowners in Arizona invest in electric vehicles, the need for EV-ready electrical systems has skyrocketed. However, many older panels don’t have the capacity to safely support a Level 2 EV charger.
At JRod Electric LLC, we specialize in EV charger installation across Avondale and Phoenix, including:
- Tesla Wall Connectors
- ChargePoint Home Flex
- JuiceBox Level 2 units
We’ll assess your existing panel, make necessary upgrades, and ensure your EV charger is installed to code-compliant standards with secure, concealed wiring. If your current system can’t handle the load, we’ll recommend and install the right panel to support your green lifestyle.
- Your Home is 25+ Years Old
Even if you aren’t noticing symptoms yet, a panel that’s 25 years or older is likely outdated, inefficient, or unsafe. Aging panels degrade over time, and the materials used decades ago may no longer meet modern electrical codes or safety standards.
If you own a home in one of Avondale’s older communities, or recently purchased a property built before 2000 in Goodyear or Phoenix, it’s a smart move to schedule an inspection. Preventative maintenance now can save you from electrical emergencies later.
Why Choose JRod Electric LLC for Your Panel Upgrade
We’re not just another electrical contractor—we’re your local, experienced electrical partner, proudly serving the Valley for over 26 years. Here’s what sets us apart:
🔹 Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
We hold Arizona ROC License #337770 and are fully qualified to perform electrical panel upgrades, inspections, and installations in residential and commercial settings.
🔹 Experienced with Local Homes
From new builds in Goodyear to vintage homes in Phoenix, we understand the unique electrical needs of Arizona homes.
🔹 Code-Compliant & Permit-Ready
We handle all permitting, schedule inspections, and ensure your new panel is fully up to code with Arizona state and local requirements.
🔹 Transparent Estimates & On-Time Service
We provide clear, honest pricing with no hidden fees, and we show up on time—every time.
When to Act
If any of the warning signs above apply to your home, don’t wait. Faulty or outdated panels are a leading cause of residential electrical fires. Whether you’re upgrading to modern appliances, preparing for a home renovation, or just want peace of mind, now is the time to invest in a panel upgrade.
Contact JRod Electric Today
Looking for an electrical panel upgrade in Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Glendale, or Phoenix? You’re in the right place.
📞 Call: (602) 772-9627 or (480) 469-9182
📍 Office: 1050 N Fairway Drive, E-109, Avondale, AZ 85323
📧 Email: jrodelectric78@gmail.com
Let JRod Electric LLC help you protect your home, power your future, and stay connected safely.
