If your outside electrical meter box has sustained wear and tear, it might be time for a replacement. How much it costs to replace an electrical meter box depends on labor, model, and box type.
Will Upgrading My Breaker Box Reduce My Electric Bill?
Avoid breaking the bank by upgrading your breaker box
Get quotes from electricians near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from electricians near you
No obligation · 100% free
Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
Upgrading your breaker box reduces energy waste from outdated electrical systems, helping lower your monthly electric bill over time.
Small changes like sealing window gaps, lowering your thermostat, and using LED bulbs help reduce your energy usage and monthly costs.
Newer breaker boxes handle modern energy demands more efficiently, preventing overload issues that drive up your electric bill and create safety risks.
Hiring a local electrical professional provides expert guidance on panel upgrades and ensures your home's electrical system operates safely and efficiently.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Your electric bill is one of the many ongoing costs of homeownership. So, naturally, you may be looking for ways to lower your monthly payment. Can upgrading your breaker box help reduce your bill? Here’s everything you need to know before updating your home’s electrical system.
Will Upgrading My Breaker Box Reduce My Electric Bill?
The short answer is yes—upgrading your breaker box can lower your future electric bills. Your breaker box is responsible for distributing electricity from utility lines to appliances, outlets, and light fixtures in your home. However, older breaker boxes weren’t designed to keep up with the energy needs of modern households. This overload often causes inefficient power distribution, which makes your energy bill more expensive.
Upgrading to a newer system can prevent energy waste and bring significant savings on your energy bill over time. Additionally, a circuit breaker upgrade makes your home safer which boosts the property value of your home.
Pros and Cons of Upgrading a Breaker Box
Photo: Scott Habermann / Adobe Stock
Of course, any home update comes with potential pros and cons, and upgrading your electric panel is no exception. A qualified electrician in your area can help you decide if an upgrade is right for your home.
Pros of Upgrading a Breaker Box
Increases your home’s property value
Fewer power surges
Increased electrical capacity
May qualify for tax credit
May lower your homeowner’s insurance
May reduce monthly energy bill
Reduces dangerous electrical hazards
Cons of Upgrading a Breaker Box
Higher initial cost to replace an electrical panel
Coordinating with your local utility company may result in installation delays
May negatively impact your neighborhood’s electrical grid
May require permits and inspections
Power will be shut off during installation, causing inconvenience
Alternative Ways to Reduce Your Electric Bill
Upgrading your breaker box is only one of many ways to reduce your monthly electric bill. Lowering your electric bill ultimately comes down to reducing your energy usage. That means small tweaks to your daily habits makes the difference in your long-term savings.
Here are practical ways to lower your electric bill:
Seal any cracks and gaps in your windows, doors, and baseboards
Lower your thermostat
Use a ceiling fan instead of central AC
Replace HVAC filters every three months
Power off or unplug devices when not in use
Use LED light bulbs
Invest in energy-efficient appliances
Hire a pro to service your HVAC system twice per year
Add insulation to your attic
Frequently Asked Questions
Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 107 total reviews
- Jeff B.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon Mitigation - Regina H.
I conferred with 2 other contractors before Armstrong Electric. Nick and his crew showed me that the project was not as convoluted as the other contractors made it appear to be. They completed the entire project on time. They were professional, friendly and cleaned up after at completion. I...
Armstrong Electric LLC - Jeffrey J.
The techs on my project, Shawn and Cliff, were great. They were prompt, courteous, and efficient. I am very happy with the results and would definitely contact Mr. Electric for any future electrical projects.
Mr. Electric of Columbus - William R.
Victor was wonderful. He was on time, professional, and explained everything he was doing. He was thorough and figured out that the problem was electrical instead of with my HVAC system. Very knowledgeable. I will be using this company in the future for any HVAC needs. Thanks!
Hubbs Heating & Air LLC - Jerald W.
They were excellent. They did a great job. I was totally satisfied. They put tremendous effort in making sure the work was completed. They were great. They provided immediate response to any inquires I made. I would hire them again. I would recommend them to anyone who needs electrical work....
Property-Tech Industries, LLC - Paul H.
Initially, the repairman could not find the problem. Apparently, there was some electrical shortage, but he could not find the definite problem. He left, but called back later to say he had a new idea. He returned and replaced the light switches on the doors. The refrigerator seemed to return...
Appliance Pro LLC - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
- Erin W.
I have to tell you I am all about customer service - I will go out of my way and even pay more for it if you give me great customer service. <br> <br>In a world where this is hard to find, these guys were awesome! I can not sing their praises enough. They were prompt, personable, funny, got...
Waibel Electric - Bradley H.
When I challenged the markup on the generator, Bruder Electric withdrew its bid. They only want naïve customers.
- Gregory B.
We had no power to any of the electrical outlets in the MBR. We'd had an intermittent problem for a few years and they finally went out all together. We live on the 3rd floor of a 100 year old building and I know from past experience the wiring has been added to in hodgepodge ways over the...
The homeowners guide to electrical services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
Circuit breaker boxes give you the electricity you want and the safety you need in your home at the convenience of a switch. This guide will give you a comprehensive view of everything you need to know about your breaker box.
If you’re trying to choose between a circuit breaker vs. a fuse box for your home, our guide will help you decide which electrical panel is right for you.
Is it time to upgrade your electrical panel? For the sake of safety, find out sooner than later by exploring our top signs that it’s time for an upgrade.
With recent upgrades to technology and appliances, many homeowners are seeking answers on how to get more electric power for their devices safely. Here are six smart (and hands-off) ways to upgrade your home electrical system.