Update Your Home's Electrical Capacity

Panel upgrade services for Buffalo homes with outdated electrical systems.

Your electrical panel distributes power to every room in your Buffalo home, but many older properties still operate on systems built decades ago when electrical demands were far lower. If your breakers trip frequently, your lights dim when appliances start, or you're adding high-draw equipment, your panel may no longer be adequate for your household's needs.

Torchia Electric replaces outdated panels with higher-capacity models that meet current code requirements and support modern electrical loads. The work involves removing the old panel, upgrading the main service feed if necessary, installing the new breaker box, and reconnecting circuits with updated wiring where needed. This service is common in older Buffalo neighborhoods where original panels were rated for 60 or 100 amps and homes now require 200 amps to handle HVAC systems, kitchen appliances, and electric vehicle chargers.

Contact Torchia Electric to schedule a panel evaluation and discuss your home's electrical capacity.

What changes after your panel is replaced

The process begins with an assessment of your current panel, your home's wiring, and your power requirements. Torchia Electric identifies whether your service feed can support the upgraded panel or if additional utility coordination is required. Installation typically takes a full day and includes a temporary power shutoff while the new panel is wired and tested. Buffalo homeowners scheduling this work should plan for appliances and electronics to be offline during installation.

After the upgrade, you'll notice breakers no longer trip under normal use, your home can handle additional circuits for renovations or new equipment, and you have room to add dedicated lines for heavy-load devices. The panel will include labeled breakers, updated grounding, and a cleaner, safer connection to your home's electrical system.

This service does not include rewiring rooms or replacing outlets, though those updates can be scheduled separately if your home's wiring is outdated. The new panel must meet current electrical code and is inspected before the system is returned to full operation. Homeowners adding electric vehicle chargers, central air conditioning, or finished basement spaces often pair this service with those projects to ensure adequate capacity from the start.

Questions about upgrading your electrical panel

Homeowners frequently ask about timing, compatibility with older wiring, and what signs indicate a panel upgrade is overdue.

How do I know if my panel needs to be upgraded?
You'll see frequent breaker trips, flickering lights when large appliances start, or a panel that lacks space for additional circuits. Homes built before 1980 in Buffalo often have undersized panels that can't support modern electrical loads.
What happens to my power during the installation?
Your electricity will be shut off while the old panel is removed and the new one is connected. Torchia Electric schedules the work to minimize downtime and restores power once the installation is complete and inspected.
Can I add circuits for new appliances after the upgrade?
Yes, a higher-capacity panel includes additional breaker slots so you can add dedicated circuits for equipment like EV chargers, heat pumps, or garage tools without overloading the system.
Why do older Buffalo homes need panel upgrades more often?
Many were built when households used far less electricity and panels were sized for basic lighting, refrigerators, and window units. Modern homes run central air, multiple computers, and high-efficiency appliances that require more power.
What if my main service feed is also outdated?
Torchia Electric assesses your service feed during the evaluation and coordinates with the utility company if an upgrade is required. The service feed upgrade happens before the new panel is installed so everything is properly matched.

Panel upgrades are one of the most requested services for older Buffalo properties preparing for renovations or adding high-demand equipment. Torchia Electric handles the full process, from evaluation and permitting to installation and inspection, so your home's electrical system can safely support your needs. Reach out to schedule your panel assessment.