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Heating & Air Conditioning Home Repair Electrical Wiring

Should I upgrade from a 100 amp breaker box to 200 amps?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Hi there. We are buying a house that has a 100 amp breaker box. I eventually want to install a central air coil on top of the existing upflow furnace. As well as a induction range in the kitchen. Should we start by upgrading the breaker box to 200 amps? Thank you!

Featured Answer

mtvhike

3 years ago

Is there a reason to do it now? If not, then why not delay until you do the central air?

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Comments (10)

pacopowers
Original Author
3 years ago
I see your point. I'm just curious if the upgrade is necessary.
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weedmeister
3 years ago
Do you have an electric range now?

It's more than just changing the panel. The incoming service may also need to be upgraded.
User
3 years ago
The “upgrade” depends on your electrical usage.

My local power company performs reviews, maybe yours does too?
tigerdunes
3 years ago
Not until you have a good understanding of current excess capacity (unused) and then the add on of AC condenser and an induction range...I assume you will be replacing an existing range..

TD
pacopowers thanked tigerdunes
Bruce in Northern Virginia
3 years ago
Simple answer is that for most modern homes with a lot of electrical devices, 100 amp service is just marginally enough, and most new construction uses a 200 amp panel (or more).

You could get an electrician to do a load calculation for you, or you could just plan for the 200 amp "heavy up" ($1800-$2500) when you find you need it.

Bruce
Ron Natalie
3 years ago
You can't know without doing a load calculation. A lot of it depends on what you are using for heating, hot water, cooking, clothes drying. At one point they were pushing 400A services for larger homes, however, things have gotten more efficient over time. While I have 400A service, checking the load from time to time shows that I never get anywhere near that.

As pointed out the "panel" itself is only part of the problem. You won't get 100A out of the power company unless the service is upgrade.

Frankly, if this is an existing home, and you've not had any problems, the upgrade is of dubious merit. I disagree with Live_Wire's statement. "It will never be cheaper to do than now" is nonsensical." I've seen nothing that has made service upgrades cheaper or more expensive in years (other than normal inflation, and just because it might cost more in the future due to inflation doesn't mean that its a good idea to do it now when the money could be used for something else).
ci_lantro
3 years ago
IMO, it makes sense to do it sooner rather than later IF you are planning future remodeling projects--projects that go beyond redecorating, that is. When you might anticipate needing to add new circuits.
tigerdunes
3 years ago
I think it is silly and poor use of resources unless it‘s really needed. OP‘s HVAC and appliance dealer should be able to give you the amp draw. If replacing an existing range, that should be taken into consideration.

TD

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