Can an Old Electrical Panel Affect Home Insurance or Safety?

When was the last time you looked at your home’s electrical panel? If you’re like most homeowners in Colorado Springs, it’s probably been a while. But what you might not realize is that your electrical panel plays a critical role in both the safety of your home and your ability to get or maintain homeowners insurance.

At Basset Heating, Plumbing, Electrical & Air Conditioning, we’re not just here to fix problems — we’re here to help you understand them. Let’s break down what you need to know about old electrical panels in Colorado Springs, why they can be a hidden liability, and what you can do to protect your home and your wallet.

Call Now (719) 392-0032

What Is an Electrical Panel and What Does It Do?

Your electrical panel, often referred to as a breaker box, is the central hub of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to various circuits throughout your house and prevents overloading by shutting off power when necessary.

Most electrical panels are built to last 25 to 40 years, but as technology and household energy usage evolve, older panels can quickly become outdated and unsafe. If your panel hasn’t been inspected or updated in decades, it may no longer meet today’s safety standards or handle modern electrical demands.

Signs Your Electrical Panel May Be Outdated

Not sure if your electrical panel is due for an upgrade? Watch for these common warning signs:

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Frequently tripped breakers or blown fuses
• A panel that feels warm to the touch
• Buzzing sounds or burning smells near the panel
• An outdated fuse box instead of circuit breakers
• Inability to support new appliances or additions

If you live in an older home in Colorado Springs, your panel may also contain equipment from brands like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, which have a known history of safety defects and fire risk.

How an Outdated Electrical Panel Puts Your Home at Risk

An old or faulty electrical panel isn’t just a minor inconvenience — it’s a serious safety hazard. Electrical panels are your home’s first line of defense against short circuits and overloads, which can cause:

• Electrical fires
• Damage to expensive appliances and electronics
• Power outages during peak usage
• Shock hazards for you and your family

Panels that can’t handle modern power needs often operate under constant stress, which increases the chance of failure. For families in Colorado Springs using energy-intensive devices like space heaters in winter or air conditioners in summer, this risk is even greater.

Can an Old Electrical Panel Affect Your Home Insurance?

Absolutely. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that outdated electrical systems can directly impact their home insurance coverage.

Insurance providers often conduct inspections before issuing or renewing a policy. If your home has an old, unsafe panel, they may:

• Refuse to issue a new policy
• Increase your premiums
• Deny future claims related to electrical damage or fire
• Require a panel replacement as a condition of coverage

Panels with known safety issues — especially those from Federal Pacific or Zinsco — are frequently flagged during inspections and may lead to policy cancellation if not replaced.

Local Considerations for Colorado Springs Homeowners

In Colorado Springs, a mix of historic neighborhoods and mid-century homes means many properties still rely on outdated electrical infrastructure. Local building codes have changed significantly over the years, and many older homes are no longer compliant — especially when it comes to electrical systems.

Frequent lightning storms, high-altitude climate conditions, and increased use of electric heating systems in El Paso County homes also place more demand on your panel than ever before. That’s why regular inspections and timely upgrades are essential for long-term safety and reliability.

Why You Should Trust Basset Heating, Plumbing, Electrical & Air Conditioning

At Basset, we bring decades of experience in helping with electrical services for Colorado Springs homeowners stay safe, up to code, and fully insured. Our licensed electricians know exactly what to look for and how to bring your electrical system up to today’s standards.

We provide:

• Professional electrical panel inspections
• Code-compliant panel upgrades and replacements
• Honest recommendations backed by real expertise
• Upfront pricing and satisfaction guarantees
• A trusted local reputation built on service and integrity

Whether you’re selling your home, buying a new one, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to make sure your electrical panel isn’t putting you at risk.

Protect Your Family, Property & Peace of Mind

Don’t let an outdated electrical panel become a hidden threat to your home’s safety or your insurance coverage. If you’re experiencing signs of electrical issues or your home hasn’t had a panel inspection in years, now is the time to act.

Contact Basset Heating, Plumbing, Electrical & Air Conditioning today to schedule your electrical panel inspection or upgrade. Let our trusted team help keep your Colorado Springs home safe, efficient, and protected.

Call Now (719) 392-0032