Maybe Get a New Electrical Panel


My house was built in 65 and the electrical panel is at least 15 years old. There is a deal through a company offering a new electrical panel with whole house surge protection for $949, the regular price is $2495. I'm thinking of getting a panel for several reasons: the whole house surge protection, the cost savings on the work, improvement in the quality of the AC in the house for my system, our lights dim even when turning on something like an iron to iron clothes and finally, it could save a little money on the electric bill.

Your thoughts? If I do this, any tips on the kind of panel to get or to pass on? I saw here that a Square D panel with copper buss is preferred over one with aluminum buss?
foster_9

Showing 2 responses by hifiharv

Some may say that the surge protection is bad for your sound and I wouldn't doubt it. I've steered clear of this for that reason, and believe me, in Florida we need it. Hope someone here will comment on this from experience.
To put the cost in perspective, I have been quoted between 1500 and 2000 for a new panel. My old one has aluminum bars which are corroding and the breakers are obsolete and hard to find. This is Florida and I believe a permit is required from the county. I know this job takes time and involves a service from Fla Power and Light, but do the parts really cost that much? I see breakers for $4.00 at home depot. Other than that it's just a box and buss bars. Pardon my ignorance if I am missing something here.
Anyone out there have an opinion on whether the Surge Protector is good or bad?