How an Old Circuit Breaker Can Affect Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Worn-Out Circuit Breakers Waste Energy

Each circuit breaker is designed to protect its electrical circuit by ‘breaking the circuit’ as soon as it detects irregular or dangerous electrical activity. By cutting off power to the circuit, the breaker prevents further damage.

Over time, however, these circuit breakers experience wear from regular use, heat, and electrical stress. As the internal components degrade, the breaker’s ability to maintain stable electricity is weakened. This can lead to micro-arcs, voltage drops, and other inefficient transfers of power.

These inconsistencies not only waste electricity but also force your appliances and electronics to work harder than they should. This taxation can shorten your property’s lifespan in the process.

Basically, old or damaged circuit breakers can ‘leak’ electricity and drain your wallet without you knowing it.

Faulty Breakers and Phantom Power Loss

Then, there’s the enlarged issue of phantom power loss. Things like TVs, routers, and appliances continue to consume small amounts of electricity in standby mode. Normally, this energy loss is minimal… but when your circuit breakers are outdated or inefficient, the issue is exacerbated.

Why? Because a worn circuit breaker may fail to distribute power evenly. This uneven voltage levels not only waste energy but can also stress sensitive electronics like computers or entertainment systems.

The Safety Risks Go Hand in Hand

Energy inefficiency is one consequence of aging breakers, but safety risks are a far more serious one. A breaker that fails to trip on time can allow too much current to flow through your wiring. Over time, this can break down insulation, overheat outlets, and even start an electrical fire.

If you’ve noticed lights flickering, outlets feeling warm, or the smell of burning plastic coming from near your electrical panel, then you’re face-to-face with red flags that something’s wrong.

Frequently tripping circuit breakers is also problematic. Some homeowners try to reset or force a breaker back into position repeatedly… but this ignores the underlying issue (like worn contacts, damaged bus bar, and/or faulty wiring). It’s a serious fire hazard!

Old Breakers Can Limit Your Living Quality

Smart home systems, electric vehicles, high-efficiency HVAC units, and powerful appliances are not going to run smoothly in homes with panels from decades ago. Older panels with low amperage rating are simply NOT equipped to handle modern energy demands.

Even if they seem to work fine, modern appliances won’t work as well as they should. The inconsistent power from older circuit breakers can restrict the performance of energy-efficient appliances. This means you may not be getting the full benefit of your new investment.

When to Call for Professional Help

Circuit breakers are safety features at core, and faulty ones pose a serious safety hazard. Call for a circuit breaker repair or inspection if you notice:

• Circuit breakers tripping frequently
• Breakers that are warm to the touch
• Buzzing noise coming from the panel/breakers
• Flickering lights
• Burning smell or scorch marks near the panel

There’s no reason to wait. Mr. Electric offers quick and affordable electrical repair around the clock. Call or message Mr. Electric to speak with a live representative today.