Is a 200 Amp Service Upgrade Worth It?

Yes—a 200 amp service upgrade is often worth it for modern homes. Today’s households use far more electricity than homes built 20–40 years ago. If you’re adding EV chargers, a hot tub, a finished basement, or simply running multiple appliances at once, upgrading prevents overloads and future electrical limitations.

Why Modern Homes Outgrow 100 Amp Panels

Think about how your home runs today.

• Two refrigerators

• High-powered HVAC systems

• Induction ranges

• EV chargers

• Home offices

• Smart home tech

• Tankless water heaters

A 100 amp panel was common in homes built before the early 2000s. At that time, electrical demand was lower. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. household now consumes over 10,500 kWh per year, and demand continues rising as homes electrify transportation and heating.

That’s where the conversation about a 200 amp service upgrade becomes practical, not just optional.

Signs You May Need a 200 Amp Service Upgrade

If you live in Brighton, Denver, Aurora, or Parker, many homes were built in growth waves between the 1980s and early 2000s. Those homes often started with 100–150 amp panels.

Here are red flags we commonly see:

⚡ Breakers trip frequently

⚡ Lights dim when appliances turn on

⚡ You’re adding an EV charger

⚡ Planning a basement finish or hot tub

⚡ Your panel is full with no room for new circuits

If your panel is maxed out, adding new electrical loads safely becomes difficult. An upgrade gives your home room to grow.

What a 200 Amp Panel Actually Changes

Many homeowners think upgrading simply “adds more power.” It’s a bit more specific than that.

A 200 amp service upgrade:

• Increases your home’s electrical capacity

• Allows for additional dedicated circuits

• Reduces overload risk

• Supports large electrical appliances

• Improves long-term safety

It doesn’t necessarily lower your electric bill. It simply ensures your system can handle modern demand without strain.

In neighborhoods across Aurora and Parker where EV ownership is climbing, we’re seeing this upgrade become more common as families electrify vehicles and heating systems.

The Cost vs. Long-Term Value

In the Denver metro area, a professional 200 amp panel upgrade typically ranges between $2,000–$4,500, depending on:

• Utility coordination

• Meter location

• Panel relocation

• Permit requirements

• Grounding updates

Here’s the key perspective:

If you wait until you’re mid-project—like installing a Level 2 EV charger—and find out your panel can’t support it, you’ll delay the project and potentially increase costs.

Upgrading proactively:

• Protects home resale value

• Reduces project delays

• Future-proofs your home

• Improves insurability (older panels can raise insurance concerns)

Buyers in Brighton and Parker increasingly ask about electrical capacity during inspections. A 200 amp panel is often viewed as a modern standard.

Local Considerations in Brighton, Denver, Aurora & Parker

Colorado weather matters.

Cold snaps in winter push electric heating systems hard. Summer heat in Aurora and Denver drives AC systems to run continuously.

If your home is transitioning to:

• Heat pumps

• Electric furnaces

• EV charging

• Solar-ready infrastructure

Electrical capacity becomes critical.

We also factor in:

• Xcel Energy coordination

• City-specific permit requirements

• Proper grounding and bonding

• NEC (National Electrical Code) compliance

At RD Energy Solutions, we don’t just swap panels. We ensure the system meets modern safety standards and passes inspection cleanly.

When It Might NOT Be Necessary

Honest answer? Not every home needs it.

You may not need a 200 amp service upgrade if:

• You have minimal electrical load

• No EV plans

• No major renovations

• Existing panel still has open breaker space

• Your home already has 150 amps and low demand

The right approach starts with a load calculation. That’s the professional way to determine whether your current service can safely handle future plans.

Guesswork isn’t the move here.

How the Upgrade Process Works

Homeowners often worry about disruption. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Load calculation and assessment

2. Permit pulled through the city

3. Utility company scheduled for disconnect/reconnect

4. Panel replaced (usually 1 day of work)

5. Inspection completed

Power is typically off for several hours during the swap, but most projects are completed in a single day.

If you’re also planning EV charger installation or adding circuits, it’s smart to bundle those projects together. (Internal link opportunity: EV Charger Installation page.)

Is It Worth It for Your Home?

If your home is evolving, your electrical system should too.

A 200 amp service upgrade isn’t about excess. It’s about capacity, safety, and flexibility. In fast-growing areas like Brighton and Aurora, homes are being updated, electrified, and modernized every year.

If you’re unsure whether your panel can handle your plans, we’ll give you a clear answer—not a sales pitch.

RD Energy Solutions is here to make sure your home’s electrical system works as hard as you do.

📞 Call today to schedule a panel evaluation or request a quote.