How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel?

In the Denver metro area, the cost to upgrade an electrical panel typically ranges from $4,800 to $6,600. On average, customers of UniColorado spent around $5,200 before rebates, incentives, and discounts. The final cost depends on complexity of the installation, and any additional work required, such as updating wiring or relocating the panel.

How can I determine the size of my current electrical panel?

To determine the size of your current electrical panel, locate the main breaker in your panel box. The amperage rating of the main breaker is typically printed on the breaker itself or on the panel label. Common residential electrical panel sizes include 60A, 100A, 125A, 150A, and 200A.

What electrical panel size do I need for a heat pump?

Most heat pumps require a dedicated 30-60A, 230V circuit, depending on the unit's size and type. For a standard single-zone heat pump, a 30A circuit is typical. Larger multi-zone or whole-home ducted systems may need 40-60A. If your existing panel is 100A or 125A and already close to capacity, you'll likely need a 200A panel upgrade to safely add a heat pump circuit. A 200A panel provides 48,000 watts of total capacity, which is enough to handle a heat pump plus your home's existing electrical loads with room to spare.

Can I install a heat pump and an EV charger without upgrading my electrical panel?

It depends on your current panel's capacity and the specific requirements of the heat pump and EV charger. Heat pumps typically need a 30-60A, 230V circuit, while EV chargers require a 20-60A, 240V circuit, depending on the charger's speed and vehicle requirements. If your existing panel has enough capacity and slots for both circuits, an upgrade may not be needed. However, the combined load may exceed the capacity of older or smaller panels, requiring an upgrade to a 200A or larger panel for safe operation.

Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel if I'm installing a mini-split heat pump?

It depends on the mini-split system you choose. A single-zone mini-split typically requires a dedicated 15A, 230V circuit. However, multi-zone systems with 2 or more zones generally need a 40-50A, 230V circuit. If your existing panel has the capacity and space for the required circuit, an upgrade may not be necessary. Always have a licensed electrician assess your specific situation to determine if your current panel can handle the new heat pump or if an upgrade is recommended.

Can I have an electrical panel above 200A in a residential house?

Yes. UniColorado installs 320A panels for larger homes with multiple high-draw systems. These are typically needed when you have a heat pump, EV charger, electric water heater, and other large appliances that exceed 200A capacity. Upgrading to 320A requires coordination with Xcel Energy to upgrade the service lines and meter base. The project is more complex than a standard 200A upgrade and involves engineering plans to ensure compliance with local building codes. 320A panel upgrades are significantly more expensive than 200A upgrades due to the utility coordination, upgraded components, and additional labor required.

Can my existing electrical panel handle a heat pump?

The answer depends on your current electrical panel's capacity and the available space for new circuits. In general, heat pumps require a dedicated 230V circuit, typically rated between 30A and 60A, depending on the unit's size and type. If your existing panel has sufficient capacity and available slots, it may be able to accommodate the new heat pump circuit. However, if your panel is already full or close to its maximum capacity, you may need to upgrade to a larger panel, such as a 200A panel, to safely handle the additional load.

What are Federal Pacific panels?

Federal Pacific panels are electrical panels manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric Company (FPE) between the 1950s and 1980s. These panels were widely installed in homes across the United States during this period. These units are considered outdated and dangerous.

Are Federal Pacific panels dangerous?

Yes, Federal Pacific panels are considered dangerous due to their high failure rate and potential safety hazards. Studies have shown that FPE panels have a high incidence of breaker failure, which can lead to electrical fires and other safety risks. If your home has a Federal Pacific panel, it is highly recommended to have it replaced by a licensed electrician as soon as possible.

What are the signs that I may need an electrical panel upgrade?

Common reasons that indicate you may need an electrical panel upgrade include frequent breaker tripping, flickering or dimming lights, buzzing sounds from the panel, burning smells, outdated or obsolete panel components (e.g., fuses instead of circuit breakers), and the need for additional circuits to accommodate new appliances like heat pumps or EV chargers.

What is the lifespan of an electrical panel, and how do I know when it's time to replace it?

The lifespan of an electrical panel can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the installation, the environment, and the level of maintenance. On average, a well-maintained electrical panel can last between 25 to 40 years. However, if your panel is older than 25 years, has visible signs of wear or damage, or frequently trips breakers, it may be time to consider a replacement. Additionally, if you're planning to install a heat pump or other significant electrical upgrades, it's essential to assess your panel's capacity and condition to ensure it can safely handle the increased load.

Can I install a heat pump and solar panels with the same electrical panel?

Yes, but you'll likely need a 200A panel at minimum. A heat pump typically requires a 30-60A, 230V circuit, and a residential solar array usually needs a dedicated 30-40A, 240V circuit for the inverter. Combined with your existing home loads, most older 100A or 125A panels don't have the capacity or open slots for both. A 200A panel upgrade gives you enough room to run a heat pump, solar inverter, and your existing circuits safely. UniColorado can assess your panel's current capacity and plan the upgrade to accommodate both systems in one project.

How much does it typically cost to upgrade an electrical panel for a heat pump installation?

The cost to upgrade an electrical panel for a heat pump installation can vary depending on factors such as the size of the panel, the complexity of the installation and additional work. In the Denver area, upgrading to a 200A panel with UniColorado typically ranges between $4,800 and $6,600, before rebates and incentives, including materials and labor. This price range covers the installation of a new, code-compliant panel and necessary permits and inspections.

What is the maximum load a 125A electrical panel can handle continuously?

A 125A electrical panel can handle a maximum continuous load of 100A, which is 80% of its rated capacity. This means the total load of all appliances and devices running simultaneously should not exceed 100A to prevent overloading and potential safety hazards.

Is upgrading your electrical panel worth it?

Yes, upgrading your electrical panel is often worth it. Older panels may not meet current safety standards, handle modern electrical loads, or accommodate additional circuits. Upgrading ensures your home's electrical system is safe, reliable, and capable of supporting your power needs. It can also increase your home's value and prevent issues like flickering lights or tripped breakers.

Does a panel upgrade require Xcel Energy involvement?

Yes. Xcel needs to disconnect and reconnect the utility meter during the upgrade. We coordinate this directly with Xcel so you don't have to. The outage typically lasts 4-6 hours on install day. For upgrades that change service amperage (e.g. 100A to 200A), Xcel may also need to upgrade the service drop from the street.

How much does electrical panel upgrade cost in Denver?

Electrical panel upgrades in Denver range from $4,800 to $6,600 on average. This includes installation of a new code-compliant main panel with arc fault protection, cold water grounding, permits, materials, labor, and taxes. UniColorado customers spent around $5,200 on average in 2024 before rebates. The final cost depends on your home's age, existing wiring condition, and panel location.

When do I need to upgrade my electrical panel?

You need a panel upgrade if you're adding high-draw appliances like heat pumps (30-60 amp circuits), EV chargers (40-50 amp circuits), or heat pump water heaters. Other signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, buzzing from the panel, burning smells, or if your panel is over 25 years old. Homes with Federal Pacific panels should replace them immediately due to fire hazards. Most Denver homes built before 2000 have 100-125 amp panels that need upgrading for electrification.

What's the difference between 100 amp, 200 amp, and 320 amp panels?

The amperage rating determines total electrical capacity. A 100 amp panel provides 24,000 watts of power and is common in older Denver homes but often undersized for modern needs. A 200 amp panel provides 48,000 watts and handles heat pumps, EV chargers, and electric water heaters comfortably. Most residential upgrades go to 200 amps. A 320 amp panel is for large homes with multiple high-draw systems and requires utility service upgrades, engineering plans, and coordination with Xcel Energy.

How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?

A typical 100 amp to 200 amp panel upgrade takes 1 full day of work. We turn off power for 4-6 hours during the main installation. UniColorado handles all Denver permit applications, inspections, and coordination with Xcel Energy. Most upgrades are completed within 1-2 weeks from approval to final inspection.

Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel in Colorado?

Yes. All electrical panel upgrades in Colorado require permits and inspections from your local building department. Permits ensure the work meets National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements and local safety regulations. UniColorado handles all permit paperwork, scheduling inspections, and ensuring code compliance. Operating without permits can void insurance coverage and complicate future home sales.

What is a Federal Pacific panel and should I replace it?

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels were manufactured from the 1950s through the 1980s and installed in millions of American homes. Testing has shown their Stab-Lok breakers have a high failure rate, meaning they may not trip during an overload or short circuit. This creates a fire risk. If your home has a Federal Pacific panel, you should replace it regardless of whether you're adding new electrical loads. We identify FPE panels during our in-home assessment and recommend immediate replacement.

Do I need a panel upgrade to install a heat pump?

It depends on your current panel's capacity and available slots. A standard heat pump requires a dedicated 30-60A, 230V circuit. If your panel is rated 200A and has open breaker slots, you likely don't need an upgrade. But most Denver homes built before 2000 have 100-125A panels, and adding a heat pump circuit on top of existing loads often exceeds safe capacity. We assess this during your HVAC estimate and only recommend an upgrade when the electrical math requires it.

Can I upgrade my electrical panel myself?

No. Colorado requires a licensed electrician and a permit for all electrical panel work. The utility meter must be disconnected by Xcel Energy before work begins, which requires a contractor's request. Unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner's insurance, create fire hazards, and complicate future home sales. The inspection step exists to verify that your panel, grounding, and branch circuits meet current NEC code.

Denver Electrification Company

Electrical Panel Upgrade

Most Denver-area homes built before 2000 have 100-125 amp panels that can't support a heat pump, EV charger, or heat pump water heater. We upgrade residential panels to 200A (or 320A for larger homes) as part of our HVAC installation projects. Permits, Xcel Energy coordination, and city inspection are included. Panel upgrades are not available as a standalone service.

Add-on service only. This service is available exclusively with HVAC system installation.Get a free estimate for your HVAC project.

Get Free Estimate Pricing Process FAQ

Add-on Service

Available with HVAC Installation

Add electrical panel upgrade to your heat pump or furnace project. Get a free estimate to see your options.

Free in-home estimate
Code-compliant installation
Permits and inspections handled
Master electricians

Get Free Estimate

Electrical Panel Upgrade in Denver Metro

Electrical Panel Upgrade

Residential electrical panel upgrades for increased capacity. Available with HVAC system installation only.

Add-on only. Available exclusively with HVAC system installation.

Free estimateCode compliantPermits included

Get Free HVAC Estimate

Add panel upgrade to your heat pump or furnace project.

(303) 250-1000

How It Works

Brands We Install

SPAN smart electrical panel with circuit-level monitoring

Electrification Specialists

Why UniColorado?

We do panel upgrades because we install heat pumps, EV chargers, and heat pump water heaters. That means our electricians understand your full electrical load, not just the panel itself. When we size a new 200A panel, we account for the 30-60A heat pump circuit, the 40-50A EV charger circuit, and whatever else you're planning to add. Every panel upgrade includes permit filing with your local jurisdiction (Denver, Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, or wherever you are on the Front Range), coordination with Xcel Energy for the meter disconnect, and a final inspection before re-energizing. We handle the paperwork and scheduling so you don't have to call Xcel yourself. Panel upgrades are bundled with HVAC installations because we need to verify the new system's electrical requirements before specifying the panel. Running these as separate projects by separate contractors creates coordination gaps and potential code issues.

View heat pump installation

Why a Heat Pump is the Right Choice for Your Home

Upfront Pricing

Your quote includes the panel, breakers, wiring, permits, inspection fees, and Xcel coordination. The price on your estimate is the price you pay. If your project qualifies for rebates, we apply them before invoicing.

Sized for Electrification

We calculate your home's full electrical load: existing circuits plus heat pump (30-60A), EV charger (40-50A), and any future additions. Most homes need 200A. Larger homes with multiple high-draw systems may need 320A, which requires Xcel service line upgrades.

Permits and Code

Every panel upgrade passes a city electrical inspection before Xcel reconnects your meter. We file permits with Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, or Douglas County and schedule the inspection directly. All work meets NEC 2023 requirements.

Local and Licensed

UniColorado is based in Denver and licensed across the Front Range. We pull permits through each jurisdiction's building department and coordinate meter disconnects directly with Xcel Energy. No subcontractors on electrical work.

What Our Customers Say

5.0

Google Reviews (138)

Chastity O.

My mother debra was a customer of theirs. They did an amazing job. My mom feels they were so hood to her. They were professional and supportive even when problems did arise. She appreciates all you did for her. She would recommend yall to anyone!!

Google Review

Kyle M.

Aydin and team were absolutely fantastic. The install was efficient and smooth. By far the best value that we received quotes for.

Google Review

Michael M.

Afshin and Aydin were great to work with! The whole process from solution design through installation went smoothly, all at a fair price. They were always responsive and the job finished on time. Couldn't recommend more.

Google Review

Colorado's Most Experienced Heat Pump Installer

Heat pumps, EV chargers, and induction cooktops all need circuits your older panel wasn't built for. We upgrade residential panels to 200A service as part of HVAC installations: permits, inspection, and coordination with your local jurisdiction included. Most panel upgrades complete in a single day.

2013

Our first hyper-heat install

2016

Early Lennox cold-climate adoption

2024

Bosch IDS Ultra install

2026

Latest cold-climate tech

30+

Municipalities

Master

Licensed & Certified

1000s+

Happy Homeowners

Electrical Certified

Technicians

100% Satisfaction

Guarantee

Up Front Pricing

No hidden fees

$5M+

Saved for homeowners in 2025

$9,250

Average savings

5,000+

Rebate applications submitted

Residential electrical panel with labeled circuits

Electrical panel upgrade cost

Cost of Panel Upgrades

A 200A panel upgrade in the Denver metro runs $4,800 to $6,600. That price includes the new main panel, arc fault (AFCI) and ground fault (GFCI) protection, cold water grounding, all permits, materials, labor, and taxes. UniColorado customers paid around $5,200 on average in 2024 before any rebates. Not every home needs a full panel replacement. If your panel is less than 20 years old and already rated at 200A with open breaker slots, it may handle a new heat pump or EV charger circuit without a full upgrade. We assess this during your HVAC estimate. For a detailed breakdown of what drives the cost, see our pricing guide.

Full cost breakdown

Standard residential panel upgrade scope

What's Included

Every UniColorado panel upgrade includes: • New 200A main breaker panel (Siemens, Square D, GE, or Eaton, depending on your home's wiring) • Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection on bedroom and living area circuits, as required by current NEC code • Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection on kitchen, bathroom, garage, and outdoor circuits • Cold water ground bond and grounding electrode conductor • Dedicated 230V circuit(s) for your new HVAC equipment • Replacement of any aluminum branch wiring or obsolete hardware identified during inspection • Electrical permit from your local building department (Denver, Arapahoe County, Jefferson County, or Douglas County) • Final inspection and Xcel Energy meter reconnection All work is performed by a licensed, insured master electrician and meets current National Electrical Code (NEC 2023) requirements.

Open electrical panel showing labeled circuit breakers

Timeline and process

What To Expect

Panel upgrades happen alongside your HVAC installation. Here's the typical sequence: 1. During your heat pump or furnace estimate, we inspect your existing panel: amperage rating, breaker count, available slots, and wiring condition. 2. If an upgrade is needed, we include it in your HVAC quote with a line-item breakdown. No separate appointment required. 3. We file the electrical permit with your city or county. Permit turnaround varies: Denver averages 3-5 business days, Arapahoe County 1-2 days. 4. On install day, we coordinate with Xcel Energy to disconnect the meter. Power is off for 4-6 hours while we swap the panel, run new circuits, and wire your HVAC equipment. 5. After installation, a city electrical inspector verifies the work. Once passed, Xcel reconnects the meter, usually same day. Most panel upgrades are completed in a single day. From permit application to final inspection, expect 1-2 weeks total.

Schedule your estimate