Maverick Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air is proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Roseville, Sacramento, Rocklin, and surrounding Northern California communities. One of the most common questions customers ask our licensed electricians is why a service upgrade is necessary—and how we determine the right size, scope, and components for their project.
Electrical service upgrades aren’t one-size-fits-all. They require detailed calculations to ensure your home or commercial property can safely handle today’s electrical demands. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what professionals evaluate before recommending an upgrade, the factors that influence total power capacity, and why proper sizing matters for safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Understanding Electrical Service Capacity
Your electrical “service” refers to the total amount of electrical power that can enter your home or building from the utility company. In Northern California—where high heat, wildfire-season outages, and the growth of EVs place additional strain on systems—correct service sizing is essential.
A modern home typically requires a 200-amp service, but older homes in Sacramento, Citrus Heights, and Folsom may still be operating on 60-amp or 100-amp panels that are no longer adequate.
Before recommending any upgrade, Maverick electricians perform a full load calculation and code-compliant assessment.
Step 1: Evaluating Existing Service & Main Components
Before calculating future demand, a technician must determine what is already in place.
We Assess:
- Main panel size (60A, 100A, 125A, 150A, 200A, or higher)
- Condition of the panel, breakers, and bus bars
- Conductor size and material
- Meter socket rating
- Service entrance cable condition
- Grounding and bonding system
- Utility drop configuration (overhead vs. underground)
If any of these components are outdated or undersized, the system cannot support higher capacity safely.
Step 2: Conducting a Whole-Home or Building Load Calculation
This is the most important part of determining whether an upgrade is needed.
Electricians use NEC Article 220 calculations to determine the minimum service size based on the property’s electrical load.
What the Load Calculation Includes
- General Lighting & Receptacles Load
Based on square footage of the home or business. - Small Appliance Circuits
Kitchens, laundry rooms, and dedicated appliance circuits. - HVAC Systems
In Northern California, AC loads are significant due to extreme summer heat. - Major Appliances
- Ovens
- Dryers
- Water heaters
- Microwaves
- Dishwashers
- Heat pumps
- Tankless water heaters
- Ovens
- Motor Loads
Commercial facilities often have multiple large motor loads. - EV Charging Stations
Roseville and Sacramento have some of the highest EV adoption rates in the state. - Future Loads
As required by code—what the property may add during its lifespan.
Why This Matters
If your calculated load exceeds 80% of your existing service rating, it’s time for an upgrade.
For example:
A home with a 100-amp panel that calculates to 96 amps of load is operating far too close to the limit.
Maverick electricians ensure your service is sized for current and future needs.
Step 3: Accounting for HVAC & Seasonal Demand
Northern California’s climate is a major factor in service upgrade recommendations.
A/C Load Is One of the Largest Electrical Factors
Central air conditioners, heat pumps, and mini-splits can draw significant amperage, especially during Sacramento’s July and August heatwaves.
Additional HVAC Considerations
- Electric furnaces
- Heat strips
- Smart thermostats
- Whole-home air purifiers
- Air handlers and ventilation equipment
When HVAC systems work harder during extreme heat, undersized electrical service can lead to:
- Tripped breakers
- Overheating conductors
- Voltage drops
- Premature equipment failure
A properly sized service protects your heating and cooling investment.
Step 4: Evaluating Appliance & Technology Upgrades
Homes and commercial spaces built before the 1990s were not designed for the electrical demands we see today.
Common Additions That Require Higher Service Capacity
- EV chargers
- Tankless electric water heaters
- Hot tubs and swim spas
- Home offices with multiple electronics
- High-efficiency refrigerators
- Induction cooktops
- Electric dryers
- Whole-home generators
These loads add up quickly. Even a single EV charger can require its own 40- to 60-amp dedicated circuit—half the capacity of an older 100-amp service.
Step 5: Inspecting Wiring Integrity
Before recommending a service upgrade, Maverick technicians also evaluate whether your existing wiring system can support higher capacity.
We Inspect for:
- Aluminum or undersized wiring
- Cloth-covered or brittle insulation
- Damaged, loose, or overheated connections
- Outdated grounding
- Improperly added circuits or DIY modifications
If the wiring is unsafe or incompatible, upgrading the panel alone isn’t enough—the electrical infrastructure must be updated as well.
Step 6: Assessing Future Load Requirements
California’s electrical needs are increasing rapidly due to state incentives for electrification.
Electricians Consider:
- Planned solar installations
- Future EV purchases
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Kitchen renovations
- Smart home expansions
- Additional HVAC units
A properly sized service should last 20–30 years or more. Maverick ensures it supports not just what you have now, but what you’ll need next.
Step 7: Reviewing Local Codes & Utility Requirements
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), PG&E, and Roseville Electric each have specific requirements for upgrades.
Electricians Must Check:
- Minimum service entrance conductor size
- Meter socket requirements
- Trenching and conduit requirements for underground services
- Local permit and inspection rules
- NEC 2023 and Title 24 energy standards
Maverick’s team handles all code, permit, and utility coordination, ensuring a smooth upgrade from start to finish.
Why Proper Service Sizing Matters
Safety
Undersized electrical service leads to overheating, overloaded circuits, and fire risk.
Efficiency
HVAC equipment and appliances run more smoothly with stable voltage.
Home Value
Upgraded electrical systems are a major selling point, especially in older neighborhoods like Citrus Heights and Rocklin.
Compatibility
Supports future additions like EV chargers, additions, and smart home equipment.
Warning Signs You May Need a Service Upgrade
Call Maverick if you notice:
- Frequent tripped breakers
- Flickering lights during A/C startup
- Lack of available breaker space
- Warm or buzzing electrical panels
- Burning odors from outlets or switches
- Visible corrosion or rust on the panel
- Difficulty adding new appliances or circuits
These symptoms indicate insufficient or unsafe service capacity.
Why Northern California Homes Often Need Upgrades
Many homes in Sacramento and the surrounding regions were built between the 1960s and 1990s. These homes were not designed for:
- High-powered HVAC
- Modern kitchen appliances
- EV charging
- Home offices
- Solar and battery storage systems
Even commercial properties face increased electrical requirements due to local growth and modernization.
How Maverick Recommends the Right Upgrade
When Maverick electricians visit your property, they provide:
- A full load calculation
- Panel and service assessment
- Utility requirement review
- Safety and wiring evaluation
- A transparent, code-compliant recommendation
We explain the “why” behind the upgrade so you understand exactly what your property needs.
Choose Maverick for Safe, Code-Compliant Electrical Upgrades
With years of experience serving Northern California’s homes and businesses, Maverick offers:
What Sets Us Apart
- Licensed, certified electricians
- Same-day service availability
- Upfront pricing and clear communication
- Local expertise in Sacramento–Roseville utility standards
- Full electrical, plumbing, heating, and air services
Whether you’re upgrading your panel, installing an EV charger, or preparing your home for future demand, Maverick ensures your electrical system is built to last.
Schedule Your Electrical Service Evaluation Today
Need expert advice on whether your home requires a service upgrade? Trust Maverick Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air to deliver safe, reliable results. Call today to schedule your consultation and experience the Maverick difference.
