Electrical Panel Upgrades: Do You Really Need 200 Amps in Vero Beach?
If your breakers trip when the AC, oven, and laundry all run at once, you might be wondering if a 200-amp panel is the answer. Many homes in Vero Beach, from Central Beach cottages to newer builds in Vero Lake Estates, are adding EV chargers, hot tubs, and backyard kitchens. In this guide, we explain when a 200-amp upgrade makes sense, when a smaller service can work, and what to expect from a professional upgrade. If you are already comparing options, you can learn more about our electrical panel upgrade services.
What a 200-amp panel really means for Vero Beach homes
A 200-amp service is the electrical “highway” that feeds your entire home. It provides more lane space for present and future loads like large air handlers, pool equipment, and EV charging. More amperage is not about power waste. It is about capacity and headroom so the system runs safely without strain.
Homes around Indian River County vary a lot. Central Beach and older neighborhoods often have smaller original services. Newer communities north toward Sebastian are more likely to have larger panels. The right size depends on the loads you have today and the ones you plan to add over the next few years.
Typical household loads in our area
- High-efficiency HVAC systems that work hard through long, humid summers
- Pool pumps, heaters, and salt systems common near the barrier island and inland communities
- Kitchen remodels with induction ranges, built-in microwaves, and dual ovens
- EV charging for commuters on US‑1 or I‑95 corridors
When smaller services can still be enough
Some well-insulated homes with gas appliances or modest square footage can operate comfortably with 100 to 150 amps. If you do not plan to add high-demand items like a spa, detached workshop, or EV charger, a right-sized smaller service may perform well. The key is a careful load calculation and a plan for the next five to ten years.
Clear signs your current panel is undersized or outdated
Capacity is only part of the story. Panel design, age, and condition matter too. Watch for these red flags that point toward a professional evaluation:
- Frequent breaker trips when multiple appliances run
- Flickering lights during AC or pool pump startup
- Warm panel cover or a buzzing sound from the breaker area
- Limited breaker spaces or many tandem breakers squeezed into one slot
- Planning an EV charger, addition, or major kitchen remodel
Never ignore frequent breaker trips. They are a symptom, not a nuisance. Breakers trip to protect wires and equipment. If it happens often, your system may be running at or beyond its limit, or there could be a component problem that needs attention.
Local factors that shape the right decision
Vero Beach weather means long cooling seasons and summer storms. Air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and pool systems add up. If your home sits near the ocean in Indian River Shores or along the lagoon, corrosion can also shorten equipment life, which makes a clean, modern panel with proper grounding and bonding more valuable.
Age matters. Many homes built decades ago still have legacy gear that no longer fits today’s safety expectations. If your panel is old, lacks clear labeling, or shows rust, it is time for a licensed electrician to evaluate it. Always use a licensed electrician to assess capacity and condition so you get a solution that is safe and built for local conditions.
When 200 amps makes strong sense
You will likely benefit from a 200-amp upgrade if one or more of these apply:
- You plan to install a Level 2 EV charger or two EVs
- You have a pool with a heater plus an outdoor kitchen or spa
- You run large shop tools, compressors, or a kiln in a garage or outbuilding
- You are finishing space over the garage or adding a guest suite
- You want room for future tech: heat pumps, battery backup, or a whole-home surge device
If you are still comparing options, explore more local perspectives in our home electrical articles to see how nearby homeowners plan their upgrades.
Do you really need 200 amps, or will 150 do?
Choosing between 150 and 200 amps comes down to headroom. A 150-amp panel can run many homes today, but it leaves less space for big future loads. A 200-amp service provides capacity for the upgrades that are becoming common in Vero Beach: EVs, heat pumps, and expanded outdoor living spaces. Plan for tomorrow, not just today, so you do not box yourself in with another upgrade later.
Beyond the panel itself, your electrician may review the service mast or conduit, meter can, grounding, and bonding. Utility coordination may be needed if overhead or underground service conductors must be adjusted. Requirements can vary by home and neighborhood, and permitting may be required based on the scope of work.
What to expect from a professional upgrade
A quality upgrade starts with a detailed load calculation and a site walk. Your electrician checks clearances, grounding, and the condition of the service equipment. They design an updated panel layout with space for new circuits and label everything clearly. On installation day, power is temporarily shut off while old equipment is removed and the new panel is set, wired, inspected, and re-energized.
You should also expect documentation. That includes panel directories, equipment specs, and maintenance reminders. A neat, well-labeled installation helps future service go faster and keeps your home safer. If you want more background on the process or related electrical services, our team can help through our electrical contractor page.
Ready when you are
When you are ready to upgrade, our team can design a solution that supports AC, pool equipment, EV charging, and whatever comes next. To start the conversation and reserve your spot on the schedule, visit our panel upgrade service page and reach out today. We look forward to helping you power your home safely and reliably. Call now for panel upgrades and other electrical contractor services.
