If your old electrical panel is no longer functioning properly, it can be endangering your home and everything inside it. Read on for the various warning signs you should be looking out for.

Even an old electrical panel is an improvement over fuse boxes (these can no longer keep up with the energy demands of today’s households), but if it’s getting to be a bit too old, you may need to look into replacing it. The panel is responsible for taking power from the main line outside and directing it through your electrical system.

The electrical panel also disconnects circuits when there is too much current flowing through — this is what protects you from hazards like electrical fires and damaged appliances. If you’re not sure you need to replace your existing setup, we’ve put together some of the warning signs that will indicate whether or not it’s time to move on to a new panel:

One of the biggest and best advancements to hit modern U.S. homes today is the advent of the home automation system. These systems allow you to have control over your house at your fingertips. There’s a combination of hardware, software, and appliance-based interfaces that goes into creating this system, and therefore it’s only natural that something can eventually go wrong.

Even the greatest technology can have bugs that will need to be worked out. If you have problems with your home automation system, the best thing you can do is give your professional electricians a call to help repair the damage and get you back in control. However it may also be helpful to understand what some of the most common issues are, and how we troubleshoot them.

Naturally, when you go to integrate home automation into your home, you are going to have some home systems—if not all—that are older and have been with the home for a awhile. Integrating these older electronic systems with the new one of your home automation system can be challenging, and it may take some time to understand where the integration problems exist.

This type of problem usually presents as a non-response from whatever device or appliance you are attempting to use, or limited functionality from that system. Your professional electrician will know how to repair these issues as they have experience with these types of issues.

Your home automation system is completely interconnected and connected to your home’s electrical system, and therefore depends heavily on the wiring of your electrical system. So if you experience any type of electrical short, poor wiring, or faulty wiring, then there can be a malfunction of your system. Your professional electrician will look at the electrical layout for your home automation system—which can be complex—to determine the exact cause of the problem.

Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances your home automation system may suffer from physical damage. When that occurs, a professional will be able to carefully inspect the system and repair or replace the components that were damaged to obtain full functionality of your home automation system.

The United States has three main power grids: The Eastern and Western Interconnection, which each service multiple states, and Texas, which gets an independent power grid. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, handles 85 percent of the state’s power needs, producing and distributing electricity to 23 million people.

But, why does Texas need its own grid?

Slate reports that during World War II, Texas was home to many factories required for critical supplies. The electrical planners didn’t want to depend on energy coming in from other states, so they used the abundant natural resources to set up a grid specifically for Texas. Even today, this state requires a massive amount of electricity to keep the industrial sector powered, so it makes sense to have a dedicated grid.

Texas has a strong culture of self-sufficiency, which had an influence on the development of its own energy grid. It does have links to the other interconnections, which get used during particularly high demand periods. Unusually hot summers or long heat waves can sometimes lead to Texas importing energy, so the air conditioners keep going strong.

The utility companies governed by the ERCOT typically do not sell energy outside state lines. This configuration allows Texas to set most of its own rules and regulations, as opposed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission setting oversight in place. State regulators can make decisions that make the most sense for their residents, rather than making adjustments based on the needs of multiple states.

Texas has the space and natural resources needed to produce inexpensive electricity for residents and businesses. These costs fall below the national average. Renewable energy sources, such as wind-powered electricity, are moving Texas to more environmentally friendly options.

However, inexpensive energy does have a downside. Population growth in Austin is significant, thanks to startups, tech companies and other businesses moving into the area. Google Fiber also plays a role in bringing in more people. The energy grid needs to adapt to the rising amount of individuals who call Texas home, but electricity companies have less of an incentive to build in Texas compared to states with higher energy costs.

Contact Bryant Electric Service to make sure you’re getting the most out of the Texas Power grid and take back your energy today!