Electrical Meter Upgrades & Replacement in Lancaster, PA
At Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we offer dependable electrical services, including electrical meter upgrades, to homeowners in the Lancaster area.
We’re a second-generation, family-owned and -operated company that’s served Lancaster residents since 1904. You can rely on us for upfront pricing, specials and coupons, and no overtime charges.
Call today for a free estimate on an electrical meter upgrade in Lancaster.
What’s an Electric Meter?
Electric meters, also known as electrical meters or service meters, measure how much electricity your household consumes. Your utility company uses the information from your electric meter to determine the appropriate amounts to bill each month.
There are multiple types of meters, but each includes a readout of the total electricity consumed and a meter identification number.
Why You Should Upgrade Your Electric Service Meter
Upgrading your service meter will strengthen electrical efficiency and dependability in your home. It can also save you money on overall energy costs if you live in a larger home.
Installing a new service meter will also help you deal with outages faster and reduce the time you have to wait before your power can be restored. A new service meter allows you to track your energy consumption.
Many new meters increase power and allow you to monitor time-of-use billing for large devices like electric vehicles.
Signs it’s time to consider upgrading your service meter include:
- Your home has an older electromechanical meter that may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Your old meter’s readings lead to doubts about its accuracy.
- Significant time has passed since the old meter was installed, and more electricity is in use now.
- The location of the existing meter is inconvenient.
- Solar panels have been installed at your home since the last meter was installed.
- You’re now charging an electric vehicle at your home.
Types of Electrical Meters
Multiple types of meters exist, including smart, solid-state, and electromechanical induction meters, though bidirectional meters are used in certain circumstances.
Features of these meters include:
- Electromechanical meters: These contain a metal disk rotating at speeds proportional to your home’s electricity consumption. Magnetic fields in these meters interact with the rotating disk to drive the dials on the meter faceplate.
- Automated smart meters: These function similarly to induction meters but also include a battery, electronic display, and communication chip. The communication chip sends usage data through radio signals via power lines or cellular systems. The batteries last over 20 years.
- Solid-state meters: These are similar to smart meters in many ways, but they use the latest technologies to produce greater stability and reliability in their readings.
- Bidirectional meters: These measure the amount of electricity flowing in two directions. They’re commonly used with solar panels that can send power back to the electrical grid.
Schedule a Service Meter Upgrade in Lancaster
Since 1904, Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical has provided customers with reliable services to keep their homes running efficiently.
Our background-checked technicians are NATE-certified and receive ongoing training to ensure they have the knowledge and experience necessary to address clients’ electrical needs.
When you choose Lancaster Plumbing & Heating, you’ll receive:
- No overtime charges
- Free estimates on replacement quotes
- Upfront pricing
- Financing options
- Coupons and specials
Contact Lancaster Plumbing & Heating to schedule your service meter upgrade in Lancaster.
Electric Meter Upgrade FAQs
How do I know if my service meter needs an upgrade?
Frequent power outages, flickering lights, adding high-energy appliances, or renovating your home are signs that you may need an upgrade. Older meters may also require upgrades to meet current safety codes.
How long does a service meter upgrade take?
Typically, a service meter upgrade can be completed within a few hours. The exact time depends on your existing system and the complexity of the upgrade.
Do I need to coordinate with my utility company for a service meter upgrade?
Yes, most service meter upgrades require coordination with your utility company to disconnect and reconnect the power supply. Our team handles all necessary communication for a smooth process.