Do Older Levitt Homes in Bowie, MD Need Electrical Panel Upgrades?

If you live in one of Bowie’s original Levitt-built neighborhoods, you probably already know these homes have character, solid construction, and great layouts.

But there’s one thing many homeowners don’t realize until they start upgrading their home:

👉 The electrical system was designed for a completely different era.

As a local electrician working throughout Bowie and Crofton area, I regularly see levitt as well as many other homes still running on original or undersized electrical panels — and modern power demands have changed dramatically since these homes were built.

So how do you know if it’s time for an upgrade?

Let’s break it down.

Why Many Levitt Homes Started With Smaller Electrical Panels

Most Levitt homes were built in the 1960s and early 70s, when typical electrical usage looked very different.

Back then, homes didn’t have:

• EV chargers• Multiple large kitchen appliances• Home office setups• Modern HVAC systems• Smart home technology

A 100-amp electrical service was completely normal — and for the time, it worked perfectly.

Today, that same system may be operating right at its limit.

Signs Your Bowie Levitt Home May Need a Panel Upgrade

Here are some common things I see during service calls:

✔ Breakers tripping when multiple appliances run ✔ Lights dimming or flickering under load ✔ No available space for additional circuits ✔ Older or outdated panel brands ✔ Planning an EV charger installation

Sometimes homeowners assume something is “wrong,” when really the system just wasn’t designed for modern usage.

Can Your Existing Panel Handle an EV Charger?

This is one of the biggest questions right now.

A Level 2 EV charger can draw significant power — often 40 to 60 amps.

When you combine that with:

• Electric dryer• Electric range• HVAC system• Water heater

Your electrical capacity can be exceeded quickly.

That’s why many Bowie homeowners choose to upgrade to a 200-amp service when installing EV charging.

What Happens During a Panel Upgrade?

A professional panel upgrade isn’t just swapping out equipment — it’s modernizing your home’s electrical infrastructure.

Typical upgrades include:

✔ New electrical panel installation ✔ Proper grounding and bonding updates ✔ Load calculations for future expansion ✔ Utility coordination (if required) ✔ Inspection approval

The goal is simple:

👉 Give your home safe, reliable power that’s ready for today and tomorrow.

Is Upgrading Worth It?

For many Levitt homeowners — absolutely.

A panel upgrade can:

✔ Improve safety ✔ Reduce nuisance breaker trips ✔ Support modern appliances ✔ Prepare for EV charging ✔ Increase long-term home value

It’s one of those upgrades you don’t see every day — but you feel the benefits immediately.

Final Thoughts

I work in the Bowie area every week, and levitt homes are some of my favorite projects because they have so much potential.

If you’re planning renovations, adding an EV charger, or just wondering if your electrical system is ready for modern demands, a professional evaluation is the best place to start.

No pressure — just clear answers.

👉 Reach out anytime for a consultation or estimate.

— Tyler Setera

Owner at Setera Electrical Contractors LLC

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Panel Upgrades in Levitt Homes

Do most Levitt homes in Bowie have 100-amp electrical service?

Many original Levitt homes were built with 100-150 amp panels, which were appropriate at the time but may be undersized for modern electrical loads.

How do I know if my panel needs upgrading?

Common signs include frequent breaker trips, limited panel space, dimming lights, or planning to add large electrical loads like EV chargers, Hot tubs, Home Additions.

Can I install an EV charger without upgrading my panel?

Sometimes yes — but many homes require a load calculation to determine if the existing service can safely handle additional demand.

How long does a panel upgrade take?

Most residential electrical panel upgrades can be completed in one day of on-site construction. The overall timeline may extend slightly due to required inspections and coordination with the utility company, whose scheduling ultimately determines final service completion.

Will upgrading my electrical panel increase home value?

Upgrading to modern electrical service improves safety, expands future capacity, and can be attractive to buyers — especially with EV adoption increasing.