100 Amp vs 200 Amp Service: Which Does Your Home Need?

Most modern homes need 200 amp electrical service, while many older North Idaho homes still run on 100 amp. The amp rating is the total amount of power your main panel can safely deliver at once. If you are adding big loads like an EV charger, a hot tub, electric heat, or a heat pump, 200 amp is usually the right call. We can check your service and tell you where you stand.

What amperage actually means

Your main breaker and panel are rated for a certain number of amps, which is the ceiling on how much power your home can pull at one time. A 100 amp service was plenty for a smaller home with gas heat and few large appliances. A 200 amp service doubles that headroom, which matters as homes add electric vehicles, spas, air conditioning, and electric appliances.

Signs 100 amp is not enough anymore

A few things point to a service that is maxed out. Breakers that trip when several things run at once, a panel with no open slots, heavy use of power strips, or a plan to add an EV charger or hot tub that your panel cannot support. If any of these sound familiar, it is worth a look.

When 100 amp is still fine

Not every home needs an upgrade. If you heat with gas, do not run large electric loads, and have open space in your panel, 100 amp service may be perfectly adequate. We will never push an upgrade you do not need. We tell you straight what your home actually requires.

Upgrading to 200 amp service

If you do need more, we upgrade your service to 200 amp, including the panel, the meter base if needed, the permit, and the inspection. A panel upgrade in North Idaho usually runs about 1,800 to 4,500 dollars installed. You end up with room for an EV charger, a hot tub, and whatever else comes next.

Find out what you need

Send us a photo of your electrical panel and tell us what you are planning, and we will tell you whether 100 amp is fine or 200 amp is the smart move. We serve Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Liberty Lake, and Spokane Valley. Call or text 208-352-0662.