Heating and Air Conditioning | Electrician in Hercules, CA

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?

This is one of the most common calls we get as a heating and air conditioning electrician company serving Hercules. Circuit breakers trip when they detect an overload (too much current), a short circuit (hot wire touching neutral), or a ground fault (current escaping to ground). In Hercules homes—especially those built in the 1970s and 1980s—repeated tripping often means your circuits are overloaded because they’re running more devices than they were designed for. This is especially common when older homes add air conditioning or other high-draw appliances. Our technicians can diagnose the cause and recommend solutions, whether that’s redistributing loads, adding dedicated circuits, or upgrading your panel.

How do I know if my Hercules home needs an electrical panel upgrade?

Several signs indicate your panel may need upgrading: breakers trip frequently (especially when running the AC), lights flicker when appliances turn on, you’re using multiple power strips and extension cords to compensate for too few outlets, your panel still uses fuses instead of breakers, your panel is rated at 100 amps or less, or your panel is a brand known for safety issues (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco). Many Hercules homes built during the 1970s-1980s suburban development have panels that weren’t designed for today’s electrical demands. Our heating and air conditioning electrician team can evaluate your panel and recommend upgrades if needed.

Can you install an EV charger at my Hercules home?

Absolutely—EV charger installation is one of our most requested services in Hercules. We install Level 2 chargers (240V) that charge your electric vehicle much faster than a standard household outlet. The installation typically requires a dedicated 240V circuit from your electrical panel. In some Hercules homes with older 100-amp panels, this may also require a panel upgrade to handle the additional load safely. Our heating and air conditioning electrician technicians handle the complete job—from panel evaluation to charger installation to final inspection and permitting.

Why do my lights flicker when the AC turns on?

Flickering lights when your air conditioner starts usually indicates your electrical system is struggling to handle the load. AC compressors draw significant power at startup—a surge that can cause voltage drops if your wiring or panel can’t deliver enough current. This is common in Hercules homes where the original electrical system wasn’t designed for central air conditioning. While occasional brief dimming may be normal, persistent or severe flickering suggests a problem. Our heating and air conditioning electrician team can diagnose whether you need a dedicated circuit for your AC, a panel upgrade, or other electrical improvements.

Is aluminum wiring in my Hercules home dangerous?

Aluminum wiring was commonly used in homes built between 1965 and 1973—a period that includes some of Hercules’s earliest suburban development. While aluminum wiring itself isn’t inherently dangerous, it requires special handling because aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, potentially loosening connections over time. Loose connections create heat, which creates fire risk. If your Hercules home has aluminum wiring, we recommend having it inspected by a licensed heating and air conditioning electrician. Solutions range from special connectors (called COPALUM or AlumiConn) to complete rewiring, depending on your situation.

Do I need a permit for electrical work in Hercules?

Yes, most electrical work in the City of Hercules requires a permit and inspection from the Building Department. This includes panel upgrades, new circuit installations, rewiring, adding outlets or switches, and EV charger installations. Permits ensure work meets current California Electrical Code requirements and protects your home and family. As a licensed heating and air conditioning electrician contractor, we pull all necessary permits and schedule inspections as part of our service—you don’t have to deal with the city yourself.

What’s the difference between a 100-amp and 200-amp electrical panel?

Amperage refers to how much electrical current your panel can safely deliver to your home. A 100-amp panel was standard in older homes and can handle basic electrical needs—but it often falls short when you add central AC, electric vehicle charging, a home office, or modern appliances. A 200-amp panel provides twice the electrical capacity and is the current standard for new residential construction. Most Hercules homes built before the mid-1980s have 100-amp or 150-amp service. If you’re upgrading your HVAC system, adding an EV charger, or experiencing frequent breaker trips, our heating and air conditioning electrician team can upgrade your panel to 200 amps or higher.

Still have questions about heating, air conditioning, or electrical services in Hercules? Call Five or Free Electrical Heating & Air—Hercules’s trusted heating and air conditioning electrician for over 10 years. We’re always happy to help.