Electronics and extreme heat are not a good mix. As temperatures climb during the summer months, your home’s electrical system can face significant strain. Older appliances and wiring are particularly vulnerable during this season, making summer a common time for electrical issues and unexpected failures.
Now is the perfect time to take proactive steps for summer safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.
Keeping Your Air Conditioning Efficient
Your air conditioner is the heart of summer comfort—and one of your home’s largest power consumers. Ensuring it runs efficiently not only keeps your space cool but also reduces stress on your electrical system. Here’s how you can get it ready:
– Replace the Air Filter: Change it every 1–2 months, especially if you have pets. A clean filter ensures proper airflow and reduces strain.
– Schedule a Tune-Up: Have your AC inspected and cleaned before peak heat sets in. This helps it perform reliably throughout the season.
– Check Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant can reduce efficiency and cause overheating. Ask your HVAC technician to inspect and top it up if needed.
– Handle Repairs Early: If your technician spots wear and tear, fix it right away to prevent larger breakdowns.
Electrical System Safety Check
Summer’s high temperatures can cause wires to overheat and insulation to degrade. An early-season electrical inspection is a smart way to prevent hazards and ensure your system is running safely.
Look out for:
– Overloaded Circuits: Too many devices on a single circuit can lead to tripped breakers and fire risk.
– Flickering Lights: May indicate loose connections or wiring problems.
– Outdated Wiring: Older systems may no longer meet current safety standards and are prone to failure.
– Damaged Wires: Frayed or brittle wires around light fixtures and outlets can pose serious safety issues.
Hiring a licensed electrician to assess and update your system provides peace of mind for the summer ahead—and beyond.
Outdoor Electrical Safety
Don’t forget about your outdoor electrical components. With increased use of outdoor spaces during summer, ensure these areas are safe and weather-ready:
– Check the Pool Pump: Clean filters and inspect for proper function to avoid motor strain or electrical faults.
– Clear the Outdoor AC Unit: Remove debris like leaves and dirt from the unit’s exterior and have it checked.
– Inspect Outdoor Lighting: Ensure lights are properly wired and secure, with no flickering or exposed cables.
– Protect Outdoor Entertainment Systems: Use weather-resistant covers and proper shielding for electronics.
– Insulate Exposed Fixtures: Outdoor outlets and fixtures should be weather sealed to avoid short circuits.
Boosting Energy Efficiency
Minimizing energy use during summer not only lowers your bills—it also reduces the load on your electrical system. Consider adopting these efficient habits:
– Switch to LED Lighting: LEDs use significantly less power, generate less heat, and last longer than traditional bulbs.
– Install a Programmable Thermostat: Set your AC to run only when needed, optimizing energy use without sacrificing comfort.
– Seal Your Home: Replace old weatherstripping around doors and windows, re-caulk immovable panes, and close blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
– Dust Appliances and Fans: Dust buildup can make appliances overheat or run inefficiently. Clean vents, fan blades, and even computer interiors to keep them running cool.
Ready for a Safer, Cooler Summer?
A little preparation now can go a long way in ensuring a safe and comfortable summer. From tuning your air conditioner to inspecting your home’s electrical wiring, these steps help protect your home from heat-related issues and keep your energy usage in check.
Stay cool, stay safe—and enjoy the season with peace of mind.
Stay safe and summer-ready with expert inspections and maintenance from Sunderland Electric—your trusted local professionals for all electrical things.