Summer is a time for vacations, barbecues, and poolside fun, but it can also bring a unique set of challenges for your home’s electrical system. With temperatures soaring and air conditioners running full blast, the summer season can be particularly demanding on your electrical circuits, leading to issues ranging from mildly inconvenient to seriously dangerous. Understanding these summer electrical issues can help you stay ahead of potential problems and keep your home safe and comfortable during the hottest months of the year.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the most common electrical problems in the summer, explain why they happen, and offer some tips on how to prevent them.
Why Summer Is Tough on Your Electrical System
The summer season puts extra strain on your home’s electrical system for several reasons. First, there’s the increased use of air conditioners, fans, and other cooling devices. These appliances draw a lot of power, which can overload circuits and lead to a variety of electrical issues. Second, summer storms can cause power surges, lightning strikes, and even power outages. And finally, the extreme heat can exacerbate any existing problems, like faulty wiring or frayed wires.
So, what are the most common electrical problems in the summer? Let’s break them down.
Overloaded Circuits and Tripped Circuit Breakers
One of the most common electrical problems in the summer is overloaded circuits. With air conditioners, pool pumps, and other electrical appliances running simultaneously, your electrical circuits can become overwhelmed, causing your circuit breaker to trip. A tripped circuit breaker is a sign that your system is working too hard and needs relief. This is often a temporary solution to a much bigger problem — an overloaded electrical system that may need an upgrade or redistribution of power.
How to Prevent Overloaded Circuits
To avoid overloading your circuits, be mindful of how many appliances you’re running at once. Spread out the usage across different times of the day, or consider upgrading your electrical panel to better handle the load. If your circuit breaker trips frequently, it’s time to call a licensed electrician to inspect your system.
Power Surges and Electrical Fires
Power surges are also one of the most common electrical problems in the summer, especially during storms. A power surge occurs when there’s a sudden spike in electricity, which can happen due to lightning strikes, downed power lines, or even just the power coming back on after an outage. These surges can damage your appliances and electronics, and in extreme cases, they can start electrical fires.
How to Protect Your Home From Power Surges
If you want to protect your home from power surges, invest in surge protectors for your most valuable electronics. For comprehensive protection, consider installing a whole-house surge protector. This device is installed at your electrical panel and provides protection against surges across all your circuits. If you’ve already experienced a power surge, have your electrical system inspected for damage.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights can be a sign of a deeper problem with your electrical system. During the summer, flickering lights may be caused by the heavy demand on your home’s electrical circuits, especially if multiple appliances are running at the same time. In some cases, flickering lights can indicate faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or even a failing circuit breaker.
When to Call an Electrician for Flickering Lights
If your lights flicker occasionally when you turn on a large appliance, it’s probably nothing to worry about. However, if the flickering is frequent or occurs in multiple rooms, it could be a sign of a serious safety hazard, like faulty wiring. This is not something you should ignore. If you’re dealing with these summer electrical issues, contact a professional electrician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Power Outages and Their Aftermath
Power outages are a common occurrence during the summer, often due to summer storms, high demand on the power grid, or issues with the local power company. While a power outage itself is usually just an inconvenience, the sudden return of power can cause surges that may damage your electronics or cause tripped circuit breakers.
How to Prepare for Power Outages
To prepare for power outages, consider investing in a whole-house generator, which can keep your home running smoothly even when the grid goes down. Additionally, unplug sensitive electronics during a storm to protect them from sudden power surges. If you experience frequent power outages, it’s worth having a licensed electrician inspect your system to make sure it’s up to the task of handling these interruptions.
Outdoor Electrical Issues
Summer is the season for outdoor activities, which often means more use of outdoor lighting, pool equipment, and extension cords. However, these can also lead to electrical issues if not used properly. For instance, using the wrong type of extension cord for outdoor use or overloading a circuit with too many devices can be extremely dangerous and increase the risk of an electrical fire or electrical shock.
Tips for Safe Outdoor Electrical Use
In order to avoid summer electrical issues, always use extension cords rated for outdoor use and avoid running them through water or wet grass. If you’re using outdoor lighting or other electrical devices, make sure they are designed for outdoor use and have the necessary weatherproofing. If you’re planning any major outdoor electrical projects, like installing new lighting or adding a pool, it’s best to consult an electrician to make sure everything is done safely and up to code.
When to Call ServiceWise Electric
Dealing with summer electrical issues can be challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re dealing with a tripped circuit breaker, flickering lights, or any other common electrical problem, the team at ServiceWise Electric is here to help. Our licensed electricians in Canton, GA, have the expertise to diagnose and fix any issue, keeping your home safe and stress-free.
Keep Your Home Safe With Our Electrical Services!
Are you looking for the best electricians near Canton, GA? Contact ServiceWise Electric to schedule a service appointment. Whether you need an emergency repair or a routine inspection, our team is ready to keep your home’s electrical system running smoothly during the summer months and beyond.
Need help with your electrical system? We have many specialties, including the repair and installation of outlets in Canton, GA, to keep your home safe and functional. Schedule your service today!
