When you think of the summer months, what comes to mind? Long, lazy days? A cooling dip in the pool? These are things that summer is made of—along with a long list of potential electrical issues. When the weather heats up, so does the load on your home’s electrical system.
Power Outages Can Be Debilitating
In today’s plugged-in world, we are highly dependent upon electricity in our daily lives. While a simple issue like the loss of lighting is an inconvenience, food spoilage, sweltering due to the loss of air conditioning, and the lack of necessary medical devices can create more serious problems. It’s important to recognize that certain electrical problems can cause significant losses and even danger to your home and family. The summer season tends to aggravate the many home electrical issues that homeowners encounter. We’ve compiled the following list of the most common issues you may face this summer, along with helpful tips to avoid them.
We’ve compiled the following list of the most common issues you may face this summer, along with helpful tips to avoid them
IIssue #1: Power Outages Resulting From Summer Storms
The warmth of the season brings with it an increased number of thunderstorms. The wind from these storms can damage the outdoor wiring to your house, resulting in disruption to its electrical supply. Lightening also causes sudden power surges that can result in overloading your home’s electrical system. These surges can seriously damage the appliances and devices in your home, and are even capable of causing a fire.
The solution: While you can’t avoid summer storms, you can take action to minimize the havoc they wreak on your electrical supply. Investing in a whole-home surge protector removes the risk of damaging power surges. A whole-home generator can keep your HVAC, refrigerator, lights, and more operational without skipping a beat when the power goes out for an extended period of time.
Issue #2: Increased Electrical Overload
In the summer months, your air conditioning is on most of the time, the refrigerator runs more often, and the kids are home from school using the TV and other electronics. This extra electrical consumption can easily cause an overload of your home’s electrical system. Would you recognize the signs? Flickering lights, overheated receptacles, buzzing sounds, and tripped circuit breakers are all common signs that overloading has occurred.
The solution: If you find yourself faced with these scenarios, it’s time to have your electrical panel evaluated and potentially replaced. This will resolve the issues and keep your home and family safe, as well.
Issue #3: Outdoor Receptacle Issues
With summer comes water activities in the pool or spa, as well as drenching rains. If water or dirt enters your outdoor outlets, it could result in electrical surges and shocks. Ensure that your home’s exterior electrical receptacles are kept clean and free of moisture.
The solution: Receptacle covers are inexpensive to buy and install. They prevent the intrusion of water and debris, keeping the outlet and its socket clean and dry.
Issue #4: Downed Power Lines
Summer storms often result in damaged and fallen power lines. These cables transport extremely high voltage electrical energy. It cannot be overemphasized how important it is to stay away from them. Venturing too close to a power line can create an opportunity for the electricity to flow to your body or an adjacent object, resulting in serious injury and even death.
The solution: If you see a fallen power line, exit the area and call 911 immediately.
Issue #5: Blackouts and Brownouts
Electrical blackouts often occur during summer’s massive storms, leaving homeowners without electricity for hours or even days. Brownouts occur when the power supply is minimized, causing a shortage of electrical flow to your appliances and devices. Brownouts can cause the overheating of these electronics, which often results in a short circuit.
The solution: Be sure to turn off and unplug as many devices and appliances as possible during a blackout or a brownout. Purchasing a whole-home generator will be invaluable in the event of either of these power failure situations.
Fortunately, many of these troublesome electrical issues can be planned for or prevented. At any time of the year, when you need reliable licensed electricians, the professional team at M.R. Electricians is ready to serve you. Please contact our experts to arrange a consultation.
Why Choose Us
Since 1996, M.R. Electricians has been serving the electrical needs of homeowners and businesses throughout Montgomery County, Washington, DC, Baltimore, and surrounding areas. The company also specializes in commercial fire protection, contract needs from small tenant fit-outs to whole building installations, and motor controls for industrial spaces. From major renovations to the smallest of electrical jobs, the family-owned company is committed to providing high-quality products, superior results, and unmatched customer service. Regarded as a leader in the electrical industry, M.R. Electricians has set the standard for excellence in the region.