6 Electrical Problems Most Common In Summer
Summer brings sunshine and outdoor activities, but it also brings an overload of electrical problems – no pun intended. Whether you’re concerned about a tripped circuit breaker, flickering lights, or power outages, you’re not alone. There are 6 electrical problems that are most common in the summer. We cover what those 6 look like below!
1. Tripped Circuit Breakers
This time of year, chances are you’re using your air conditioner often. If you’re noticing your circuit breaker frequently trips, it could be due to the AC! While it’s inconvenient to have a circuit breaker trip, rest assured it’s actually a good thing. A tripped circuit breaker means that it’s serving it’s purpose to prevent an electrical fire. When there’s too much electricity and the circuit cannot handle it, it’ll shut off the power to your entire home. AC’s are the number one cause of this during the summer time. However, if you’re noticing frequently tripped breakers, contact your local electrician to help confirm the cause and provide solutions.
2. Misusing Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be used year-round. However, in the summertime, you should have the blades set to rotate counterclockwise. Otherwise, you’ll notice the air stays near the top of the ceiling and doesn’t do anything but circulate hot air around your home. Turning it counterclockwise will give you that wind chill effect that makes your home feel cooler in the summer.
3. Overusing Extension Cords
Extension cords are designed for temporary use only. During the summer, we find that a lot of homeowners are using more extension cords than ever to plug in fans throughout their home. If you find that you are using extension cords frequently in place of outlets, then it’s time to ditch the cords and call an electrician. An electrician can install additional outlets throughout your home so you aren’t having to continue using the extension cords.
4. Flickering Lights
Flickering lights can make you feel like you’re in some kind of horror movie, or like you’re about to be without power any second now. The most common cause of flickering lights in the summer is due to the air conditioner. Usually this means that your AC is requiring a large amount of electricity to start up, draining power from your lights temporarily. If you notice that your lights flicker every time your AC kicks on, then contact an electrician.
5. Blackouts and Brownouts
If you live in an area where summer storms are prevalent, then you may be all too familiar with blackouts this time of year. Usually, blackouts happen as a result of heavy storms. The best way to avoid this in the future is to invest in a backup generator. However, if you’re experiencing brownouts, then this is a completely different issue with different reasons. Brownouts usually occur when your power supply has been interfered, causing a lack of power supply to your appliances and devices. This is most often not caused by the homeowner, but rather the power supply company. The warmer it is outside, the more demand is put on your power supply company to provide electricity. Brownouts, nonetheless, can cause appliances to overheat, which could cause a short circuit. Much like a blackout, a backup generator will also come in handy for a brownout.
6. Frequent Power Surges
Power surges can be caused by a number of things, including downed power lines from storms, or auto accidents. Power surges can be damaging to your appliances and electrical equipment. That’s why investing in a whole-home surge protection can be good if you’re someone who experiences this in your home often.
Contact The Pros at Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric To For All Your Electrical Needs!
Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric is here to help with all your electrical needs! Whether you need an electrical inspection, backup generator, outlet installation, or whole-home surge protection, we are here to assist. Call Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric at (813) 530-9061 or contact us online here today to schedule your electrical appointment!
