Summer is the time when everyone wants to enjoy the warm weather by spending time outdoors or cooling off inside. However, the increased demand for electricity during this season can strain your home’s electrical system, which may lead to power outages or even electrical fires. To avoid these situations, it’s essential to prepare your home’s electrical system for the increased demands of summer. In this blog, we’ll discuss some ways you can do that.
Get a Home Electrical Inspection
The first step in preparing your home’s electrical system for summer is to get an inspection. An electrical inspection can help identify potential issues before they become a problem. It’s best to have a licensed electrician do this inspection to ensure that your electrical system is up to code and can handle the increased usage of summer.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If your home’s electrical panel is outdated, it may not be able to handle the increased demand for electricity during the warm season. An electrician can help you determine if your panel needs an upgrade. A new electrical panel with higher amperage capacity can provide more power to your home and keep up with the greater needs during the summertime.
Add More Outlets
Summer means using more electrical devices such as air conditioners, fans, and outdoor lighting. If you rely on extension cords and power strips to plug these in, it may be time to add more outlets. Additional outlets can prevent overloading circuits and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to cool off during summer and reduce reliance on air conditioning. Installing ceiling fans can also reduce the load on your electrical system, as they use less power than an air conditioner. If you already have ceiling fans, make sure to clean them and check that they’re working correctly before using them for the summer.
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home can help reduce the need for air conditioning by keeping your residence intrinsically cooler. Proper insulation helps retain cool air inside and prevent hot air from entering your house. This can reduce the load on your electrical system and save you money on energy bills.
Switch to LED Lightbulbs
Lighting is an essential part of any home, but it can also be a significant heat source. Switching to LED light bulbs can reduce the heat output of your lighting fixtures and lessen the load on your electrical system. LED bulbs also use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, saving you money on energy bills.
Check Your Air Conditioning System
Air conditioning is a significant source of electricity usage during the summer. Before summer arrives, it’s essential to have your air conditioning system inspected by a licensed professional. This inspection can help identify any issues with your system and ensure it runs efficiently. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your AC and prevent costly repairs.
Your Local Resource for Electrical Solutions
Preparing your home’s electrical system for the increased demands of summer is essential to ensure that your residence stays safe and comfortable. Getting an electrical inspection, upgrading your electrical panel, adding more outlets, installing ceiling fans, insulating your home, switching to LED light bulbs, and checking your air conditioning system are all ways you can prepare your home for the warm season. For any electrical work in or near Rochester, NY, always rely on a licensed professional from Nichols Electric and Plumbing for excellent electrical installations in new construction, additions, or your current home.
