With the AC system running around the clock and the kids out of school, your electrical system has to work overtime in the summer. The added strain on your wires can lead to serious issues during the summer months, some of which might leave you without power or make your home less safe. Some common problems can be prevented with some extra care, while others may need the attention of a licensed electrician. Below are a few examples. 

5 Summer Electrical Problems to Avoid

1. Overworked Air Conditioning

The average air conditioner accounts for approximately 13% of your summer energy usage, but older systems in hot areas might take an even higher share. Turning your air conditioner up when no one is home and changing the air filter on a monthly basis will reduce your electricity usage and unnecessary wear and tear.

2. Tripped Circuit Breakers

The circuit breakers in your electrical panel are designed to shut off power when the system is overloaded. Switching a tripped breaker back on will restore power, but it might likely just close again unless you reduce the energy demands on that circuit. If the breaker keeps tripping, call an electrician to inspect the panel box and wiring.

3. Failing Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wiring was popular in the 1960s and 70s, and it’s still present in many houses from that period. Unlike copper, aluminum expands and contracts with the heat, which can break connections and eventually pose a fire hazard. If your socket plates feel hot or you notice a faint burning smell, call an electrician for an inspection immediately.

4. Extension Cord Failures

During the summer, an extension cord is a good way to get power into a garage or outdoors, but they’re only designed to be temporary solutions. Before running a cord, check it carefully for missing insulation or faulty wiring, and never use an indoor extension cord outside.

5. Power Outages

Summer storms can be vicious, tearing down power lines and leaving you without electricity for days at a time. While you can’t do much about the weather, you can prepare for outages by having an electrician install a backup generator that will keep your home comfortable until the power comes back on.

If your system is having trouble coping with the summer heat, call the electricians at McAtlin Electrical Corporation. Their team of certified professionals provides expert service and dependable results to homes and businesses throughout Colorado, Arizona, and Utah. Visit their website for an overview of their residential services, or call (970) 257-7414 to discuss your electrical problems with a professional.