Texas summers can be brutal. Rising temperatures in the summer months cause increased pressure on your electrical system. Benchmark Electrical Services knows a thing or two about how to ease the stress on your electrical systems.
Outdated electrical systems can cause dangerous problems if put under too much stress. It’s vital for homeowners to understand and be aware of the added stress on their home’s electrical systems. Homeowners need to ensure the home is safe from any dangerous problems that could stem from too much stress on the electrical system.
Older homes may not be able to provide proper electricity to all the electrical appliances in the house. Scheduling a home electrical inspection can help you determine if your appliances are compatible with your home’s electrical system. Older homes can also have outdated wiring systems, which can cause an increased risk of fire. It’s a good idea to schedule an electrical repair for any problems.
Look out for flickering lights, tripped circuits, wall plates that are warm to the touch, and cracking, popping, or sizzling sounds coming for the wall circuits. These can all be signs that there is too much strain on your home’s electrical system.
Tips to Help Relieve Stress on Your Electrical System:
Cool it!
Cooling and heating costs amount to about 30% to 50% of your home’s electric bill. This can produce the most stress on your electrical systems in the summer months.
But, there are some things you can do to help reduce this stress.
- Clean your air filters! Keeping your air filters clean, will maximize the efficiency of your AC unit. Dirty air filters put more stress on the system because it makes it work harder. You’ll want to check and clean your air filters every 60 to 90 days. If you have bad allergies or a lot of pets, you may want to check it more.
- Schedule home electrical maintenance to make sure your HVAC system is in good shape.
- Clean your outdoor system and indoor vents or debris and blockages. This will help keep your HVAC system running efficiently and lessening the chance of wasted energy.
- Set the temperature higher, such as 85 degrees, when you are not home. This keeps your AC from wasting cool air when no one is home to enjoy it. Getting a programmable thermostat can help homeowners turn up the temperature when no one is home.
Keep Your Fridge Frosty
Fridges and freezers are some of the largest energy consumers in the house. To ensure your fridge isn’t wasting energy, there are two tricks you can do. First, make sure the fridge and freezer doors are properly sealed. This keeps anything from leaking out and making the system work harder.
You’ll also want to make sure the fridge and freezer temperature is correct. The fridge temperature should be 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The freezer temperature should be zero to five degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot Water In the Summer?
Water heaters are another big energy spender in the household. The hotter the water temperature, the longer the water runs, and the harder your electrical system is working. Turn down the heat of your showers and baths to help save energy and lessen the stress on the electrical system.
Put Away the Appliances!
Forget about using the dryer! Hang your sheets outside to air dry every once in a while. The dryer is the second-largest energy consumer so it can cause a lot of stress on the electrical system.
Fire up the grill! Instead of using your stovetop, try the grilling outside. The heat from the stove or oven can cause strain on your home’s air conditioner.
Turn off all appliances that are not in use. With too many things running, it can put a lot of stress on the electrical system. Also, unplug your appliances. A lot of appliances, even ones that off, can still passively use up energy. This can waste a lot of energy and cause unnecessary strain on the home’s electrical system.
No DIY!
Do not “do it yourself” when it comes to electrical services. It’s better to spend the money and get it done right the first time than to have problems later on. If your home needs electrical installation, schedule with Benchmark Electrical Services today!