The summer months bring an increased demand for electricity. Our hot and humid summers require your central air conditioning to work overtime, along with dehumidifiers. At the same time, you may use smart devices to provide entertainment while you remain cool indoors. Spring marks the perfect time to check your home’s electrical panel to ensure it can handle the upcoming increased demands for electrical power.
Look for Possible Electrical Panel Issues
Even though the electrical panel is your home’s control system, you probably don’t think much about it as long as it’s operating correctly. However, electrical panel problems can slowly creep up. While replacing an electrical panel is a job for an experienced electrician, you can inspect it periodically to alert your electrical professionals about potential problems.
If you see these signs, call for a professional electrical inspection to confirm your suspicions:
- Frequent breaker trips
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Buzzing emanating from the panel
- Burning smells
- Scorch marks
- Panel feeling warm to the touch
- Rust on the panel
An electrical professional can determine what causes these issues and whether you need further electrical servicing. Burning smells, scorch marks, and panels warm to the touch indicate possible overheating. Frayed or cracked wires emanating from the panel indicate the need for repair.
Pay Attention to Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers that trip frequently are trying to tell you that they need attention. Repeated breaker trips can mean you have too many devices on a single circuit. An aging panel struggling to keep up with the demands of daily life may also be to blame. Even though it seems like the panel is operating safely, it may be time for an electrical panel upgrade. Installing a new one before the height of summer ensures you have an adequate flow of electricity during the summer.
Know Your Home’s Electrical Usage
Over the last 10 to 15 years, the number of electrical devices used in homes has increased exponentially. Most people are aware that smart televisions, home theater systems, computers, printers, and other similar devices can consume considerable amounts of power. However, you may also have smart appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and virtually any device that connects to the internet. Many homes now have EV changing stations, too. Review the location of these devices, and ensure you don’t overload one circuit on your electrical panel.
Does Your HVAC Have Enough Power?
Spring is the ultimate time to review how your HVAC operates in relation to the electrical panels. Many contemporary HVAC units require 200-amperage service. If you don’t have the recommended amperage requirements, the electrical panel may struggle to keep you home cool, leading to tripped breakers and even an electrical panel failure.
Don’t let an old electrical panel leave you in the dark. Contact Fisher Electric in Santa Cruz, CA for electrical panel repair or replacement.
