Common Electrical Issues To Look Out For This Summer
As the temperatures rise in Pittsburgh, PA, and summer approaches, it’s crucial for homeowners to be vigilant about potential electrical issues that can arise during this season. At Waldron Electric, we understand the importance of a safe and reliable electrical system in your home. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore common electrical issues to look out for this summer and provide practical solutions to ensure your home stays safe and comfortable throughout the season.
4 Common Electrical Issues To Look Out For This Summer
Increased Electrical Overload
During the summer months, your home’s electrical system experiences a significant increase in demand. This is primarily due to the continuous operation of air conditioning units, fans, refrigerators, pool pumps, and other appliances. The cumulative effect of these devices can lead to electrical overload, which manifests as issues such as:
- Sparks from outlets: Excessive heat and friction caused by overloaded circuits can lead to sparks, which pose a fire hazard.
- Flickering lights: Lights that flicker or dim when appliances kick on indicate that the circuit may be struggling to handle the load.
- Overheated receptacles: Overloaded circuits can cause outlets and receptacles to overheat, potentially melting insulation and causing electrical fires.
- Buzzing sounds: Electrical buzzing or humming noises from outlets or switches can indicate loose connections or overloaded circuits.
- Tripped circuit breakers: Frequent tripping of circuit breakers is a clear sign of electrical overload and should not be ignored.
To address electrical overload, it’s essential to have your electrical panel evaluated by a professional electrician from Waldron Electric. Upgrading to a higher-capacity electrical panel can alleviate the strain on your circuits, ensuring they can safely accommodate the increased summer demand. Our licensed electricians can assess your current panel’s capacity, recommend suitable upgrades, and ensure all electrical work meets safety standards and local codes.
Power Outages Due to Summer Storms
While summer brings sunshine and warmth, it also brings thunderstorms and windstorms that can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system. Windstorms can cause tree branches or debris to damage overhead power lines, leading to power outages. Thunderstorms, with their lightning strikes and strong winds, pose a risk of power surges that can damage electronics and appliances.
If your home experiences a power outage due to a summer storm, it’s important to prioritize safety. Avoid attempting electrical repairs yourself and contact Waldron Electric immediately. Our experienced electricians can assess the extent of storm-related damage, repair any electrical wiring or components safely, and restore power to your home promptly.
Investing in surge protectors or whole-home surge protection systems is also highly recommended to safeguard your valuable electronics from power surges caused by lightning strikes. Surge protectors divert excess voltage away from your devices, preventing damage and ensuring they continue to operate efficiently.
Consistent Power Surges
During summer, the simultaneous operation of high-power appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and pool pumps can lead to frequent power surges within your home’s electrical system. Additionally, lightning strikes near your home can induce sudden voltage spikes that threaten the integrity of your electronic devices.
To mitigate the risk of power surges, consider installing surge protectors at key points in your home. Whole-home surge protection systems provide comprehensive coverage by safeguarding all connected devices from voltage fluctuations. Waldron Electric specializes in the installation of surge protection solutions tailored to your home’s specific needs, ensuring reliable protection against electrical surges throughout the summer and beyond.
Blackouts and Brownouts
Summer storms often result in blackouts, leaving households without electricity for hours or even days. Investing in a backup generator is an effective way to maintain essential power supply during blackouts. Backup generators automatically kick in when the main power supply fails, providing uninterrupted electricity to keep your home comfortable and secure.
Unlike blackouts, brownouts occur when the voltage supplied to your home drops below normal levels, causing appliances to operate inefficiently and potentially overheat. During brownouts, it’s advisable to minimize electrical usage and unplug non-essential devices to prevent damage.
A backup generator not only ensures continuity of power during blackouts but also protects against the adverse effects of brownouts. Waldron Electric offers expert installation and maintenance of backup generators, tailored to meet your home’s specific power needs and ensure reliable operation during any electrical outage.
Contact Waldron Electric for Reliable Electrical Repair Services in Pittsburgh, PA
At Waldron Electric, we are committed to providing reliable electrical repair and maintenance services to homeowners in Pittsburgh, PA, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re experiencing electrical overload issues, storm-related power outages, or considering surge protection solutions, our team of licensed electricians is here to help.
Don’t wait until electrical problems escalate – contact Waldron Electric today to schedule a comprehensive electrical assessment with our knowledgeable professionals. We’ll ensure your electrical system is up to the task of handling summer demands, recommend effective solutions tailored to your needs, and provide peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure. Ensure your home’s electrical system is ready for summer challenges. Contact Waldron Electric today for expert electrical repair services in Pittsburgh, PA, and experience exceptional service and reliability for all your electrical needs.