It’s been a hot summer in central and eastern Massachusetts. The summer heat doesn’t just bring humidity and sunburns. Electrical systems can run into problems during hot summer weather. Landry Mechanical is here to break down the most common summer electrical problems: how to prevent them.
Damage From Insects and Pests
Humans aren’t the only animals that seek the shade when heat waves hit. Small animals like mice, rats, squirrels, and chipmunks can all nest within your home. These pests chew through electrical wires causing issues. Insects like termites and ants can build nests within your home’s electrical system leading to damaged fixtures and outlets.
To keep insects and small animals out of your home consider the following:
- Inspect your attic and garage wiring at least once per season
- Inspect the outside of your home and look for potential access points
- Use mouse traps, ant bait, and other poisons to kill small animals before they can build nests
- Consider hiring a pest control company to remove pests from the home
Did you end up finding any electrical damage from pests? “Just Call Landry” Our local electrical experts can help with electrical repair & troubleshooting to find and fix your problems.
Pool & Hot Tub Wiring Issues
Water exposure from pools and hot tubs can cause electrical issues. To prevent electrocution, it’s important to make sure your electrical system is running properly.
Consider checking the following before your next pool party:
- Check any pool or hot tub wiring for cracked conduits or exposed wiring
- Check GFCI outlets and make sure the outlets are functioning
Need a new GFCI outlet for your pool or hot tub? “Just Call Landry” Our electricians can install and repair GFCI outlets to keep your backyard safe.
Faulty Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can add ambiance to any backyard pool party or cookout. However, summer weather can degrade wires and bulbs leaving your event in the dark.
Here are some tips to keep your backyard lit up:
- Use Proper Outdoor Lighting Fixtures that are Weather Rated
- Check all lighting fixtures for corroded wires
- Switch to LED’s to prevent overheating
- Change any broken bulbs
Need help with your faulty outdoor lighting? “Just Call Landry” our expert electricians offer tailored outdoor lighting solutions to light up your summer!
Overheated Electrical Panel
High heat with increased electrical usage can lead to overheating your electrical panel. Overheated electrical panels are dangerous and can cause electrical fires and breaker failure.
Here are some tips to prevent electrical panel overload:
- Inspect your electrical panel for loose connections or rust
- Ensure your electrical panel isn’t near anything flammable
- Ensure your electrical panel is in a well-ventilated area
- Have a Landry Electrician evaluate panel load and balance the circuit
Need a new electrical panel? “Just Call Landry” Our local electricians can inspect, repair, upgrade, and replace electrical panels!
Power Outages
Higher electrical use and thunderstorms often lead to power outages that can damage electronics.
Here are some steps you can take to stay safe during power outages:
- Be prepared by keeping batteries, flashlights and candles in an easy to access place
- Consider installing a whole home generator to keep electronics running smoothly
- Install Whole-Home Surge Protectors to keep appliances safe from surges
Interested in a generator or whole-home surge protector? “Just Call Landry” our local electrical experts can install generators and surge protectors to keep your home safe.
Air Conditioner Overload
Air conditioning units use a lot of power. If the circuit isn’t built to handle this increased usage it can cause breakers to trip or overheated wires.
Here are some tips to prevent A/C Overload:
- Ensure your A/C filter and coils are cleaned regularly
- Confirm the breaker size matches your A/C’s amp draw
- Check to see if your A/C is on a dedicated circuit
- If your circuit is undersized, “Just Call Landry”
If you’re worried about air conditioner overload it’s best to “Just Call Landry” Our electrical experts are standing by ready to make sure your A/C runs smoothly this summer!
Conclusion
New England summers can cause many problems for your home’s electrical system. By taking preventive measures you can keep your electrical system running smoothly this summer.
If you run into any issues, “Just Call Landry” and we’ll do our best to keep your comfortable this summer.
Landry Mechanical We Take COMFORT in YOUR Comfort!
