When’s the last time you turned off that fan? Extreme heat increases the use of cooling and outdoor appliances that rely on the continuous management, distribution, and connection of electricity from various power sources.
“High temperatures increase net energy costs an estimated 10 to 22 percent,” according to the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. “On days exceeding 95 degrees, increased energy consumption may strain energy infrastructure during peak periods of demand.”
Staying cool and comfortable comes with higher demand for energy that can cause electrical problems. Check out the five O’s of common summer electrical problems below and how to prevent them.
1. Overloaded circuit breakers
Circuit breaker tripping in summer is often a response to circuit overload from current levels being pushed past their limits over a period of time. The hotter season sees frequent use of fans, pool pumps, and other common summer appliances. While you’re cooling down, heat builds up, creating more sensitivity to the interior unit of the electrical panel. On top of that, since these panels are often located in uninsulated garages or basements, the summer heat can worsen the problem.
To prevent overloading circuit breakers, try not to use all of your cooling appliances at the same time. If you enjoy the outdoor pool while firing up some grub on the grill, make sure indoor appliances are operating from a different circuit by carefully planning where to connect equipment. This will help ease the current levels so that your lights don’t start flickering, dimming, or shutting off altogether.
2. Overactive power surges
Surges triggered by lightning from seasonal storms don’t only happen in the spring. Summer storms also account for power surges, mostly due to lightning strikes causing blackouts, outages, and interruptions. Lightning can cause damage directly through striking power lines, poles, and transformers, or indirectly from striking areas near these electrical systems and trees.
While you can’t prevent seasonal storms and lightning strikes, having a surge protector device can help prevent extreme voltage spikes from damaging panels, wires, and underground electrical systems. Another good backup option is investing in a generator to help restore power during summer storms.
3. Overburdened outdoor extension cords and strips
Summer often brings outdoor activities such as grilling, listening to music, and other forms of entertainment. These activities require power sources like outlets that are limited in outdoor areas. That’s where extension cords and strips come into play; however convenient they may be, overburdening them can create electrical problems in hot weather.
Everything from electrical fires to cord malfunction can happen from using too many appliances at once, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, or proximity to a water source such as beaches and pools.
Be mindful of the amount of power each appliance takes to operate and what your extension cord and strip can handle. Take into account how hot it is outside and consider moving your extension cord and strip into a shadier area. Then, try to keep them in an area that’s far away from water to prevent them from short-circuiting, causing shocks and other safety hazards.
4. Overused air conditioning units
Air conditioners account for 19% of the electricity used in U.S. homes during the summer. Air conditioning units and systems are often in overdrive during the summer months, accounting for 19% of the electricity used in U.S. homes.
Continuous use of air conditioners can draw excessive amounts of energy from your power unit and put a strain on the electrical system, especially if the system is older, low on refrigerant, or has a clogged filter. Frequent checkups keep air conditioners in peak shape, translating to longer operation and less energy draw. Enlist the help of a professional to change air filters, add refrigerant, and replace capacitors as needed.
5. Overheated electrical panels
The final “O” of common summer electrical problems is overheated electrical panels. When the extreme heat of summer meets the increased demand of extended appliance use, you get a strained electrical panel. As previously mentioned, electrical panels are usually located in garages, utility rooms, and other areas that easily absorb heat from the outside; and the heavy use of cooling appliances, such as refrigerators and fans, often makes the situation worse.
One solution is to provide shade for your electrical panels. Since electrical panels aren’t portable or mobile, installing a structure or an awning above them for protection against direct sunlight may be your best bet. If it is indoors, you could install a ventilation system to help air better circulate in the areas that trap heat. Another solution is to schedule optimal times to use various appliances. Try to avoid washing clothes, running the dishwasher, or using the stove or oven in the afternoon when the heat is usually the hottest — and definitely avoid using them all at the same time.