Do your summer plans include home electrical failure? We didn’t think so. On the list of fun and enriching experiences on your list for the warm months, we’re guessing that bar-b-ques at the beach beat out power outages any day of the week. However, several factors can combine during warm weather to create costly electrical failures. How can these issues be avoided?
How It Happens
We know, it’s hot outside, but running your air conditioner 24/7 in every room can lead to electrical grid and home electrical burnout. This practice can even create blackouts, brownouts, and dangerous electrical shocks, sometimes even leading to deadly home fires.
Electrical Mindfulness
You know this: running your air conditioners constantly and simultaneously causes problems for your home. However, there’s no alternative when you want to keep cool, right? Wrong. By practicing electrical mindfulness, you can cut down on the energy drain in your home, allowing you to run your AC units for longer periods of time without burning out your system. Try the following:
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Run your electrical units later in the evening, to save money and prevent the electrical burden from adding up. This includes running washing and drying machines, the oven, and the dishwasher later in the day, after peak hours.
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Set your air conditioner thermostat for as high as is comfortable for you and your family. 78% or higher is best for when you’re at home, and 85% when you’re out. Be sure to keep your air vents clear, moving furniture and other objects away to allow for free air flow.
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Replace central air conditioner filters monthly for the most efficient operation.
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Set and maintain your water heater at 120 degrees F.
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Close the blinds and windows during the day to prevent excess heat from entering your home. Open them at night to let cool evening air in.
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Wash clothing in cold water. Be sure to clean your lint filter in the dryer after each use.
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Deactivate or eliminate extra freezers or refrigerators, especially if they are located outdoors or inside the garage. If you no longer need the extra storage, have your old model picked up for recycling. Some power companies even offer a cash incentive in exchange for this pickup.
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Unplug your appliances and electronics when you are not using them. This includes home electronics, like TVs, DVD players, and computers with power strips. Turn off the power strips when the equipment is not being used to prevent small amounts of energy from being expended due to the active connection.
Electrical failure can happen when you least expect it. Take steps to prevent an outage or even home fire by limiting your energy output in some areas to accommodate others. Major heat waves can take you by storm, so it is vital to keep these tips in mind as the need for air conditioner use increases.
Experienced a power failure? Request service today! We’re always here to help, come rain, shine, or 100-degree weather!