When the Texas heat rolls in, your air conditioner works overtime and so does your electrical system. The problem? Older or overloaded systems can struggle to keep up, leading to tripped breakers, hot outlets, or even electrical failures.
At Top Notch Electrician, we help North Texas homeowners stay cool safely. If you’re cranking the AC but want to avoid electrical headaches, here’s how to do it right.
Why Summer Cooling Overloads Your System
During the summer, your electrical demand skyrockets due to:
- Constant AC use
- Ceiling fans in every room
- Refrigerators working harder
- Additional appliances like ice makers, drink fridges, and dehumidifiers
- Kids home from school using devices, gaming systems, and charging stations all day
If your panel or circuits are already near capacity, all of this can push them over the edge.
Warning Signs Your Electrical System Is Overloaded
- Flickering lights when the AC kicks on
- Warm outlets or light switches
- Frequent breaker trips
- Buzzing sounds from your panel
- Appliances losing power or resetting randomly
If you notice any of these, it’s time to have your system inspected before a small issue turns into a big one.
Tips to Stay Cool Without Overloading Your System
1. Use Ceiling Fans (the Right Way)
Fans help circulate air and make you feel cooler, which means you can set the thermostat a few degrees higher without losing comfort. Set them spin counterclockwise in summer to push air downward.
2. Stagger Appliance Use
Try not to run multiple high-powered appliances at once (like the washer, dryer, and oven). This reduces the risk of breaker trips during peak AC hours.
3. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older fridges, window units, or freezers pull a lot more power. Newer ENERGY STAR® models use less electricity and are better suited for hot weather.
4. Install Dedicated Circuits for High-Use Areas
If you’ve added new appliances or are using more than one window AC unit, it may be time to install dedicated circuits to safely distribute the load.
5. Schedule an Electrical Inspection
A licensed electrician can:
- Check your panel for capacity and wear
- Inspect wiring to make sure it’s up to the job
- Add circuits where needed
- Recommend surge protection or smart load management options
Pro Tip: Older homes built before the 2000s may not be equipped for today’s summer energy demands.
Optional Upgrades to Consider
- Smart thermostat: Adjusts automatically and reduces overuse
- Whole-home surge protection: Prevents storm damage to AC systems
- Panel upgrade: Increases capacity and reliability
- Load-shedding devices: Automatically reduce load during peak use
Don’t Sweat Your System This Summer
Your home should be cool, comfortable, and safe. If you’re noticing flickers, warm outlets, or tripped breakers, don’t ignore the signs get ahead of the heat with a professional electrical checkup.
At Top Notch Electrician, we’ll make sure your system is built to handle the summer season and beyond.
Book Your Summer Electrical Checkup Today
Call [972 397 8646] or visit [www.topnotchelectrician.com] to schedule your home inspection or circuit upgrade. Stay cool and safe this summer the Top-Notch way.