In the summer, your AC is running 24-7. It’s necessary in the punishing Arizona heat (especially this year, given the record heat), but if you’re not careful, that increased electrical usage can cause an electrical overload of the system, melting your wires and causing serious damage to your home. How do you avoid electrical overload while still keeping your home comfortable? Here are a few tips.
- Clean your coils. This is essential in order to maintain proper airflow at all times. If air is restricted, the system needs to work even harder to cool your home, increasing your risk of overload. Have your AC coils cleaned to get rid of dirt and grime buildup that blocks your airflow. Additionally, trim any grass or bushes around your outdoor unit and make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides so air can flow properly.
- Insulate. The better-insulated your home is, the easier it will be to keep the hot air out and the cool AC air in. This means your system won’t have to work as hard to keep you comfortable, and there’s less chance of overload. Talk to your HVAC technician about adding insulation to your attic and your walls.
- Whole-house surge protector. Surge protectors keep your major appliances from becoming damaged by a power surge from an outlet. A whole-house surge protector shields your entire home in the event any of your circuits experience electrical overload. Just be sure you call a licensed electrician to install it for you.
- Avoid peak hours. The highest levels of electrical usage typically occur between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., which means that’s the time your circuits are most likely to overload. Be especially careful during those times and limit your electronics as much as possible. If the AC is going, try turning off the TV and using your laptop on battery power instead of from the outlet. Avoid using the toaster or microwave during that time, too, in favor of outdoor cooking, so the house remains cool.
For help increasing energy efficiency and decreasing the risk of electrical overload this summer, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We keep Yuma homes comfortable in any weather.
