A power surge is a burst of energy that overwhelms your electrical grid. The surge of energy can cause electrical fires and put you in danger. Electrical surges can damage appliances such as refrigerators or freezers. After a power surge, plugged-in electronics could break, or your outlets could fry without proper electrical surge protection. Electrical surge protection can protect your devices and home from damage. Electric use is high during the summer, but there are ways for you to protect yourself during summer storms.
1. Protect Your Home From Summer Electrical Surges
Storms can cause power surges by downing lines, but summer surges may be from higher energy demand. Running your AC longer puts more pressure on the fluctuating power from the local plant. A power surge can stop your AC from functioning. Plug your devices into a surge protector to protect your items and home. There is a difference between a power surge protector and a power strip. Use surge protectors for devices such as entertainment systems, computers and phones. Our electricians can install whole-house surge protection to safeguard your wiring. Whole-house surge protection protects your HVAC system from an electrical surge during the summer.
2. Lower Your Vampire Energy Usage
Some electronics and appliances, including televisions, gaming systems, and laptops, sap energy even when not in use. Vampire energy involves a device bringing electricity into your home when plugged in and not in use, which can cost you up to $200 a year. You can unplug your electronics and devices when not in use to protect yourself from vampire energy usage. Sometimes, you may forget, but an advanced power strip is an alternate option. An APS has a shutdown timer and monitors the activity of the plugged-in electronics.
3. Beware of Peak Energy Demand During Summer
Summer storms that cause electrical surges are worse when the temperature rises. A storm during a heat wave has a higher chance since your AC is probably running longer. Large appliances such as dryers, washing machines, HVAC systems, and stoves account for about 40% of your energy use during summer. Running large appliances at the same time could trip your circuit breaker. Don’t run larger appliances during peak energy demand since most people run their ACs in the summer.
4. Reduce the Need for the Electrical Grid
There are ways to limit your energy consumption during summer to reduce the risk of electrical surges. Lowering your dependence on the electrical grid reduces the strain from your appliances and will lower your energy bill. You can set your AC to 78 degrees during the summer and use fans to keep comfortable. Don’t run appliances that produce heat, such as ovens, dishwashers, and dryers, during the day. Take advantage of curtains to reduce the sun from shining in and open windows at night to naturally cool your home.
There are many ways to avoid electrical surges during summer storms. You can run larger appliances at night or set your AC to a higher temperature. You can protect your home and electronics with a power surge protector. Whole-house surge protection is the best way to protect your family and appliances. If you need a new electrical panel in Waldorf, MD, call us at Circuit Doctor to schedule an appointment today.
