Skip to main content
  • Board Meeting Information

Home
  • About Us
  • Responsible Energy Plan
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
  • Renewable Energy
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Careers
  • Search
Menu

Search form

Common Summer Electrical Problems

5/26/2021

Common Summer Electrical Problems

With the summer season upon us, it’s time for swimming, camping, boating, and grilling. However, as we kick back and enjoy the summer, the season can also cause a few headaches for homeowners, especially when it comes to electrical issues.

For summer safety, we have included some of the most common electrical problems that can occur in the summertime, and how to avoid them.

  • Get your AC unit serviced. Set your home up for cooling success by having your air conditioning checked. The last thing you want is you’re A/C going out during the hottest months of July and August. Unfortunately, this happens often with homeowners due to the daily strain on A/C units. For more energy-efficient cooling options, learn how to cool your home without central air conditioning.

  • Secure portable AC units. If you have any portable air conditioning units, make sure they are securely placed with cords tucked away. A/C cords are unsafe for pets and children and can cause tripping hazards that could lead to electrical shock or a heavy unit falling.

  • Keep electronic devices away from water. Music and pool parties go hand-in-hand, however, electricity and water do not! Remember to keep all electrical appliances and cords away from pools and water.

0521 Avoid Summer Electrical Problems SM_Blog body 2_1200x628.jpeg

  • Prepare for power outages. Although early summer brings mostly pleasant weather, the hotter months can also bring their fair share of stormy weather and the potential for power outages.  If you do experience a power outage, keep refrigerators and freezers closed to keep food fresh. Air conditioners should be turned off. Wait several minutes after the restoration of power before turning them back on. Contact your electric co-op if you use any electric life support devices in your home. 

  • Power surge protection. Power surges can also occur because of lightning storms. If the surges are excessive, they can result in electrical fires. Use a surge protector with electronic devices, or turn off and unplug appliances and devices during a lightning storm.  If you live in an area with seasonal lightning storms, consider installing a whole-home surge protector.

  • Circuit breaker maintenance. Heavy electrical usage may mean endless tripped circuit breakers. If your home is older, it may not be outfitted for today’s electrical loads. Have your circuit breaker inspected for safety and consider upgrading to a breaker box that can handle the heavier draw of your appliances. As a rule of thumb, electric panels need replacing every 25-40 years, so if your home is that age, there’s a likelihood that you could need to upgrade.

0521 Avoid Summer Electrical Problems SM_Blog body 1_1200x628.jpeg

  • Pest control. With warmer weather, pests like mice, rats and squirrels can become a nuisance, nesting in your attic, walls or basement, and chewing on electrical wiring. This can cause flickering lights and put your home at risk for an electrical fire.

Make sure you're ready for the upcoming transition from cold weather to warm weather. To ensure the electrical safety of your family and home at all times, consider hiring a professional electrician to inspect and update your home’s electrical system.

 

____

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 45 members, including 42 member utility electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable, and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West.

 

Contributor:

Kent Mahanna, MPH, CSP Senior Manager Safety & Security

Blog Posts

How to Electrify Your Outdoor Camping Adventures

How to Electrify Your Outdoor Camping Adventures

If you’re heading off the grid for an outdoor adventure this summer you’re likely hoping to unplug and relax in nature. You may not be looking for ways to stay plugged in, but would you consider a few ways to power up your campsite in an easy, convenient way? If the answer is yes, keep reading.
Read more >
Tips for Installing an EV Charging Station at Home

Tips for Installing an EV Charging Station at Home

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, there’s no doubt about it. It’s estimated that more than 2.5 million EVs have been sold in the United States and it’s easy to understand why; they cost less to operate, require less maintenance, don’t need gas, they’re better for the environment and they’re fun to drive! If you’ve adopted the EV lifestyle or are considering it, keep reading for tips to help you install your own home charging station.
Read more >
Summer Storm Safety Tips for Camping

Summer Storm Safety Tips for Camping

If you’ve spent some time on the plains or in the mountains across the West, where electric cooperatives serve, you know all about spring and summer storms. Especially noteworthy are the intense storms that begin in March and can last into May. For those who enjoy outdoor activities during this season, it is especially important to be aware of the dangers and take precautions while camping.
Kent Mahanna, MPH, CSP Senior Manager Safety & Security
Read more >
5 Affordable Home Purchases to Help Save Energy

5 Affordable Home Purchases to Help Save Energy

With a handful of simple purchases, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency and cut down your energy bill each month. Here are five practical items and affordable home purchases to help save energy.
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Home Energy Efficient Tips for Spring

8 Home Energy Efficient Tips for Spring

Do you want to make your home more energy-efficient, but don't know where to start? Spring is the perfect time to buckle down on home improvement projects before the summer heatwaves begin. Here are some simple, affordable home improvements to tackle this spring to help you cool off and save energy.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >
Winter Activities to Explore in New Mexico

Winter Activities to Explore in New Mexico

New Mexico is well-known for its thriving arts community and sunshine-filled outdoor activities. Our member areas offer some of the best history museums and art museums featuring world-famous folk art, sculptures and paintings. There's much to experience outdoors in New Mexico during the winter months, from skiing to national parks, archeological tours and spa getaways. This winter, explore everything New Mexico has to offer with these amazing winter activities in our member areas. 
Kristen Wurth, Communications Specialist
Read more >
Best Winter Getaway Activities in Nebraska

Great Winter Getaway Activities in Nebraska

Don’t let cold weather slow you down! Stay active in Nebraska this winter by enjoying both indoor and outdoor activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, winter hiking is an excellent way to spend your day outside while enjoying nature. If it snows, getting into cross country skiing or snowshoeing is another way to be outdoors while staying active. If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, there’s plenty to enjoy indoors as well. 
Kristen Wurth, Communications Specialist
Read more >
4 Winter Destinations in Wyoming for Explorers

4 Winter Destinations in Wyoming for Explorers

Wyoming is a true winter paradise because of the thick blankets of snow, the seemingly endless amount of territory to explore and the state's irresistible sense of adventure. There's something for everyone here, from the casual explorer to the seasoned thrill seeker. Looking for the perfect winter exploration getaway? Here are a few suggestions in our Wyoming member’s service territories.
Kristen Wurth, Communications Specialist
Read more >
Tips for a More Energy Efficient Home in 2022

11 Tips for a More Energy Efficient Home in 2022

Energy waste is one of the most common household expenses, and while energy companies are working to develop cleaner, more efficient solutions, there is still more that can be done when you make adjustments at home.
Matt Fitzgibbon, Beneficial Electrification Manager
Read more >

Pagination

  • Currently on page   1
  • Page   2
  • Page   3
  • Page   4
  • Page   5
  • Page   6
  • Page   7
  • Page   8
  • Page   9
  • Next pageNext ›
  • Last pageLast »

Subscribe

* indicates required
Join our mailing list for
updates and member news
 
 

Quick links

  • About Us
  • Leadership Team
  • Environmental, Social and Governance
  • Beneficial Electrification
  • Financials
  • Media
  • Legislation
  • Operations
  • Board Meetings
  • Careers
  • Member Tools
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Employee login

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Office: 303-452-6111
1100 West 116th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80234

Mailing address:
PO Box 33695
Denver, CO 80233-0695

©2022 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.

  • About Us
  • Responsible Energy Plan
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
  • Renewable Energy
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Careers
  • Search