Summer Safety Prep: Getting Ready for the Heat

Electronics and heat do not get along. Summer can be a hard time for electrical maintenance and summer safety. This is the time of year when older devices are the most likely to fail, and as old wiring decays in the summer heat. As the temperature rises, now is an important time to ensure that your home’s electrical installation can handle the heat ahead. This is especially true if your home’s wiring or HVAC system are more than a decade old, as is true in many Australian homes.

We can walk you through the steps to prepare your home for summer safety and comfort. We will focus on maintenance, efficiency, and heat-readiness as the summer season draws closer.

Air Conditioning Efficiency

Electricity and summer comfort are closely linked through your air conditioning. Keeping your AC in good condition is critical for both electrical safety and maintaining a safely cool home temperature. You can ensure your AC is working efficiently with a few simple steps.

• Change the Air Filter: Swap out the old air filter for a new one every 1-2 months (more often if you have pets)
• Schedule a Cleaning and Tune-Up: Have your AC maintained and the unit interior cleaned at the beginning of summer to ensure all-season performance.
• Check the Refrigerant Levels: Ask for your refrigerant levels to be checked and, if necessary, topped up during your HVAC maintenance visit.
• Make Proactive Repairs: If your technician notices any small problems, have repairs made proactively before something breaks.

Electrical System Checkup

An electrical system inspection is a smart idea at the beginning of summer. A hot, dry Australian summer can lead to cracked wire casings and overheated outlets, fixtures, and circuits. Summer is a high-risk time for your electrical system, so make sure your home is safe.

Be sure to check for:

• Overloaded Circuits: Circuits drawing more power than they were designed to supply. Risk of overheating, scorching, or flipped breakers.
• Flickering Lights: Signs of electrical irregularity in your lighting circuits.
• Outdated Wiring: Old wires and wire harnesses that have become dangerous over time.
• Damaged or Frayed Fixture Wiring: Damaged wire harnesses and fixture wiring that could pose a safety risk.

Ensuring a professional assessment of your home’s wiring will keep your house and family safe for the season, and beyond.

Outdoor Electrical Safety

There are also electrical safety measures to take outdoors, especially for machines that will be in direct sunlight during part of the day. These steps can ensure that your home’s exterior and outdoor features are safe for the summer.

• Inspect Your Pool Pump: Make sure your pool filter is clean and your pool pump is running as intended.
• Clean the Outdoor AC Unit: Clear the leaves and debris from your outdoor AC unit and have it inspected.
• Check Outdoor Lighting: Make sure your outdoor lighting is safely wired and is not flickering.
• Shield Entertainment Systems: If you have an outdoor entertainment center, ensure it is properly shielded from the sun and the weather.
• Proper Insulation: Insulate your outdoor fixtures to prevent electrical malfunctions.

Energy-Efficient Practices

Lastly, there are several ways you can help to reduce your power bill and the electrical stress on your home. Energy-efficient practices are both more affordable and good for your home’s long-term electrical maintenance.

• Swap Bulbs for LED Lighting: LED bulbs are 90% more efficient than incandescent (filament) light bulbs and 60% more efficient than halogen. They are also cooler, safer, and last longer.
• Use a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help optimise how your AC runs to use the least power for the most comfort.
• Replace Your Weatherstripping: Weather-proof your home to increase the effectiveness of your AC.
  • Replace old weather-stripping on doors and window panes that open.
  • Re-caulk a tight seal on window panes that don’t move.
  • Improve insulation, cover your windows in the afternoon, and open interior doors for better airflow.
• Clean Devices, Appliances, and Fans: Lastly, remember to dust. You might be surprised but dust buildup can cause all kinds of electronics to work hotter and with more power than necessary. Dust your appliances and devices. Dust your fans and vents. Even dust the insides of your computers.

Astley Electrical for Summer Safety Inspections

If you are looking for an electrical inspection to secure your home’s summer safety, you have found the right team. Astley Electrical is always ready to provide seasonal services to local residents. We are as passionate about electrical safety and energy efficiency as you are, and you can rely on our friendly team to ensure your home is summer-ready. Contact us today to learn more or book your summer electrical inspection.