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Summer Electrical Maintenance
August 2, 2019
With summer in full swing, some homeowners may be noticing higher electrical bills. When the weather gets warmer, air conditioners or fans are used to keep homes cooler. Having a summer electrical maintenance routine will help to beat the heat and keep your electrical costs down.
The following is a checklist of some summer electrical maintenance tasks that every homeowner should know.
Summer Electrical Maintenance Items To Help Save Energy
Use your barbecue to avoid using heat generating appliances inside
Use a microwave to cook to avoid generating heat and use less wattage
Air dry laundry to avoid using the dryer as much as possible
Have your AC system checked to ensure it is working efficiently
Use ceiling fans on slow speed to keep air circulating and add a slight breeze
Have an electrician inspect and tighten all major electrical connections
Install programmable thermostats which control temperature more accurately than older technology.
Upgrade your lighting to energy efficient LED
Turn off the lights when you leave a room
If possible, unplug appliances, devices and chargers when they are not in use. Even when turned off, some devices will still draw power
Change your furnace/air conditioning filter every three months. Dust and dirt on the filter will slow the airflow and make the unit work harder
Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hot days to help keep the heat out
Other Summer Electrical Maintenance
Test all smoke/CO alarms monthly. Replace back-up batteries if required
Make sure all outdoor outlets are GFCI protected and have weather-proof covers. For more information on GFCI protection, click here
Check all power tool cords for damage before use
Use extension cords rated for outdoor use and properly sized for the task. Check the cords for frays or plug damage. A damaged cord should never be used
Our electricians would be happy to assist you with all your summer electrical maintenance repairs. Regular maintenance of your electrical system may identify minor concerns before they become expensive repairs.
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