Seasonal Electrical Advice: Smart Tips for Summer AC Load, Winter Storms, and Holiday Lighting
May 22, 2025
Your home’s electrical system works year-round—but each season brings new challenges. Between overloaded summer circuits and icy winter outages, staying safe (and powered up) means planning ahead.
We’re covering the top concerns from homeowners about seasonal electrical prep, including:
- Is Your Air Conditioner Overloading Your Electrical System in the Summer?
- How to Prepare Your Electrical System for Winter Storms
- The Best Outdoor Lighting Tips for Fall & Holiday Decorations (Without Tripping Breakers!)
Plus, get advice on what to do if your system isn’t keeping up. Let’s get started.
1. Is Your Air Conditioner Overloading Your Electrical System in the Summer?
Do your breakers trip when you run the AC and other appliances at the same time?
It’s a common summer issue. Your central air conditioner draws a huge amount of power—especially when it kicks on after sitting idle for months. If your home’s electrical panel isn’t built to handle that load, you’ll see:
- Tripped breakers or burned-out fuses
- Dimming lights when the AC turns on
- Hot or buzzing outlets
If you’re experiencing these issues, there are a few things you can do:
1. Don’t plug everything into the same circuit.
If your AC, microwave, and washer are all fighting for one overloaded line, something will give. A licensed electrician can redistribute the load across circuits.
2. Upgrade to a 200-amp panel (if needed).
Older homes often still run on 100 amps—which isn’t enough for modern demands. If your appliances and devices are fighting for power, it might be time for a electrical panel upgrade.
3. Get your AC professionally inspected.
Sometimes, it’s not the panel that’s the problem—it’s the appliance. A faulty capacitor or short in your air conditioner can cause repeated trips or even fire risk.
2. How Do I Prepare My Electrical System for Winter Storms?
Winter is brutal on homes—and your electrical system is no exception. Storms can knock out power or create dangerous surges. Here’s how to protect your home before the cold sets in:
1. Install whole-home surge protection.
Ice storms and downed lines often lead to power surges. A surge protector installed at your panel guards expensive appliances like furnaces, TVs, and fridges from sudden voltage spikes.
2. Test or upgrade your generator.
Whether you have a standby generator or portable generator, make sure it’s serviced and ready to go. Don’t wait until a blizzard hits. If you don’t have one, a licensed electrician can help you choose and install the right generator for your home.
3. Check outdoor outlets and extension cords.
Make sure all outdoor outlets are weatherproof and GFCI-protected. Never run cords through windows or doors—they can pinch and spark. Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords only.
4. Schedule a winter electrical inspection.
Contact a licensed electrician for peace of mind. During a residential safety inspection, they will:
- Check your electrical panel
- Test circuits
- Ensure your heating system and sump pump are on safe, dedicated breakers
3. The Best Outdoor Lighting Tips for Fall & Holiday Decorations (Without Tripping Breakers!)
Spooky Halloween setups? Full-on Griswold light shows?
We’re all for the holiday cheer—but seasonal decorating can put real strain on your electrical system. Here’s how to safely decorate without overloading:
1. Use LED holiday lights.
LEDs look great, last longer, and use up to 80% less power than traditional incandescent strands.
2. Avoid daisy-chaining too many strands.
Check the package—most light sets specify how many can be safely connected. Too many in a row = overheated wires and tripped breakers.
3. Plug into GFCI outlets only.
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) shut off power if moisture is detected. It’s essential for wet or snowy winters.
4. Opt for an outdoor-rated power strip.
If you need to use a power strip, double-check that it’s outdoor-safe and grounded.
5. Use a smart timer.
Timers help ensure your lights aren’t running 24/7, even if you forget to unplug them.
6. Have your outdoor outlets inspected.
Old or damaged outlets can become shock hazards when exposed to the elements—especially during freeze/thaw cycles.
Seasonal Changes Can Expose Electrical Problems—Don’t Ignore Them
If you suspect your system isn’t ready for the season, don’t delay. Call a licensed electrician to take a look. They’ll check your panel, circuits, outlets, and outdoor setups so you can light up the holidays—or cool down the summer—without worry.
WIREONE offers residential electrical safety Inspections to give you peace of mind year-round.
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