The higher the temperature, the more you may find your lights are prone to flicker. Or perhaps your breakers have a way of tripping once the AC is put to work on a July afternoon. One can be concerned that the summer heat is unduly taxing the electrical system in the home.

We at Amos Home Services (Amos Electric) know what the heat in Central Texas will do to the equipment and wiring in a house. The Amos family has been serving Temple and all of Greater Bell County for over 75 years; we have had occasion to see with our own eyes the sort of unexpected electrical trouble our summers can bring about. Should you need us, our licensed and insured team is at (254) 280-5514.

It is not something to be taken lightly. For weeks on end the mercury will be in excess of 100 and your electrical system will make no secret of it. There is value in being aware of the problems endemic to our climate so as to nip them in the bud before they become a safety issue or require extensive repairs.

Why the Heat Is So Hard on an Electrical System

There is heat produced by the very act of electricity flowing through wires and their components. Then factor in the kind of temperatures one encounters in Killeen, Harker Heights, Belton, Gatesville, Copperas Cove and you have a system that must labor to keep cool. With time the heat will break down insulation, make connections loose and cause materials to expand.

Summer only increases the demand. You have air conditioners in constant use, fans that never stop, and the family inside making use of every device and appliance. That is a lot of load for a system already contending with the heat.

Heat-Related Issues We See in Central Texas

In the course of our service here we come across these issues time and again:

• Breakers tripping because of an overloaded circuit, the AC and other large appliances running concurrently
• Connections and wiring that overheat, loosening with the temperature changes
• An electrical panel that is no match for the demands a modern home makes in the summer
• Outdoor outlets and wiring left to the elements of sun and moisture
• Lights that dim or flicker, a sign of voltage or circuit strain
• Insulation that degrades and cracks in the high heat, a potential for shorts

Left to their own devices any of the above can become a problem. All too often a homeowner will put off the early signs until there is a failure or some other concern.

Warning Signs to Heed

For the most part your system will let you know if there is a problem. Be on the lookout for:

• Repeatedly tripped breakers in the height of the day
• A warm feeling when you put your hand on an outlet or switch plate
• Something like a burning odor around your panels or wiring
• Fixtures or switches that are buzzing or crackling
• Dimming of the lights upon turning on the AC or an appliance

When you see these things you want to put in a call to a certified electrician. As the summer wears on such problems are apt to worsen.

Protecting Your Home

Some simple habits will lessen the strain. Do not have too many high-draw appliances going at the same time in the afternoons. If the home is of a certain age and has not been updated, an inspection of the panel is in order. Make sure outdoor fixtures and outlets are in good repair and give attention to any tripping breakers or flickering right away rather than wait. Regular maintenance will uncover worn parts and loose connections.

Our Priority Maintenance Plan (PMP) is designed for this. It gives members priority when they have need of us, an annual tune-up and 10 per cent off on service repairs of an electrical nature and 5 per cent on major components.

We Are Here for You

As a part of the Temple and Bell County community we take pride in what we do. Our technicians and electricians are well versed in the type of homes and climate you have in Central Texas. Financing options exist and we are on hand 24/7 in case of an emergency with your HVAC or electrical needs. Otherwise our hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:00am to 3:30pm on Friday.

Call us at (254) 280-5514 for a repair or an inspection, or just to have a question answered. Let us put your mind at ease and ensure your home is in safe hands.