Let’s be real—Texas summers don’t play around. Between the blazing sun and the triple-digit temps, your AC is running full throttle just to keep things livable. And while we’re all trying to stay cool inside, your electrical system is doing some serious heavy lifting. But here’s the thing: when temperatures spike, so does the risk of electrical overloads. That’s when your system is pulling more power than it’s built to handle—like overpacking a suitcase and hoping it won’t burst. Spoiler: it probably will. Here’s how to prevent that from happening and keep your home safe, cool, and fully powered all summer long.
1. Know What Causes Overloads in the First Place
Before we can fix it, we’ve got to understand it. An overload usually happens when too many high-powered appliances are running at once, drawing more electricity than your circuits can safely handle. Think: AC + microwave + washer/dryer + hairdryer = your breaker going nope. In the summer, your air conditioning system alone can be a huge draw. Add in extra fans, pool equipment, and the fact that your kids are home using every device they own—and boom, it’s easy to see how your system gets overwhelmed.
2. Spread the Load
This is one of the easiest ways to prevent a problem: don’t plug everything into one outlet or one circuit. For example, your fridge and your microwave shouldn’t be sharing the same circuit. If you’re constantly flipping breakers or noticing lights dimming when you plug something in, that’s your system begging for a breather.
Pro tip: use different outlets for high-demand appliances and avoid stacking power strips or daisy-chaining extension cords. That’s a big no-no.
3. Schedule a Summer Electrical Inspection
This one’s important. When’s the last time someone checked your panel or tested your wiring? If it’s been a while, summer is a perfect time. An experienced electrician (like one from our team!) can tell you if your system is keeping up with your home’s electrical demands—or if it’s time for an upgrade. We’ll also check for overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, and any signs of wear that could turn into a bigger (and more expensive) problem down the line.
4. Upgrade That Electrical Panel (If Needed)
Older homes weren’t built for modern electricity demands. If your panel is original to the house or you’ve added new appliances or systems (like a pool or a hot tub), you might be overdue for an upgrade. Upgrading your panel gives your home more breathing room to handle extra power—especially during summer months.
Bonus: it adds value to your home and helps future-proof it for whatever tech you bring in next.
5. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Breakers that trip constantly, buzzing outlets, flickering lights—these are all early warning signs that something’s not right. It might be tempting to just reset the breaker and move on, but that could be putting your home at risk. If your system is acting up more often during the hotter months, it’s time to call in the pros.
6. Invest in Surge Protection
High temperatures can sometimes come with sudden summer storms (we know Texas weather can be wild). Those storms can cause power surges, which can damage your appliances and electronics—or worse, cause fires. Whole-home surge protection is like insurance for your electrical system. One small upgrade = major peace of mind.
Contact Dr. Watts for All Your Summer Electrical Needs in Killeen, TX and the Surrounding Areas
In Texas, summer heat is unavoidable—but electrical overloads don’t have to be. With a little prep and a solid plan, you can stay safe and keep everything running smoothly, even on the hottest days. If you’re not sure whether your home is up for the challenge, give us a call. We’ll take a look, make recommendations, and help you stay powered up all summer long—no stress, no surprises. Stay cool out there!