While the monsoon has seemed more like a non-soon so far this year, we still have two more months to go. This means there’s plenty of time for at least a few wild and wooly summer storms. With the much- needed rain, these storms can also bring plenty of wind and lightning, which can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system. To address these concerns, the team at Cool Blew is here to provide some guidance.
Power Surges
One of the most common types of damage that can occur during a summer storm is a power surge. This can happen when lightning strikes on or near a power line. It will increase the amount of electricity through the line, which can overwhelm electronics, appliances and machinery that are plugged in. The best way to protect against power surge damage is to unplug items before a storm. Of course, that may not always be possible. The next line of defense is a home surge protector which can tame significant power spikes.
Breaker Damage
If your home is actually struck by lightning, it can cause damage to your breakers and impact your entire home’s electrical system. This is more likely to happen if you have an outdated electrical system. With newer homes, the circuit breaker is more likely to withstand the strike and protect your home’s electrical equipment.
Power Outages
With lightning and rain comes wind. Strong gusts can knock out power to your neighborhood, leading to a surge that trips your home’s circuit breakers. If you experience a tripped circuit breaker for your HVAC system, it’s important to know how to reset it. Here’s how:
- Turn your HVAC system off at the thermostat.
- Find the circuit breaker in your electrical panel for your HVAC system.
- Turn the switch to OFF and then back to ON to reset the external circuit breaker.
- Leave your HVAC off and wait 30 minutes and then turn it on.
- If your system doesn’t turn on, it may have experienced electrical damage.
To learn more about the professional electrical services we provide after a storm, give us a call. We’re here to help.
