Everyone loves the arrival of spring and summer, but you also know that these seasons come with the threat of storms. This is especially true in the Waldorf, MD area, which is prone to severe thunderstorms and other weather events during the summer months. Each year, thousands of fires across the U.S. can be attributed to lightning strikes. Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent a fire or damage to your electronics and appliances. These four tips will help keep you safe when storms threaten the Waldorf area.

1. Don’t Use Electronics

First of all, don’t use your electronics. You do not have to take a direct strike for your electronic devices and appliances to be damaged. The electrical field generated by the lightning can travel through the wires and cause an electrical surge. You can use your phone as long it is not plugged into the electrical system of the house. You should also avoid charging your device during this time.

2. Unplug Your Devices

It is a good idea to unplug your electrical devices if you want to be sure to be safe. You should unplug televisions, gaming systems, and computers during a storm. Lightning that uses your home’s wiring as a path can produce up to 1 billion joules of energy. That is enough to power 56 houses for a day. A surge protector is not designed to handle that type of load, and the only way to protect your devices is to unplug them entirely.

3. Install Surge Protectors

Lightning can strike when you are away and unable to unplug your devices. This is why you should have an electrician install ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. GFCI outlets act faster than surge protectors to shut off the power in the event of a surge. They can act in as little as 1/40th of a second to cut the power and prevent damage to your electronics and prevent a house fire.

4. Install Whole-Home Lightning Protection

Systems are available that are designed to protect the entire home from electrical surges. They must be installed by a licensed electrician. A service-entrance surge protector is placed between the electrical meter and the home’s main electrical service panel. They protect all electronic devices in the home by preventing a surge from ever entering the home’s wiring in the first place.

These tips will help you keep your electronics and appliances safe during a lightning storm. Circuit Doctors Electrical Services has over 25 years of serving residents in the Waldorf, MD area. We are licensed and insured and guarantee our workmanship. We are locally owned, and our friendly team of professionals is ready to help you protect your home and electronics when summer storms threaten.

Warmer weather and longer days make spring an excellent time to keep up with home maintenance. Besides spring cleaning, electrical maintenance is another important task you should add to your spring to-do-list. Here are some reasons why it’s crucial to include electrical maintenance on your spring checklist.

Reduce Energy Costs

If your electricity bill is unusually high, electrical maintenance can reduce your energy costs. During electrical maintenance, an electrician may perform a home energy audit. A home energy audit can help you determine where your home is inefficient, allowing you to take measures to make your home more energy-efficient and lower your electricity bill.

Protect Appliances

Regular electrical maintenance can extend the lifespan of your appliances. During electrical maintenance, an electrician may install GFCI outlets and surge protectors, helping to protect your appliances from damage.

Enhance Safety

Neglecting electrical maintenance can lead to electrocution and endanger lives. When you schedule for electrical maintenance, an electrician can identify potential safety hazards in your home, such as:

• Outdated or damaged wiring
• Frayed or worn-out electrical cords
• Faulty electrical appliances
• Overloaded outlets
• Outdated electrical panels

Resolving these issues can enhance safety and protect the lives of everyone in your home.

Prevent Serious Electrical Problems

Even if the electrical systems in your Waldorf, MD, home seem to be working fine, there could be hard-to-spot electrical issues. Electrical maintenance can help you identify and resolve minor issues before they become major ones. During electrical maintenance, an electrician will thoroughly inspect the electrical systems in your home to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Protect Property

Electrical issues can lead to serious safety hazards, like electrical fires. Electrical fires can be devastating because they can raze your home to the ground. Electrical maintenance can help you detect any electrical problems that can develop into serious issues, helping to safeguard your property.

Enhance Comfort

Summers in Waldorf, MD, can get pretty hot and humid. When you turn on your air conditioner on a hot summer day, the last thing you want is to find out it isn’t working. Unfortunately, if you haven’t kept up with electrical maintenance, it may malfunction.

AC systems contain several electrical components. Over time, these components can wear out or become loose. When you schedule electrical maintenance, an electrician will tighten any loose connections and find and replace any worn-out parts. These fixes can ensure your AC functions properly and keep you cool during the summer.

Save Money on Future Repairs

Minor electrical issues may not seem like a huge cause for alarm, but they can lead to costly repairs down the line. Regular electrical maintenance can ensure your electrical system needs far fewer repairs, saving you money in the long run.

Schedule Spring Electrical Maintenance

Regular electrical maintenance is crucial to ensuring your electrical systems function properly. If you need help with your spring electrical maintenance, contact Circuit Doctors Electric Services. Our electricians are licensed, experienced, and friendly, so you can rest assured you’ll receive high-quality service and value for your money.