Summer weather brings sunshine—and higher electrical demand. Whether it’s cooling your home or powering outdoor activities, electrical safety and reliability should be top of mind. First Class Electric, a locally owned, BBB-accredited business in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho serving both residential and commercial clients, shares essential tips to help you avoid overloads, outages, and surprise service calls.
1. Schedule a Preventive Panel Check & Balance Your Loads
A full inspection by licensed electricians (EE98–397946) helps detect circuit imbalances, overheated breakers, or loose connections before they become hazards. During summer, that extra load from HVAC systems, pool pumps, and kitchen appliances can push your panel past its limits—leading to breaker trips or even electrical fires.
What First Class Electric offers:
- Tests each breaker under load
- Verifies panel capacity and identifies the need for upgrades
- Provides free estimates and prompt service (typically within 24–48 hours)
If you live in an older home, this service is especially important. Homes built before the 1990s often have outdated panels that may not meet the power demands of today’s technology-driven households.
2. Upgrade Panels & Add Dedicated Circuits
Still operating with a 100-amp service? Adding high-demand devices like hot tubs, air conditioners, or EV chargers can overwhelm outdated panels. An upgrade, performed by experienced journeyman electricians, ensures smooth performance and safety, eliminating the need for constant breaker resets.
Dedicated circuits are also essential for major appliances. Whether you’re installing a new window A/C unit, a second refrigerator, or a workshop tool, First Class Electric can ensure each appliance is properly powered and protected.
3. Inspect & Maintain Outdoor Outlets & Lighting
Backyard lighting and outdoor power usage increase in the summer months. Make sure all outdoor outlets are:
- GFCI-protected
- Covered with weatherproof enclosures
- Inspected for signs of damage or wear
If you’re relying on long extension cords for patio setups or landscaping needs, it’s a good idea to install new outdoor circuits to reduce hazards and improve convenience.
4. Watch Appliance & HVAC Connections
Air conditioners and refrigerators work hard during the summer. Overloaded circuits and faulty connections are common causes of outages and inefficiency.
- Inspect cords and connections for wear or overheating
- Have HVAC units serviced regularly
- Ensure breakers and disconnects are operating safely
If you’ve noticed your lights dimming when large appliances kick on, it could be a sign that your electrical system is overloaded. Have a licensed electrician evaluate your load capacity to prevent long-term damage.
5. Avoid Overloaded Power Strips and Extension Cords
Plugging too many devices into one outlet can lead to overheating, tripped breakers, or fire hazards. Instead:
- Use power strips with built-in overload protection
- Don’t “daisy-chain” extension cords
- Spread out high-wattage appliances across different circuits
- Contact a licensed electrician for outlet additions or wiring upgrades
6. Plan for Backup Power
Storms and utility outages can leave you without power when you need it most. Consider installing a backup generator with panel integration to ensure essential systems like refrigeration, lighting, and air conditioning stay online. First Class Electric can assist with professional generator installations and hookups.
Why Choose First Class Electric?
- Locally Owned and Operated: Proudly serving Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, and nearby areas
- Highly Rated: 4.7-star average across dozens of online reviews
- Fully Licensed and Accredited: EE98 #397946, BBB A+ rating
- Quick Turnaround: Emergency commercial services, residential work completed within 24–48 hours, and free estimates available
First Class Electric prides itself on honest pricing, expert workmanship, and dependable service. With over a decade of experience, they understand the unique electrical challenges faced by New Mexico homeowners during the hot summer months.
Book Your Summer Electrical Check Today
Don’t wait for an outage or electrical issue to disrupt your summer. Schedule a safety inspection or panel upgrade with the professionals at First Class Electric.
- Call (505) 681‑6886
- Request a free estimate and service consultation
Stay safe, stay cool, and power your summer with confidence.