Everything to Know About Your Home's Electrical System

The lifeblood of your home is its electrical system, and for many homeowners, it’s least understood. Having a basic knowledge of its components can help you safeguard your safety and that of your appliances.

The Essentials

The power comes into your home at the breaker box after it flows through the meter. Besides the main breaker that shuts off all the power, the breaker box has other circuits rated for different amounts of electrical load. How many you have depends on the size and age of your home.

The breakers limit the amount of power going through each one, which keeps you safe. When the level goes over their rating, they heat up and automatically turn off. The large appliances, like the HVAC system, an electric stove, water heater, and dryer, have their own circuit because they use a lot of electricity.

Most of the time, the electrical system runs silently and safely, thanks to the circuit breakers. However, if you notice any of the following, it may be time to dig into it a littler further:

• You discover your home has aluminum wiring. Used between the 1960s and mid-1970s, this type of wiring oxidizes over time and builds heat, which can start fires.
• Have circuit breakers that trip frequently or lights that flicker. A circuit could be overloaded or there’s a short somewhere in the wiring.
• You discover cracked, damaged or bare spots on wires in the attic.
• Whole-house surge protection is another reason to consult with a licensed electrician. This area sees its fair share of power outages due to severe storms. Whole-house surge protectors stop the damage power outages can cause to major and minor appliances and devices.Losing the air conditioning to a power surge could days to fix, leaving your home uncomfortably warm while you wait for a repair or replacement.

Even if your electrical system performs exactly as it should, knowing how it works and what to look for are part of being an educated homeowner. For more information, contact CCAC, providing trusted HVAC services for Coastal Bend homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

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