Summer in Kansas City brings more than heatwaves and barbecues. It’s also a time when many homeowners and business owners experience a surge in electrical problems. Increased energy demands, high humidity, and powerful storms can push your electrical systems to their limits—often when you need them most. At Lynn Electric, we see it every year: A/C units overloading circuits, flickering lights during heat waves, and panels pushed beyond capacity.

To help you stay ahead of the heat, here are six of the most common electrical issues we encounter in summer—and how to prevent them before they disrupt your season.

1. Tripped Circuit Breakers from A/C Overload

Air conditioning systems are essential during Kansas City summers—but they’re also among the most power-hungry appliances in any home or building. When multiple large appliances run simultaneously, especially during peak afternoon hours, circuit breakers can trip to prevent overheating or electrical fires.

How to prevent it:
Have your panel inspected before summer to ensure it can handle your A/C unit’s demand. If your home is older or you’ve added new appliances in recent years, a panel upgrade may be necessary. Lynn Electric can evaluate your system and recommend safe solutions, such as dedicated circuits or smart load management.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering lights during summer can be caused by voltage fluctuations, overloaded circuits, or even utility issues. It’s especially common when air conditioners cycle on and off or when storms impact local power lines.

How to prevent it:
Start by upgrading outdated wiring and ensuring high-demand appliances are on separate circuits. Surge protection—both at the device level and whole-home level—can help stabilize your electrical flow. If the flickering is persistent or widespread, it’s time for a professional inspection.

3. Power Surges from Thunderstorms

Summer thunderstorms are frequent in the Midwest and can send powerful surges through power lines. These surges can damage appliances, electronics, and even your home’s wiring.

How to prevent it:
Invest in a whole-house surge protector. Unlike power strips, these are installed directly into your electrical panel and protect your entire system. It’s a one-time investment that can save thousands in potential equipment damage.

4. Extension Cord Overload (Especially Outdoors)

Outdoor gatherings, pool parties, and summer projects often mean more extension cords. Unfortunately, many homeowners plug in multiple fans, speakers, or tools into the same cord or outlet, creating a fire hazard.

How to prevent it:
Use extension cords labeled for outdoor use, check their wattage limits, and avoid daisy-chaining multiple cords together. If you rely heavily on temporary wiring outside, consider having outdoor-rated GFCI outlets professionally installed where you need them most—especially near pools, patios, and decks.

5. Electrical Panel Stress in Older Homes

Homes built 30+ years ago weren’t designed to handle the modern energy loads we put on them today—especially not in summer when A/C, refrigerators, washers, and pool equipment all run at once. Panels that are outdated or overloaded may run hot, trip breakers frequently, or even pose a fire risk.

How to prevent it:
Have your panel inspected if you’ve experienced frequent breaker trips, noticed burning smells, or had appliances lose power unexpectedly. Lynn Electric can upgrade your panel or redistribute load across circuits to reduce strain and improve safety.

6. GFCI Outlet Failures in Damp Areas

Summer humidity—and activities like watering lawns or swimming—adds extra moisture to the environment, which increases the risk of ground faults. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to protect you, but older or faulty GFCIs may not trip properly.

How to prevent it:
Test your GFCI outlets monthly using the “Test” and “Reset” buttons. If they don’t trip and reset, they need to be replaced. Lynn Electric can install new, code-compliant GFCIs in your kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and all outdoor locations for added peace of mind.

Stay Ahead of the Heat—Call Lynn Electric

Being proactive about electrical maintenance in the summer isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety. Whether you need to upgrade your electrical panel, install surge protection, or rewire outdoor outlets, Lynn Electric is here to help.

Our licensed electricians serve homes and businesses throughout the Kansas City area, offering inspections, repairs, and custom solutions to keep your summer stress-free and your power flowing smoothly.

Don’t wait until the next outage or storm—schedule your summer electrical checkup today.

📞 Call Lynn Electric or Request a Service Online