Upgrading Your Electrical System for EV Charger Installation

| | EV Chargers

As electric vehicles become more common, many homeowners are deciding to add EV chargers to their garages or driveways. Installing an EV charger at home provides unmatched convenience—allowing you to charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. However, before the installation begins, one important consideration often gets overlooked: your home’s electrical system. Making sure your system is ready to handle the increased demand is a crucial step in ensuring safe and efficient EV charger installation in Maricopa County.

ev charger installation at home electric vehicle charging while parked at home

Understanding Electrical Capacity

Every home has a limited amount of electrical capacity, measured in amps. Most modern homes are equipped with 200-amp service, while older homes may only have 100 amps. EV chargers, especially Level 2 models, draw a significant amount of power—typically between 30 and 50 amps. If your existing panel is already near capacity, adding an EV charger could overload your system.

Before installation, a qualified electrician from A.C. Desert Electric will assess your home’s current electrical load and determine whether your service panel can handle the additional demand. This assessment ensures that your new charger operates safely and efficiently without compromising the performance of other household appliances.

When an Upgrade Is Needed

If your home’s electrical service is outdated or undersized, an upgrade may be necessary. This might include replacing your main electrical panel or increasing your service capacity from 100 to 200 amps. While this adds to the upfront cost, it’s an investment in long-term reliability and safety. An upgraded panel not only supports your EV charger but also prepares your home for future electrical needs—like solar panels, a new HVAC system or other high-demand appliances.

Safety and Code Compliance

Upgrading your electrical system is not just about capacity—it’s also about compliance. Electrical codes evolve over time, and older panels may not meet today’s safety standards. A.C. Desert Electric ensures that every upgrade and installation complies with local codes and national safety regulations. Our licensed electricians handle all necessary permits, wiring, grounding and circuit protection to give you peace of mind that your home charging setup is both safe and dependable.

The Value of Professional Installation

Attempting to install or modify an electrical system on your own can be dangerous. Professional electricians have the tools, experience and training to perform detailed load calculations, manage wiring correctly and ensure proper grounding. When you choose A.C. Desert Electric, you’re choosing a team committed to high-quality workmanship and safety at every step of the process.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re considering installing an EV charger, start with an electrical inspection from A.C. Desert Electric. We’ll evaluate your system, explain your options and ensure your home is ready for the next generation of transportation. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and take the first step toward convenient, reliable EV charging at home. Call us at 623-487-0687 to talk to an electrician in Peoria and the surrounding areas, or reach out online to request service or a free quote.

10 Signs You Need to Call an Electrician Immediately

| | Electrical Services

Electricity is something we often take for granted until something goes wrong. While a flickering light or a tripped breaker might seem like minor inconveniences, they can sometimes be early warning signs of bigger issues. At A.C. Desert Electric, we believe safety should always come first. Knowing when to call a licensed electrician in Peoria and the surrounding areas can help prevent costly repairs, protect your property and most importantly, keep your family safe.

electrician working on wiring at a house

Here are 10 signs you should pick up the phone and call an electrician right away:

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

If your breaker keeps tripping, it means your electrical system is overloaded or there’s a serious wiring issue. A professional electrician can identify the cause and provide a long-term fix.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights that flicker when you use an appliance aren’t just annoying—they could signal loose wiring, overloaded circuits or faulty fixtures.

3. Burning Smell or Scorched Outlets

A burning odor near outlets or panels is a major red flag. Turn off power immediately and call an electrician, as this can indicate wiring overheating or a fire risk.

4. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds

Electricity should never make noise. If you hear buzzing from outlets or switches, it’s time to bring in a professional.

5. Warm or Discolored Outlets and Switches

Heat or discoloration on electrical fixtures means something is wrong beneath the surface, often related to loose or faulty wiring.

6. Frequent Power Outages in One Area

If one room or outlet keeps losing power, it could point to a wiring failure that needs professional repair.

7. Shocks When Plugging Things In

Even a small tingle when plugging in a device indicates improper grounding or other hazardous wiring issues.

8. Old or Outdated Wiring

If your home is decades old and hasn’t had an electrical upgrade, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection before problems occur.

9. Overloaded Extension Cords

Using multiple extension cords or power strips often means your home doesn’t have enough outlets. An electrician can safely add more.

10. Sparking Outlets or Panels

Sparks are never normal. If you notice them, shut off the circuit and call an electrician immediately.

At A.C. Desert Electric, we know how important a safe and reliable electrical system is to your daily life. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them. Contact our team for professional service and peace of mind, knowing your home or business is in safe hands. Call us at 623-487-0687 to talk to an electrician in Peoria and the surrounding areas, or reach out online to request service or a free quote.

How to Keep Your Energy Bill Low During Arizona Summers

| | Electrical Upgrades

In Arizona, summer electricity bills can feel like a second mortgage. With triple-digit heat stretching for months, your air conditioner runs almost nonstop, making it the biggest energy consumer in your home. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save money, a few smart changes can keep your home cool and your bill in check.

hand using calculator to determine energy bills

1. Upgrade Your Lighting to LED

LED bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and produce far less heat, a bonus when you’re trying to keep rooms cool. Swapping out every bulb in your home can noticeably reduce both lighting and cooling costs.

2. Install Ceiling Fans in Key Rooms

A properly installed ceiling fan can make a room feel 4–6 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat without losing comfort. For best results in Arizona homes:

  • Choose Energy Star® rated ceiling fans.
  • Have them professionally installed by a licensed Phoenix electrician to ensure they’re mounted securely and wired correctly.

3. Program Your Thermostat (or Go Smart)

Setting your thermostat to cool only when you’re home can shave hundreds off your summer bill. Smart thermostats, like the Nest or Ecobee, learn your habits and make automatic adjustments for maximum efficiency.

4. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation

If cool air is escaping through gaps around doors, windows, or ductwork, your A/C will run longer than necessary. While sealing leaks is often a DIY job, a professional energy audit can identify hidden problem spots.

5. Maintain Your A/C Unit

Dirty coils, clogged filters, and low refrigerant all force your A/C to work harder, using more electricity. Schedule annual maintenance before the summer rush to keep it running efficiently.

6. Consider an Electrical Panel Upgrade

If your home’s electrical panel is outdated, it may be distributing power inefficiently, especially with modern high-demand appliances. A panel upgrade from a licensed Arizona electrician can improve efficiency and handle your household’s needs without overloading circuits.

Bonus Tip: Shift High-Energy Tasks to Off-Peak Hours

APS and SRP offer lower rates during off-peak times (usually evenings and early mornings). Running dishwashers, laundry machines, or pool pumps during these hours can lower your bill without changing your daily comfort.

Final Thought:

Lowering your summer energy bill in Arizona isn’t just about one big change, it’s about combining small, smart habits with efficient home upgrades. If you want a personalized plan for your home, schedule an energy efficiency inspection with a licensed Phoenix electrician before the heat hits. Give us a call at 623-487-0687 or reach out here.

Monsoon Season Safety: Preventing Power Surges & Electrical Damage

| | Surge Protection

Every summer, Arizona’s monsoon season brings powerful thunderstorms, lightning strikes, dust storms, and heavy rain. While the rain is a welcome break from the heat, these storms also bring an increased risk of power surges, sudden spikes in electrical current that can damage or destroy your home’s electronics and appliances.

monsoon season in Arizona with cactus and thunderstorm with lightning in background

How Monsoon Storms Cause Power Surges

Lightning is the most common cause of major surges, but it’s not the only one. During monsoon storms in Phoenix, Peoria, and across the Valley:

  • Lightning strikes can travel through power lines and into your home.
  • Downed power lines from high winds or falling trees can cause voltage spikes.
  • Utility company switching during outages can lead to brief but powerful surges.
  • Flooding and water intrusion into electrical systems can cause short circuits.

Even a surge lasting less than a second can burn out your TV, computer, fridge, or HVAC components, and in some cases, damage your wiring.

Steps to Protect Your Home Before Monsoon Season

  1. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection
    This is your first line of defense. A licensed Arizona electrician can install a surge protector directly at your main electrical panel to stop large surges before they reach your outlets.
  2. Use Quality Surge Protector Strips
    For sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and gaming systems, use UL-listed surge strips with a high joule rating (over 1,000 joules is best).
  3. Unplug Major Devices During Severe Storms
    If you know a big monsoon cell is approaching, unplug high-value electronics until the storm passes.
  4. Have Your Electrical System Inspected Annually
    Loose connections, outdated panels, or damaged wiring make surge damage worse. A pre-monsoon inspection by a licensed Phoenix electrician ensures your system is ready.
  5. Maintain Trees and Landscaping Near Power Lines
    High winds can send branches crashing into lines, increasing the risk of surges and outages.

Why Professional Surge Protection Matters in Arizona

DIY surge protection solutions often leave gaps that storms can exploit. Whole-home surge protectors installed by a licensed Arizona electrician:

  • Handle large surges from lightning strikes
  • Protect every outlet in your home, not just one plug
  • Last for years with minimal maintenance
  • Can be paired with point-of-use surge strips for layered protection

Final Tip: Monsoon storms can be unpredictable. Preparing your electrical system now not only protects your electronics but also keeps your home safer when lightning strikes. If you’re in Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, or anywhere in the Valley, schedule a monsoon safety inspection before the first big storm rolls in. Call our office at 623-487-0687 or reach out here.

Why Arizona’s Heat is Tough on Your Electrical System

| | Electrical Services

Arizona summers aren’t just hard on people, they’re brutal on your home’s electrical system. Extreme heat puts extra strain on air conditioning units, increases demand on wiring and breakers, and can shorten the lifespan of electrical components.

When temperatures soar past 110°F, your A/C runs nonstop, pulling more amps than usual. Over time, this can cause overheated wiring, tripped breakers, and even premature panel failure. Nothing is worse than getting home from a long day at work and finding out your A/C blew a breaker. Outdoor panels and wiring in Phoenix, Peoria, and other Valley cities also take a beating in direct sunlight, which can crack casings and weaken insulation.

How to protect your system:

  • Schedule a summer electrical inspection in Arizona before the heat wave hits.
  • Keep outdoor panels shaded but ventilated.
  • Upgrade older wiring or undersized breakers with a licensed Phoenix electrician.
  • Make sure your A/C unit has a dedicated circuit.

A little preparation now can save you from costly mid-summer breakdowns. Give us a call 623-487-0687 or send us an inquiry online.