Common Myths About Home Surge Protection Debunked

| | Surge Protection

When it comes to protecting your home’s electrical system, there’s no shortage of advice out there. Unfortunately, a lot of that advice is based on myths or misunderstandings about how surge protection works. At A.C. Desert Electric, we believe in giving homeowners clear, accurate information so they can make the best decisions for their property. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions about home surge protection in Glendale or the surrounding areas.

Electrical services upgrade

Myth 1: Power strips are the same as surge protectors

Many people assume that any strip with multiple outlets will keep their electronics safe. In reality, a basic power strip simply offers more plug space—it doesn’t protect against electrical surges. Even power strips with surge protection built in are typically limited in capacity and may not guard against larger surges from lightning strikes or utility grid issues. Whole-home surge protection is a far more robust and reliable solution.

Myth 2: You only need surge protection during storms

It’s true that lightning can cause severe power surges, but it’s far from the only culprit. Everyday events—like large appliances cycling on and off, faulty wiring or fluctuations from the utility company—can create small surges that gradually wear down your electronics. These “silent” surges can occur multiple times a day, all year long, even when skies are clear.

Myth 3: Surge protectors last forever

Surge protection devices degrade over time as they absorb surges. A device that has taken several hits may no longer provide adequate protection, even if it still passes power through to your equipment. This is why regular inspection and replacement are important. A.C. Desert Electric can evaluate your surge protection system and ensure it’s still working as intended.

Myth 4: Only expensive electronics need surge protection

While protecting your high-end TV or gaming console is important, surges can also damage essential appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and HVAC systems. Replacing these can be far more expensive than replacing smaller gadgets, making whole-home surge protection a smart investment for your entire electrical system.

The truth about surge protection

The best way to guard your home is with a professionally installed whole-home surge protection system, backed up by quality point-of-use protectors for sensitive electronics. This layered approach minimizes the risk of damage, saves money in the long run and gives you peace of mind.

At A.C. Desert Electric, we’ve helped countless homeowners protect their investments from unexpected electrical spikes. If you’re ready to separate fact from fiction and get real protection for your home, contact us today for a consultation. Call us at 623-487-0687 to discuss home surge protection in Glendale or the surrounding areas, or reach out online to request service or a free quote.

How Electrical Service Upgrades Improve Home Safety

| | Electrical Services, Electrical Upgrades

When it comes to protecting your home and loved ones, electrical safety should never be overlooked. Many homes—especially those built more than 30 years ago—still rely on outdated electrical systems that simply weren’t designed to handle the demands of modern technology. At A.C. Desert Electric, we often recommend electrical service upgrades in Peoria not just for performance or convenience, but because they significantly improve home safety.

Electrical services upgrade

So, how exactly does upgrading your electrical service make your home safer? Let’s take a closer look.

Reduces Risk of Electrical Fires

Old or overloaded electrical panels are one of the leading causes of electrical fires in residential properties. As more devices and appliances are added to your home, your system may struggle to keep up, causing breakers to trip frequently or wires to overheat. An upgraded electrical service increases capacity and distributes power more efficiently, which helps prevent dangerous overheating and electrical arcing.

Replaces Outdated or Unsafe Components

Homes built before the 1980s may still have outdated equipment like fuse boxes or aluminum wiring. These older components can pose serious safety risks, especially when paired with today’s high-energy demands. During an upgrade, our licensed electricians inspect and replace aging or damaged parts, bringing your system up to current code and drastically reducing hazards.

Supports Proper Grounding and Surge Protection

Proper grounding is essential for directing excess electricity safely into the earth and away from your electrical system. A modern electrical upgrade includes grounding improvements and options for whole-home surge protection. These safeguards are crucial for protecting not only your home but also sensitive electronics from lightning strikes or power surges.

Prepares Your Home for Emergency Systems

Whether you’re thinking about adding a backup generator or upgrading your HVAC system, an electrical service upgrade ensures your home can handle these essential safety and comfort systems. When your power needs change, your electrical system should evolve with it.

Improves Compliance and Insurance Standing

Upgrading your electrical system to meet current codes doesn’t just make your home safer—it can also help with insurance. Some insurers offer better rates or require an electrical update before issuing a new policy. Code-compliant systems are easier to insure and reduce the risk of claims due to electrical failure.

Get Peace of Mind with A.C. Desert Electric

At A.C. Desert Electric, your safety is our top priority. If you’re unsure whether your home’s electrical system is up to date, give us a call. We’ll inspect your current setup and let you know if an upgrade could make your home safer and more efficient. Don’t wait for signs of trouble—get ahead of potential hazards with a professional electrical service upgrade. Call A.C. Desert Electric today at 623-487-0687 to discuss your electrical service upgrades in Peoria or the surrounding areas, or reach out online to request service or a free quote.

10 Common Electrical Problems in Homes and How to Fix Them

| | Electrical Services

Electrical problems can be both frustrating and dangerous if left unchecked. At A.C. Desert Electric, serving Peoria, Arizona, and the greater Phoenix area, we understand how important a safe and functional electrical system is for your home. Here are ten common electrical issues homeowners face and tips on how to address them:

1. Flickering Lights

Cause: Loose bulbs, faulty wiring or overloaded circuits.

Fix: Tighten the bulb. If the problem continues, call A.C. Desert Electric to inspect the wiring and resolve the issue.

2. Tripped Circuit Breakers

Cause: Overloaded circuits or faulty appliances.

Fix: Identify and unplug the appliance causing the overload. If this happens regularly, let us evaluate your system for potential upgrades.

3. Dead Outlets

Cause: Tripped GFCI outlets or damaged wiring.

Fix: Press the GFCI reset button. If it doesn’t work, schedule a service with our team to safely restore power.

4. High Electric Bills

Cause: Outdated appliances, poor insulation or phantom energy.

Fix: Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances or let us help you identify and address energy inefficiencies in your home.

5. Burning Smell

Cause: Overheating wires or outlets.

Fix: Turn off power to the area immediately and call A.C. Desert Electric. This could indicate a serious fire hazard.

6. Dimming Lights When Using Appliances

Cause: Overloaded circuits or insufficient power supply.

Fix: We can assess your panel and recommend an upgrade to support your electrical needs.

7. Frequent Bulb Burnouts

Cause: High wattage in fixtures or faulty wiring.

Fix: Use the correct wattage for the fixture and contact us if the issue persists for a professional inspection.

8. Hot Outlets or Switches

Cause: Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits.

Fix: Stop using the outlet and call our licensed electricians to investigate and repair it.

9. Loose Outlets

Cause: General wear and tear.

Fix: Tighten the screws holding the outlet in place or let us safely replace it for you.

10. Sparks When Plugging in Devices

Cause: Short circuits or worn outlets.

Fix: Unplug the device and avoid using the outlet until inspected by one of our professionals.

Why Trust A.C. Desert Electric?

Many of these issues require the expertise of a licensed electrician to ensure your home remains safe and functional. At A.C. Desert Electric, we provide trusted electrical repair and maintenance services to homeowners across Peoria and the greater Phoenix area.

Contact us today to schedule your service and keep your home’s electrical system running smoothly!

New Website

| | Electrical Services

As a locally owned and operated business in the Phoenix area, we at A.C. Desert Electric Inc have always prided ourselves on our work, illustrating why we’re one of the area’s top companies for electrical repairs.

Because of the pride we take in our work, we’re happy to today launch our new website. It will be frequently updated with information on our electrical services. We will also use our blog to showcase projects – past and present – the A.C. Desert Electric staff has worked so very hard on.

Not familiar with A.C. Desert Electric? Browse our website to learn more about our company and services. If you’re looking for a Phoenix electrical service company, contact us to see how we can help. We look forward to working with you!