Is your electrical panel ready for summer? AC load and panel upgrades
By the RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical Team · Reviewed by our licensed electricians · Serving DeSoto County since 1999
Why summer exposes a weak panel
Summer is when a weak electrical panel finally shows itself. The AC is pulling hard for months, everyone is running fans and electronics, and that is often when breakers start tripping. If your panel is struggling under the summer load, here is what is going on and what to do about it.
Air conditioners draw a big surge of current every time the compressor starts. Stack that on top of everything else running in a hot house, and an older panel can hit its limit. Frequent tripping, a panel that feels warm, or lights that dim when the AC kicks on are all signs the system is maxed out.
Adding circuits for cooling
If you are adding a mini split or a second system to beat the heat, it needs its own dedicated circuit, and that only works if the panel has capacity. Our electricians check your available load before any new cooling equipment goes in, and upgrade the panel to 200 amps if the numbers call for it.
Surge protection for storm season
Summer in North Mississippi also means thunderstorms, and a nearby lightning strike can send a surge through your wiring that takes out electronics and even your HVAC controls. A whole-home surge protector at the panel guards every circuit, which is cheap insurance next to replacing an air handler. The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends pairing it with point-of-use protectors on sensitive gear.
Common questions
Why does my breaker trip when the AC starts?
The compressor pulls a surge of current at startup. If the circuit or panel is already near capacity, that surge trips the breaker. It is a sign that the system is overloaded and warrants evaluation.
Can my panel handle a mini split?
Maybe. A mini split needs a dedicated circuit, so we check your available capacity first and upgrade the panel if needed before installing.
Is whole-home surge protection worth it?
In a lightning-prone area like ours, yes. A panel-level protector costs far less than replacing the electronics and HVAC equipment that a surge can destroy.
The bottom line
Do not wait for a breaker to trip in the middle of a heat wave. Let us check whether your panel is ready for the summer. Call 662-429-2590 or book an estimate.
Protect your investment with the RW Comfort Club
Heat is hard on electrical connections, and in summer, loose or corroded ones are more likely to overheat. The Comfort Club electrical plan uses thermal-scopes to inspect your panel and connections every year, tighten everything, and test your breakers and surge protection before trouble starts.
Members also earn $50 toward a new panel for every consecutive year enrolled.
About RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical
We’re a family-owned shop that’s been keeping DeSoto County homes safe and powered since 1999. We’re a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, our technicians are NATE-certified, and we’ve held an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau since the year we opened. Read what your neighbors say on our reviews page, or meet the crew on our About Us page.
Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
