When Florida temperatures rise, your home’s electrical system works harder than ever. Air conditioners run nonstop, ceiling fans spin all day, and smart home devices stay online to keep your family connected and safe. At GT Electric, we know summer heatwaves can test your system’s limits—so we’ve put together essential summer electrical tips for homeowners in Tallahassee and beyond.
1. Schedule a Home Electrical Inspection
Before your energy use spikes, it’s smart to make sure your electrical system is up to the task. A professional inspection can identify:
- Loose wiring or outdated panels
- Overloaded circuits
- Safety hazards that increase fire risk
At GT Electric, our licensed electricians provide comprehensive residential inspections to ensure your home operates safely and efficiently.
2. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel if Needed
If your home is older or you’re running high-demand appliances (like a pool pump or central AC), your panel may need an upgrade. Signs it’s time:
- Tripped breakers
- Flickering lights
- Burn marks or heat near your breaker box
We specialize in breaker box upgrades to ensure your system keeps up with today’s electrical loads.
3. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection
Summer storms in Florida can knock out power in an instant. Whole-home surge protectors shield your electronics from sudden voltage spikes, helping prevent expensive damage to:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Smart TVs and home offices
- HVAC and security systems
Protect your home before the next lightning strike.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Cooling
Staying cool doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Make energy-conscious choices like:
- Using ceiling fans to circulate cool air
- Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when away
- Installing smart thermostats to automate cooling
In the summer, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise when viewed from below. This setting pushes air downward, creating a wind-chill effect that helps you feel cooler, even if the temperature stays the same.
Look for a small switch on the fan’s motor housing:
- Flip it to the counterclockwise position in summer.
- Use medium to high speed for best cooling effect.
We can help install energy-efficient upgrades that reduce your summer power bill.
5. Keep Generators Ready
Whether it’s for storms or outages, having a generator can make all the difference. We offer:
- Generator installation
- Transfer switch setup
- Maintenance to ensure your system is ready when you need it most
Don’t wait for a blackout—ask GT Electric about backup power solutions today.
Notable Power Outage Events Since 2020
Tropical Storm Mindy (September 2021)
– Over 10,000 customers in the Tallahassee region lost power for several hours due to heavy rain and wind. Power Outage USA+12Wikipedia+12Talgov+12.
Tornado Outbreak (May 10, 2024)
– Two EF‑2 tornadoes struck Tallahassee and Leon County, causing over 66,000 outage reports at their peak, including about half the city. Hundreds of power poles were destroyed Wikipedia.
Hurricane Helene (September 2024)
– Widespread high winds impacted the Big Bend region. While Tallahassee’s outages weren’t fully quantified, over 1.3 million statewide were left without power data.tallahassee.com+7Wikipedia+7Wikipedia+7.
Hurricane Hermine (August 2016)
– Although pre‑2020, this reminds us that severe storms frequently cause outages (about 80% of households lost power in Tallahassee then) Wikipedia.
Summary Of Power Outages Caused by Storms in Tallahassee, FL.
| Year | Major Outage Events | Customers Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tropical Storm Mindy | ~10,000 |
| 2024 | May tornadoes | ~66,000 |
| 2024 | Hurricane Helene (statewide) | millions statewide |
- Weekly brownouts or brief sectoral dips aren’t recorded here, but these major events show Tallahassee regularly experiences storm-driven outages.
- Utilities (City of Tallahassee Utilities, Talquin Electric) do report outages live, but typically focus on current tracking rather than historical frequency Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4weather.gov+4GT Electric of Florida, Inc.
Homeowner Takeaways
- Backup power options, like generators or UPS systems, are highly recommended—especially during peak storm seasons (June–November in Florida).
- Storm-proofing measures (e.g., surge protection, reinforced panels, tree-trimming) help reduce outage impact.
Why Homeowners Trust GT Electric
With over 150 years of combined experience, GT Electric is Tallahassee’s trusted residential electrical contractor. We’re state-certified, fully licensed, and always on call—whether it’s a house call or a full-home system upgrade. We deliver service that’s:
✅ Safer
✅ Smarter
✅ Brighter
Need Help Getting Summer-Ready?
Contact GT Electric today to schedule your inspection, upgrade your panel, or ask about generator installation. We’re here to help you stay cool, connected, and confident all season long.
