Keeping Your Cool.
Smart Electrical Upgrades for Summer in WA Homes
Summer in Western Australia brings long days, blue skies, and, of course, the heat. As temperatures rise, our homes become not just places to live but sanctuaries from the scorching sun. At Handcock Electrical, we understand that keeping your home safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient during summer starts with the right electrical setup. In this guide, we walk you through smart upgrades that can make a huge difference in your household this summer.
The Impact of WA Summers on Your Electrical Systems
With the average summer temperature in Perth exceeding 30°C, the electrical demand in households increases significantly. Air conditioning units run longer, ceiling fans spin faster, and fridges work harder to keep food cool. Overloaded switchboards, worn wiring, and outdated appliances can become dangerous or inefficient.
That’s why Handcock Electrical recommends conducting a summer readiness electrical check-up. This includes inspecting:
• Switchboards for capacity and safety
• Ceiling fans and AC connections
• Outdoor power points for wear or water damage
• Smoke alarm battery life and compliance
We frequently identify electrical risks during these inspections that could lead to failure or safety hazards. For example, older fuses that haven’t been upgraded can blow during a heatwave when multiple appliances run simultaneously. A pre-summer check ensures peace of mind.
Energy-Efficient Cooling Solutions
1. Ceiling Fans: Affordable and Effective
Installing ceiling fans in bedrooms and living spaces can lower your reliance on air conditioners. A good ceiling fan circulates air and reduces the perceived temperature by several degrees. Our electricians ensure they are safely installed with proper wall switches or remotes.
Ceiling fans are one of the most cost-effective ways to stay cool. Unlike air conditioners, which consume more power, fans use significantly less energy. Handcock Electrical can advise on ideal fan positioning to maximise airflow while avoiding design disruptions.
2. Air Conditioning Support
Whether you’re upgrading or installing for the first time, Handcock Electrical can wire and connect air conditioning systems safely. We ensure your home’s circuitry is capable of handling the increased demand.
Split systems and ducted units both have high power requirements. We assess:
• Circuit load capacity
• Safety switch coverage
• Surge protection
• Cabling and outlet safety
We also work closely with air conditioning installers to provide a full-service solution from quote to connection.
3. Zoning and Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat allows you to program cooling times or manage zones. We can help wire and integrate systems that talk to your Wi-Fi and reduce costs while keeping your home cool.
Smart thermostats are increasingly popular for WA homes, helping to automate and fine-tune cooling based on real-time weather changes and your preferences. Our team ensures your electrical system supports these technologies.
Outdoor Power and Lighting
1. Garden Lighting for Entertaining
Warm summer nights are perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining. Adding low-voltage garden lighting, wall lights or deck lights can create ambience while improving safety. Our licensed team installs weatherproof fittings that withstand WA’s climate.
Lighting placement matters. We ensure:
• No dark corners that could pose tripping hazards
• Low-energy LED fittings
• Proper cabling and protected junctions
2. Outdoor Power Points
Have a new BBQ or outdoor fridge? We install outdoor GPOs (general power outlets) with waterproof covers and safe placements.
Outdoor power must meet strict safety requirements. Our electricians ensure:
• Outlets are RCD-protected
• Placement meets legal clearance from wet areas
• All fixtures are compliant with AS/NZS 3000 standards
Switchboard Upgrades: A Smart Summer Investment
Older homes often have switchboards that struggle with modern power loads. During summer, the risk of circuit overloads increases with fans, air conditioners, pool pumps, and appliances running simultaneously.
Upgrading your switchboard ensures your system is:
• Compliant with WA safety standards
• Capable of managing high summer loads
• Equipped with safety switches (RCDs)
Benefits of a modern switchboard:
• Fewer tripped circuits
• Better protection from fire hazards
• Safer household during storms or surges
At Handcock Electrical, we complete a full load assessment before recommending an upgrade. We’ll also replace old ceramic fuses or asbestos backboards where found.
Preventing Power Surges and Protecting Appliances
Summer storms and power grid demand surges can lead to brownouts and damage sensitive electronics. Surge protection devices (SPDs) are a must-have.
Handcock Electrical offers:
• Whole-home surge protectors
• Surge protected power points
• Advice on best placement for AV systems, NBN, computers, and more
We commonly install surge boards in:
• Home offices
• Entertainment hubs
• Kitchen areas
You’ve invested in these appliances; protect them with proper surge safety.
Solar Systems: Are They Summer Ready?
If you already have solar panels installed, we recommend a pre-summer service check. We inspect the inverter, wiring, switches and isolation devices to ensure everything functions safely and efficiently. If you’re planning to go solar, we work alongside accredited solar installers to ensure a compliant, high-quality electrical connection.
Signs your solar needs servicing:
• Fluctuating power output
• Inverter lights flashing red
• Visible wear on wiring or panels
Handcock Electrical provides detailed electrical inspections to ensure all system components meet regulatory compliance and are ready to support peak summer performance.
Smoke Alarms and Summer Safety
Summer is unfortunately also bushfire season. Smoke alarms need to be in peak condition. Handcock Electrical can inspect, install, and upgrade smoke alarms to ensure your family is protected and compliant with current WA laws.
We install interconnected hard-wired smoke alarms that:
• Detect smoke early
• Alert the whole household
• Meet legislative requirements
WA laws require:
• Smoke alarms on each level
• Hard-wired with battery backup
• Interconnection between alarms in certain layouts
Holiday Electrical Safety Tips
Heading away over the holidays? Here’s our checklist:
• Turn off unused appliances at the switch
• Unplug sensitive electronics
• Set outdoor lights on timers
• Consider a home electrical inspection before extended trips
We also offer:
• Smart home timers for light automation
• Safety switches with reset testing
• Mains disconnection services for unoccupied homes
Why Choose Handcock Electrical for Summer Readiness
We are a family-owned business with over a decade of experience helping WA homeowners prepare for the seasons. Our licensed electricians work with you to:
• Provide upfront pricing
• Deliver clean, reliable, and timely service
• Offer advice tailored to your lifestyle and home setup
We service:
• Perth Metro
• Fremantle
• Rockingham
• Cockburn
• Cannington
• Surrounding areas
Whether you need a ceiling fan installed or a full switchboard upgrade, our team is here to help you stay safe and comfortable this summer.
Conclusion
A cool, safe, and energy-efficient summer starts with a reliable electrical setup. Handcock Electrical is your local expert in summer-proofing your home. Contact us today to book your summer electrical service.