If you’ve lived in East Texas for any length of time, you already know how brutal the summer heat can be. But what many homeowners overlook is how much stress that heat puts on your electrical system. As a general contractor who’s seen it all—from melted outlets to overworked air conditioners—I want to walk you through the smart electrical upgrades that can make a huge difference in your home’s comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Let’s dive into the ones that are absolutely worth your time (and investment).
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel to Handle Increased Load
One of the first upgrades I recommend—especially for older homes—is replacing or upgrading your electrical panel. Why? Because modern appliances, high-efficiency HVAC units, and increased energy use during hot summers can overwhelm outdated panels.
A modern 200-amp panel gives you the capacity to run your cooling system, fridge, washer, and all your electronics without tripping breakers. Plus, if you’re thinking about adding future upgrades like a home EV charger, hot tub, or solar panels, a newer panel gives you room to grow.
In the East Texas heat, your A/C is likely the hardest-working appliance in your home. A properly sized panel makes sure it has the juice to keep running, even during those long heatwaves.
Install a Whole-House Surge Protector
When the heat ramps up, we often get sudden thunderstorms, power surges, or even brownouts. A whole-house surge protector can protect your valuable electronics and appliances from getting fried during these fluctuations.
Unlike those little surge strips behind your TV, a whole-house surge protector installs directly into your electrical panel and defends everything connected to it. Think about your HVAC, refrigerator, washer/dryer, and even your smart home devices. Replacing just one fried A/C compressor could cost thousands—this upgrade gives you peace of mind at a fraction of the cost.
In a region where extreme weather is normal, this isn’t just a luxury—it’s protection.
Upgrade HVAC Circuits and Dedicated Lines
Your air conditioning unit is essential, and it needs a reliable electrical supply. If your A/C is wired into a general-purpose circuit or an older line, it may not get the steady power it needs—especially when everything else is running full blast.
By upgrading your HVAC circuit to a dedicated line with the proper gauge wiring and breaker size, you’ll ensure that your cooling system doesn’t trip or short out during the hottest part of the day. Plus, this upgrade helps extend the life of your A/C unit, which is no small win in the East Texas climate.
It’s a smart move that keeps your system efficient and prevents surprise breakdowns when you need it most.
Add Smart Thermostat and Energy Monitoring Devices
One of the best ways to manage energy use during extreme heat is by installing a smart thermostat. These devices learn your habits, adjust temperatures when you’re away, and can even respond to peak energy demand times automatically—helping you save on bills without lifting a finger.
Pair your thermostat with an energy monitoring system, and now you’re in full control. You can see in real time what appliances are using the most electricity and catch issues early—like an HVAC unit that’s working overtime because of a clogged filter or faulty ductwork.
In East Texas, where your A/C is probably your home’s biggest energy hog, a smart system can make a noticeable difference in comfort and cost.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Ceiling Fans and Lighting
Another underrated electrical upgrade? Installing energy-efficient ceiling fans and LED lighting. Ceiling fans help circulate air, making rooms feel cooler without needing to crank the A/C down. Just make sure they’re installed on dedicated fan-rated boxes and not just light fixtures—they draw more current than you’d think.
Meanwhile, LED lights not only use less energy but also produce far less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. That’s especially helpful during peak summer when every degree counts.
These small changes add up quickly—less energy waste, reduced cooling costs, and a cooler home overall.
Consider Adding a Backup Generator or Battery System
Now, let’s talk about what happens when the power goes out during a major heat wave. A backup generator or battery system can keep essential circuits powered—like your fridge, A/C, and medical devices—until the grid comes back online.
In East Texas, where outages aren’t uncommon during storms or periods of high demand, having backup power isn’t just a convenience—it’s about keeping your family safe and your home livable.
Generators can be hardwired to kick on automatically, or you can go with a battery backup system paired with solar if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly route. Either way, this upgrade can be a game-changer.
Don’t Overlook GFCI and AFCI Outlet Upgrades
Hot and humid conditions are a perfect storm for electrical fires and shorts—especially in older homes with outdated wiring. That’s why upgrading to GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas is a must.
Even better, consider AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets or breakers for living rooms and bedrooms. These detect tiny sparks from damaged wires that could start fires, especially in dry, overheated walls.
These upgrades might not be flashy, but they make your home dramatically safer—especially in regions where heat and humidity can wear down wires faster than you think.
Your Go-To for East Texas Electrical Work
At Home Projex, we live and work in East Texas too—so we get it. We’ve seen firsthand how brutal summers can take a toll on electrical systems. Whether it’s upgrading your panel, installing surge protection, or wiring a whole new cooling system, we do it all with care, precision, and a deep understanding of what homes in this region need.
When you’re ready to protect your home from the heat, give us a call. We’ll treat your project like it’s our own, because we know how important it is to feel safe and comfortable.
Beating the Heat Starts Behind the Walls
Staying cool in East Texas takes more than just turning down the thermostat. It means making sure the wiring, breakers, circuits, and systems behind the walls are up to the task. Electrical upgrades might not be the most glamorous home improvement, but they’re some of the most essential.
Take care of your home’s electrical backbone now, and you’ll be ready—not just for the next heat wave, but for years of reliable comfort ahead.
