It is normal to look forward to the summer. After all, you get to enjoy longer days, holidays, and more outdoor time in favorable weather. Not to say nothing can go wrong. For example, some households may experience a sudden power outage due to a disaster. 

Losing power suddenly can be a hassle. For one, you will be without light and basic appliances like your fridge, router, or even mobile phone. There is also the risk that unstable power can damage sensitive appliances. 

The good news is, this does not have to be your reality. You can plan for power backup solutions that can keep your home safe and comfortable when the lights go out. We’ll see how. 

How to Prepare Your Home Electronics for Summer Power Outages

Not every power outage is the same. Some last just a few minutes, while others can drag on for hours or days. Short-term shortages can be caused by simple electrical faults or a brief storm. But they will interrupt your work, and refrigerated food may go bad if it lingers. A simple power bank or UPS can serve as backup power for such an outage. 

More severe storms, wildfires, or heatwaves may cause longer outages. In this case, you may wish to keep running essential electronics like a refrigerator, medical devices, or laptops. For this, you will need a UPS and perhaps a full solar installation with batteries. It is more difficult to manage a prolonged outage. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to prepare your home electronics for summer power outages. You will learn what steps to take during short and long blackouts. You will also see how a UPS or solar installation with batteries can help.

Steps To Help You Prepare for a Summer Outage

These steps will help you prepare for a power outage, especially during summer: 

#1 Get a UPS

UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. It is one simple but effective way to power and protect your electronics during an outage. A UPS is a backup battery system that switches over immediately when the power goes out.

A UPS isn't just an alternative power source. The quick switchover function will keep your PC, laptop, or NAS system on even after an outage. This way, you won't lose important work. Also, your Wi-Fi router will remain powered, so you can stay connected.

Advanced systems like Goldenmate UPS will protect sensitive electronics from power surges or voltage spikes that can happen during an outage. Otherwise, unsteady power may damage your TV or NAS, and these are costly to replace. 

The UPS will turn on automatically once the system detects a power failure. This is really convenient since a power failure can be sudden. Also, the system needs minimal maintenance but will serve for over a decade. Its LiFePO4 battery technology will deliver over 10 years of power and protection. 

However, in case of high power demands during a prolonged outage, you may need other alternative power sources.  

#2 Set up Solar as Backup Power Supply

When blackouts last longer, you’ll need a generator or solar setup. But solar energy is more eco-friendly. The setup can consist of the solar panels, an inverter, and batteries. The panels convert sunlight to energy, which is stored in the battery. The inverter converts DC power from the batteries into AC that your home devices use.

Your batteries recharge during the day in the summer sun. You can then use the stored energy throughout the day or at night when there is no more sun. The kind of energy is renewable and available from the sun. Also, it can handle more household electronics for longer. 

The solution feels like too much, but it may be your best option during an extended outage. If you live in an area that is prone to long outages, you should consider a more permanent solution. This is also how you get off the grid. If you're considering this, remember to shop for durable LiFePO4 batteries from Goldenmate. 

A solar backup system can constantly power your whole house all through the duration of an outage. It’s a more robust and permanent fix.  

#3 Keep Torches and Batteries Handy

Not everything should be high tech. A simple torch (flashlight) with spare batteries can help you find your way when the lights go out. You can place a few torches around your home, in bedrooms, the kitchen, and the sitting room so they are easy to find.

Rechargeable LED lanterns are another good option. You can recharge them using your UPS or solar backup. But we advise you to avoid light sources with naked flames like candles. These could pose a fire hazard.

#4 Switch off Noncritical Electrical Appliances

During an outage, unplug or switch off those heavy-draw appliances that you don’t need right away. This reduces strain on your backup power and protects devices from sudden power surges when electricity is restored. Some of these devices could be TV, gaming console, washing machine, and oven. 

Only connect sensitive or essential appliances like the fan or fridge to the backup power. This is especially true if the outage will linger. 

#5 Protect the Food in Your Fridge and Freezer

A power outage can quickly spoil your groceries, especially during the summer heat. In case of a short term outage, you can still keep food safe. Keep the doors closed as much as possible so the fridge can remain chill. 

A fridge will keep food cold for about 4 hours without power. But a freezer will keep food safe for about 48 hours. If you have a solar battery system, connect your fridge to preserve the fresh items. Alternatively, you can have a table top fridge or an electrical cooler. These use less power and are handy during emergencies. 

#5 Charge Your Mobile Phone Is Charged

Your phone is your lifeline during an outage. With a powered phone, you can contact family and neighbors, or receive emergency updates. Always charge it before a predicted storm or heatwave. A pocket sized power bank can give you extra hours of use, while a UPS can keep your Wi-Fi router running so you can stay connected.

#6 Leave a Light Switched On

It may sound odd, but leaving one light switched on helps. You will be alerted right away when the power returns, even if you’re in another room or asleep.

#7 Fill Your Car With Petrol

Your car can be more than transport during a long blackout. With a full tank, you can drive to a safe location if needed. You can also charge your phone using a car charger or keep the radio running to hear updates.

Refueling is urgent because fuel stations may lose power, too. They may not be able to pump fuel, so topping up ahead of time is smart.

#8 Ensure Essential Medical Equipment Has a Battery Backup

For anyone who relies on medical equipment at home like oxygen machines or CPAP devices, a power outage can be dangerous. Always make sure these devices have a battery backup and, if possible, connect them to a UPS or solar battery system for uninterrupted use.

How To Manage a Summer Outage

Stay Cool

Summer outages are harder because of the heat. Without air conditioning, indoor temperatures can rise quickly. Here are some tips to stay safe and cool:

• Draw blinds or curtains to block out direct sunlight.

• Stay in shaded areas of your home.

• Wear loose, light clothing.

• Drink water often, but in small amounts at a time. This way, you can keep cool without drinking too much water. 

• If the heat becomes too much, head to a community cooling center or a friend’s place with power.

Stay Connected to Emergency Broadcasting

A battery powered or solar radio can help you stay informed when your Wi-Fi and mobile networks go down. Local emergency channels will update you on the blackout duration, heat warnings, and safety instructions.

Final Thoughts

Summer power outages don’t have to catch you by surprise. By taking a few simple steps like setting up a UPS or using solar backup, you can keep your home safe and comfortable when the grid goes off.

Goldenmate Energy’s LiFePO4 UPS and battery systems give you peace of mind, whether it’s a short blackout or a long one. They protect your electronics, keep you connected, and help you manage through the heat. Be one step ahead of the emergency; choose a reliable power option today.