Snow is in the forecast this weekend! It looks like winter isn’t over just yet. Maintaining your home can be tough no matter what time of the year, but the winter season adds a few extra problems such as the risk of ice dams, freezing plumbing, or busted furnaces. Your home depends on electricity to function, which is why maintaining your home’s electrical system should be a top priority.

 

 

Ultimately the best thing you can do during a snowstorm is to stay inside and prepare your home for any potential storms and power outages. To stay safe and comfortable this winter season, here are five ways to maintain your home and its electrical system.

 

One of the best ways to prepare your home and maintain your home’s electrical system is to have a backup source of power generation. Installing a standby generator not only ensures you’ll have power during a power outage but that your entire house is insulated and running during the worst of any snowstorm. A standby generator is hooked directly into your home’s electrical system, automatically generating power within seconds of a power outage, and protecting your home’s electronics from any harmful power surges. While a snowstorm might not cause a power outage, it’s better to be prepared than be trapped inside a house without power.

 

Your home’s electrical system is complicated, and properly maintaining it can be even more complicated. Taking care of your home’s major appliances, however, can prevent certain electrical problems such as overloading the electrical panel or starting an electrical fire. Routinely inspecting and maintaining appliances such as your furnace, water heater, and refrigerator, can all count toward preparing your home’s electrical system for the worst.

 

Your furnace and water heater work hard enough to properly heat your home. If your home is lacking enough insulation, it means your furnace and water heater are running longer than necessary to generate heat in your home. Replacing old or damaged insulation, adding new insulation, and sealing any potential air leaks not only helps keep your home warm and cozy, but it also puts less strain on your home’s electrical system.

 

Ensuring your home’s electrical system is ready for a snowstorm means thoroughly inspecting your home’s wiring. A fully winterized home with energy efficient appliances won’t make much of a difference if the wiring is old and outdated. If your home’s wiring is reaching the end of its lifespan, it’s important to rewire it as soon as possible. Look for the warning signs. Check for frayed or damaged wires, hot to the touch or burnt outlets, a constantly tripping circuit breaker, dimming or flickering lights, or popping, crackling, or buzzing noises.

 

The problem may not be with your home’s wiring, but its electrical panel. Your electrical panel is designed to cut off power whenever there is an overload which can result in an electrical fire. An outdated electrical panel is not only a safety hazard, but outdated, and unable to handle your home’s current electrical load. If your circuit breaker trips often, you experience frequent power surges, or you hear buzzing coming from the electrical panel, it may be time for a replacement.

 

Our technicians are ready to help you solve any emergency repair your home faces! When you’re having electrical problems, every minute counts. This is especially important during winter weather, so give us a call as soon as you suspect there may be a problem! Some signs of an electrical emergency are:

 

Your safety and comfort are our main concern. We offer an $88 Electrical System Check to help prepare you for weather extremes, as well as year-round electrical use!