As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, our homes start to work harder. The increased demand from heaters, lights, and holiday decorations puts a significant strain on the electrical system. At Applied Electric, we believe proactive preparation is key to avoiding inconvenient—and potentially dangerous—issues. By taking a few steps now, we can help ensure your home's electrical health remains robust and reliable throughout the coldest months.
How to Prepare Your Home's Electrical System for Winter
Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection
The single most valuable step we recommend is a thorough professional inspection. Our licensed electricians can identify hidden hazards like frayed wiring, outdated components, or overloading that are often exacerbated by cold weather and increased usage. This small investment in preventative electrical services ensures your system is safe and compliant with all current NEC codebook standards.
Check and Upgrade Your Main Electric Panel
The electric panel is the heart of your system, and winter demands can push older panels past their limits. We often find that outdated panels struggle to handle modern appliance loads, leading to tripped breakers or, worse, overheating. Our team can assess the condition of your panel and perform necessary upgrades or service changes to guarantee it can safely manage your peak winter power requirements.
Manage Outdoor and Holiday Lighting Loads
We know that festive holiday lights are a winter essential, but they are often overlooked as a source of electrical strain. It is critical to use correctly rated, weatherproof extension cords and timers designed for outdoor use. Furthermore, we always encourage clients to switch to energy-efficient LED lighting to reduce the load on exterior outlets and minimize the risk of circuit overload.
Test Your Safety Devices: GFCI Outlets and Smoke Detectors
Electrical safety is always our top priority, especially when systems are under stress. We advise testing all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets monthly, as they are crucial for preventing shocks, particularly in wet or outdoor areas. Additionally, winter is the perfect time to replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring they are fully functional when you need them most.
Preparing your home’s electrical system for winter is a vital part of seasonal maintenance. From securing an inspection from a trusted local electrician to ensuring your electric panel is ready for the higher load, these steps protect your family and your property. For nearly four decades, Applied Electric has provided reliable, high-quality electrical services across the Denver Metro area. Contact us today to schedule your pre-winter checkup, or explore our services page for more information.