Electrical Issues to Avoid This Winter

Your home electrical system is the lifeblood of almost everything you use. From your computer setup to your kitchen appliances to your television to your washer and dryer–there are endless items depending on consistent electricity to keep you comfortable, warm and entertained. In the cooler winter months, we spend more time indoors and therefore use more electricity. That means electrical issues are more likely to arise, so it’s essential to monitor your electrical system and watch for potential problems.

We’re firm believers in helping to educate our customers, so we’ve compiled several issues to watch out for, along with some winter electrical safety tips to keep in mind.

Common Winter Electrical Problems

Here, you can learn about some of the more common winter electrical issues to help you better prepare your home for the winter months.

Power Outages

Winter can often bring damaging weather conditions like snow, ice and freezing rain. If your home is unprotected, you may be leaving yourself vulnerable to weather-related power outages. Having your electrical system thoroughly checked by a professional can help determine if your home is ready for winter and identify areas that could use tune-ups. However, not all power outages can be avoided. If a power line goes down or the entire grid in your area experiences damage, you could be in trouble. But with the help of a standby home generator, you may not even notice when these power outages occur. Home generators immediately kick in if the electrical source goes out, providing you and your family with a safe, cozy and fully lit home while you wait for the outage to be resolved.

Old Equipment

There are a few devices that are most often brought out during winter, and they also happen to be some of the most common contributors to electrical home fires – space heaters, electric blankets and holiday lights. Older equipment and appliances are often incompatible with modern homes and should be checked regularly. If you do plan on using a space heater or electric blanket this winter, be sure to check the cords for fraying, tears or signs of wear. Do the same for holiday lights, both indoor and outdoor. As a general guideline, it is best to replace any of these items that are five years or older due to wear and tear.

Tripping Circuit Breakers

The winter season can mean extra work for your electrical panel. With the extra use of heating systems, portable heaters, and holiday decorations, there can be a heavy strain on your electrical system. If your home has an older electrical panel, you’re running a huge risk of overloading. In other words, there is an electrical need that your current panel cannot provide. This can prove to be a major fire hazard for your home. One solution to this would be to upgrade your electrical panel, also known as a “heavy up.” This will allow more amperage to enter your house so your electrical system can handle an increased load.

Flickering Lights

Flickering or dimming lights are often a sign to replace the bulbs. However, not all flickering lights can be fixed with a replacement bulb. Flickering lights could be due to a bigger electrical problem hiding behind your walls, due to faulty circuitry or the switch itself. If you’ve attempted to replace your lightbulbs and nothing has changed, make sure to have a certified electrician come out and assess what could be impacting your electrical panel.

Static Electricity

With all that extra heat you’re pumping throughout your home, along with the dry, cool air outside, you’re more likely to experience some “zaps” in the winter months. While this may not be tied directly to your electricity, it is an issue that can harm your electronics in numerous ways. The addition of extra sparks can lead to fire hazards or damage your appliances and electrical wiring. Similarly, static electricity can increase the risk of devices overheating and undergoing internal damage. One of the most simple ways to reduce static electricity in the home is to invest in a humidifier and keep your external heat use, especially space heaters, at a minimum.

Is your home’s electrical system in need of upgrading or repair for this winter? Do you need professional help identifying issues before they become major problems? Depending on its age and condition, you might want to consider calling Bradley Mechanical. We can help you avoid these common winter electrical problems and give you peace of mind knowing your home will be safe throughout the winter season. Our team of certified electricians can help you troubleshoot any electrical problems in your home or even provide winter electrical safety tips for you to utilize year after year. We have been the trusted electrical experts in the Richmond and Central Virginia area for over 50 years. Give us a call today at (804) 748-6728.