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Common Electrical Issues During the Winter

Most homeowners take pride in their homes. They take steps to ensure the landscaping and exterior looks great throughout the year, and regularly clean and update the décor in their home. However, when something isn’t visible all the time, it is easy to forget about. An example of this is the home’s electrical system.

Unfortunately, ignoring the electrical system in a home can lead to serious issues, the need for a costly repair, and sometimes, dangerous and deadly electrical fires. While calling electrical contractors for repairs when a problem is seen is a good idea, it is also smart to get to know some of the most common issues that may occur during the winter months. Keep reading to learn what some of these issues are.

The Potential Dangers of Space Heaters

During the colder months of the year, space heaters can be a valuable source of heat. Unfortunately, they can also lead to devastating house fires. A space heater is not only a potential fire hazard, but it also sucks up a lot of energy. If someone plans to use a space heater in their home, they need to make sure that they plug it into a dedicated outlet. When the space heater is not needed, it should be unplugged. When used properly, a space heater will help to keep a room or home warm without overheating or consuming too much power.

The Presence of Static Electricity

When humidity is limited, like in the winter months, static electricity can occur. When a charge imbalance occurs in certain dry materials, static that is caused by dry, cold winter air can create dangerous static in many situations.

For example, if static electricity is created near a flammable item or an unmonitored electrical current, it can cause a powerful and serious shock. A smart and affordable way to help prevent cases of static electricity is by investing in a humidifier. It is possible to purchase single-room humidifiers or whole-house humidifiers. This is a great way to keep moisture in the air and to prevent static. If someone wants or needs more information about static electricity, then speaking to a professional who specializes in residential electrical services is a smart move. 

Outdated or Older Equipment in Use

If a homeowner is still using old or outdated equipment, it can cause serious problems for a home’s electrical system during the colder months of the year. Some examples of the dated appliances and electronics that you need to update or replace with newer ones include electric blankets, space heaters, and more. In many cases, these items are considered incompatible with modern homes.

If the older items are used in newer homes, they may cause a serious electrical fire. If someone is still using older equipment, they should have the items inspected and checked out regularly. Sometimes, a general guideline that is used is to replace a heating appliance that is more than five years old. This is going to help prevent any issues that may arise.

The Possibility of Power Outages

Sometimes, a power outage follows storms, rain, and possibly even snow. If a home is under-protected or unprotected, it is much more vulnerable to these weather-caused power outages. By having the home’s electrical system checked regularly by professionals, it is possible to figure out if it is ready to withstand the harsh winter conditions. It may also be a good idea to invest in a backup, whole-house generator. This can be used as a source of ongoing power when a house is experiencing a power outage. This is something that provides peace of mind.

Breakers That Trip Too Often 

The winter months are busy. Most people plant fun gatherings for the holidays and put up festive decorations. Unfortunately, the demand for electricity and heat goes up significantly. All these new devices can put a serious strain on the home’s electrical system. During the winter months, it is not unusual to have flickering lights, breaker trips, and other simple problems.

However, there are some steps that can be taken to help avoid these issues, too. For example, if someone is dealing with a panel that is burned out or a breaker that seems to trip almost on a schedule, it may be time to contact an electrician about a heavy up. When a homeowner works with an electrician to increase the electrical power that is fed to the electrical circuit of the home, it is possible to meet the demands of innovative technology and devices. The heavy up is the name of the process an electrician uses to increase the electrical power coming into a home. With this, a homeowner can run any and everything they want during the winter months without having to worry about their electrical panel or breaker panel. Now is the time to consider an upgrade if this has become an issue.

Working with an Electrician

When it comes to electrical issues, there are several problems that may occur in the winter. The issues here can occur at any time of the year; however, they are more commonly seen when it is cold outside. If someone is dealing with any type of cold-weather electrical problem, it is a good idea to contact an electrician sooner rather than later. Doing this is going to help ensure the system is safe and operating efficiently.

Remember, not all electricians are the same, which means it is up to a person to find someone who can handle the issues they need help with. To do this, ask for recommendations from friends and family members to get started. By doing this, a person can learn about the options in the local area and choose one that will best suit their needs.

Electrical problems can be serious, dangerous, and devastating. As a result, it is a good idea to work with an electrician who can help prevent these problems. By doing this, it is possible to have an electrical system that is efficient and that works well regardless of what the weather is doing outside.