As the leaves begin to change and the air gets crisp, we all look forward to cozy evenings indoors. But with the beauty of fall comes the potential for unpredictable weather – think rain, wind, and even early storms. A reliable electrical system isn’t just a convenience; it’s essential for your comfort and safety during this season. Taking some proactive steps now can save you from inconvenient outages, costly repairs, and potential hazards down the line.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key areas of your home’s electrical system that you should check and prepare for the autumn weather.
Key Areas to Check and Prepare:
Outdoor Electrical Connections:
Fall weather can be tough on outdoor electrical components. Rain and wind can wear down insulation, and falling leaves can accumulate around connections. Take a walk around your property and inspect outdoor outlets, lighting fixtures, and any other electrical connections. Look for visible damage, cracks, or loose wiring. Ensure that all outdoor electrical boxes and covers are weather-resistant and securely in place. If you notice any issues, it’s best to have them inspected and repaired by a professional to prevent water damage or short circuits.
Surge Protection:
Fall storms often come with lightning and power fluctuations that can wreak havoc on your valuable electronics. While individual surge protectors for devices are helpful, a whole-home surge protection system provides a more comprehensive defense against unexpected power surges. This is an investment that can save you significant money by protecting your TVs, computers, appliances, and other sensitive equipment.
Landscape Lighting:
Portable Heater Safety:
Portable heaters are a popular way to add extra warmth to a room in the fall. However, they can also be a significant fire hazard if not used correctly. Always plug portable heaters directly into a wall outlet – never use extension cords, as they can easily become overloaded. Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture, and bedding at least three feet away from the heater. Be mindful of how many devices you have plugged into a single circuit to avoid overloading and tripping breakers.
Attic and Basement Electrical:
Fall is the season when many small animals and critters look for warm, dry places to shelter, and your attic and basement can be prime real estate. Unfortunately, these uninvited guests can sometimes chew on electrical wiring, creating dangerous conditions. Periodically inspect your attic and basement for signs of critter activity or exposed, damaged wiring.
When to Call a Professional:
While some basic visual inspections can be done by homeowners, it’s crucial to know when to call a professional electrician. Attempting complex electrical repairs yourself is incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious injury or fire.
When to Call a Professional:
While some basic visual inspections can be done by homeowners, it’s crucial to know when to call a professional electrician. Attempting complex electrical repairs yourself is incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious injury or fire.
You should always call T.A.P. Electric if you observe:
- Flickering lights throughout your home
- Tripped circuit breakers that occur frequently
- A burning smell coming from outlets or electrical panels
- Visible damage to wiring or electrical fixtures
- Outlets or switches that feel hot to the touch
- Suspected critter damage to wiring
Our team of experienced and certified electricians has the expertise, tools, and knowledge to safely and effectively diagnose and resolve any electrical issues you may encounter. We’re here to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe, reliable, and ready for the fall season.
Contact the Experts!
Preparing your home’s electrical system for fall is a vital step in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and worry-free season. By checking outdoor connections, considering surge protection, evaluating landscape lighting, inspecting heating system electrical, practicing portable heater safety, and examining attic and basement wiring, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical problems. Remember, for any concerns or complex tasks, calling a professional like T.A.P. Electric is always the safest and most reliable solution.
Don’t get left in the dark this fall. Take action now to prepare your home’s electrical system and enjoy the season with peace of mind.
