Winter weather means more reliance on your heating system and needing more lights on in your Richmond home. As you use your electrical devices and appliances more, there is an increased risk of electrical hazards. However, with the right tips and information, you can keep your home safe without having to sacrifice your comfort.
Heating System
Before winter hits, you should get an annual inspection for your heating system. A professional will come out, clean the equipment, and check all the parts to make sure that everything is working properly. This can help to prevent your system from breaking down and reduce the risk of any electrical issues.
During this inspection, they will look at your heating-related wiring to see if there is any damage, wear, or fraying. Electrical fires can result from faulty wiring, so it is imperative to make sure that it is in good condition before you turn your heating system on.
If you are using space heaters, make sure that they are not close to any combustible materials. Never use an extension cord with them because this could increase the risk of hazards. You should also ensure that any space heater you use has the feature where it will shut-off automatically it falls over.
Make sure that you have proper ventilation for your heating system. This is critical to prevent carbon monoxide from accumulating when you are running your heat. Also make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are in good condition and that the batteries are fresh.
Lighting Safely
During the winter holidays, you will likely decorate with some lighting. Consider using LED lights for this because compared to incandescent lights they do not produce as much heat. This helps to decrease the risk of fire hazards and overheating.
For your outdoor lighting, make sure that any extension cord you use is rated for outdoor use. This is vital to prevent damage that could cause a fire when the cord has exposure to winter weather.
Before you put up any holiday lights, take a close look at the strands to see if there is any frayed insulation, damaged wiring, or broken bulbs. Before you plug the lights in, make sure to fix any issues to minimize the electrical hazard.
For your holiday lights, consider using a timer. This can reduce the risk of electrical issues and save on your energy costs.
Outdoor Safety
Make a note about the location of your outdoor electrical components, such as outdoor outlets, meters, and HVAC units. When it snows, make sure to remove the accumulation from these components promptly so that they do not get too wet. You should also remove any ice. If snow and ice are able to build up, they could pose safety risks and result in electrical malfunctions.
If you have any outdoor outlets, put waterproof covers on them. This will significantly reduce how much exposure they get to winter precipitation. It helps to prevent possible electrical hazards and water damage.
Talk to an electrician about installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These are part of your outdoor outlets, and they provide protection against electric shocks. If they detect a ground fault, they will turn off automatically to provide some extra safety against electrical hazards.
If you are using any electrical equipment outside, check the cord before turning it on. Ensure that the cord is in good condition and that it’s rated for outdoor use. Only plug the device into a grounded outlet, and never overload the circuit.
General Safety
Be mindful of how much power you are using at a given time so that you do not overload your circuits. To prevent electrical fires and tripped breakers, make sure to spread out what you plug in across different outlets. Be mindful of your surge protectors and how much you are plugging into them.
To prevent too much stress on your HVAC system, think about installing a smart thermostat. This not only helps to reduce the electrical load, but it also lets you warm your home more efficiently.
Have a professional come in and take a look at your home’s insulation. With proper insulation, you will not have to run your heater as hard to stay comfortable. You might also be able to skip the space heaters entirely. A professional will let you know if you need to add more insulation.
You should also call an electrician and have them do a thorough inspection. They will look at your wiring and how you are using various appliances and electronic devices. If you need repairs or are overloading any outlets or circuits, they can help you to correct the issue. They will also let you know if it is a good idea to install more outlets to help balance how much you plug into each of them.
Power Outage Preparation
Start by making sure that you have a power outage emergency kit ready to go. In this kit, make sure that you have batteries, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and blankets. This will help you to get through power outages that occur as a result of winter storms. Having some extra bottled water, canned foods, and a manual can opener is also a good idea.
When the power goes out, take a minute to unplug all of your big appliances. This will help to prevent issues related to power surges once the utility company is able to restore your power. You should also unplug any sensitive electronics, such as your laptop, since they too are prone to damage associated with a power surge.
Talk to all the people in your home about having a communication plan. This will ensure that all of you are on the same page. You should also call your utility company to report the outage so that they are aware of it.
Consider getting an emergency power source. There are generators of various sizes that you can choose from. If you are on a budget, you can choose a smaller one that can handle something like a lamp, your refrigerator, and your cellphone charger. However, there are options that can power your entire home. Talk to an electrician about what you want to power during an outage, and they can help you to determine the proper size. They can also ensure that you place the generator properly and have adequate ventilation so that you do not have to deal with the accumulation of carbon monoxide when you are using it.
Expert Electricians in Richmond
The winter season comes with cold temperatures and more darkness throughout the day. Because of this, you are using your electricity more at home. We can help you to keep safe while meeting all of your electrical needs. Our team of experts is always here when you need help with your HVAC system and plumbing too.
Call us at Davis & Green in Richmond today to learn more about electrical safety as you navigate the winter season.
