Common Winter Electrical Issues and How to Avoid Them

As the temperature drops to freezing, the health of your electrical system may not be at the forefront of your mind. However, failing to adequately prepare your home for the coming cold fronts can put unnecessary stress on your wires and circuits, and may even put your loved ones in danger. Avoid fires, property damage, personal injuries and electrical inconveniences by hiring a qualified electrician to get your system ready for winter weather. At Mr. Electric of Atlanta, we enjoy helping our local home and business owners stay warm, safe and comfortable all season long. Here are some tips on how you can do the same. 

Neglected Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

One of the most forgotten maintenance task is testing and repairing old smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If a fire or gas leak ever does break out in your home, it’s vital that you and your loved ones are alerted immediately, so you have time to get to safety. Unfortunately, there are many families who suffer tragedies due to wiring problems or a neglected battery change. Check your smoke detectors frequently to ensure they are working properly. If something isn’t functioning the way it should, you can get a repair or replacement from a trusted local electrician. You may consider installation a smart detector, so you can monitor and control your units via smart phone while at the office or away on winter vacation. 

Circuit Overload

Another common issue during the coldest months of the year is circuit overload. Out of all the seasons of the year, December, January and February often see the most use of electronics, heaters, and appliances. Whether you’re cooking large feasts for a holiday celebration, or inviting your extended family over for a cozy gathering, you’ll probably need more plugs than you have available to accommodate everyone’s needs. Make sure you aren’t simply piling on the plug bars and extension cords. Consider installing additional circuits and whole house surge protection to keep electrical damage at bay. 

Small Heating Appliance Dangers

Space heaters, electric blankets and other small appliances are usually pulled from the closet, garage and attic this time of year. While these items can provide extra comfort on a colder than usual morning, they can be quite dangerous if left unattended overnight or during the day when no one’s home. If you’re going to use these kind of appliances, take every precaution possible to avoid fires and injuries. Also, if you’re putting various heating devices to work because your central heating system is inadequate or non-existent, it might be time to consider an installation or upgrade. While it may seem like an extra cost, the initial expense will be well worth the energy savings and conveniences over the long term. Contact a certified electrician to learn more about your options. 

Pest Damage

You and your family aren’t the only ones trying to find warmth and protection within your home’s four walls. It may be unpleasant to think about, but rodents and other pets will usually seek out the heat emitted by the wires found in the walls, flooring and ceiling of your house. Unfortunately, this can cause serious trouble if they decide to chew through important electrical components. Not only can this create short circuits, but split wiring can also leave you vulnerable to electrical fires. Now may be a good time to call pest control. If you suspect that pests are in your home, and may have had contact with your wiring, contact a licensed electrician who can conduct a proper inspection. 

Need to Prepare Your Electrical System for Winter Weather? Call Mr. Electric Today

Is it time for your next electrical inspection, circuit installation, wiring repair or other service? Then call the experts at Mr. Electric and schedule an appointment with a licensed Atlanta, Georgia area electrician near you.