You can probably think of a ton of things you would love to do this winter season. Skiing, playing in the snow or drinking hot chocolate. There are additionally things you need to do, like shovel snow, stock up on salt and also get winter tires. One thing many people fail to remember to take care of even before winter begins is their house’s electrical system.
It is really among the more important things to think of before the cold weather months. After all, systems like home heating, lighting and also hot water may all depend at least partially on your electric system. If it were to fail you could be left in the cold and the dark. Nobody wants to be looking for “an electrical contractor near me” in an emergency situation. There are things that you can do to protect yourself and your home from running into these kinds of situations this winter.
3 Ways to Prepare Your Home’s Electrical System for Winter Season
If you want to make sure that your home stays safe and cozy this winter, especially in regards to the electric system and anything else powered by electricity, you’ll want to follow these three steps below.
Inspect Everything
This is a great time of year to really take inventory of your home appliances and systems as well as their conditions.
Do a complete once over of your water heater. Ensure that there aren’t any leaks and that you aren’t hearing any kind of strange noises. If your hot water heater is electric, you will want to have a professional inspection done.
Before it gets too cold outside and you need your heater, it is very good to switch it on. Ensure that it is operating properly and that the thermostat works correctly. If you have any type of stand alone heating units, you will need to ensure they are in good working order too.
It is very important to be careful about safety. See to it that you check your batteries and test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide gas detector before you switch on your furnace for the first time.
Optimize Your Energy Usage
If you want to cut back on your utility bills in the winter months, when the most energy is used, you will want to make sure that you optimize your electrical system. You will additionally need to make sure that you are making use of energy efficient devices and light bulbs. Try to limit your consumption of energy as much as possible, by doing things like:
- Shutting off lights when not in use.
- Disconnecting chargers that aren’t being used.
- Closing doors to interior rooms along with the exterior of the home.
- Implementing home weatherization.
- Efficient Lighting
As much as we take into consideration the colder climate of the winter months, we also need to take into consideration the shorter days. This naturally results in much less sunlight and much less natural lighting in our homes and for our activities. Before the days get shorter and evenings come much longer, make sure that every one of your light fixtures have fresh light bulbs and work correctly. It is not only vital to have efficient lighting indoors, but also outdoors. this will help to avoid accidents that can happen in the rain or snow, specifically after dark.
Do I Need a Generator?
Depending on where you live, you might want to look into buying a generator for your home. They can provide electricity throughout a power outage which can provide your household with warmth as well as safety and security. If you believe a generator may be the answer for your home, discuss your options with a licensed electrician that can help explain each of the pros and cons of a generator along with what size would be appropriate for your home.
Searching for an Electrician Near Me in Broken Arrow, OK.
If you have questions regarding winterizing your electrical system, a home generator or need electrical related guidance or repairs and are searching for an “electrician near me” in Broken Arrow, OK., Murray Electric & Plumbing is here to help. Call (918) 835-9605 and make an appointment with a licensed electrician today.