The weather has turned and you may find your lights are on the flicker side of things. Before you know it you are putting in the plugs for a space heater or some holiday trim without a second thought. Then there is the matter of when you had your home’s electrical system seen to last.
You would not be alone if those questions put you in mind of calling us. Nichols Electric and Plumbing has over 35 years experience of keeping Monroe County homes in good order and safe. But before we do, let us put forward a few fall safety tips of the electrical variety; they will spare you from headaches and expense, and more. Should you have any queries, (585)-479-3615 is our number.
Why You See More Electrical Problems in the Fall
With the days getting shorter and nights colder in Monroe County, the electrical system in your house is under greater demand, and it is a demand that mounts quickly.
Once the thermometer falls you are using space heaters, electric blankets, an extra lamp or two to see by in the early evening. Add in the strings of lights for the holidays and your wiring is put to work in a way it was not all summer. An older system has its difficulties with that.
Most of the hazards one might encounter this time of year are readily apparent and can be put to rest if you are aware of them.
A Word on Space Heaters
In the cold months these are a leading cause of home fires. So before you put yours to use after taking it out of storage, check it.
Every space heater in the house should be examined for:
- Any damage to the power cord, fraying or cracks
- Discoloration or scorching at the outlet or plug
- The heating element or vents caked with dust
- A tip-over shutoff that does its job
- Some form of automatic overheat protection
Make sure to plug the unit into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension cord. Also leave room between it and any curtains or furniture.
Do Not Overload Your Outlets
It is tempting to put more devices on one circuit as the season progresses but an overloaded circuit is a fire hazard, plain and simple.
You will know a circuit is over its head if:
- There is a burning smell in the vicinity of an outlet
- The breakers are in the habit of tripping
- Outlets or the switch plate are warm
- An appliance coming on makes the lights go dim
- You hear a crackle or buzz from the outlet
When you see such signs, discontinue use and put in a call to a licensed electrician. Too often a homeowner will overlook these warnings and then the harm is done.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
There is no better time than fall to give your detectors a once over. They are your first defense when you get your heating equipment going for the season.
Test each one. Put in new batteries if the alarm is not as loud as it should be or you cannot say for sure when you last did so. Ten years is the mark for replacing the detector in its entirety.
Holiday Lights
They are what make the season what it is here in Monroe County but you run risks with them if you are not careful.
Some things to consider while you are decorating:
- Indoor lights for inside, outdoor rated for outside
- Make a point of looking for cracked insulation or a bad bulb on each strand
- Refrain from stringing too many together
- Put away the nails or staples and use clips so as not to puncture the wire
- When you are in bed or out of the house, the decorative lighting should be off
Leave It to a Pro
There are some jobs you can do and others best handled by an electrician who is insured and licensed. Fretting over an old panel, ungrounded outlets or wiring that is past its prime is not something to tackle on your own.
We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our work and are backed by 4.9 stars in some 3,800 Google reviews from neighbors who put their trust in us. We can provide a free estimate so a minor issue does not get out of hand.
For homeowners in Monroe County and beyond, the team at Nichols Electric and Plumbing is at your service Monday to Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM. Call (585)-479-3615 today and we will see you are set for the cold weather ahead.
