Keep the Lights On: Winter-Proofing Your Electrical Setup
As temperatures drop, your home’s electrical system faces new challenges that come with winter’s chill. From increased heating demands to the risk of power outages, your electrical setup needs to be up to the task of keeping you warm and safe.
When you’re busy arranging your vacation or relaxing by the fire, it’s easy to forget about these issues. However, a little planning might save you money and trouble later on. That’s where Brennan Electric in Seattle, WA comes in — offering expert advice and services to get your home ready for whatever winter throws your way. Let’s dive into how you can winter-proof your home’s electrical system.
Prepare Your Electrical Panel for Winter
Electrical panels may become obsolete or overwhelmed over time, particularly in older houses or those that have undergone considerable appliance or technology improvements. Before winter arrives, check your panel for indications of damage, such as scorch marks, loose wires, or tripped breakers. These might be signs that your panel is failing to manage your home’s electrical demand. If you notice frequent tripping or strange sounds, it may be time to update your panel to make sure it can handle your winter demands.
Protect Against Power Outages
Winter weather can wreak havoc on power lines, with ice and snow creating heavy loads that sag or break lines and strong winds causing them to topple entirely. To avoid being left in the dark, you need a dependable backup power solution. A portable generator is a versatile option, capable of running key appliances like your refrigerator, heating system, and essential lights during an outage. However, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines. Portable generators must always be operated outdoors in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gas.
For a more seamless solution, a whole-house generator offers unmatched convenience. These systems are designed to activate automatically when a power outage occurs, providing steady electricity to your entire home. While whole-house generators require professional installation and a larger up-front investment, the security and comfort they provide during a storm are invaluable. With a reliable backup in place, you can weather winter’s worst without sacrificing warmth or functionality.
Prioritize Safety During Winter Storms
Before a storm rolls in, take a few minutes to charge your phone, portable chargers, and any other must-have gadgets. If you have a generator, check that it’s working properly and you have plenty of fuel. Note that generators need to stay outside, well away from windows or doors. Running one indoors or too close to the house can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to build up, and that’s a risk you don’t want to take. A little prep now can make all the difference when the storm hits.
To safeguard your home’s electronics, disconnect vulnerable gadgets like TVs, laptops, and gaming systems before the storm arrives. This prevents them from being damaged by power surges when electricity is restored. Resist the temptation to troubleshoot or repair your electrical system during an outage because working with live wires or damaged circuits can be extremely dangerous. While candles might seem like a simple solution for lighting, they’re one of the leading causes of winter fires. Instead, use battery-powered lanterns or LED lights, which are safer and longer-lasting.
Keep Outdoor Electrical Components Safe
Outdoor electrical setups really take a beating in winter. Ice and snow can mess with outlets, wiring, and fixtures if they aren’t properly protected. Take a quick look at your outdoor outlets to make sure they’re weatherproof and have sturdy covers to keep the elements out. Got outdoor lighting? Check the wiring for wear or exposed spots, and catch them before winter weather makes them worse.
Holiday decorations are another common source of trouble. Make sure you’re using outdoor-rated lights and extension cords to prevent short circuits or fire hazards. Also, consider putting ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in outdoor outlets. These devices can shut off power in milliseconds if they detect a fault, reducing the risk of electric shock.
Check Your Heating Systems and Electrical Load
Your heating system is likely the most significant energy user in your home during winter. Whether you rely on a furnace, space heaters, or electric baseboards, these systems demand significant power. Before the season begins, have your heating system inspected and serviced by professional electricians to ensure it’s running efficiently. Space heaters, while convenient, can be a fire hazard if misused. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet (not an extension cord), and keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable materials.
Protect Your Home From Surges
Winter storms and power fluctuations can lead to electrical surges that damage your appliances and electronics. A power surge might last only a fraction of a second, but the impact can be costly and inconvenient. Protect your home by installing surge protectors at key points. While plug-in surge protectors are a good start, whole-house devices offer a higher level of defense by shielding your entire electrical system. These gadgets are installed right at your electrical panel and do a great job protecting your home from power surges.
Inspect and Upgrade the Wiring
Outdated or damaged wiring is a hidden danger that can become even riskier in winter. Old wires may need to be equipped to handle the increased load of heaters, holiday lights, and other seasonal demands. Frayed or exposed wires can also become a fire hazard in cold, dry weather when static electricity is more common. Check the visible wiring around your home, especially the basement or attic. If you spot anything off — like discolored wires, exposed spots, or wires that feel unusually warm — call in an expert.
Embrace Energy Efficiency
Winter doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills. Making your home more energy-efficient lightens the load on your electrical system and saves you money. A great place to start is by switching to LED bulbs that use less power and last a lot longer than old-school incandescent bulbs. If you haven’t already, consider installing a smart thermostat too. It lets you set heating schedules so you don’t waste energy when you’re not home. Sealing drafts around windows and doors keeps warmth inside and cold outside. It’s a simple fix that makes a huge difference in your home’s comfort level.
Provide Insulation for Electrical Systems
Insulation helps protect your electrical system. If your walls, attic, or crawl spaces aren’t properly insulated, cold air can creep in and put your electrical components at risk by exposing them to freezing temperatures that can cause problems like brittle wiring or moisture building up around electrical boxes, leading to short circuits or corrosion.
Additionally, if your electrical system isn’t well-insulated, you may notice higher energy consumption as your heating system works overtime to compensate for heat loss. Check areas like attics, basements, and garages to ensure insulation is intact and not damaged by pests or moisture. Adding insulation sleeves to exposed wiring or electrical boxes in unheated spaces can also provide an extra layer of protection against the cold. Keep your insulation up to par to keep everything electrical running smoothly through the colder months.
Call Us Today
Winter-proofing your home’s electrical system isn’t just about convenience — it’s also about safety and peace of mind for you and your family. Proactive steps are important to avoid outages and prevent damage during harsh winter weather.
At Brennan Electric, we also offer electrical panel work, electrical repair, lighting installation, smoke and carbon monoxide monitor repair and installation, hot tub wiring, RV plug-ins, surge protection, EV chargers, standby generators, and portable generators services.
Contact Brennan Electric today to schedule your winter electrical checkup and make sure you’re ready to tackle the cold in Seattle.
