The cooler weather is now here and now is the perfect opportunity to check your home’s electrical system and keep it safe from mishaps. Your home is filled with various electrical appliances and gadgets used on a daily basis. During the winter months, power outages and electrical hazards may result from strong winds and substantial rain.
Here are some safety tips to ensure that your home is safe and warm while it is winter.
1. Conduct an annual electrical safety inspection.
You need to know the age of your home and have an annual electrical safety inspection, to insure that your electrical system is updated and secure. Most older homes have systems that are unable to handle the load of electric current being utilized with the use of various modern appliances. Numerous kinds of electrical systems are dangerous, so ensure that yours is up to date with electrical safety codes and is working effectively. It is best to hire a professional electrician to complete this inspection.
2. Have an appropriate fire extinguisher.
Electrical fires can only be extinguished by fire extinguishers with fire-retardant chemicals. You need to keep in mind that electrical fires cannot be doused with water, as it is a conductor of electricity. Be sure that you have a fire extinguisher for each area of your home and that all residents in your home know how to use fire extinguishers.
2. Have an appropriate fire extinguisher.
Electrical fires can only be extinguished by fire extinguishers with fire-retardant chemicals. You need to keep in mind that electrical fires cannot be doused with water, as it is a conductor of electricity. Be sure that you have a fire extinguisher for each area of your home and that all residents in your home know how to use fire extinguishers.
3. Check your heating system.
Homeowners should check the homes heating system or furnace for electrical safety and improved efficiency. You can either hire a HVAC contractor or call GT Electric for a referral. GT Electric has a excellent reputation with some of the largest heating and air conditioning contractors in the Tallahassee area and can refer you to the one the may best fit for you. If there is buildup of dirt and dust or debris, the heating system will work harder, causing the system to be not as efficient as it could be. Home Owners need to clean vents, change filters, and be sure the duct work is sealed. Regularly inspect and maintain your heating system, and in turn it will serve you longer and you will avoid electrical mishaps.
4. Check lights, breakers, electrical panels, and outlets.
Home Owners should never ignore flickering lights or tripping breakers. Understand that it can mean any or all of these things: faulty electrical panels, too many electrical appliances are connected to one circuit, or that its time to reconfigure your electrical load. Home Owners should try to avoid overloading circuits.
Electrical panels and outlets should never be warm or hot. If they are, there may be a bigger electrical concern and you should call a professional electrician from G.T. Electric to examine it.
5. Unplug if you are leaving and always check for problems.
The best way to ensure your home is completely secure and protected from electrical malfunction is to leave all electrical appliance unplugged while you are gone for extended periods of time. Also, it is advisable to use surge protectors to protect valuable appliances. Also, Home owners should look out for the following:
Homeowners should check the homes heating system or furnace for electrical safety and improved efficiency. You can either hire a HVAC contractor or call GT Electric for a referral. GT Electric has a excellent reputation with some of the largest heating and air conditioning contractors in the Tallahassee area and can refer you to the one the may best fit for you. If there is buildup of dirt and dust or debris, the heating system will work harder, causing the system to be not as efficient as it could be. Home Owners need to clean vents, change filters, and be sure the duct work is sealed. Regularly inspect and maintain your heating system, and in turn it will serve you longer and you will avoid electrical mishaps.
4. Check lights, breakers, electrical panels, and outlets.
Home Owners should never ignore flickering lights or tripping breakers. Understand that it can mean any or all of these things: faulty electrical panels, too many electrical appliances are connected to one circuit, or that its time to reconfigure your electrical load. Home Owners should try to avoid overloading circuits.
Electrical panels and outlets should never be warm or hot. If they are, there may be a bigger electrical concern and you should call a professional electrician from G.T. Electric to examine it.
5. Unplug if you are leaving and always check for problems.
The best way to ensure your home is completely secure and protected from electrical malfunction is to leave all electrical appliance unplugged while you are gone for extended periods of time. Also, it is advisable to use surge protectors to protect valuable appliances. Also, Home owners should look out for the following:
- Water leaks near electrical outlets or connections.
- Broken, cracked or frayed plugs, cords, and switches.
- Electric panels and boxes that have no covers
Homeowners should always be aware of the need for proper maintenance of their homes electrical system and possible dangerous electrical concerns that can result from faulty or unsafe electrical systems.
If you are ever unsure, call G.T. Electric for all your electrical needs in Tallahassee and the Surrounding North Florida Area at 850-421-9002
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