As the weather cools down, it’s important to ensure your home’s electrical system is ready for the challenges of winter. With extra heating, lights, and appliances running, the colder months can stress your electrical system. By following the tips below, you can keep all your electrical systems safe and efficient.

1. Inspect Wiring and Outlets

Begin by inspecting your home’s wiring, including the power outlets, for damage. Watch out for uninsulated wires, worn-out cords, and burnt-out places near sockets. These are likely worse issues that ought to be resolved in advance of the cold season. 

2. Test Your Circuit Breakers

The role of circuit breakers is basically to protect the house from electrical overloads. The presence of more appliances during winter can put a strain on your electrical system. Make sure to test each breaker to see if it can reset after being tripped.

3. Check Heater Power Sources

Regardless of whether you are utilizing a portable heater or a central heating system, it is important to provide the necessary electricity to the systems themselves. Do not use extension cords or power strips for space heaters since they can easily overheat and cause fire hazards. Make sure you always check that the heater’s power cord is intact and not worn out to avoid potential safety risks, and only use wall sockets with no other devices connected.

4. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With the cold weather, many people rely on gas-powered heaters, which can create a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide if not properly vented. This odorless gas is harmful, even deadly, so it’s important to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Make sure the detectors are working and placed near sleeping areas and any rooms with gas-powered appliances.

5. Prepare for Power Outages

Winter storms often bring power outages, so it’s a good idea to be ready. Stock up on essentials like flashlights, batteries, and bottled water. For longer outages, consider investing in a backup generator to keep important systems running, like your heating or refrigerator.

Choose Cardoso Electrical Services For Your Winter Electrical Needs

By taking these simple steps, you’ll ensure your home’s electrical system is ready for winter, preventing costly repairs and keeping your home safe and warm. If you’d rather leave the work to the experts, Cardoso Electrical Services is here to help. Contact us at (781) 246-7700 today!