Old Man Winter is getting ready to visit, so now is the perfect time to perform fall electrical maintenance around your home. Addressing minor issues will prevent you from being left out in the cold this winter, and these tips require zero special skills or tools to complete. The pros at Walker Electric have put together our top tips to keep your electrical system performing at its best all winter.
One or two dead lightbulbs may not make a massive difference over the summer when natural light is abundant. Now that the days are getting shorter, you’ll be spending more time in the dark unless all of your bulbs are burning brightly. Take a few minutes to check each bulb in your home and consider replacing the ones that have stopped working with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GCFI, are essential safety features when using electricity where water and moisture may be present. Winter weather typically brings moisture in the form of rain and snow, and less daylight means more frequent use of outdoor lighting. Let’s not forget the holiday season which brings lighted outdoor decorations with it.
Easily check your GCFI outlets by pressing the “test” button. The “reset” button will pop out and the power to the outlet will turn off. Press the “reset” button, which should lock into place, and the power to the outlet will return. If either of these functions works improperly the outlet needs to be replaced ASAP as the element that keeps this outlet safe in moisture is not working.
One of the most common occurrences during a winter storm is power outages. The weight of snow and ice bring down trees and power lines with ease. A generator is a great way to prevent yourself from feeling the discomfort of no power but only if it works as it should. If you have one, you can give your portable generator a quick visual inspection and change the oil to ensure smooth operation when you need it. A standby generator should be checked out by a professional who will perform a generator test and let you know if your generator is good to go.
While you’re already performing fall electrical maintenance, it’s an excellent time to also check the batteries in your flashlights and any other emergency supplies, like water or preserved food. Having several changes of batteries for emergency lighting is a good idea as there’s no telling how many you’ll go through during a power outage.
If any electrical components in your home or business need repair, give Walker Electric a call. Even the most careful maintenance doesn’t make your home immune from electrical problems. We offer 24/7 emergency services for all your electrical needs. Our office is in Lexington, KY, and we’re happy to serve the surrounding area, including Fayette County, Lexington, Frankfort, Richmond, and Georgetown, KY.
