How to Prepare for Common Electrical Problems in the Winter

Winter brings about a host of electrical issues because of the cold temperatures and precipitous weather. If you’re not familiar with them, you cannot prepare for them. If you can’t prepare for them, they can turn into costly repairs and uncomfortable conditions, or worse, injuries, fires, and even death. 

We’ve listed some common electrical problems that arise in the winter months and how you can safeguard your home against them.

1. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Heating systems are just one of the seasonal devices that use up a lot of electricity specifically during the winter months. As they put a strain on your system, this means your breakers tripping, a safety mechanism to avoid overheating and possible fires. 

While tripping breakers keep you safe, the power interruption can be irritating. You can prevent this by increasing the electrical power of your home’s electrical circuit so it can accommodate the increase in use.

2. Space Heaters

Space heaters come out of the woodwork every winter. Not very energy efficient, they tend to consume a lot of energy. If used excessively, they can cause house fires. But if you’re careful and use them correctly, that doesn’t have to happen, and you can keep your home warm. This means having a dedicated outlet for it, don’t plug it into extensions, and always unplug it when not in use. 

3. Old Equipment

In addition to space heaters, using outdated appliances in the winter also puts a strain to your electrical system. Check your equipment regularly to avoid electrical fires. To be safe, anything older than five years may need to be replaced.

4. Static Electricity

With colder temperatures, the air is dryer so static electricity is higher in the winter. Your body carries a higher charge and may result in powerful shocks when it’s near an electrical current. 

A way to avoid this is to use a humidifier in drier areas of the house. Adding vapor to the air lowers static electricity and prevents random shocks.

5. Wires

Frayed wires are a problem any time of the year but are especially harder to fix during winter so it’s best to check for them before it hits. Ice and snow can do major damage to wiring and it puts the home at risk of a fire if left alone for too long. 

6. Power outages

Because of the harsh weather, power outages are not uncommon in the colder months. Storms can rip power lines from your house while the cold can cause electrical panels to rust. If water, rust, and corrosion get inside a circuit breaker, it can cause it to malfunction. 

Maintain a comfortable home throughout the winter season by avoiding these common electrical issues. Have your home checked by professional electricians to ensure it’s safe and ready for winter. 

Contact Astley Electrical today for a safety evaluation and be ready for the winter months with peace of mind knowing you and your family are safe and secure.