Spring Cleaning Your Electrical System

Spring cleaning is the natural result of fresh air and the energy of the renewal season. We are inspired to throw open the doors, hunt down hidden dust, and cast built-up clutter into the light for organisation. But the importance of spring cleaning goes beyond hunting dust bunnies. It’s also a valuable time to take care of home maintenance that has lain dormant through the winter. That includes your electrical system.

Your home’s electrical system, which is often hidden behind the walls, also benefits from renewal and care in the spring. Astley Electrical is here to help you include your home’s electrical system in this year’s spring cleaning routine. Let’s explore a few practical ways to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and efficient for a warm season of high energy usage.

Safety First

Electrical safety is your top priority when handling electrical components during your spring cleaning. Now is an important time to tidy up cables into channels and make sure to avoid any exposed wires or plugs as you clean your way from corner to corner of the house.

If you are working directly with your home’s electrical system, be sure to switch off the breaker for each circuit you inspect.
If testing live outlets or fixtures, wear non-conductive gloves and use tools with rubber handles.
Never touch bare metal or exposed wire that may also be connected to an electric current.

Inspecting and Updating Wiring

While doing your Spring Cleaning, take a close look to visually inspect the electrical wiring in your home for signs of damage.

One of the biggest visible risks is a power cord that has been walked on, rolled over, or been smashed in a door frame too many times. If the insulation is cracked and you can see wires, there is danger.
Another sign of danger is scorch marks in an outlet plug or around a fixture wiring harness. This means the electrical components have already overheated at least once.
Older homes can experience a serious safety and performance boost by updating outdated wiring and fuse boxes.
If you see signs of damage, call an electrician for repairs. Never try to repair a live (powered) cable, outlet, or wire harness.
New electrical solutions can improve your home’s wiring safety.

Dust and Declutter

Your desire to dust and declutter for Spring Cleaning is good for your electrical appliances and components as well as your home’s air quality. Dust and debris around electrical components can cause undue damage. Built up dust, in particular, will insulate a wire and make it more likely to overheat.

When cleaning around electrical fixtures, first clear away the larger items like furniture, lost toys, and dropped clothes.
Then sweep the floor below and around the outlet or fixture. Finally, dust the electrical fixture with a duster or soft brush.
If it is safe, unplug the item, wipe down the now-unpowered cord and the outlet face, then plug the item back in.

Energy Optimisation Strategies

Improve your home’s energy efficiency as part of your Spring Cleaning routine. As you review your home’s electrical fixtures, you can find ways to use less power and prevent unintentional power usage. You can incorporate energy-efficient solutions during the spring cleaning process.

Place appliances, gadgets, and chargers on power strips. Then switch off the power strip when the items are not in use to prevent “phantom load” (power use for items that are officially off or not being used)
Place activity-station devices on the same power strip to turn off and on as the station is used.
Unplug and put away appliances that are rarely used.
Replace your light bulbs with smart bulbs that will turn off on a schedule and with voice commands. Bonus: Party light colours and routines
Program your thermostat for energy efficient schedules and routines.

Electrical Spring Cleaning with Astley Electrical

Did you find any frayed cables or scorched outlets during your spring cleaning? Have no fear. Astley Electrical is glad to provide safe and expert electrical services to improve your home’s electrical safety and efficient electrical solutions. Contact us when you find something that looks unsafe. We’ll perform a professional inspection and conduct the safe repairs or upgrades your home needs.