There’s a chill in the air, and before you know it, the leaves will begin to change color and fall from the trees. As the seasons change, so does how we use electricity in our homes. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that your home’s electrical system is affected by the changing seasons. Here are a few autumn electrical tips from our experts to help keep your home safe and running all season smoothly long.
1. Inspect your home’s exterior lighting fixtures and bulbs
Inspecting your home’s exterior lighting fixtures and bulbs is a great way to ensure that they are in good working condition and ready to light up your yard or garden come nighttime. While you’re at it, look at the wiring to ensure there are no exposed wires that could pose a safety hazard.
2. Get your home’s heating system serviced
As the weather gets colder, you’ll want to ensure that your home’s heating system is in good working condition. Getting it serviced by a professional heating technician before you need to turn it on for the season is a great way to avoid any unexpected problems or breakdowns.
3. Be careful when using space heaters
If you plan on using a space heater to supplement your home’s heating this winter, use it safely. Only use space heaters that have been tested and certified by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Place your space heater on a level surface and keep it at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, such as furniture, bedding, or curtains. Never leave a space heater unattended; always unplug it when you’re not using it.
4. Have your home inspected by a professional electrician
If you’re unsure about the condition of your home’s electrical system, it’s always a good idea to have it inspected by a professional electrician. They can thoroughly inspect and let you know if any potential problems need to be addressed.
Places like your attic, crawlspace, and basement are often overlooked when it comes to home maintenance. But these areas can be susceptible to electrical problems, so it’s also vital to have them inspected.
5. Upgrade your appliances to new models
Autumn is an excellent time to upgrade your old appliances to new, more energy-efficient models. Not only will you be saving money on your energy bills, but you’ll also be doing your part to help the environment.
When shopping for new appliances, look for ones with the ENERGY STAR label. This label means that the appliance meets strict energy efficiency guidelines the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set.
These are just a few autumn electrical tips to keep in mind as the season changes. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure that your home’s electrical system works properly until you recheck it next year.