DIY Electrical Work During the Winter and When to Call an Expert

Winter months are the time of the year when your home can experience a surge in electricity use. Decorating your house with festive lights might seem like a simple task, but it could put excessive strain on your electrical system and result in outages. 

We rounded up a guide of helpful things you can do yourself or with the help of an expert electrician to ensure a happy and safe season. 

Electricity and the Winter Months

In the winter months, the electrical system in your house needs to work harder than in other seasons. Earlier nightfall, colder weather, and the use of holiday decorations all result in higher electricity usage. Doing some research and preparation can benefit you in terms of both cost-efficiency and home safety.

Electricity prices are usually higher during this time, and choosing energy-saving holiday lights can save you money. Additionally, conducting some pre-holiday maintenance can provide peace of mind and ensure your home and family’s safety. 

Whether you are spending the holidays with your immediate family or are inviting guests, it is in your best interest to make sure your electrical system is in tip-top shape. Please read below for recommendations on what you can do yourself and when it’s best to call in the professionals. 

DIY Approved Items

There are a few things you can do yourself to prevent overloading your system. 

Inspect Your Holiday Lights and Decorations

Red Cross reports that nearly 47,000 house fires occur during the holiday season. Damaged holiday lights are responsible for many of these fires. It is always a good idea to inspect your decorations before putting them up. Keep your eye out for any fraying or damage to the power cord.

Purchase LED Lights

Upgrading to LED lights can save you money over time. As mentioned above, the winter months usually see an uptick in both electricity usage and pricing. Investing in power-saving lighting can help reduce both. Additionally, purchasing holiday lights and decorations with a timer can ensure that they are not unnecessarily on throughout the entire night. 

Clearly Label Your Circuits

Clearly labeling the circuits in your circuit breaker can allow for easy access and save time in the future. Keep in mind that if your circuit breaker regularly trips or fuses repeatedly blow, it’s best to contact a professional to look for an underlying issue. 

When to Call in the Pros

Our team of master electricians is here to help with maintenance and updates that your home is safe throughout the cold winter months. 

Upgrade Your Outlets

Many homes are still outfitted with outdated two-prong outlets. These types of outlets are more likely to cause residential fires. Having a professional install three-prong outlets can help safeguard your house and increase your outlets’ life span. 

An electrician can also install additional outlets to accommodate all your appliances and outdoor lighting fixtures. Trying to solve this problem yourself by using power strips can overwhelm your electric system, so it is essential to get professional help.

Install GFCI Outlets

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to detect irregular current and shut off electrical power to prevent electrocution. Having professional install GFCI outlets can ensure the safety of everyone in the house. These types of outlets are considered especially useful in households with small children and pets. 

Professional Maintenance 

Performing regular electrical maintenance is the best way to ensure the safety and electrical efficiency of your home. Our team of master electricians performs services with the utmost professionalism and with your budget in mind. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule maintenance or repair service this winter. 

Learn More About Electric Concepts and Our Dedication to Quality Work and Safety this Winter

At Electric Concepts, we prioritize customer satisfaction and safety. We strive to exceed expectations, and we always perform our services with the utmost professionalism. If you need help preparing your system for your home or office this winter, give our master electricians a call today!