Cleveland winters can strain your electrical system. This can happen for many reasons, including increased usage with heating, lights, and holiday decorations. Homeowners usually anticipate higher utility costs, but there are other problems that may develop. Increased demand might lead to issues such as fires, electrical shock, and tripped breakers. Taking proactive measures can help reduce the strain on your electrical system, preventing problems and hazards in the process.
Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection
We generally recommend scheduling a professional electrical inspection every 3 to 5 years, although you can certainly book one more often if you have concerns. During the appointment, our electricians will check various aspects of your system, including your electrical panel, outlets, and wiring. We’ll inform you of our findings, including whether we suggest any electrical repairs or electrical upgrades. It’s ideal to book the electrical inspection during the fall to prepare your system for increased usage during the winter.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
The good news about electrical panels is that you typically don’t need to upgrade them for several decades. However, you may choose to replace yours sooner, such as if you want to add a hot tub or EV charger. Your electrical system may also give you warning signs that it needs replacing, such as if you notice burning odors or flickering lights. Upgrading your electrical panel this winter increases the chances that you won’t have to do it again for at least a couple of decades. You’ll also have peace of mind that it can handle your current electrical load.
Install a Smart Sub-Panel
You use smart sub-panels in conjunction with your existing electrical panel to make it easier to optimize and monitor your electrical usage. The biggest benefit is that they offer real-time monitoring, providing invaluable information about everything from ghost loads to unusual electrical usage. You can review the details right from your smartphone, whether you’re home or visiting loved ones for the holidays. Remote monitoring simplifies the ability to keep an eye on your electrical system without guessing or monitoring each aspect individually. The reports will also provide beneficial information to electricians, whether it’s during an electrical inspection or if you encounter a problem.
Weatherproof Your Outdoor Outlets
It’s important to weatherproof your outdoor outlets, especially if you use them for holiday decorations or throughout the year. The covers prevent electrical faults or short circuits due to snow, rain, and ice while also protecting your outdoor devices. While you can install them yourself, it’s best to have a professional electrician handle the task. This ensures it’s done properly and safely and will withstand the inclement weather.
Avoid Using High-Energy Appliances Simultaneously
Certain items within your home, such as your range, heating unit, and washing machine, draw a significant amount of power. Using them simultaneously may result in problems with your electrical system, including overloading circuits and tripped breakers. This may especially be the case if your home has outdated wiring or an older electrical panel. Your best option is to scatter the usage of these high-energy appliances, which helps prevent overloading your system.
Be Mindful of Plugging Items In
It’s crucial not to plug a significant number of items into a single outlet or power strip. This could overload the system and create a fire risk. Additionally, extension cords are often popular during winter for use with holiday decor. Make sure you’re not connecting extension cords together to create a single long one. This action of “daisy-chaining” is extremely dangerous, as it could overheat the cords and cause a fire.
It’s also important that you’re only using properly working outlets. If you notice any issues, such as sparks, soot marks, or a burning odor, don’t use that outlet. Contact us immediately so that we can assess the situation and determine an appropriate repair.
Consider Installing a Whole-Home Generator
Whole-home generators can alleviate a significant amount of stress during a winter power outage in Cleveland. Lows in January are around 22 degrees Fahrenheit, making proper heating a must. If the power goes out, you’re not just without heating. You’re also left without working lights, an alarm system, and a refrigerator, along with all the other electrical appliances and devices.
A whole-home generator powers your electrical system during a power outage, ensuring that everything continues to operate normally. It kicks on automatically without you having to do anything manually. This is particularly important if you have small children, seniors, pets, and health-compromised individuals residing in your home. They can stay safe, warm, and comfortable, even if the rest of your Cleveland neighborhood is without electricity.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection
Annual professional HVAC inspections are also crucial. HVAC technicians can ensure your system is functioning optimally and not drawing excessive electricity due to inefficiency. Our HVAC technicians assess every aspect of your system, ranging from the condition of the thermostat to the wiring. It’s best to schedule an HVAC inspection during the fall so that we can get your system ready for the coldest months of the year.
Change Your Furnace Air Filter
Your furnace’s air filter might not seem like it has anything to do with your electrical system. However, it all starts with your HVAC system. When the filter is clogged, the furnace uses more energy to try to get your home to your preferred temperature, thereby drawing more electricity. This can strain your system, increasing the risk of breakdowns and repairs. Additionally, it increases your utility bills.
You should ideally change your furnace’s air filter every few months. However, if you have health-compromised individuals, pets, children, smokers, or seniors in the home, replacing it more often is beneficial. Keep extra filters on hand so that you can easily swap out the dirty filter when needed.
Prepare Your Doors & Windows
Your windows and doors can be a major reason why your HVAC system operates inefficiently and your electricity bills are increasing. As cold air comes in, it causes your system to work harder and use more energy. Preparing your doors and windows for a Cleveland winter is vital. Use gap filler or weatherstripping around door and window frames to block drafts. It’s also beneficial to put draft blockers under exterior doors.
Get Ready for Winter
Don’t let problems with your electrical system ruin your joy, comfort, and safety during the winter months. Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric offers high-quality electrical services that can help keep your Cleveland home in top shape.
Call us today to schedule an appointment for electrical services in the Cleveland area.
