As the holiday season draws closer, Texas homeowners are increasing their electrical usage. From more appliance use to outdoor decorations and Christmas tree lights, your electrical system can easily become overwhelmed. To ensure the safety of your home and your family, there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid hazards.
In this article, the residential electricians at Aaron’s Electrical Service in Dallas and Houston offer critical safety tips and reminders to prepare for the holidays and keep your electrical system working efficiently and safely.
Preventing a Power Outage
One of the greatest risks during the holidays is overloaded circuits. When your outlets or circuits are pulling too much power, they can overheat and become a safety hazard. This can lead to tripped breakers or blown fuses that result in localized power loss to a part of your home. To avoid this, avoid plugging too many things into a single circuit. You should also consider whole-home surge protection which can protect your system and devices against sudden power surges that can come from electrical load changes.
Avoiding Energy Bill Spikes
During the holidays, you may see an increase in your energy bill thanks to things like outdoor lights, tree lights, and more. You can offset some additional costs by switching to energy-efficient bulbs. You can also use timers or smart devices to turn off lights during the middle of the night. In addition to improving the efficiency of your holiday decorations, you can also attempt to limit your regular energy usage by unplugging appliances when not in use, setting your thermostat to a slightly colder temperature, and using ceiling fans to help circulate warmer air.
Fixing Tripping Breakers
If you’re experiencing frequently tripped breakers, they’re likely overloaded. It’s important to avoid plugging too many things into a single outlet. If you have multiple strings of lights plugged into one outdoor outlet, you might need to reduce the load. In general, you should never string more than three light strands together to avoid fires. Look for a second outlet to help distribute the electrical load or consider having additional outlets installed by a professional.
Preventing Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are always more common during the holiday season. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself:
- Check for damaged cords on all holiday lights and decorations before use.
- Never use an extension cord with a space heater.
- Don’t string multiple extension cords together.
- Ensure outdoor outlets are GFCI outlets.
- Use outdoor-rated extension cords and cover all plug connections with waterproof caps.
- Select weatherproof decorations that are intended for outdoor use.
- Get a professional electrical inspection to ensure safety.
Schedule an Electrical Inspection
To keep your family and property safe this holiday season, trust Aaron’s Electrical Service. Our friendly and courteous technicians offer professional inspections and 24/7 emergency electrical repairs in Dallas and Houston to help you enjoy the holidays and keep your system working properly. Plus, we stand behind our work with lifetime warranties on services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Request electrical services for your Dallas or Houston home today by contacting Aaron’s Electrical Service.
