Winter Electrical Tips for Homes in Colorado Springs: Staying Safe and Warm

As the winter weather settles over Colorado Springs, make it a top priority to keep your home safe, warm and energy-efficient. Freezing temperatures and short days can mean your electrical system and furnace face dangerous overloads and additional stress. Don’t wait until an emergency strikes on your HVAC and electrical system in Colorado Springs. Keep your family warm and safe with these actionable winter electrical tips and keep your home cozy all season long.

1. Inspect Your Heating System’s Electrical Components

If your home uses an electric furnace, HVAC, or heat pump, it’s crucial to make sure all of your electrical components are functioning properly. Otherwise, you could face inconsistent heating or a malfunctioning heater when you need it the most. It’s wise to schedule an electrical inspection once a year to make sure your system is in top condition. 

Beyond a safety check, you may need an electrical panel upgrade if you’ve upgraded your appliances, heating system, or smart gadgets. The team at Basset Heating & Air Conditioning offers all of the electrical services you need to keep your home safe and get your home future-ready for all of your electrical needs.

2. Avoid Overloading Outlets and Extension Cords

It’s easy to overload your home’s outlets and extension cords with new electronics, accent lights, decorations, and space heaters. Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget that all of those extra electrical components mean overloading your system and leaving your home vulnerable to electrical fires. It’s important to always stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the number of devices that can safely be plugged into a single outlet. 

The Colorado Springs electricians at Basset Heating & Air Conditioning can also install whole-house surge protectors to prevent electrical surges that could damage your electronics. We’ll also let you know if you need more outlets or a Colorado Springs electrical panel upgrade to expand the electrical capacity of your home.

3. Add Any Necessary GFCI Outlets

Make sure your home’s exterior outlets, bathrooms, and damp areas are equipped with any necessary Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. These specialty outlets are crucial in areas where water is present to avoid dangerous electrical shocks by automatically shutting off power when a fault is detected. If you already have GFCI outlets, you should periodically press the test and reset buttons. If nothing happens, call one of our electricians right away. They need to be replaced as soon as possible to keep your home and your family safe.

4. Keep Your Electrical Panels Clear and Accessible

Power outages are more common in winter months when furnaces are cranked up high and power lines are stressed with ice and snow. Make sure your electrical panel is easily accessible to look for tripped switches. You can also avoid further issues by keeping your panel free from clutter and making sure there’s space to quickly turn off your power space during an emergency. 

If you haven’t had an electrical inspection in a while, or you aren’t sure about its condition, give our Colorado Springs inspection a call to take a look for potential wear and tear or any lurking issues. Winter is also a good time to label your circuit breakers for easier identification during power outages or emergencies.

5. Switch to LED Accent Lights

The winter weather brings out seasonal, decorative lights and a festive spirit. Unfortunately, all the festivities also mean a drain on your home’s electrical system and extra heat. There’s a safer way to illuminate your home. Replace your old bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights, which provide a cooler touch while using less power. You can also keep your property safe by making sure any outdoor lights are rated for outdoor use and plugged into outdoor-rated extension cords.

6. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

When the temperatures plunge, it’s inevitable your family and friends will spend more time indoors. Cooking and space heaters also means an increased risk of electrical fires and carbon monoxide buildup. Set regular reminders to regularly check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and swap out batteries at least once a year.

7. Consider Upgrading Your Electrical System

There’s no way around it: older homes aren’t always equipped to handle the demands of modern appliances, upgraded heating systems, smart home systems, and new electronics. If you don’t already have surge protectors, multiple circuits and an upgraded electrical panel, you need help from an electrician. Call the team at Basset Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect your system and expand your electrical capacity to improve the overall efficiency and safety of your home. 

8. Use Space Heaters Safely

If you need some extra warmth in specific areas of your home, space heaters could offer a temporary solution. But they come with serious risks if not used properly. It’s crucial to always plug them in directly into a wall outlet and never with an extension cord or you could increase the risk of fire. You should never leave a space heater unattended or fall asleep with it running. Only use space heaters with automatic shut-off features for added safety and opt for units with energy-efficiency ratings.

Call Basset Heating & Air Conditioning to Stay Warm and Safe This Winter

Wintertime comes with an excuse to gather with family and friends, but it’s also a reminder to stay safe, warm, and energy-efficient. Make sure your home is up to the challenge of the increased electrical needs of the season with an electrical inspection, panel upgrade, surge protectors, and more. Call the team at Basset Heating & Air Conditioning and schedule your electrical service today!