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Winter Electrical Safety Tips For Homeowners

Winter brings colder temperatures, shorter days, and an increased reliance on electrical systems to keep homes warm and well-lit. With heaters, holiday decorations, and additional appliances running, the risk of electrical hazards rises. To ensure your home stays safe and efficient during the colder months, follow these essential winter electrical safety tips.

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Inspect Heating Devices For Safety

Many homeowners use space heaters, electric blankets, and portable radiators during winter. While these devices provide warmth, they can also be fire hazards if not used properly.

• Only use space heaters with automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating.
• Keep flammable materials like curtains, blankets, and furniture at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
• Never leave heating devices unattended or running overnight while sleeping.
• Keep an eye on heat pumps, and make sure that they're properly maintained.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

During the winter, many homes use extra lighting, heating appliances, and kitchen gadgets for holiday cooking. Overloading circuits can lead to tripped breakers, overheated outlets, or even electrical fires.

• Spread appliances across multiple outlets to distribute power usage.
• If you notice flickering lights or frequently tripped breakers, your electrical system may be overloaded and need professional evaluation.
• Consider having electricians set up dedicated circuits for high-power appliances to prevent overloading.

Check Your Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With furnaces, fireplaces, and heaters running more frequently, the risk of carbon monoxide buildup and electrical fires increases. Ensure your home is protected by:

• Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
• Replacing batteries at least once a year to ensure proper functionality.
• Hiring Dallas's trusted electrician to hardwire smoke detectors with battery backup for added safety.

Be Cautious With Holiday Lighting

Holiday lights add warmth and festivity to your home, but damaged or overloaded electrical decorations can pose a risk.

• Use only UL-listed, weather-rated lights for outdoor displays.
• Inspect all wires for fraying, exposed wires, or damage before plugging them in.
• Avoid connecting too many strands together, as this can overload the circuit and lead to electrical failure or fire.

Protect Your Home With Whole-Home Surge Protection

Winter storms, power outages, and sudden voltage spikes can damage electronics and appliances. A whole-home surge protection system helps safeguard your electrical devices from unexpected surges.

• Install whole-home surge protectors at the main electrical panel.
• Use power strips with built-in surge protection for sensitive electronics.
• Consider upgrading to a SPAN smart panel, which can provide real-time monitoring and protection.

Keep Electrical Cords & Outlets Dry

Winter moisture, snow, and ice can pose serious electrical hazards when cords or outlets are exposed.

• Keep all outdoor extension cords elevated and away from standing water or snow.
• Use weatherproof covers for outdoor outlets to prevent moisture buildup.
• Never run extension cords under rugs, doors, or windows, as this can cause overheating and fire risks.