Owning a home comes with its share of responsibilities. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, is electrical maintenance. Many homeowners don’t know how to properly care for their electrical system, leading to costly repairs and a greater chance of electrical fires.
Electrical Maintenance Tips
Here are tips for electrical maintenance in your home:
Carry Out Regular Professional Inspections
Don’t wait for a problem to get your electrical system checked. Have professional electricians such as Safe and Sound Electric inspect it at least once a year. They’ll spot any potential problems and fix them before they cause significant damage. The experts will also advise you on any improvements you can make.
It also pays to have an expert who understands the ins and outs of your home’s electrical system—someone available whenever you have questions or need advice on a project. Most importantly, anytime you have an emergency, they offer quick remedies.
Maintenance Tips that Prevent Problems – Cleaning
Dust and dirt build up over time, causing problems with your electrical system. Keep your home clean, especially around outlets and switches. Wipe, vacuum, and dust the areas often.
Not only will it help your electrical system run better, but it will prevent fires. When dust and dirt enter an electrical system, it causes a short circuit. The resulting sparks can easily ignite something else in the area, leading to a fire.
Keep the electrical appliances clean as well. Regularly clean lint from your clothes dryer, for example. It is highly flammable and can easily cause a fire if it builds up.
Check Outlets and Switches
Outlets and switches wear out over time. Check them often to make sure they’re working correctly. If an outlet feels warm, replace it immediately. It’s a sign that there’s too much electricity flowing through it. The same goes for switches that are hot to the touch. Because screws, wires, and other electrical components loosen over time, make sure all the connections are tight.
Also, invest in an appropriate surge protector, as it regulates the amount of electricity flowing into your electrical system. The devices prevent power surges, which can damage your system and cause fires.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
If you notice anything unusual with your electrical system, don’t ignore it. Call a professional electrician right away. Warning signs include:
- Flickering lights
- A humming noise coming from an outlet
- A burning smell near an outlet or switch
- Sparks from an outlet or switch
- Frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
Often Overlooked Maintenance Tip – Test the Detectors
Carbon and monoxide detectors save lives. Test them monthly to ensure they are working correctly, and replace the batteries at least once a year. If the sensor is more than ten years old, replace it. Also, install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement.
Never Leave Appliances Plugged In
When you’re not using an appliance, unplug it. Even if it’s turned off, it can still use electricity. The same goes for chargers for your cell phone, laptop, and other devices. Not only does this waste electricity, but it can cause a fire. If there’s a short circuit, the appliance or charger can overheat, leading to a fire.
Final Thought on Maintenance Tips
Electrical problems are one of the leading causes of house fires, but proper maintenance and adequate knowledge will keep your home safe. You’ll also avoid inconveniences like power outages and save money on your energy bill. Always work with a professional, reliable, knowledgeable electrician to keep your home’s electrical system safe.
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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown
