Don’t Get Left In The Dark: Electrical Issues To Watch Out For This Winter

Maintaining your home’s electrical system in proper operating condition holds the highest priority all year round, but equipment surveillance becomes even more critical in areas where electrical issues increase with seasonal increases in usage. There are two main areas of concern: safety and function. Low temperatures affect not only the materials used in the construction of electrical products but also the properties of the atmosphere to which the equipment can be exposed. Average temperatures during winter months tend to be within the normal operating ranges of most electrical equipment. Still, there may be prolonged periods of extreme cold that could lead to excessive demand and grid failures. 

Addressing electrical concerns early can prevent them from becoming major issues that require extensive repairs or loss of power, which can be troublesome, especially if it lasts a long time. Some of the most common electrical problems faced by homeowners during winter include but aren’t limited to: 

Circuit Overloads

In the winter, heating systems run all day, every day, to provide warmth and comfort, drawing significant power. People stay at home more during the cold months, which translates into longer periods of lighting and entertainment electronics usage, such as TV, web surfing, and computer gaming. When too much current flows through a circuit, going beyond the limited amount of electricity allowed, it can produce overheating, electrical fires, and damage to appliances and devices. There are multiple solutions to avoid the frustration of constantly tripping breakers, such as: 

• Turning off non-essentials (e.g., lighted decorations)
• Alternating the use of electrical appliances, digital devices, and heaters
• Upgrading the home’s electrical system. 

It’s best to avoid plugging a lot of appliances, limit your use of extension cords, and change furnace and heating system filters. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to get in touch with a registered electrician; you don’t want to risk damaging the circuit any further. 

Flickering Lights

Whereas some causes of flickering lights are easy to fix, there are bigger electrical issues you should exclude to ensure your home is functioning safely. Turn off the power and screw in the bulb more tightly. If you twist the lightbulb into the socket too tightly, the brass tab flattens so that it no longer makes a connection and leads to arcing. Loose or poor wiring behind the switch can also cause flickering. Fixing any wiring issues should be left to an electrician because even a minor mistake can result in shock, burns, or electrocution. 

Large appliances and HVAC units can cause the lights to flicker when they power on, so reach out to a competent professional to ensure your circuit breaker is up to the task. You can ask friends, family, or neighbors who have had electrical work done for recommendations or check online reviews. Someone who works in your specific geographic area is more likely to provide you with a personalized service and be more accountable for their work. Hiring locally for your electrical work is a worthwhile option, so get quotes from at least three different electricians. 

Power Outages

Winter can bring strong winds, heavy rains, lots of snow, and ice, major causes of power outages, which may have higher health risks since they reduce communications, not to mention indoor heating. Power line poles are susceptible to breaking and falling due to strong winds, but ice storms can also cause damage as ice accumulates on the power lines and impedes energy generation. The grounding of electrical systems can be compromised in wet conditions, causing safety mechanisms to trip. Plan for batteries and alternative power sources to meet your needs when the lights go out. 

A home generator can provide much-needed peace of mind, as you have power for essentials when outages hit unexpectedly. Portable generators run on gasoline and must be operated at a safe distance from the property, whereas standby generators run automatically when the power goes out. For any kind of generator intended to power your home’s electrical system, you must hire a registered electrician because it’s a complex task that demands specialized knowledge and expertise. Most products come with a warranty that may become void if installation isn’t performed by a certified professional, so take no chances. 

Broken wires 

In the winter, the outdoor temperature is often below zero, and the surface temperature may be lower, so if wire and cable products are placed outside the building, insulation can peel off. It goes without saying that exposed wires can cause electrocution, so identify and repair broken power cords. This involves trimming away the damaged portion, cutting replacement wire, stripping wire ends, and using a heat gun to secure the wires in place. The caveat is that you can only do this trick with a low-voltage wire. It’s best to call an electrician and have the damaged wires replaced altogether. 

Inspect outdoor wiring on a regular basis, remove snow or ice accumulation, and ascertain outlets are properly sealed. Equally important is to invest in an outlet cover that is tamper- and weather-resistant and heavy-duty cables specifically designed for outdoor applications to prevent safety risks. Damage can occur when attempting to install wires at low temperatures, and it’s recommended the cables be stored at temperatures over 10°C for at least one day prior to installation. The electrician will exercise care, doing their best not to drop or sharply bend the cable when it’s taken out of warm storage. 

Final Thoughts 

Cold temperatures can significantly affect your home’s electrical system, with substantial effects such as increased energy demand, outdoor wiring vulnerability, overloading circuits, and so on. Regular inspections can help identify issues before they escalate into safety risks, so don’t waste any more time and call an electrician. Hiring a local electrician gives you convenient access to their services when you need them the most. Winter is an excellent time to consider upgrading your electrical equipment for enhanced efficiency, and you can make the process less painful by calling a professional at the beginning of your project. DIY electrical work can lead to a great many problems.