Electrical Safety in the Fall: Some Advice for Eugene Homeowners
With the cold setting in you may have seen your lights put on a flicker. Or perhaps the prospect of putting away the space heaters and holiday decor has you concerned about overloading an outlet. You might be wondering if your electrical panel can stand up to what the fall and winter will put on it.
Then you have come to the right spot. We at Excel Electric are a local, Eugene company that also does business in Junction City, Springfield, Harrisburg and the Willamette Valley at large. Being an electrical company means our licensed men put all their efforts into electrical work so your home is powered and safe. Feel free to put us on the phone at (541) 234-8864 with any queries while you peruse these tips.
There is more strain on an electrical system in the Willamette Valley when the days grow short and the weather turns wet. A bit of forethought now is worth it to avoid trouble down the road.
Heed the Warning Signs of Winter
A home will let you know if there is an issue; one just has to be on the lookout for it before it gets out of hand. This fall we would put you on notice for the following:
- Repeated tripping of a circuit breaker for no apparent cause
- An outlet or switch plate that is warm
- Lights that dim or go out as you put an appliance in use
- Any hint of a burning odor in the vicinity of your panel or outlets
- Covers on outlets that are scorched or have changed color
- A crackle or buzz from within the walls
An electrician from Excel can have a look and put right whatever you see of the above before it becomes hazardous.
Take Stock of Your Electrical Panel
Think of your electrical panel as the power system’s heart and give it some consideration this season. Put a heater, dryer and some holiday lighting on at the same time and an undersized or old panel will not like it.
You will see an outdated one by the warm spots and the breakers that will not stay on. Should you have put in an EV charger or new rooms since the panel was put in, an upgrade is likely in order. We service panels and breakers in the Eugene area and will be straight with you on whether yours is in good shape for the season.
Use Extra Outlets and Heaters Wisely
Space heaters account for most of the electrical woe in the colder part of the year, and it is usually a matter of how they are connected.
Do not make the mistake of plugging them into an extension cord or power strip, always use a wall outlet. Let each heater have an outlet to itself, do not share with other devices that are hard on the system. Make sure nothing flammable like a curtain or piece of furniture is in the way and leave cords where they will not get run over or crushed under a rug. If extension cords are a way of life for you in the winter, your home could use some more outlets and our electricians can add them.
Storms in the Valley Are Inevitable
Every year the valley gets its share of fall and winter storms and the attendant power outages. Having a plan is important if a sump pump, home office or medical equipment is part of your routine.
We install and service generators at Excel Electric to see your home through when the grid is down. Call (541) 234-8864 and we will help you pick a setup suited to your household before the next storm makes landfall.
For Safe Lighting When It Is Dark
When the daylight is at a premium, proper lighting is what makes a home secure and comfortable. LEDs are well suited to the season given their longevity and lower energy use. Outside security lighting will see you safely about your property on those long evenings.
Excel Electric Can Help
The cold and damp have a habit of turning a minor electrical matter into a major one. There is no need to deal with it by yourself. Our trained and licensed electricians are here for homeowners in Eugene, the Willamette Valley, Springfield, Harrisburg and Junction City. We keep our focus on electrical work and offer U.S. military, veterans and seniors a 5% discount as an ongoing courtesy. To set up your fall service, give us a ring at (541) 234-8864.