Boise Homeowners: a few fall electrical safety tips
One does not have to think twice about putting in the space heater or some holiday lights. But can your electrical panel stand up to the load that cooler weather brings? When was it that someone last put an eye on the wiring of your home?
We at Sublime Electric have been in the Greater Boise area since 2007 and come across our share of homeowners each fall who have had trouble they need not have. Call (208) 609-9266 with any queries on your system, or read on for what we consider the most important safety measures of the season.
The case for extra vigilance in the fall
Electrical demand is on the rise. In Boise the cold has people indoors with their electronics, stringing up lights and turning on heaters. It is all strain on a system content to coast through the summer. In an older home you are more apt to run into issues; wiring that coped well enough with a light summer load will be hard put to it once the heating season is upon you. Plan ahead and you will not be left in the dark on a cold evening.
Dealing with space heaters and the like
Any home has its hazards in the fall, none greater than the space heater. They are power hungry and will overheat an outlet or send a breaker tripping if they are on the same circuit as other things.
Make it a point to do the following:
- Put the heater in a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip
- Give them three feet of clearance from curtains, furniture and other flammables
- Do not put two high-draw appliances on one circuit
- Switch them off to go to bed or when you vacate the room
- Be on the alert for an outlet that is warm, it is telling you something
- Should your breakers trip at the touch of a heater, let the panel have its say and do not put it out of mind.
Have a look at the electrical panel
It is the heart of your home’s power and a good idea to have it seen to this time of year. An undersized or old panel may not measure up to what winter requires.
You will know if there is a problem by way of:
- Breakers that will not reset or are prone to tripping
- Lights dimming as an appliance is put to work
- A burning odour in the vicinity of the panel
- Breakers that are discoloured or warm
- The age of the panel itself, if it is several decades old
Sublime Electric can see to the repair or replacement of your panel, with a warranty to boot. If you are seeing any of the above, get a licensed technician to it before the heavy heating sets in.
Lighting for the holidays and outdoors
Before long the holidays are here and the lights are out of storage. See to the cords first, any with frays or exposed wire should be discarded, not put on the tree.
When lighting up the exterior make sure the fixtures and cords are for outdoor use. Moisture at an electrical connection is no joke in the wet and cold we get in Boise. See that connections are off the ground and out of any snow or puddles.
Surge protection
A storm in the fall or winter can cause fluctuations that will put an end to a computer, TV or even the furnace control board with one surge. Whole-home protection is better than depending on a power strip. We provide free estimates on whole-home surge protection from Sublime Electric to see what suits your home.
A generator for when the power goes down
Winter storms have a way of cutting the power at the worst time. With a standby generator your fridge, heat and lights will carry on until the grid is restored. We put in generators and warrant the installation. An estimate is free of charge so you can make up your mind before the first big storm.
Leave it to a pro
You can inspect a cord or put some distance between a heater and the drapes, but for your panel, wiring or any permanent fixture a licensed electrician is called for.
Sublime Electric is BBB accredited and Idaho License #36370, and were named Best of Boise in 2024. We have a satisfaction guarantee behind our work. You can reach us 24/7 in an emergency or during normal hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
To make sure your Boise home is safe and warm this fall, contact the team at Sublime Electric, (208) 609-9266.