Electrical Spring Cleaning
Spring is starting to peeps it’s head out and with it comes more daylight, plants budding, and an itch to start fresh. Many families complete spring cleaning this time of year to air out all the dust, germs, and stuffiness accumulated over a long winter of closed windows. Along with the general list, it is important to add electrical spring cleaning. By checking on your electrical systems in the spring, you can ensure that things are running efficiently and safely. If you find anything while cleaning, Asbury can help with full-service electrical repairs! Here are a few things to keep in mind during your electrical spring cleaning:
Electrical Cords
Part of electrical spring cleaning is tidying up things that may not have been stored properly after the holidays. Check that all electrical cords, such as surge protectors or extension cords are put away so that they don’t become damaged. If electrical cords are in use, ensure that they are properly installed out of the way. Do not run cords under carpets or drape them over bushes – these are fire hazards. Wherever your cords are located, you should check them frequently for any visible damage, like frayed or exposed wires.
Smoke Detectors
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends replacing smoke detectors every ten years. It is important to maintain your smoke detector by gently vacuuming it with a soft brush to clean out any accumulating dust. This will prevent any false alarms from occurring. Even if it looks clean on the outside, dust can still infiltrate the detector but vacuuming should take care of the issue.
Circuits and Outlets
During your electrical spring cleaning, take a quick walk through your home and check each switch and outlet. If you see any switches or outlets that appear discolored, or are hot to touch, contact an electrician immediately. This is a sign of a wiring issue that could easily become a fire hazard. If you frequently have to trip your circuit breaker, this is another sign that your home’s electrical circuits need attention. You could have wiring issues or your electrical panel may need to be upgraded to something that can handle more power. Contact an electrician to diagnose the problem and come up with a solution quickly.
Light Bulbs
Electrical spring cleaning is a great time to check the light bulbs throughout your home to make sure they are all properly installed and that they are the correct type of bulb for the fixture. Installing a bulb that is not suited for a fixture can be a fire hazard. Both the bulb and the light fixture should be labeled with information so you know the proper wattage to use. If you have a dimmable light fixture, be sure to use a dimmable bulb, as regular bulbs are unsafe. With any light fixture, if you use a light bulb that has a higher wattage than the fixture requires, it can damage the fixture or become a fire hazard. Checking your light bulbs and electrical fixtures routinely will allow you to keep your home and loved ones safe.
Appliances
Do a quick walk through of your home and check on all your appliances. If your washer or dryer move a lot during use, this can place stress on both the electrical cords and the water supply line. Check these attachments and make adjustments as needed. Make sure all appliances near a water source are plugged into a GFCI outlet. Do not place appliances near the sink. Ensure that all cords are away from heat sources, such as the stove, behind a toaster oven, or near a heating vent. Excessive heat could cause damage to the insulation of the cord’s wiring, which could result in a fire hazard. Unplug smaller appliances, such as toaster ovens and microwaves when not in use. This reduces the chance of fire and saves you energy. These appliances are known as “vampires†because they suck up energy even when not in use. By unplugging them, you interrupt the flow of electricity. If you have every received a shock from an appliance, go immediately to your circuit breaker and turn off electricity to the appliance. Do not touch the appliance or unplug it. The shock could be a sign of a wiring issue. Contact an electrician immediately and do not touch the appliance until an electrician has checked it.
Keeping your family safe is an important task that can be made more manageable by routinely checking your home’s electrical system for any issues. By pairing electrical spring cleaning with your household’s normal spring cleaning, you create a schedule that makes it easier to remember when you will need to check again. If you have any questions about your home’s electrical system, or if you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact Asbury Electric. We are here to help in whatever capacity you need us. Keeping the families we service safe and happy is our goal.
