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As a homeowner, there are specific maintenance requirements you should take care of throughout the year. Like other parts of your home, your electrical system must be properly maintained to ensure it continues working correctly.
When you’re working on your checklist, pay attention to any unusual sounds or smells. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call HR Phoenix. One of our electricians can take a look at your electrical system and see if there are any underlying issues.
The Ultimate Electrical Maintenance Checklist
In between maintenance appointments, you should do the following activities to keep your electrical system working its best.
Visually Inspect
First, visually inspect your home. Look for anything that seems out of the ordinary, like frayed wires, burnt marks on outlets, or exposed wiring. In addition to looking for problems, you should also listen for unusual noises. Some electrical issues can even cause burning scents, so pay attention to what you smell as well.
Check for Tripped Breakers
Next, see if there are any tripped circuit breakers or damaged fuses. Thankfully, damaged fuses are fairly rare in modern homes because most homes use circuit breakers.
If your home frequently experiences tripped breakers, it is important to call an electrician. It’s normal for breakers to trip occasionally, but frequent issues indicate a serious electrical overload or malfunction in your home.
Look at the Wires and Cables
Visually inspect the wires you can see in your home. Look for melted wires or other signs of damage. For instance, you should never be able to directly touch the wire. If the wires have damaged insulation or scratches, use insulation tape to fix them.
Get Rid of Old Extension Cords
While extension cords might not be a permanent electrical fixture, they can still lead to electrical fires and other issues. If you have used an extension cord for more than a month, you should inspect it for signs of damage. Frayed wires and torn insulation can occur over time.
Extension cords aren’t intended to be a long-term measure. They are only supposed to be used for temporary projects, like a holiday party or setting up Christmas lights. They should never be used with space heaters and air conditioners.
Other than inspecting your extension cord for damage, you should also check to see if it is rated for the items you have plugged in. If you notice exposed prongs, discard the extension cord. You should also get rid of any cord that feels hot to the touch.
Test Your Outlets and Switches
Next, you can test your outlets and switches to make sure they’re all working properly. If any switches aren’t getting enough power, call one of our electricians for help. We have special tools for testing the electrical supply for distortions and other issues.
As you check your outlets and switches, put your hand against them. If the outlets feel hot, it may be because electrical energy is causing them to overheat. Our electricians may need to retighten the wires and screws. Additionally, you may want to consider installing surge protectors to protect against power surges.
Inspect Your Appliances
Air conditioners, washers, refrigerators, ovens, and other large appliances can use a lot of electricity. Many of these devices, like your air conditioner and refrigerator, are used most of the time. Because of this, you should inspect your appliances as a part of your electrical checklist.
During your inspection, clean the exhaust hood and duct over your stove so that they can ventilate your kitchen. You should also make sure your countertop appliances, like your microwave and coffeemaker, are plugged into GFCI outlets. If you notice any electrical current coming from the appliance, turn it off immediately and call an electrician for help.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
Your smoke detectors and fire alarms are important for protecting your family. If your electrical system malfunctions, this safety system will prevent a fire from getting out of control. Make sure the batteries on your smoke detector and fire alarm are working properly. Ideally, you should change these batteries every six months.
Look for Electrical Issues Outside
Electrical problems can occur outside of your home, so it’s important to add this to your checklist. Look at your outdoor outlets to see if their covers can close properly. When you mow your lawn or use the weed eater, you should be cautious. You never want your landscaping equipment to come in contact with electrical wires or extension cords.
Invest in Surge Protection
Storms can cause electrical surges that can damage your appliances and electrical system. With surge protectors, you can protect components in your electrical system from unexpected power surges. Our electricians can also install a whole-house surge protection system to provide you with a better level of protection.
Consider an Upgrade
If your home was built before 1980, it may have been made with aluminum wiring. Aluminum wires are a potential fire hazard because they can cause outlets and switch connections to overheat. If you have aluminum wiring you have in your home, you may want to upgrade to copper wiring.
What Are Signs Your Home Has Electrical Problems?
As a homeowner, it’s important to pay attention to common indications of an electrical problem.
- Humming or buzzing noises near your outlets
- Burning smells near switches and outlets
- Flickering lights
- Sparks coming from fixtures, outlets, and switches
- Frequently tripped circuit breakers
How Often Should You Get an Electrical Inspection?
Homeowners can carry out this checklist throughout the year. If you notice signs of a problem, call an electrician right away.
In general, you should get a professional electrician to inspect your home every one or two years. The frequency depends on the age of your house as well as how many issues you have with your electrical system. If you are uncertain about how often you should schedule an inspection, you can always give us a call to find out more.
Why Do You Need Professional Electrical Inspections?
A professional electrician has experience inspecting, repairing, and installing electrical systems. Often, they can detect problems before you notice signs of damage. By pinpointing problems early, electricians can save you money. Early repairs also prevent emergencies and unexpected repair bills from appearing in the future.
Working with electricians is important because they understand how electrical systems work. They have the certifications and experience necessary to diagnose problems and offer potential solutions. Through the best repairs, you can prevent fires and electrical hazards from occurring.
Maintain Your Electrical System
Through the best electrical maintenance checklist, you can protect your electrical system from damage. More importantly, you can prevent fires and other issues from occurring.
At HR Phoenix, you can find the top electrical services that Richland Hills offers. Our Texas-based company can help with electrical panels, generators, rewiring, and electrical repairs. From setting up EV charging stations to handling plumbing tasks, we cover a variety of home maintenance needs.
For more information on our services, contact our team members today.
