Electrical Safety in the High Desert and Inland Empire: Some Tips for Homeowners
With the weather turning, have you had flickering lights? You may be left to wonder if your home’s wiring is up to the task of all the space heaters and holiday lighting that fall brings. And when your electrical panel is not behaving as it should, who do you put in a call to?
Since 2000 JD Ensz Electric, Inc. has put the minds of homeowners in the High Desert and Inland Empire at ease. We are a family business with more than 40 years of field experience between us; we are familiar with what local homes endure with the turn of the season. If you see an issue or want to ask something, (760) 374-8730 is our number.
Shorter days and cooler nights are part and parcel of a fall in Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley and environs. Your electrical system will have to work harder for it. The following are some sensible ways to ensure your home is safe as it gets colder.
Inspect Your Heating Equipment Early
The first cold snap has everyone putting on their heaters and the demand can be sudden, which is when trouble is apt to show itself. Do not put off a once over of your heating system.
A few things to look into before the season is upon you:
- Put your furnace and electric units to the test
- Be sure any space heater is in a wall outlet and not on an extension cord
- Examine the cords on your equipment for damage or fraying
- Clear away clutter, furniture and curtains from around your vents and units
- An outlet that is warm is cause for concern
Should you detect anything amiss, discontinue use of the equipment and get in touch with a licensed electrician.
Your Electrical Panel
It is hard work done in silence by your electrical panel, but fall is hard on it too. More appliances and heaters running means tripped breakers and the like, or worse in an older home.
Heed such warnings as a hot panel or one that smells of burning, or breakers that will not stay put. There is no need to overlook them. For matters of urgency like a panel repair we have emergency services on hand so you do not have to wait.
Outdoor Electrical
In the High Desert the temperature can swing and your outdoor components will show it. Before you put out the decorations for the holidays or run any equipment outside, have a good look at things.
Some things to bear in mind:
- See that your outdoor outlets are fitted with a weatherproof cover
- Only put out cords and lights made for the job
- GFCI protection on outdoor outlets is a must to ward off shock
- Too many strands of lights will overload a circuit
- Try to keep extension cords from the ground and any standing water
You will thank yourself for attending to these details now.
Holiday Circuits
Before you know it the holidays are here with their guests and cooking and lights. Yet there is only so much a circuit can take and overloading is the bane of electrical systems this time of year. Make use of different circuits for your appliances and lighting. An overreliance on power strips could indicate an updated setup is in order for your home.
Have a Professional Look
Small issues can fester behind walls and in panels until they are a safety hazard or an expensive fix. A professional inspection is the way to find them, in older homes in San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange County in particular.
Our service area extends to Phelan, Adelanto, Barstow, Piñon Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and the rest of San Bernardino. We are insured and licensed and provide free estimates to those in our area for any concern, routine or otherwise.
Make Contact
Do not put it off until your panel or heater gives you reason to. Our team is on hand Monday to Friday from 7 to 5 for residential and commercial alike, and can add GFCI protection to safeguard your home.
We make it our pride to go from home to home and keep families in the Inland Empire and High Desert safe. Give us a ring at (760) 374-8730 to set up an inspection or put your questions to us.