Think Spring: Your Electrical Checklist

Friday April 19, 2024

 

It’s time to start spring cleaning projects, and while there’s plenty to do, we suggest another area — your home electrical system.

After all, when it comes to electricity, some simple preventative maintenance can save you from electrical shock and fire hazards.


Here’s some ideas to help you keep your power system as spring fresh as the rest of your home.

Kitchen

Make sure all countertop appliances are plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. If your home doesn’t have GFCI outlets installed near water sources—such as in the bathroom and kitchen—you should call us for an upgrade.

Pull your refrigerator away from the wall once a year and vacuum behind it. Dust built-up under and behind the unit can decrease its efficiency.

Laundry Room

Keep the area around the dryer free of clutter, dirt and debris and regularly clean the appliance’s lint filter. Failing to clean the filter can lead to a fire hazard.

All Rooms

We’ve all been making the switch to longer lasting LED bulbs. Since we’re not changing bulbs frequently, they can get covered in dust and give out dimmer light. Yes, dusting the lightbulbs is now a household chore.

Change the direction of your ceiling fans. There’s a reason ceiling fans spin in both directions. In warmer weather, adjust your ceiling fan so that it pushes air down. This ensures that the cool air coming out of your air conditioner stays where you can feel it, which eases the burden on the air conditioner.

Spring means the thunderstorms of warmer weather are on the way. You may want to consider installing a generator. We can help you make the best decision for your home.

If you already have a generator, make sure to have it serviced at least once a year.

Yard

Check your outdoor lighting fixtures and bulbs.

Before every use, inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers for frayed power cords, broken plugs, and weathered or damaged housings. Don’t use damaged equipment until it has been repaired properly. Keep tools unplugged and stored in dry areas when they are not in use.

Do you have a spring electrical project idea? We can help, call us at 810-691-6921.