At Estevez Electric LLC, we know how important it is to keep your home’s electrical system in good shape. As your trusted residential electrician in Allentown, PA, we want to share some key tips to help you keep your home’s electricity safe and working well. Let’s look at 12 important things every homeowner should do to take care of their electrical system.
| Key Takeaways |
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• Get your electrical system checked by a pro once a year • Know what’s in your electrical panel • Replace old wiring and panels • Install and test GFCIs and AFCIs regularly • Use energy-saving technology • Don’t overload your circuits • Fix electrical problems right away • Keep wires and outlets protected from weather • Take care of outdoor electrical stuff • Be ready for power outages • Teach your family about electrical safety • Stay up to date on electrical rules |
1. Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
Having a professional check your electrical system every year is really important. It helps catch small problems before they become big, dangerous ones. Our licensed electricians look at everything carefully – from your electrical panel to the wires in your walls. We make sure everything is safe and working right.
These checkups also make sure your home follows the latest safety rules. This keeps your family safe and helps your home keep its value. Don’t wait for something to break – regular checkups can save you time, money, and worry in the long run.
2. Understand Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel is like the heart of your home’s electrical system. It’s where all the electricity in your house is controlled. Here’s what you should know about it:
- Find the main circuit breaker: It’s usually the biggest switch and controls all the power in your home.
- Know which breaker controls what: Label each switch so you know which one is for the kitchen, bedrooms, etc.
- Keep the area around the panel clear: Make sure you can always get to it easily.
- Never try to fix the panel yourself: It’s dangerous. Always call a professional.
- Know how much power your panel can handle: This helps you avoid overloading it.
For more info on how to use your electrical panel safely, check out our post on essential emergency electrical safety tips for homeowners.
3. Upgrade Outdated Wiring and Panels
If your home is over 20 years old, it might be time to update your electrical system. Old wiring and panels can be dangerous and might not be able to handle all the electronics we use today. Here are signs you might need an upgrade:
- Circuit breakers trip often
- Lights flicker when you turn on appliances
- Outlets feel warm or look discolored
- You smell burning near outlets or switches
- You have old two-prong outlets instead of three-prong ones
- You’re always using extension cords because you don’t have enough outlets
Upgrading your electrical system makes your home safer and can even save you money on energy bills. Learn more about common electrical hazards in older homes on our website.
4. Install and Test GFCIs and AFCIs
GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) and AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) are special devices that help prevent electric shocks and fires. They’re really important for keeping your home safe. Here’s where you should have them:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Outdoor areas
- Basements
- Laundry rooms
- Bedrooms
To make sure these devices are working:
- Press the “test” button on the outlet or breaker.
- You should hear a click and the power should go off.
- Press “reset” to turn the power back on.
- If it doesn’t work right, you need to replace it.
If you need help with GFCIs or AFCIs, our professional electricians can install or replace them for you.
5. Implement Energy-Efficient Technologies
Using energy-efficient technology can help you save money on your electric bills and be better for the environment. Here are some things you can try:
- LED lights: They use way less energy than old light bulbs and last longer.
- Smart thermostats: These learn when you’re home and adjust the temperature to save energy.
- Energy-efficient appliances: Look for ones with the ENERGY STAR label.
- Home automation: Systems that control your lights and other things automatically.
- Smart power strips: These turn off power to devices that aren’t being used.
- Better insulation: This helps your heating and cooling system work less.
To learn more about smart devices that can help you save energy, check out our post on the best smart home devices for energy savings.
6. Manage Your Electrical Load
Using too much electricity at once can cause problems. Here’s how to avoid overloading your circuits:
- Spread out big appliances on different circuits
- Don’t use too many power strips on one outlet
- Know how much power each circuit can handle
- Add more circuits if you need them
- Use energy-efficient appliances
- Don’t run all your big appliances at the same time
If you’re not sure if your home can handle all your electrical stuff, our electricians can check it out for you and help make it safer.
7. Address Warning Signs Promptly
If you notice any of these things, it’s important to get help from an electrician right away:
- Circuit breakers that keep turning off
- Buzzing sounds from outlets or switches
- Outlets or switches that feel hot
- Burning smells
- Sparks when you plug things in
- Lights that flicker or dim
- Outlets or switches that look burnt
If you see any of these, call an emergency electrician right away. To learn more about when your home might need new wiring, read our article on 7 warning signs your home needs rewiring.
8. Maintain Proper Insulation and Weatherproofing
Keeping your home well-insulated and protected from weather helps your electrical system too. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure outdoor outlets have covers that close tightly
- Check insulation in attics and crawl spaces
- Seal any holes where wires come into your house
- Keep your roof and siding in good shape
- Use special covers for outdoor wires
- Make sure your basement doesn’t let water in
Doing these things can help save energy and protect your wires. If you need help making your home more energy-efficient, our residential electricians can give you advice.
9. Keep Up with Outdoor Electrical Maintenance
Don’t forget about the electrical stuff outside your house. Here’s what to do:
- Check outdoor lights for damage
- Make sure outdoor outlets are safe and waterproof
- Keep trees away from power lines
- Look at outdoor wires for signs of wear
- Take care of things like pool pumps and outdoor kitchens
- Clean outdoor lights
- Check timers on outdoor lights
Taking care of your outdoor electrical stuff keeps your home looking nice and safe. Learn more about making your yard look great with our landscape lighting installation services.
10. Prepare for Power Outages
Being ready for when the power goes out is important. Here’s what you can do:
- Get a whole-house surge protector
- Think about getting a backup generator
- Have flashlights and extra batteries ready
- Make a plan for long power outages
- Keep important phone numbers handy
- Test your backup power regularly if you have it
- Know how to open electric garage doors manually
Being prepared helps keep you safe and comfortable during power outages. If you want a backup generator, check out our generator installation services.
11. Educate Your Family on Electrical Safety
Everyone in your house should know how to be safe around electricity. Teach your family these things:
- How to use electrical stuff safely
- Why not to plug in too many things at once
- What to do if there’s an electrical emergency
- How to spot electrical problems
- Why water and electricity don’t mix
- How to use extension cords safely
- How to keep young kids safe around outlets
- Why it’s dangerous to fly kites or climb trees near power lines
Talk about electrical safety with your family often. For more safety tips, read our blog on essential emergency electrical safety tips for homeowners.
12. Stay Updated on Electrical Codes and Regulations
Electrical rules change to make homes safer. Here’s why it’s good to know about these changes:
- Some new rules might mean you need to update your home’s wiring
- Always hire electricians who know the latest rules
- Updating old systems can make your home safer and work better
- Knowing the rules helps you decide what you can do yourself and what needs a pro
- New rules often help save energy
- Understanding the rules helps if you’re selling your home or doing renovations
To stay up to date:
- Follow electrical safety groups online
- Go to workshops about home improvement
- Ask electricians about new rules when they visit your home
For the most up-to-date info and services, trust Estevez Electric LLC for your home electrical needs. We know all the latest rules to keep your home safe and working well.
Conclusion
Taking care of your home’s electrical system is really important for keeping your family safe and your home working well. By following these 12 tips and getting help from Estevez Electric LLC when you need it, you can make sure your home’s electricity is safe and reliable. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to electricity. If you’re not sure about something, it’s best to ask a professional for help.
If you have any questions or need help with your home’s electrical system, don’t hesitate to contact our team of expert electricians. We’re here to help keep your home safe and your electricity working great.