Prepare For Fall With An Electrical Checklist in Streamwood
As these beautiful fall days turn into dark and chilly evenings, make sure you are prepared for fall with our Fall Electrical Checklist!
1. Consider installing landscape lighting.
With not as much daylight as the summer months, being able to stay outside gets to be difficult. That can change when landscape lighting installation becomes part of the overall equation for a home, since it allows for an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and more security for the home’s residents. If you’re proud of your landscaping efforts, this is the perfect opportunity to show it off.
2. Make sure your back up power is in working order.
Make sure your back up power is in working order in the case of upcoming winter storms! Now is the time to test your stand by generators, or to install a generator transfer switch for a portable generator–not when the storm is upon us!
3. Test your GFCI circuit breakers and/or outlets to make sure they are operating correctly.
While significant improvements have been made in electrical safety over the years, the threat of accidental electrocution remains present and you need to take the steps necessary in avoiding it. The best way is by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) which will cut off power immediately once it detects a contrast between input and output current, thanks to its built-in circuit breaker. Without a GFCI outlet installed in your home, areas where water is more likely to come into contact with electricity like bathrooms and garages are suddenly much more dangerous. It may even result in a person being electrocuted once they come into contact with an outlet. Upgrading with a GFCI outlet will save lives and keep you more relaxed.
4. Make sure no tree branches are touching any of your power lines.
In the case of a storm, or a very windy day, branches could interfere with your power. If you have branches touching power lines, call the power company and they will trim at no cost to you.5. Remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. And remember too the detectors need to be replaced every 10 years.
have the threatening branches trimmed back to avoid downed power lines and electrical fires.
5. Water Heater Outlets
This is likely something that some homeowners don’t often notice—until something goes wrong. As the temperature drops, it makes a great deal of sense to consider all of the problems that may occur with this particular appliance.
Leaks within pipes for water heater outlets can be evident from the top or bottom. There may minimal or no hot water available. It might take an extended period of time for water to reheat because the vent flue is dirty or because of low pressure or simply be too hot. Finally, keeping the pilot or burner lit becomes a challenge or lighting the pilot simply becomes impossible.
6. Interior Lighting Upgrades
Haunted houses are a popular attraction during the fall, but your home may resemble one without any working or outdated lights. At Wayne P Leonard Electric, we offer several lighting upgrades that will shed new light into your kitchen, bathroom, family room, and more. We offer cabinet lighting, accent lighting, artwork accents, bathroom lighting, and so much more. Any guest will feel immediately welcome into your home thanks to warming, eye-catching lighting that enhances indoor atmosphere. Plus, you will be able to cook, clean, read, and navigate in your home so much more effectively.
Wayne P Leonard can fix any electrical problems — safely and quickly. Our team of electricians is on call to respond to any electrical emergency you may have. No matter your electrical need, Wayne P Leonard’s team of electricians in the Chicagoland area is here to serve you. Call now to schedule service or a free estimate for your new installation.