Prepare For Fall With An Electrical Checklist in Barrington
Evenings get chilly and days get shorter once fall comes around. Make yourself prepared 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.
This type of subtle landscaping lights tend to offer a cost effective alternative to the glaring 120-volt systems that most people attempt to use.
2. Make sure your back up power is in working order.
When storms hit, the last thing you want is for the power to get cut out. It’s always a good idea to have tons of batteries for flash lights and blankets. It’s a good rule of thumb to have a back up generator if you are around an area that has power lines that can pose a problem with trees during storms.
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.
As we start more outdoor leaf blowing and projects, and start planning our holiday light displays, we need our outdoor power more than ever. Test your GFCI outlets–press the test button and if it engages then it is working properly. Press the reset button to re-energize the circuit breaker or outlet.
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. Remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. And remember, the detectors need to be replaced every 10 years.
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.
7. Inspect your extension cords
with the holidays coming up, you’re going to want to make sure your extension cords are in good shape and not damaged or frayed. Any extension cords you’re planning on using outdoors should be weather-rated. Inside, make sure you use surge protectors and power strips with internal overload protection, and make sure you minimize the amount of adapters plugged into a single outlet.
8. Check Your Alarms
The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases significantly in winter. That’s because people are using heating systems, water heaters, and any other gas, oil, wood, or coal appliances in colder months. Be proactive: Install and test detectors before you turn on the heating equipment.
Smoke detectors should be tested every month to ensure they are working properly. Be sure to check before you get too busy during the holidays! Detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Wayne P Leonard electricians are happy to install or test your smoke detectors!
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.
