Spring Checklist For Homeowners

Home electrical fires are a very real threat. In fact, Electrical Safety Foundation International says that home electrical fires account for 51,000 fires a year, 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. The best way to protect your home and your family is to review an electrical maintenance checklist every spring to ensure the health of your electrical system.

Your best bet is to hire a residential electrician in O'Fallon MO to conduct your spring inspection.

Checklist: At a Glance

Here are a few things you should be checking each spring.

• Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Every six months, switch out the batteries in every detector, and test them to make sure they’re working properly. Replace the detectors as they get outdated.
• Inspect electrical cords, sockets and outlets: Check all outlets routinely, and unplug appliances and extension cords when you’re not using them. If you see discolored or singed outlets, this is a red flag that you have old or faulty wiring. Frayed or outdated wiring may result in an electrical fire if you ignore it. Replace old outlets with GFCI outlets to prevent electrical shock risk.
• Check all appliances: Plug all appliances into a GFCI outlet for additional surge protection and grounding, especially in the case of refrigerators, washers/dryers, and air conditioning wall units. Inspect the condition of all appliance cords and make sure they are not frayed.
• Clean air filters and vents: Whether you have stand-alone AC wall units in your house or you have central heat and air, regularly clear them of dust and debris. Filters easily get clogged with dust, pollen, dirt, and allergens throughout winter. If you have washable filters, clean and dry them. If you have disposable filters, order new ones and install them. Make sure all indoor and outdoor vents are not blocked by obstructions.
• Survey your exteriors: Make sure all outdoor outlet covers close properly and make sure that all outdoor lighting is not damaged from winter weather. Trim back trees from your main electrical wires. Never approach a live wire; call the power company or an electrician.
• Prepare for power outages: Because you will be running your air conditioning a lot more this summer, you want to be prepared in the event of power outages and surges that can occur with grid overuse. Install whole house surge protection and make sure any generators you have are in good working order. Stock an emergency kit with water, flashlights, and a hand-crank charging station for phones.
• Schedule an energy audit: This will allow you to see how you can make necessary improvements to your electrical system, save money, and conserve energy. Even just making small adjustments on your water heater temperature can save a lot of money annually.

Contact Braco Electrical and Contracting

Always have a licensed electrician in St. Louis conduct your spring inspections for safety. Make your appointment today when you contact us at 636-294-8562.