Serving Tampa & Surrounding Areas With school back in session and fall schedules in full swing, it’s time once again to start preparing our Florida homes for winter. In addition to seasonal maintenance on your central air and DIY procedures for transitioning your home from summer to fall, don’t forget to address your electrical system. While our winters are mild, we still experience weather changes that affect the way we use electricity. After another hot summer, with the air conditioning in constant use, it’s good to review your electrical system to ensure there are no minor problems that could potentially lead to expensive repairs or hazardous situations. The professional electricians at Home Service Heroes want to make sure that our Tampa Bay neighbors have all the information they need to keep safe and comfortable throughout the year.
Temporary Electrical
Many area residents set up additional appliances/electronics in their homes during the summer months. Box fans, small refrigerators and even charging stations for various tech tools may have been set up over the vacation. This is a good time to remove them, especially if extension cords were used to power them. Extension cords are only for temporary use and can become safety hazards if connected for an extended period. When you are putting the cords away, check for any damage that may have occurred during use. If you notice a bent or damaged cord, the best option is to get rid of it and replace it.
Test Outlets
It is important to test your electrical outlets every year or so to make sure that there are no problems with the wiring. Sometimes an outlet (or electrical switch plate) will turn brown – or might be hot to the touch. These are obvious signs that there is something wrong with the wiring. But problems with outlet wiring are not always easy to discover. A good way to test your outlets for faulty wiring is to invest in a receptacle tester to diagnose each one.
Generator Safety
If you own a generator, it is important to keep it free from plant life and yard debris. There should be at least three feet of space between the generator and any plants or trees. Clean your unit from any yard debris and trim any plant life that may have around it during the summer. You never know when you might need your backup power supply. Though fall and winter are typically not as stormy as the summer in Tampa Bay, it only takes one electrical storm to wipe out the power in your home and neighborhood.
Professional Electrical System Inspection
When was the last time you had your electrical system professionally inspected? The best way to ensure that your home is safe from electrical hazards is to have an inspection performed by a professional electrician. A thorough inspection will cover areas including outlets, electrical panels, lighting fixtures, and even your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. To keep your home up-to-date on current Florida code requirements and discover minor problems before they escalate into dangerous fire hazards, schedule an electrical safety inspection today!
Keep your home and family safe this season and throughout the year with fall electrical maintenance procedures. If it has been 10 years since your last inspection, or if you are constantly experiencing tripped breakers, contact Home Service Heroes! Our professional technicians will inspect your entire system and offer solutions to any safety issues that might come up. Call us at (813) 696-3398 to schedule an appointment today!
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