Safety, Moisture, and When to Upgrade

Winter is tough on a house. The constant heating load, hidden moisture, and lack of use for outdoor circuits can create issues. As we transition into spring and and start getting our houses ready for summer, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the next season.

Here is what you need to look for, and how you can ensure your family stays safe this spring.

1. Electricity and Moisture

We all know the rule: water and electricity do not mix. But in spring, that mix is often harder to see. It isn’t just about dripping faucets. It's about condensation, high humidity, groundwater, and heavy rainfall.

Moisture in your electrical system is a serious hazard. That can lead to short circuits, component failure, and a higher risk of electric shock. If it doesn’t cause an immediate short, moisture causes corrosion. Copper wiring, aluminum wires, and the metal contacts inside your outlets, switches, and electrical panel can rust. 

Your Spring Checklist:

• Outdoor Outlets: Check all exterior outlets. Are the covers intact and closing tightly?

• Standing Water: After a heavy rain, inspect your house. Are there damp walls near outlets? Any standing water near electrical components? Make sure to check your basement!

• GFCI Checks: Check all of the GFCI’s around your house and make sure they work. GFCI’s should be located everywhere there is moisture, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, Ect… And how you test them is by pressing in the “ TEST” button on the receptacle. Then if it pops, it means it works. Then press the “RESET” button all the way in to restore power to the outlet. If it isn't working they need to be replaced. 

  
  

2. Upgrade Broken Components

During winter your home's electrical system wears out. As your power demands grow your older systems struggle to keep up. Spring is an ideal time to check your house to see if your electrical system can handle the upcoming summer. If you have any questions or concerns about your home, Call Us!

Flickering or Dimming Lights

Are you noticing lights around your house flickering, or shutting off randomly? This often means either your light bulbs are going out, or the circuit is struggling to maintain consistent voltage, which can mean either loose wiring inside your panel or an outdated panel that cannot handle your home’s electrical load.

Discolored, Warm, or Loose Outlets

Walk around your house and look at your outlets. If you see any blackening or scorch marks around the plug holes, that is a warning sign of arcing and overheating. Also if an outlet feels warm to the touch (without anything plugged into it) or if plugs wobble and fall out easily, the switches need to be replaced.

3. Why Spring is the Strategic Season for Upgrades

While its starting to warm up and we progress into spring, proactive maintenance now saves you from the "emergencies" that tend to pop up later in the year.

Here is why fixing those system upgrades makes sense right now:

• Beating the Summer Heat: Before the first true heatwave hits, your air conditioner is going to demand a massive amount of power. If your electrical panel is already struggling, the added stress of an AC unit running 24/7 can lead to a total system failure right when you need cooling the most. Upgrading now ensures your home can handle the peak load of summer.

  
  

• Safety Before Storm Season: Spring and early summer often bring unpredictable weather

  and lightning storms. An aging electrical system is far more vulnerable to power surges. By ensuring your grounding is solid and your components are modern, you’re adding a layer of protection for your expensive appliances and electronics before storm season peaks.

  
  

• Preparation for Outdoor Living: As we move outside to decks and patios, we start plugging in string lights, electric grills, and power tools. Checking your exterior GFCI protection and upgrading outdoor circuits now means you can enjoy your backyard safely without constantly tripping breakers or worrying about damp grass and old outlets.

  
  

• Peace of Mind for Your Projects: If you have bigger home renovations planned for the summer, getting your electrical foundation solid in the spring is the best first step. It’s much easier to address wiring issues now than later.

  
  

  

If you are having any issues now, taking action before spring ensures that your system is efficient, reliable, and most importantly safe for the seasons ahead.

If you find something that doesn't look right, we’re always here to help you get it squared away so you can focus on enjoying the warmer weather. If you have any questions, or want a quote call 801-472-5735  and we would be happy to help you!

JOKE TIME: What kind of shoes do frogs wear when spring comes?.................. Open-toad!

– Horizon Electric