Current Tips

Winter in Pearl River, NY, ushers in the cold weather, space heaters, holiday decor, and an increased amount of time spent indoors. But the winter months also mean an increase in your electrical usage, making it vital to protect your electrical safety. Whether you’re preparing your home for the cold season or trying to keep up with your winter electrical needs, the team at Ryan Electrical Services has a few simple safety tips to keep you and your family safe this season. 

1. Check Your Heating System

You probably also know that your heating system is working overtime during the cold months, but do you know if it’s safe to increase your electrical load? Relying on faulty or outdated wiring in your heating system can increase the risk of electrical fires, shorts, and more. Before cranking up the heat, make sure your wiring is in good working condition and free from dust and debris. Although we don’t recommend using space heaters, if they’re absolutely necessary, never leave them unattended. You should also turn them off anytime you leave the room.

2. Inspect Your Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel is the hub of your home and keeps your heating system, appliances, lights, and smart devices powered up all winter. It’s important to regularly check your panel for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any unusual smells, buzzing, or frequently tripped breakers, give the team at Ryan Electrical Services a call for New York electrical panel service. We’ll come out for an inspection to make sure your panel is up to the task or upgrade it to expand your electrical capability and make sure you have the power you need.

3. Avoid Overloading Your Home’s Circuits

There’s something about extension cords and wintertime that goes hand in hand. Although it’s tempting to plug in every string light, appliance, and new gadget into the same circuit, it can pose serious risks and even lead to an electrical fire. It’s important to spread out your usage by plugging large appliances into different outlets and avoid daisy-chaining your extension cords. Extension cords are also temporary and not a permanent solution. If you need expanded outlets and electrical capacity, contact the team at Ryan Electrical Services to handle all of your electrical service needs.

4. Install Surge Protectors

Winter storms can bring on power surges that can directly damage your electronic equipment, TVs, computers, home theater systems, and anything else you plug into your circuits. Investing in surge protectors helps shield your devices from the sudden power surges from storms and outages. It’s also possible to experience routine surges that aren’t connected to storms at all. Call the team at Ryan Electrical Services to schedule our Pearl River surge protection services. You’ll get more peace of mind to prevent costly repairs or replacements.

5. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your home is vulnerable to hidden fire and carbon monoxide risks. From your water heater and appliances to frayed wires, you need reliable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as your first line of defense. emergency. Reset them regularly by pressing the test button and replace your batteries at least every year. 

6. Keep Your Electrical Connections Dry

Winter in Pearl River brings with it snow, ice, rain, and moisture, which can create hazards around your electrical outlets and devices. Do your best to keep your outdoor electrical outlets and devices dry by covering them with waterproof covers. The goal is to keep moisture from contacting your electrical components. But when snow starts accumulating around power lines or exposed electrical connections, don’t try to handle it yourself and compromise your safety. It’s best to stay clear and call a professional to inspect them.

7. Plan for Power Outages

Winter storms and outages are a part of life in Pearl River. Stay prepared with a backup generator or a battery-powered heating source on hand. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe generator use and to prevent voiding your warranty. It’s also not safe to operate your generator indoors. Beyond planning for warmth, plan to have extra water flashlights, extra batteries available in case of a long-term power outage.

8. Hire a Professional for an Electrical Inspection

Tackling some safety checks can only take you so far. At some point, you need a New York electrical safety inspection performed by a licensed electrician in Pearl River to make sure your home is safe for the winter season. Give Ryan Services a call to come out and inspect your electrical system. We’ll identify the issues and come up with a solution that helps you save money on repairs in the long run. Regular repairs also prevent the hazards from outdated wiring, overloading circuits, and malfunctioning outlets.

Call the Team at Ryan Electrical Services for All Your Electrical Needs

Ready to take control over the safety of your home? Schedule your next electrical inspection, repair, or maintenance call with the team at Pearl Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll come out as soon as possible to diagnose what’s going on and address outdated wiring, surge protection, new outlets, and so much more. Schedule your appointment today!