Get Your Electrical System Ready for Summer With These Easy Tips

The Winter’s On Its Way Out – Are You Ready?

It’s true that around PA and NJ we’ve had a pretty rough winter as far as freezing temperatures and ice goes. We may not have had record-breaking snow, but that doesn’t mean that residents all over the area didn’t (and aren’t still) feeling the impacts of the season.

That’s why we’re releasing this blog as a preface to the spring and summer, and a conclusion to the winter. There are many things you should consider around your property for the coming change in season that will help preserve your electrical system and also keep you, your property, and everyone inside and nearby safe.

Check for Leftover Holiday Season Decorations & Wiring

Many people overlook this after the holidays, and sometimes wiring and other things get left behind — this can be dangerous. The process of freezing, thawing, and animals waking up from hibernation and scurrying around will not bode well for the thin wires that usually accompany holiday décor. To prevent fires, loss of power, and wasted electricity, please double check.

Check Your Furnace

Your furnace has probably been working overtime, so give it a check. Another thing that gets overlooked is the wiring and electronics around the heating system in a house. There’s a lot of insulation around furnaces — make sure that it’s intact and that nothing came in during the winter and tried to burrow in there. Check your thermostats and make sure your furnace is responding well.

Check Electronics Around Pools, Ponds & Fountains

This could also include areas that have been significantly flooded or crushed by heavy snow load during the winter. Check the electronics around these areas for frays in the wiring, faulty bulbs, or surfaced wiring that should be underground. Pools should especially have their electrical systems checked regularly to ensure proper grounding and circuit breaking.

Check Your Trees

Some properties have more trees than others. As the winter progresses, cold weather, ice, and thawing will kill or weaken the branches of your trees. Go around your property and look for problematic branches that may fall onto wires or important systems around your house. If possible, get a professional to help you. By taking proper care of your trees, you are saving yourself thousands of dollars in repairs after a storm.

Check Your Sump Pump

If you value your basement or lower levels, you should never forget this step. One great way to test a sump pump is to get a bucket of water and slowly dump it into the sump, making sure that the system turns on and effectively drains the water. Check the area where the sump outlets. This area can build up with ice in the winter and dirt and debris in the summer. If it gets clogged, it can cause the motor to overwork itself and eventually break down.

These are just a few tips on how to save yourself time and headaches with your electrical systems during the change in seasons. A-1 Electric regularly services clients throughout Philly, Bucks, and Montgomery County, PA and most of the surrounding areas, so call us with any questions on how you can prepare yourself for the spring and summer months.