How to Safeguard Your Home’s Electrical System This Winter

Winter is a challenging season for your home’s electrical system. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and increased electricity usage for heating and holiday lighting can strain your system, leading to potential issues or even outages. At Ogden Electrical, located at 190 W 33rd Street #160 Suite C, Ogden, UT 84401, we’re here to share expert tips to keep your home’s electrical system safe and efficient all winter long.

1. Schedule an Electrical Inspection
​Before winter sets in, it’s crucial to have your home’s electrical system inspected by a professional. An inspection ensures:

• Your wiring is in good condition and free from wear.
• Your circuit breakers and electrical panels can handle increased loads.
• Outlets and switches are functioning correctly.

At Ogden Electrical, our team can identify potential issues and provide solutions to keep your system running smoothly.

2. Protect Your Home from Power Surges
Winter storms often cause power outages, and when power is restored, surges can damage sensitive electronics and appliances. Protect your home by:

• Installing surge protectors at key outlets.
• Adding a whole-house surge protector to your electrical panel for comprehensive coverage.

3. Use Space Heaters Safely
Space heaters are a convenient way to stay warm, but they can pose fire risks if not used correctly. Follow these safety tips:

• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets—never use extension cords.
• Keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains and furniture.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

4. Check Outdoor Lighting and Decorations
Holiday lights and outdoor decorations can strain your electrical system if not installed correctly. Ensure safe operation by:

• Using lights rated for outdoor use and plugging them into GFCI outlets.
• Inspecting cords for damage before plugging them in.
• Avoiding overloading circuits by distributing lights across multiple outlets.

5. Install a Backup Generator
Winter storms can leave you without power for hours or even days. A backup generator keeps essential appliances like your furnace, refrigerator, and medical devices running during outages. Ogden Electrical offers expert generator installation and maintenance services to keep your family safe and comfortable.

6. Avoid Overloading Circuits
Increased use of heating devices and holiday lights can overload your electrical circuits, causing breakers to trip. Prevent this by:

• Distributing appliances and devices across multiple circuits.
• Upgrading your electrical panel if your system frequently trips breakers.

7. Monitor Your Electrical Usage
Winter often brings higher electricity bills due to heating needs. Reduce your energy consumption by:

• Using a programmable thermostat to regulate heating.
• Switching to LED lighting, which uses significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• Unplugging electronics when not in use.

Stay Safe with Ogden Electrical
Protecting your home’s electrical system during winter ensures a safer, more comfortable season. At Ogden Electrical, we’re here to help with inspections, repairs, and installations. Call us at (385) 644-6081 to schedule an appointment or visit us at 190 W 33rd Street #160 Suite C, Ogden, UT 84401. Let us help you prepare your home for the challenges of winter!