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 Here are some tips you should consider to get your electrical system winter-ready and to stay safe!

1) Cut down any tree branches close to power lines

If they’re too big, they can fall onto your home or even power lines which will cause a huge mess for you and your neighbors. So it may be a good idea to safely cut down tree branches.

2) Inspect and test carbon monoxide (CO) detectors

Inspecting your carbon monoxide detectors are always a good idea. Testing them before winter gives you the certainty that no harmful gas hurts you and your family. The colder weather forces us to use more gas-fueled appliances and heating units to warm ourselves up.

3) Have a backup generator

There’s only so much we can do to protect our electrical system but sometimes it can not withstand the climate changes of winter. The colder season usually entails power outages due to storms, winds, and other environmental forces. When your electricity goes out, it is a good idea to have a backup generator.

4) Be careful of space heaters

Now this one is unexpected. Using space heaters is really convenient to warm you up. Depending on your usage, it can cost you between $60-$150 extra a month on your electrical bill. Aside from a higher utility cost, these devices are a main cause of tripping breakers, and can be dangerous. You must be thinking about how they can be harmful. Actually, they can be more dangerous than you think.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters cause about a third of all winter house fires. Not to mention that they are the third-leading cause of home fire deaths in the United States. These home fires usually are caused when there are flammable materials in close proximity to the heating element. 

5) Older equipment

No equipment runs as good as it did when it was brand new.
A good way to prepare for winter is to take into consideration the age of your equipment. If you can’t remember when the last time was that you checked your electrical system (ex. Breaker box, electrical panels, etc.) it might be the time that you get them inspected. Older equipment, especially electrical wires, has a tendency to pose a greater danger as they age. As the wires begin to wear down, they can no longer handle the massive amounts of electricity flowing through them and can result in burned outlets, fried breakers/fuses, and even house fires.

6) Water leak inspection

Before winter kicks off, it’s a good idea to check for any water leaks in your plumbing system. Now you may be thinking, what does my plumbing have anything to do with my electricity? Think about it. Has water ever mixed well with electricity? NOPE.
A small water leak starts out as a few drops here and there, nothing really to be worried about. What you might not know is that the little leak has the potential to cause lots of damage to your home’s electrical system.
Common water leaks that can affect your electrical systems are those that come from your appliances. As water continues to leak, pools of water can eventually affect your electrical system in a negative way. Appliances/ units to check are:

Dishwashers
Refrigerators
Washing machines
Water heaters
The fact of the matter is that water is a great conductor of electricity. If they ever come into contact with one another, you’ll want to get professional help immediately.

7) Get a whole home power surge protector

Power surges are electrical spikes that last less than a thousand of a second. Although these short jumps in voltage seem like no problem at all, they can still damage your home and electronics.
All your electronics can cause a power surge due to their frequent cycling.  Not only that, but it can also be caused by environmental forces like lightning. Without a surge protector, your chances of home electrical damage raise significantly and you’ll be left with the cost of replacing or repairing your electronics.
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