Ensure Your Home is Ready for the Extra Electrical Load

As the weather changes and holidays draw near, homeowners in Massachusetts will rely on a safe and functional electrical system now more than ever. More electricity, from holiday lights to space heaters, can increase the risk of problems if your home’s electrical system isn’t ready to handle the demand.
Here, the expert electricians at GEM Plumbing & Heating discuss the potential issues that colder weather can bring and the proper steps homeowners can take to ensure their electrical systems are ready for the holidays.
How the Holidays Strain Your Electrical System
From outdoor blow-up decor to indoor tree lights, the holidays can put an additional strain on your home’s electrical system. However, festive decorations aren’t the only thing requiring more power. The holidays are a time for families to gather and travel.
When houseguests arrive, you’ll find yourself turning on more lights, plugging in more devices, and even heating your home more often. All of this, combined with the additional strain of your heating system to keep up with the Massachusetts winter, can cause you to overextend your system and have electrical problems.
Common Electrical Issues in The Winter
Below-freezing temperatures and increased use of electricity can leave homeowners in Massachusetts facing electrical problems in their homes, including:
- Flickering lights: If your lights flicker, there’s a chance that you’re overloading your circuit breaker and drawing too much energy from your system.
- Tripped circuit breakers: A circuit can overload and trip the breaker if you have too many things plugged into a single area of your home.
- Power surges: During power outages caused by winter storms, you’re at an increased risk for power surges, which can damage your electrical system and devices.
- Water damage: If you don’t use outdoor and weather-rated extension cords for lights and decorations, you may end up with water damage to your outlets, which can lead to corrosion or short circuits.
How to Prepare Your Electrical System for Winter
With these simple steps, you can prepare your home’s electrical system for the change in season and ensure that your decorations and home are safe:
- Examine your electrical panel: Before the increase in electrical use for the holidays, make sure your electrical panel is free of rust, corrosion, or worn wires.
- Inspect your outlets: Check outdoor outlets for cracks or damage and ensure they have proper covers to protect against moisture.
- Test your generator: Make sure your generator is working correctly before the start of winter storms.
- Consider whole-home surge protection: Prepare for power outages and sudden electrical surges with a whole-home surge protection system.
- Inspect holiday decor: Make sure your yard decorations are rated for outdoor use and that any lights for your roof are free of frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged plugs.
- Schedule an inspection: Have the team at GEM perform a thorough electrical inspection to ensure your system is safe for use this holiday season.
Schedule Electrical Services Today
If the holiday season leads to electrical problems, call GEM for expert electrical services in Massachusetts. Since 1949, our licensed and certified technicians have provided comprehensive home services with same-day availability to ensure you have the help you need.
Our professionals are background-checked for your safety and offer transparent communication, upfront pricing, and free estimates on replacements. Trust our team for superior service backed by family values.
Schedule electrical services in New England by calling GEM today.