Just what does Electrical Spring Cleaning involve?

Wouldn't you know it...Spring time is just around the corner, and soon we will all be looking to rid ourselves of those items we no longer need or want. Items such as clothing, shoes, toys, appliances or even power tools.

 It’s that good ole saying “Out with the Old in with the new!”

But what exactly does Electrical Spring Cleaning entail, you ask?

Let’s take a peek at some of the items we should be addressing for electrical safety as well as clean up!

1: Cord Inspections:

While you’re Spring Cleaning, you should make time to check on any Cords throughout your home.

We find cords on EVERYTHING that uses a plug in! Appliances – Electronics - Power Tools – Vacuums - Charging Cords – Modems…etc. Just to make certain all cords are void of nicks, frays, tears, spots that may have been chewed on, water or moisture damage, and just make sure they are in good shape and won’t cause shocks, sparks, or fires.

2: Check your Receptacles/ Outlets:

While you’re checking all your cords, you may as well give a good look at what you’re plugging them into as well. Making certain your outlets are not too crowded and overloading a circuit can be very helpful, as well as to make sure an unused outlet is in fact working. Also; look for any damage to the outlets such as scorch marks/ broken or cracked cover plates/ exposed wiring/ dust or pet hair…etc. And also check if they are warm to the touch, that’s a sign of a problem. You should also make sure the outlet is secured in the wall, to avoid the outlet moving about when cords get tugged on.

Also check for any damage to the protective covers for weather/ moisture protected outlets, whether inside or at the exterior of your home. Moisture and electricity is a big no, no!

3: Appliance Maintenance:

We may keep the inside of our Freezers and Fridges tidy and clean, but how often are we cleaning behind or around them? When was the last time we cleaned for dust or debris behind our Clothes Dryer, or around the Stove/ Range? Keeping our larger appliances in tip top shape means they will be more energy efficient as well as safe! Below is a short list of appliances we should be cleaning up:

• Fridge: Dust condenser coils, clean out the freezer, check on and clean the door seals as well.
• Washing Machine: Clean lint filter, dust behind the washing machine, check on the water taps.
• Dishwasher: Run an empty load with 1 cup of white vinegar or baking soda to clean out any musty odors and water calcification.

4: The electrical side to Landscaping:

 Spring is the perfect time to start those new landscaping projects however, it’s important to know if there buried utility lines on your property before you go digging up your yard to plant, or add a new sprinkler system. It’s always best to make a quick call to the city before you plant or install any underground equipment. You don’t want the surprise of digging into utility lines or sewer lines.

5. Change the direction of your Ceiling Fan(s)

This is really more a useful tip and not really electrical maintenance, but while you’re up there cleaning the fan, just adjust the switch to change the setting from winter to summer mode.

What’s the difference? Well, in short, hot air naturally rises. Therefore, while on the winter setting, the fan blades push warm air down and in a clockwise direction.

On summer mode, anti-clockwise movement creates airflow while dispersing any hot air. Spring is notably the best time to flip that switch!

Some other Electrical items you may have around your home that should be checked off as well:

• If you have a Swimming Pool or Hot Tub, checking on the wiring after winter is a must do. A short circuit can shorten any fun you may be planning.

• Testing your security lighting, as well as any motion detectors to ensure they are working properly is a great idea for safety. Criminal activity tends to become more active in warmer weather.

• Make certain to survey any current landscape lighting to make sure everything is illuminating properly, so you can look forward to spending time relaxing in the garden; or entertaining on those nice spring and summer evenings.

• Are your exterior GFCI outlets working? Lawn care is much more enjoyable if you have a convenient outlet to plug into, and if by chance you’re needing to add more plug in’s, an install could be easier than you may think.

• In South Texas, spring and summer are known to produce many a thunderstorm, and we highly recommend having Whole Home Surge Protection installed in your residence. In fact, The National Electrical Code (NEC) made Whole Home Surge Protectors part of the electrical code in 2020 for all residential dwellings. If you’d like more information on the benefits of Whole Home Surge Protection, we’ve got you covered, check it out:

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/protect-the-heart-of-your-home-with-whole-home-surge-protection

We hope this gives you some great Spring Cleaning ideas from an Electrical perspective.

If you’re needing some assistance with any electrical repairs you may find during your spring cleaning, please don’t hesitate to reach out for Service! Our friendly office staff is waiting for your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)