Winter is almost here...

Winter will be here soon...

Here is San Antonio and South Texas, the winter season usually arrives well into the New Year. It always manages to show up here in the South, pretty much over night. Winter storms, freezes, even snow… on occasion, can put a strain on our electrical systems. Be prepared!

Let’s take a look at how we should move forward into the cold season, to avoid any winter hiccups!

• Make certain you have an Emergency Kit in place:

In case of a power outage, you will want to store some of the following items - flashlights, batteries, candles, device chargers, a transistor radio, and bottled water. Make sure that you can easily locate your kit in case of an emergency situation.

Here in the San Antonio Area, the winter can present a different set of dangers with regard to Electricity. Strong winds, ice, and harsh winter weather can cause power outages, heat outages, and even the danger of fire.

Trustworthy Tip: Getting your home’s electrical system in ship shape for the winter season provides you with peace of mind, so you can enjoy those Family gatherings and not have to scramble to “get things done” at the last minute.

• Inspect all interior and exterior Outlets:

The outlets in and outside of our homes can become worn over time and become troublesome when they aren’t working as they should. Despite being a non-working plug in, they can still pose a safety hazard. Having an experienced electrician come out to assist with repairs would be a valuable benefit.

And while your electrician is making those needed repairs, if you’re going to be decorating for the Holidays and are planning on using extension cords to access power for all those beautiful decorations you have, you might think about having them add some additional Outlets for you. Proper outlets just provide a layer of safety for plugging in that extension cords do not provide. 

Trustworthy Tip: Did you know that roughly 3,500 home injuries and fires originate due to extension cords each year in the United States? Tripping over cords and Fires caused by them; can cause significant damage to your home and can be life-threatening.

• Plug in Space Heater Safety:

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 15% of Residential house fires are caused by heating equipment, space heaters being the #1 offender. If you choose to use a space heater in your home, be sure to follow the guidelines for space heater usage.

Space Heaters should always be used on a dry, flat surface; at least three feet from anything flammable, such as drapes, furniture or bedding. If you're using a space heater in a workshop or garage setting, be especially mindful of flammable items, such as paint, gas cans, or even matches.

You always want to make certain they are plugged directly into an Outlet or Surge Protector; and always make certain to never leave a space heater unattended while in use.

Trustworthy Tip: Never plug your space heater into an extension cord and never use a space heater that has a torn or damaged cord.

• Are your electronics and electrical equipment Certified?:

When purchasing electrical equipment or electronics, you should be mindful to purchase NRTL-certified products that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. NRTL certified products must conform to certain safety standards. Note that CE marks are not the same as a NRTL certification. CE labeled products may not have been tested by a third party.

Trustworthy Tip: You may spend more by purchasing NRTL-certified products, but you always get what you pay for, and the spending investment alone is worth it for the added extra safety.

• Surge Protection, it truly matters:

You may also want to consult a professional electrician about installing Whole Home Surge Protector(s). This type of Protection is hard wired into your main electrical panel and can protect your home on a much larger scale, by redirecting any power surges into the ground, instead of throughout your home’s circuitry.

During these colder months, extra space heaters or other appliances and/ or devices; can place a strain on your electrical system and cause your circuit breakers to trip. For an extra layer of protection, you may want to have a proper surge protector for each added appliance that plugs into an outlet.

Trustworthy Tip: Whole Home Surge Protection protects your home from the powerful surges and not so powerful surges that can damage the intricate circuitry to most of the newer appliances of today. It was introduced to the NEC Electrical Code, for all new homes/ dwelling units back in 2020. 

• Inspect for water leaks around electrical items or appliances:

We all know that water and electricity can be a very dangerous combination. Wet weather, the declining temperatures, or even melting ice can cause water leaks that could affect your home’s electrical panels and your outlets, inside and outside.

Performing a quick inspection of any equipment that could cause potential leaking, such as your water heater, refrigerators, and even larger freezers, just to make certain they are in fact; working properly, and not leaking or cooling correctly.

Trustworthy Tip: You should have your gutters cleaned of any debris to prevent rainwater from backing up and coming into your home. You might also want to check the water pressure for your residence while you’re at it, and make sure you have the proper coverings for your pipes in anticipation of the colder days. High water pressure can cause pipes to rupture and split.

• Overgrown Tree Limbs:

While you’re outside inspecting your gutters, and outlets, you may want to look around your home’s perimeter, and your power lines for any overgrown tree limbs. Unruly Tree Limbs can be a contributing factor to downed power lines as a result of high winds or ice accumulation. 

In the event the trees are close to your power lines, try reaching out to your electrical provider for assistance with trimming those limbs.

Trustworthy Tip: In the event you do come across a downed power line, stay as far away as possible, and contact the utility ASAP!

• Test your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

We discuss this topic often! It’s always good to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors each month to ensure they’re working properly, as well as to replace the batteries at least once each year, but are you certain you have the correct amount of detectors according to the current NEC electrical code?

In the event you do require replacements or additional detectors, you should contact a licensed electrician for installation of new detectors; as well as advice on selection and placement.

Trustworthy Tip: According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 30% percent of house fires occur during winter months, so make sure to change out those batteries and test all of your detectors just to be safe!

We hope this information is helpful to winterize your San Antonio or South Texas home!

If you’re needing an experienced and licensed electrician to assist with electrical maintenance and repair,

reach out to us here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio! It’s what we do! 

Need new outlets installed? We’re here for it!

Needing to get your electrical Panel up to code and add Whole Home Surge Protection,

or looking to have power installed for a portable or standby generator?

We’d love to help!

Our friendly Office Staff is waiting to take your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

www.boltelectricsa.com