01/06/2020
💥🎉Have You Made Any New Year’s Resolutions?🎉💥
Here are 10 Home Electrical Resolutions To Start the New Year!
🔌Organize that fuse/breaker box! This is a very practical resolution and can be achieved quickly if you have two people working on it together. If the breaker box is not labeled, do yourself a favor and “map your circuits”.
🔌Reduce Energy Consumption! Resolve to switch out light bulbs for energy efficient LEDs. Although they cost a bit more, LED Energy Star qualified light bulbs end up paying for themselves in energy savings in the long run. That’s because they use 75 percent less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs and last 35 to 50 times longer!
🔌Replace extension cords! An extension cord can be particularly useful when you need to use one. However, it’s important to make sure you don’t overlook the safety hazard an extension cord can place on your home. It’s vital you take the time to carefully place your extension cords out of the way and in a safe place. More importantly, if you find yourself constantly needing an extension cord for regular daily tasks, it just might be time to think about getting an additional outlet installed.
🔌Install more outlets. It’s tempting to plug in as many appliances as possible when you’re strapped for socket space, and adapters make it easy to do. But just because you can plug in extra appliances doesn’t always mean it’s safe doing it. As for those extension cords again. An easy tip is to only use one extension cord per socket and never plug an extension cord into another extension cord.
🔌Reset your ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets! Did you know that you’re technically supposed to do this every month? Not many people actually do this, but a new year is a great time to put this to practice along with your other monthly home maintenance routines.
🔌Replace any two-prong plugs. They help protect your home against electrical shock, electrical fires and damage to your electronics and appliances.
🔌Consider tamper-resistant receptacles. If you have toddlers or young children around the house (grandkids included), installing tamper-resistant receptacles is a good way to keep them safe. These electrical outlet designs have spring-loaded shutters over the slots that won’t open unless pressure is applied to both at the same time.
🔌Notice the signs of faulty wiring. Feel your switches as you go to turn them on or off. Are they warm? Do circuits seem to trip more and more? Do your lights flicker and dim? If you start to notice any of these glitches, it’s important not to pass them off as typical, everyday electrical issues. Give us a call!
🔌Consider an AFCI Circuit Breaker. An AFCI is a circuit breaker breaks the circuit when it detects an electric arc and protects it to prevent electrical fires. An AFCI selectively distinguishes between a harmless arc (incidental to normal operation of switches, plugs, and brushed motors), and a potentially dangerous arc (that can occur, for example, in a lamp cord which has a broken conductor).
🔌Be prepared for a power outage! Be prepared by keeping an emergency kit that contains a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, a first aid kit, medicine, and extra batteries. Also, consider investing in a Generac Generator! These generators are a good source for temporary power during an outage and will ensure your home never misses a beat!