As the New Year approaches more and more homeowners are resolving to do things that are going to not only help improve the overall efficiency of their home, but that will also make it safer. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 50,000 fires are caused each year by faulty electrical systems in homes. Of these fires, about 450 deaths are the result and up to 1500 injuries. Though many Chelmsford homeowners go from day to day hoping that their electrical system is safe, updating and testing your system is the only way to know. Here are 10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year that can help keep your home and your family safe:
- Extension Cord Placement – We have all been guilty of this faux pas. We have an extension cord that helps take an item from one room to another. It is far safer to make sure you keep extension cords away from door ways, under carpets, near heaters, or near any other item that may damage the cord. It is essential that you take the time to carefully place your extension cords out of the way in a safe place where they will continue to be safe for the duration of use.
- Sockets Near Water – We all need outlets in bathrooms and kitchens and other areas that are near water but water and electricity certainly do not mix. Installing GFCI sockets, or ground fault circuit interrupter sockets can help ground out the socket should water become introduced. Installing this type of outlet in bathrooms, on kitchen counters, or in any other area where water might get into sockets can help keep your home and your family safe.
- Noticing the Signs of Faulty Wiring – There are some signs that you can take into account when it comes to your home. If your switches feel warm or you have issues like blowing fuses, tripping circuits, flickering and dimming lights or other issues, it is best to contact a professional electrician that can pinpoint the cause of the issue then fix it so that you have nothing to worry about.
- Wattages – The wattage that is written on the inside of lamp sockets is there for a reason. Though it may seem time consuming, taking the time to check all your lamps and make sure that the bulbs inside them match the recommended wattage can make a huge difference. Not only do higher watt bulbs take up more energy and help run up your electricity bill, these higher wattage bulbs are likely to blow more often and can pose a threat to you and your family.
- Damaged Cords – Though it may seem like a trivial thing, that knick on your electrical cord may be just enough to cause a fire. You should take the time to check your cords and make sure that if they are damaged in any way they are either professionally repaired or that they are replaced entirely if the damage is too severe.
- Install More Outlets – Though using extension cords from time to time can be safe if the cord is in good shape and it is carefully placed, if you are using an extension cord every day or very often you may want to think about having more sockets installed. Calling a professional electrician can get you the sockets you need so that you can get rid of potentially dangerous extension cords.
- Outlet Overload – We have all done it, bought outlet expanders or added extension cords to get more socket space out of a single outlet. Though this may not be dangerous for a little while, when an outlet is overloaded for a long period of time it can become overheated, damaged, and can pose a fire hazard.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances – We all want to save money on our electric bill and installing energy-efficient appliances can help save money on your monthly bill by using less electricity overall. These appliances can also be safer for your home and can make a huge difference in your home and how it runs.
- Surge Protectors – Not all homes are going to experience a power surge but having a surge protector in place can help keep your home safe and can help prevent issues if there is a power surge or a large storm. Power surges have the potential to cause sparks that can then lead to fire, they can also overload circuits and cause damage to your overall system. A surge protector can help prevent these issues.
- Replace Smoke Detectors – The last thing you can do is to check and replace all your smoke detectors. Smoke detectors can be your first line of defense if your electrical system does go awry and you can truly protect your home with new smoke detectors.
Contact Ryan Gath Electric For Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year
No homeowner in Chelmsford wants to deal with overspending on their electricity bills. If you are considering any of these 10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year, Ryan Gath Electric can help. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric can help get your home electric system operating safely and efficiently with up-to-date technology. So don’t continue risking electrical fires or other hazards. Call Ryan Gath Electric to get started today.