Whether you just bought a new house, or you’ve been in the same home for decades, there’s a good chance you don’t know everything about how your home works. In some areas, that might be okay. But when it comes to your electrical system, it can be the difference between a few dollars, and even life and death if something goes wrong. Don’t worry, we have some useful home electrical safety tips to keep you and your home safe from harm!
- Unplugging appliances
You’ve probably heard that you can save money by unplugging electrical appliances. Well, it’s true! Though it won’t save you thousands, it does help reduce energy consumption, and that means a little off your electric bill! More importantly, it protects against overheating or power surges that some appliances can cause without you knowing, until it becomes a problem.
- Keeping away from water
Some areas are riskier than others, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It’s always a good idea to keep outlets safe from splashes by using plastic inserts or another kind of outlet cover. These are also a must in low-to-ground outlets if you have children in the home!
- Extension cords
Though extension cords are incredibly useful, be careful not to overuse or damage them. If you find yourself constantly using an extender, you may not have enough outlets in your home, or they may not be where you need them. A licensed electrician can install new outlets anywhere you need to reduce the risk of overusing cords! Besides, it makes your home look tidier too.
- Having the right equipment
In case of the unexpected, always have the right safety gear. This includes safety glasses, insulating rubber gloves and flame-resistant clothing. However, even if you have safety equipment, always call an electrician if it’s a task you have no experience with. We exist for a reason!
- Inspect your electrical panel
Unless you’ve recently reset a circuit breaker, some homeowners can go months or years without ever looking at their electrical panel. Does that sound familiar? It doesn’t happen often, but electrical panels do need to be replaced! If your home is somewhat old, or you just bought it and don’t know what to look for, it’s important to have your panel inspected by a reputable electrician to spot any visible issues.
Follow these simple tips to help keep you and your home safe! And if there is anything you don’t feel comfortable handling yourself, or if you need a thorough home electrical inspection, we’ve got you covered.
Give us a call to schedule your home inspection or service today!
