Regular electrical maintenance is often overlooked by homeowners but like any appliance, water heater, or AC unit in your home, electrical systems also age. Spring is a good time to add electrical checks on your to-do list as the weather will help with outside inspection. This list may not apply to all items in your household, but these are some of the more common items that require a scan at least once a year.
Inspect and Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety devices like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors require annual checks. Start with a quick functionality test and press the test button on each detector to ensure they trigger an alarm. Even if detectors in your home are hardwired, they may have backup batteries that should be replaced annually. Smoke detectors typically have a lifespan of 10 years, while carbon monoxide detectors last about 5-7 years. Replace any units that have expired.
Electrical Outlets and Cords Inspection
The outlet and wire inspection applies to both the interior and exterior of your home. Loose outlets can cause friction and wire damage leading to a possible fire. This is also a good time to test your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. These outlets should trip and reset properly when tested. Make sure that your exterior outlet covers are watertight and there is no visible damage to the units.
Service the Electrical Panel
The electrical panel may seem a bit intimidating so just a visual inspection should be sufficient. Any other concerns should be directed at a licensed electrician. You are looking for wire discoloration, any signs of moisture or rust, which can indicate existing issues. If you experience power flickering or tripped brakers, reach out to our technicians to perform a check on your panel and electricity usage. Your service may require an upgrade.
Clean and Inspect Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
A simple task of dusting off your ceiling fans and light fixtures will not only help with electrical safety but also with making your air at home cleaner. All fixtures and fans should be securely mounted and free from wobbling. If you still have not done so, this is the time to replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED alternatives.
Check your outdoor lighting as there might be damage that happens over winter from snow removal or ice storms.
Generator maintenance
Home standby generators require regularly scheduled yearly maintenance. As much as this seems frequent, early spring and the looming thunderstorm season are the best time to make sure a generator will be functional during your first power outage. Read your unit manual first, as generator maintenance varies by brand and model. In general, you should run your generator periodically to make sure there are no obvious functional issues. Keep a fuel tank on hand and add a fuel stabilizer. Change oil and clean the air filters usually every 6 months or 50 hours to maintain the optimum performance. Check spark plugs and clean the spark arrester. Finally, check the battery. If you are interested in a maintenance plan or installation of a whole house, reach out to our team.
Solar Panels
Solar panels require some maintenance like any other device. There are steps you can take to extend their lifespan and efficiency. The most common one will be dirt and debris buildup. It’s natural for solar panels to lose a bit of efficiency over time, but if your panels are underperforming, it might be an indication they need cleaning. An inspection from a certified installer might be required if cleaning does not resolve the issue. Always keep an eye on trees growing around your home as at some point they may be creating shade over your panels. Trees and shrubbery should be pruned to avoid this before it becomes an issue.
This simple list is a general recommendation from our team and based on the appliances in your home, it may extend beyond our highlighted items. No matter how large your home is and how complex your electrical system might be, a spring check may save you from unexpected issues and the possibility of a house fire.
