3 Ways To Protect Your Home From Electrical Problems

If you are a homeowner, you may not always notice potential electric problems until it is too late, and you need to call an electrician in Regina. You are probably also aware that you rely more on electricity in the home during the colder winter months than at other times of the year. Fortunately, you can take steps to help avoid issues with space heaters, smoke detectors and more. Here are three ways to protect your home from electrical problems.

1. Practice Space Heater Safety

Space heaters are useful for heating a smaller space without having to turn on the central heat, or for warming a room that does not heat as well when using the home’s central heating system. However, like with all electrical devices, there are certain safety risks that come with their use, such as a circuit overload or fire. Some ways to practice space heater safety include:

• Placing the device in a location where people and pets do not often walk back and forth

• Refraining from plugging in other devices into the outlet used by the heater, to avoid a potential overload

• Keeping the heater away from curtains, clothing, mattresses and other items that can heat up significantly when too close to a heat source

• Placing the heater on a flat surface to minimize the risk of it falling over 

• Shutting off the heater when you are not using it

Space heaters can be helpful for keeping warm and reducing the overall cost of heating the home. By taking these preventative measures, you can help avoid a fire or another issue that might necessitate a visit by electrical repair services.

2. Make Sure Your Smoke Alarms Work

People sometimes forget about their smoke alarms since they generally remain silent unless there is a problem in the house or they are already running low on batteries. However, with the increased risk of electrical fires in the colder months, winter is a great opportunity to check your smoke alarms to ensure that they work.

Ideally, a smoke alarm test should be completed every month and batteries replaced at least once per year. Most experts recommend replacing the alarm itself every 10 years, or if it becomes damaged; replacement can be done by an electrician in Regina.

Some other safety tips regarding smoke detectors include:

• Placing the device as close to the center of the ceiling as possible

• Using only approved batteries in your smoke alarm 

• Selecting an alarm that is appropriate for your home or business

Smoke alarms save lives, so their proper maintenance is essential for the safety of you and your family.

3. Check the Condition of Electrical Items

It is also a good idea to check the condition of items such as large kitchen appliances, heaters, crockpots, toasters, electric blankets, televisions and other electrical devices. Some things to look for include:

• Frays in the protective covering of wires 

• Damage to the outside of the equipment 

• Debris on the device and around electrical outlets

• Exposed wiring anywhere on the equipment 

You should also clean any equipment prior to use, especially if you are about to employ something that has not been used for a few months or more, such as a portable heater. Always contact a professional if you are unsure of your ability to fix an electrical appliance.

Call an Electrician in Regina

Are you a homeowner encountering an electrical issue this winter? If so, contact Handyman Connection and speak to one of our representatives. Our qualified electricians can install surge protectors, replace smoke detectors, install carbon monoxide detectors, repair outlets and electrical fixtures and more. We are happy to help you decide which service is right for you.