New Years Electrical Checklist For Your Home
New Years Electrical Checklist For Your Home: When you think of the new year, you most likely are going to think of a fresh start; your home feels the same way. New Years is the perfect time to take a look at the health of your home’s electrical system. You are spending the majority of your time indoors and will be for what feels like the foreseeable future, you need it to be safe for you and your loved ones. Here is what you need to be looking for.
Inspect your electrical equipment
Take a lap around your home and check for any damaged cords on TVs, stereos and other electrical devices like fans and computers. Make sure there are no exposed wires, splices, fraying or kinks (this is especially important if you have cats or dogs in the home).
Test all detectors
Do a quick count and make sure that you have enough smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that homes have a detector installed on each level, as well as in each bedroom and outside every sleeping area. Make sure these alarms have fresh batteries, hit the test button to ensure they work correctly. Now is also a good time to jot down in your calendar reminders to check smoke detectors on the first of every month and to replace the batteries again in six months (they should be changed twice a year).
Clean your household appliances
Be sure to give your kitchen range hood screens, dryer vents and screens, and exhaust, air and vacuum filters a good cleaning. A good cleaning does two things: Improves your home’s air quality and decreases the risk of a house fire. Use a grease-fighting dish soap and hot water to clean range hood screens and exhaust filters. To clean your dryer vent, simply remove the outside of the vent and use an extendable lint brush to clean the inside of the vent pipe. You should also schedule a visit from a professional to clean and tune furnace filters, boilers and hot water heaters. They will also check to make sure that your gas appliances and filters aren’t releasing extra carbon monoxide. This should be done in both the beginning of the year and the fall.
Check for mold-loving environments
Check under every sink and behind your washer and dishwasher for leaks (water where it shouldn’t be can cause mold). If you have an attic, check for any leaks from the roof and make sure that there’s enough ventilation to prevent moisture.
Before you do any major electrical work yourself, be sure to contact the professionals at Paul’s Electric Service. We have been serving the people of Summit and Wasatch County for over 40 years!