Did you know that each year roughly 1,000 people die from electrical-related injuries? Many of these tragedies happen because homeowners tackle DIY projects they’re not trained for. Remember that saving a little money is never worth losing your life over.
That’s why we made this preventive checklist for electrical maintenance. In it, we’ll be going over some tips on staying safe whenever you try to maintain electrical systems. That way, you don’t injure yourself when you’re around them.
Electrical Preventive Maintenance Checklist
There are a lot of electrical maintenance things you need to remember. That’s why we think a list is the most helpful way of going through them.
In this section, we’ll discuss seven basic electrical preventive maintenance checklists you should follow when going through your home. When inspecting your electrical system, make sure that you follow this safety and preventive advice closely.
1. Check Electrical Panels
Most people don’t think about their electrical panels that often because they’re often hidden away in a basement or garage. However, this can be a problem because your electrical panel is one of the essential things in your home.
It’s responsible for receiving and dispersing the electricity that comes into your home. When performing maintenance, you always want to check on the circuit breaker in your electrical panel.
This critical component protects you against overloads, and it can be worn out over time. You can explore this guide to discover our full range of electrical panel repair and replacement services if you want.
Related: Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection in Allentown, PA
2. Inspect Electrical Cords, Outlets & Sockets
We often leave electrical cords in outlets and sockets, then forget about them. However, it’s crucial to inspect these components regularly as they are one of the most common causes of fires.
Look around the outlets and pay attention to any singed or blackened spots around the outside. This is a sign that your electrical wiring is frayed or old, which can lead to a fire hazard.
Moreover, old outlets have a higher chance of shorting out your power. As such, it’s worth considering rewiring your house.
Do you need your electric outlets or sockets checked out? Read more about this service offered by Maitz Home Services here.
3. Check Smoke Detectors
Many people struggle to remember to check the batteries on their smoke detectors before it’s too late. Remember that this critical piece of safety is often your first and only line of defense against fires.
You can test your smoke detector easily by pressing the button and listening for a beep. If no beep comes, make sure you replace the batteries immediately. If that doesn’t work, you will likely need to contact a professional to get a new smoke alarm installed as soon as possible.
Related: Electrical Wiring Repair and Replacement Services in Allentown
4. Check Your Appliances
Failure to regularly check electrical appliances can result in malfunctions, breakdowns, and even electrical fires that can endanger your home and family. So what are some reasonable steps to take? For starters, make sure the primary and HEPA filter on your vacuum is clear.
When this is clogged, it can cause the appliance to overload. The same goes for any freezers or refrigerators you own. Make sure that the fan is working correctly on the devices.
Additionally, you should check that the intake and outtake areas are clear. If you still encounter issues, it might be time to replace them.
5. Clean Air Vents & Filters
Just like any other appliances, your AC and heating systems can be affected by clogs. One of the most crucial things you can do to maintain them is to regularly replace the filters, which can quickly accumulate dirt, pollen, and bacteria. However, in certain cases, cleaning the air ducts may also be necessary. To determine whether this is the right course of action, refer to this guide.
6. Check and Replace Surge Protectors
Power surges often come out of nowhere and can cause lasting electrical damage to your system. In some cases, there’s even the potential for fires and blackouts. If you don’t already have a surge protector in your house, it’s time to invest in one.
If you already have one, it’s important to inspect and replace it regularly to ensure that you are fully protected in the event of a power surge. By taking these proactive steps, you can safeguard your home and avoid potentially costly and dangerous electrical problems.
Related: Trusted Surge Protector Installation in Allentown, PA
7. Schedule an Energy Audit
An energy audit can teach you things like which appliances in your home currently use up the most electricity. This is a valuable safety tool because it allows you to find old, potentially unsafe devices that need replacing.
What’s more, it can also make your home much more energy efficient in the long term. However, make sure you’re willing to take any advice that’s offered to you by these professionals. Otherwise, there’s not much of a point in scheduling it.
Ready to schedule your energy audit? Contact Maitz Home Services to make sure that your home systems are running efficiently.
Hire The Best Local Electrician in Allentown, PA
We hope this helpful guide assisted you in learning about electrical preventive maintenance. Remember that if you’re scared, you might get hurt around your electrical systems, so it’s always better to go with a professional.
But how do you find the best electrician in Allentown, PA? Maitz Home Services doesn’t care if the problem is faulty wiring or a full-blown emergency; we’ll respond just as quickly and efficiently with our residential electrical services.
That way, you and your family can enjoy your electrical systems without putting your lives in danger.