As fall settles into the greater Yakima and Ellensburg areas, preparing your home’s electrical system for the colder months is essential to ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency. With temperatures in Yakima often dipping below freezing in late fall and winter, your electrical system faces increased demands from heating systems, space heaters, and holiday lighting. Since 1988, ThermAll Heating, Cooling & Electric has provided quality workmanship, timely service, and a 100% guarantee to keep homes ready for the season. Here’s how to spot common electrical issues and prepare your electrical panel for winter.
Common Electrical Issues to Watch For
As the cold season approaches, your electrical system may show signs of strain. Be on the lookout for these common issues:
- Flickering Lights: If lights dim or flicker when appliances turn on, it could indicate overloaded circuits or loose wiring, especially during peak usage in colder months.
- Tripping Breakers: Frequent breaker trips suggest your electrical panel is struggling to handle the load, particularly when temperatures drop and families are inside more often, placing enormous demands on electrical systems.
- Warm Outlets or Switches: Outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch may signal faulty wiring or overloaded circuits, posing a safety risk.
- Burning Odors: A burning smell near outlets or your electrical panel is a serious warning sign of potential electrical faults requiring immediate attention.
- Outdated Panels: Older homes in Yakima and Ellensburg may have outdated panels not equipped to handle modern electrical demands, especially during winter when usage spikes.
Addressing these issues early with ThermAll’s 24/7 service and free second opinions ensures your home stays safe and powered.
Preparing Your Electrical Panel for Fall and Winter
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system, and preparing it for Yakima’s cold months is critical. Here are key steps to take:
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: Our technicians at ThermAll provide thorough panel inspections to identify potential issues, ensuring your system can handle winter demands when temperatures fall to 20°F or lower.
- Upgrade Outdated Panels: If your panel is outdated or undersized, upgrading to a modern system prevents overloads and supports increased winter usage from heaters and holiday decorations.
- Check Ductwork for Efficiency: Poorly sealed ducts can strain your heating system, increasing electrical demand. ThermAll’s unique Aeroseal duct cleaning service seals leaks, improving efficiency and reducing strain on your electrical system.
- Test Circuit Capacity: Ensure your circuits can handle additional loads from space heaters or holiday lights. Our team verifies your panel’s capacity to prevent tripping or outages.
Why Choose ThermAll?
With over three decades of experience, ThermAll Heating, Cooling & Electric delivers quality workmanship and timely service to the greater Yakima and Ellensburg areas. Our 24/7 availability, free second opinions, and 100% guarantee ensure your electrical system is ready for winter’s demands. Our unique services, like Aeroseal duct cleaning and ductwork inspections, optimize your home’s efficiency, reducing electrical strain and enhancing comfort.
Don’t let electrical issues leave you in the cold this winter. Call ThermAll Heating, Cooling & Electric: We are “Your Home Comfort Hero!” to schedule your inspection or repair today.