By Joe Hammer, owner of SAK Electric Plumbing Inc. in Apache Junction | guest comment
When it comes to maintaining a home, there are many things a homeowner has to take care of, the electrical system might not be at the top of the list.
While it's easy to overlook the electrical system because it appears to still be there and working, many problems can arise that can cause problems throughout the home.
By maintaining your home's electrical system, you can save on energy bills and protect yourself and your family. During my two decades as a residential electrician in the Valley, here's what I always tell homeowners:
Check your outlets
The sockets in your home are constantly being used to charge and operate your devices. Since these sockets are used frequently, it is best to check and test them at least every two months. You can buy an inexpensive plug tester at any hardware store to check that your plugs are working properly.
Also check the outlet panels to ensure they are undamaged, free of burn marks and are flush with the wall. Don't forget to also check your outdoor outlets and those you don't use regularly. If you are having problems with your plugs, consult a certified electrician to determine the source of the problem.
Unplug devices
When checking the safety of your outlets, unplug all appliances or devices that are not in use. Unplugging appliances has many positive effects on your home's electrical system. This can help extend the life of your devices, save money on your electricity bills, and prevent damage from power surges. Unplugging devices can also help prevent possible electrical fires. When devices are plugged in, they use power even when they're not turned on. Therefore, it is best to unplug these devices when you are not using them, which will help you save money in the long run.
Check your extension cords
Using extension cords for your appliances and devices might seem like an idea, but it's easy to overload them without even realizing it. If you notice that your extension cords are generating heat, or if you have high-power devices connected to those cords, it's time to reconfigure your power distribution.
Connect larger devices directly to the wall. Use a surge protector for smaller devices like TVs, computers, and audio systems. If you find yourself using a lot of extension cords all over your home, it's time to reconfigure the way you power your devices.
Extension cords are a great help when there is no outlet nearby, but they can overload your electrical system and trip your circuit breaker. If you are unsure of the electrical capacity when using extension cords, please consult a professional.
Watch out for flashing lights
There can be many reasons why your lights are flickering. An old lightbulb, a loose contact or even a defective light switch can be the cause. These are easy to repair. The problem occurs when the problem is a much more serious one, such as an overloaded electrical circuit. If you notice your lights flickering when you turn on an important piece of equipment — like your air conditioner — it's time to call an electrician. Electrical circuits can overload your system, leading to potential hazards.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are your first line of defense when it comes to fire protection and potentially deadly gases. Proper functioning of these devices is vital to the safety of you and your family at home.
Fortunately, these devices are easy to maintain. At least once a month, use a can of compressed air to blow off dust buildup on the detector. Second, test the devices by holding the button down until you hear a loud audible alarm. If you don't hear the ringtone, replace the battery and try again. When connected to your electrical system, the unit also has a battery backup. Therefore, always check the battery before replacing the entire device. If you still don't hear any sound, it's time to replace the device.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested twice a year, says Steve Lockwood of Mountain State Fire Protection .
"I always tell homeowners to test their detectors at least twice a year," Lockwood said. "In most parts of the country, it's common practice to check these devices when the clocks change, but here in Arizona we don't have that." That's why I tell people to check and switch them around once in the spring and again in the fall." Discharge the batteries or replace the device as soon as you find it's not working properly.
When it comes to electrical issues, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Electrical problems at home can bring potential dangers, and that's the last thing you want. Keeping your system in good working order can prevent problems and save money on your electricity bill. Remember that if you have any electrical problems in your home, it is always better to go to a professional.
Joe Hammer is the owner of SAK Electric Plumbing Inc. in Apache Junction. SAK Electric Plumbing has been supplying the greater Phoenix area with plumbing installation and repair for over 30 years.
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