Try thinking about your electrical system while setting goals for yourself in the new year. Your electrical system keeps your home running, but you probably don’t think about it unless something goes wrong. Setting resolutions for your electrical system can improve your home throughout the coming year.

1. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms protect your home and family from dangers. Test your alarms and ensure the batteries work because your life depends on them to function properly. Change smoke alarm batteries annually and carbon monoxide alarm batteries every six months.

2. Install GFCI Outlets

Ground fault circuit interrupters prevent electrical fires and electrocution risks. GFCI outlets monitor your electrical flow and watch for imbalances in your currents. GFCI outlets bring your system up to code and shut off power when it detects imbalances to prevent fire risks.

3. Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Reducing your energy consumption is a way to lower your utility bills and reduce the stress on your electrical system. Some easy things to remember are turning the lights off and unplugging appliances when not using them. Upgrading your bulbs to LED and using your ceiling fan instead of your HVAC can lower your energy consumption further.

4. Replace Your Extension Cords

Extension cords help when plugging in a device from one room for use in another. You use extension cords for lights and decorations during the holidays and should safely put them away after the season. Replacing your extension cords with new ones and remembering to practice electrical safety when using them will keep your home safer.

5. Install More Outlets

Extension cords and adapters can allow the maximum number of appliances in one space. The extra electrical devices should be temporary to reduce the risk of fire or accidental tripping on the cords. Adding new outlets will lower the need for extension cords and adapters, which can overload the outlets during prolonged use.

6. Install Surge Protection

An electrical surge can damage your appliances and devices, which are costly to replace. Surge protection ensures your electrical appliances are safe during a sudden spike in your electricity. The safest approach is to have a whole-home surge protector installed.

7. Schedule Regular Inspections

Your electrical system keeps your home running efficiently and comfortably when it’s up to date. During an inspection, our electricians can identify potential hazards before they become costly. Regular inspections can catch outdated components and find ways to upgrade your system to save you money in the long run.

Your New Year’s electrical resolutions can range from inspecting the safety of your home to updating your system. Adding more outlets or investing in surge protection decreases the stress on your electrical system and can lower your utility bills. If you have any electrical service questions in Atlanta, GA, call us at The Original Plumber for an estimate today.