5 Electrical Upgrades Every Homeowner Should Consider Before Winter
- Leanne Bowman
- Oct 15, 2024
- 3 min read
As the temperatures drop and we prepare for the colder months ahead, ensuring your home's electrical system is in top shape is more important than ever. Winter can put extra strain on your electrical system due to the increased use of heating devices, holiday lighting, and the need for reliable power during storms. By making a few key upgrades before winter hits, you can keep your home safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient. Here are five electrical upgrades every homeowner should consider before winter.
1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
One of the most efficient ways to manage your home's heating system during the winter is by upgrading to a smart thermostat. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart models allow you to control your home's temperature remotely through a mobile app. These thermostats can learn your schedule, automatically adjusting the heat to save energy while you're away and keeping your home cozy when you're there. By optimizing your heating system, you can lower energy costs and maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, even during the coldest months.
Why it matters before winter: Smart thermostats help ensure your heating system operates efficiently during peak usage in winter, reducing energy costs while maintaining comfort.
2. Install Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
Older homes, especially those built before 1999, may not be equipped with arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which help protect against electrical fires. AFCIs are designed to detect dangerous electrical arcs—caused by faulty wiring, damaged cords, or loose connections—and shut off the circuit before it can cause a fire. Winter presents additional fire risks due to increased indoor heating, holiday decorations, and older electrical systems being put under extra stress. Installing AFCIs offers an added layer of protection, helping to safeguard your family and home from electrical fires.
Why it matters before winter: AFCIs provide critical fire protection during the winter when electrical systems are most strained.
3. Upgrade to LED Lighting
With winter comes shorter days and longer nights, meaning you’ll rely more heavily on your home’s lighting. If your home is still using outdated incandescent bulbs, now is the perfect time to upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting. LED bulbs use significantly less electricity, last longer, and produce less heat, making them a safer and more cost-effective choice for winter. Whether it's for your indoor lighting, outdoor holiday decorations, or landscape lighting, LEDs can help you reduce energy usage while brightening up the darkest months of the year.
Why it matters before winter: LEDs provide energy savings, reduce heat, and offer longer-lasting lighting, making them ideal for the increased lighting needs of winter.
4. Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector
Winter storms can lead to unexpected power outages and voltage spikes, which can damage your appliances and electronics. Installing a whole-home surge protector helps protect your home from electrical surges that occur when the power comes back on after an outage. Surge protectors act as a shield, diverting excess electrical current away from your home’s circuits. This small investment can prevent costly damage to your appliances, computers, and entertainment systems, ensuring your home remains safe during unpredictable winter weather.
Why it matters before winter: A whole-home surge protector offers critical protection against power surges caused by winter storms, preserving your expensive electronics and appliances.
5. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel is the hub of your home’s power distribution, and if it's outdated, it might not be able to handle the increased demand that comes with winter. Upgrading your electrical panel ensures your system can accommodate additional devices like space heaters, holiday lighting, or new appliances. An upgraded panel also reduces the risk of blown fuses, circuit overloads, and potential fire hazards. If your panel is more than 20 years old, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a licensed electrician to determine whether an upgrade is necessary before the cold weather hits.
Why it matters before winter: An upgraded electrical panel ensures your home can handle increased winter electrical demands, reducing the risk of overloads and improving safety.
Winter is a time when your home’s electrical system works overtime, and making these key upgrades before the season starts can enhance safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. Whether it's improving energy savings with a smart thermostat and LED lighting, protecting your home from fire hazards with AFCIs, or upgrading your panel for better performance, Bowman Electric is here to help you make the necessary improvements to keep your home running smoothly this winter. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or discuss any electrical upgrades you might need before the colder months set in.
