DIY Electrical Maintenance

Flipping on your light switch is easy, but understanding your home’s electrical system can feel overwhelming. An annual maintenance check from a professional goes a long way to ensure your safety. In the meantime, checking the condition of your appliances once a month is a quick way to protect your home all by yourself.

At Southern Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we provide both expert electrical repairs and simple guidelines you can follow on your own. Read on to learn DIY electrical tips that can keep your lights running year-round!

Check Out Your Outlets

Power outlets look like pieces of plastic on the wall, but they serve an important purpose. Not only do they power your appliances – they are also wired into your home’s electrical system. Taking care of your outlets extends to protecting the whole building! Here are some guidelines for maintaining them:

Three’s A Crowd

Turning on your toaster is as simple as plugging it in. The problem starts when you’ve already plugged in your griddle and your blender, too. When too many devices use one outlet, they draw more power than it can provide. This damages the circuit breaker and can cause issues such as:

• Fires
• Power outages
• Broken appliances

Don’t worry! There are several steps you can take to prevent these from happening. Look after your outlets with these easy tasks:

• Don’t plug in too many high-power devices at once
• Don’t fill up your power strip or electrical cord
• Know how much energy your appliances use
• Unplug the devices you aren’t using

Even without electrical expertise, you can keep your house running safely and smoothly!

Warning Signs Of Failing Outlets

If you think your wiring is already damaged, you may need to call a professional. Here are some signs that your outlets are failing:

• They are discolored
• They have a burning odor
• They shock you or feel hot
• Your lights are flickering

If any of these problems occur, you may need a repair or replacement! Don’t hesitate to call on a professional for the service you need.

Fixing Outlet Covers

While some situations require complicated maintenance, fixing your outlet cover is easy to do alone! There are only a few basic steps to replacing a broken or missing cover:

1. Buy a new wall plate which usually costs under $5
2. Unscrew the old cover – the screws should be at either end or in the middle of the plate
3. Screw in the new cover

By following these guidelines, you can be your own electrician and prevent feeling shocked in the future!

Secure Your Appliances

If your lights are flickering like a horror movie, you can start by checking that your bulbs are screwed in tight. This is important as loose electrical appliances can lead to serious safety hazards.

For example, loose light bulbs create a fire hazard, and that threat can grow because of an unresponsive, unsecured smoke detector. By checking the security of your appliances, you can help reduce the threat to your safety. We’re here to share some tips for making sure both of these devices are in place and operating:

Here are some tips for securing your light bulbs:

• Make sure your lights are off
• Wait until the bulb is cool to the touch
• Wear heat-resistant gloves
• Twist the bulb clockwise until it locks or until it won’t move any further

Here are some tips for securing your smoke detector:

• Test it to make sure it’s responsive
• Clean off dust and debris
• Replace its batteries every year

While you can always replace faulty appliances, taking these steps can save you time and money when a checkup may be all you need! If you need help inspecting your devices, call on a Baton Rouge professional to provide the help you’re looking for.

Know How To Use A Surge Protector

For added protection, a surge protector can defend your belongings from any surprises. These sockets control the voltage your devices receive and ensure that they aren’t damaged by unexpected power surges.

Because they have a hard job, surge protectors may stop working over time. However, to help them last as long as possible, there are steps homeowners can take. Here are some guidelines for maintaining a surge protector:

• Keep it in a dry location
• Don’t exceed its electrical rating, which determines how many devices it can protect
• Don’t keep its power cord wound up or covered
• Don’t plug it into an extension cord
• Replace it if it gets too old

By completing these touch-ups, you can help prevent costly services and feel more comfortable knowing your house is safe!

For Quality Assurance, Call Southern Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing!

Even with these home electrical tips, a professional maintenance check is essential for home safety. Our team offers reliable maintenance, repairs and installations to solve problems you can’t take on alone. Call now for a checkup from our expert technicians!