The holiday season can keep us occupied with so many things that our to-do list can make it difficult to keep up with routine chores and home maintenance. When the weather gets colder, you’ll likely be using more electricity than normal to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home. If you decorate your home with lights, your power consumption will increase significantly. And even if you simply have guests over during this time of the year, you may see spikes in your electric usage.
This is why it’s so important to maintain your electrical system before the holiday season starts. One of the ways you can maintain your system is by checking your electric panel on a routine basis. This starts by being familiar with its location in your home. You should also be aware of whether it’s a fuse box or a circuit breaker. Make sure to note the panel’s size and amperage.
Here Are Some Tips to Keeping Your Electrical Panel in Good Shape
Visually inspect your panel regularly. You’ll want to look for rust or corrosion on the outside. Feel the door to make sure it’s not hot to the touch. Inspect the inside of the panel to look for burn marks. If you ever notice strange sounds coming from your electrical panel, contact a professional electrician right away. If you experience smoke coming from a panel, shut off the power to your home immediately and then contact an electrician.
Most modern homes now have circuit breakers instead of the old fuse boxes. If you have a fuse box or just an old electric panel in general, it’s a good idea to have it replaced. An electric panel can last between 25-40 years, but if it’s using outdated technology or shows signs of heavy wear, it’s best to replace it now rather than later. If you have frequent power surges or tripped breakers, then it’s time to call in the professionals. This kind of work should always be left up to an experienced electrician.
Know When It’s Time to Call a Professional Electrician
The holiday season can be a busy time of the year, but don’t put off maintenance of your electrical panel. You will likely be using more power than usual during the holidays. Electrical work is dangerous and not for the amateur handyman who likes to do things for themselves. That’s an admirable trait, but there’s no need to put yourself at risk or to risk making a situation worse. If you live in or around Santa Cruz, California, please feel free to contact us at Fisher Electric for electric panel repair or replacement services.
