Living in a quaint old house may seem like a romantic notion, but remember the purpose of any home....
What’s Scarier than Halloween in an Old House? Electrical Problems!
The shadows grow longer as Halloween season is approaching! Of all the things that could frighten you this time of year, the scariest one of all could be the hair-raising electrical issues potentially lurking in an old house. If you live in an older home, fall is the perfect time to schedule a whole home electrical inspection to identify and address potential electrical problems before they get out of hand.
The Ghosts of Wiring Past
You love the character and charm of your old home, but could it be harboring a scary past? Aluminum wiring, once considered the best material by old-time contractors, is now known for its fire-starting tendencies if the old wiring is improperly installed or in any way damaged. If your home is still host to aluminum wiring, loose or shoddy connections are an open invitation to sparks, overheating, and other frightful experiences. One great solution is to have a heavy-up installed to replace your old service panel with one of larger capacity.
The Phantom of the Circuit Breaker
While you may not see potential trouble brewing with your circuit breakers, it could be too late by the time they malfunction. Faulty circuit breakers may not trip when they should, leaving your home vulnerable to electrical overloads and related issues. Speaking of breakers, overloaded circuits are another common cause of issues with your electrical system. Picture this: your Halloween decorations, spooky sound system, and fog machine are all sharing a single outlet. Sparks could potentially fly in a house with outdated circuit breakers. Avoid this nightmare by not overloading outlets, and you might want to consider adding a surge protector. In an old house, it may also be time to think about upgrading your outlets for safety and convenience.
GFCIs: Ghostly Figures Creeping In?
Ghosts may not be real, but Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) sure are - and they provide ideal protection against electrical shock. They’re required in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets, making them the unsung heroes of your home. Beware! If your home lacks these tireless sentinels, it’s probably time to have GFCIs professionally installed to keep your home safe and sound.
When is an Ear-Splitting Screech Better Than Silence?
What’s more frightening than preternatural silence in the dead of night? A home that lacks smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! Their shrieks can pierce even the deepest of sleep and can be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak. Don’t forget to test them regularly to ensure they’re ready to wail in the event of any real danger.
Why Professional Electricians Are Better Than Ghostbusters
With all these electrical specters looming, who can you trust to keep your home safe and your Halloween season carefree?
Wilcox Electric specializes in protecting your home against overloaded circuits, absent GFCIs, and the dread of silenced detectors. This Halloween, and for the entire season afterwards, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your electrical system is safe and up to standard. Summon the pros at Wilcox Electric for a whole-home safety assessment and for all your electrical service needs.
If the possibility of a government shutdown is causing you anxiety, Wilcox Electric is here for you. Don’t put off electrical repairs because of budgeting concerns. We will continue to provide exceptional electrical services, whether it’s every day repairs or replacements, or a longer-term project such as a major overhaul of an outdated electrical system. Let us know if you need some additional flexibility. We’ll work with you. Contact us and find out how we can help.