Common Electrical Issues Homeowners in Buffalo, NY Face in the Winter

Winter in Buffalo, NY can be a magical time of year. Whether it’s ice skating at Canalside, snowmobiling, or staying in bundled up watching the Sabres game, Buffalonians have adapted to the cold weather. However, winter is also one of the toughest seasons for your electrical system. With holiday lights, space heaters and bad weather, it is one of the most common times to experience electrical issues. Read some of the most common electric problems below and tips on how to avoid them.

Tripping Breakers: With as little as nine hours of daylight, we must run electricity a lot more during the winter months. We must constantly turn on a light in a room just to see, combined with holiday lighting and portable heaters, it’s easy to see how tripping the breaker can happen. In order to avoid this electrical issue, consider placing appliances that use large amounts of energy on different breakers. You can also contact our team to learn how to increase the electrical power of your home’s electrical circuit.

Fire Hazards: During the coldest winter nights in Buffalo it can seem impossible to stay warm. We may try space heaters and electric blankets to stay warm, but it is important to understand the risks involved. Items close to space heaters such as carpet and blankets can catch on fire easily and should be kept a safe distance away. It is also important those appliances are plugged directly into the wall and not through an extension cord.  

Power Outages: We have seen our fair share of winter storms here in Buffalo. Whether it’s a few feet of snow or an ice storm that can take out power lines, it is important to have the proper supplies ready if your power suddenly goes out. Temperatures will drop fast and it may be a good idea to invest in a backup home generator that can keep you warm until power is restored.