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Colorado winters have a tendency to produce subzero temperatures, heavy snowfalls and other extreme weather conditions. Harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on a house even if it was in good condition before the start of the cold and snowy season. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why winter is so hard on a Colorado home’s electrical system and what you can do to make it safely to spring.
Cold Weather Damages Wires and Related Components
Wires, coverings and other electrical components can become brittle or loose when exposed to cold weather. This is because of the expansion and contraction that takes place as temperatures fluctuate above and below the freezing mark. Any ice or snow covering exposed electrical components may enhance the damage these items incur. Older wires may be especially vulnerable to snapping or coming loose, as they have been subject to severe weather for many years.
Cold Weather Puts More Strain on Electrical Systems
The cold winter weather will likely cause you to spend more time indoors where it is much more comfortable. Of course, the house is warm because you’re running the furnace more often, which can put significant strain on its ability to function. In addition, you may also be using lights, space heaters and other items more frequently, which puts a strain on your electrical system as a whole. This can result in circuit breakers tripping, lights going out and other potentially serious issues.
Power Lines May Come Down
Wind, snow or ice can cause power lines to come down or transformers to blow. In either scenario, you will likely be without power for several hours to several days. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that you can do to prevent this from taking place. Typically, local utility companies are the ones that operate power lines, and it would be too dangerous to try to clear a power line or take other actions to prevent it from coming down yourself.
What Can You Do to Prevent Electrical System Issues?
Perhaps the best thing to do is to be proactive in maintaining your home’s electrical system. This means having it inspected prior to the winter season to ensure that it can meet your needs. An annual electrical safety inspection may be especially useful if your home’s electrical system has been in your home for more than 20 years.
As systems age, they become more susceptible to moisture damage, corrosion and other physical issues. Also, older electrical grids may be too small to handle modern appliances in addition to your computers, televisions and other devices that draw power. Finally, an older home may have aluminum wiring or other wiring that may be more likely to cause trouble simply because of its age.
You should also be aware of any clues that indicate a serious electrical problem. For instance, if the lights start to flicker for no reason, that may indicate a wiring problem. It might also mean that you’re using the wrong bulbs or that you need to replace an outlet.
When Should You Hire a Professional?
We do not recommend that homeowners do their own electrical repairs. Instead, take advantage of professional electric repair services to help with flickering lights, a tripped breaker or other common problems.
A licensed electrician will have the tools, experience and knowledge to do the job properly. In addition, a professional will be able to do the job safely, correctly and in a timely manner. It’s also worth noting that you will likely receive a warranty or some other guarantee in case something goes wrong after the work is done.
If you try to do the work yourself, you’ll be liable for anything bad that happens to you or your home. Therefore, it’s almost always easiest to call us for help even if it means paying a little more for service.
Get Help When Problems Arise
Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be there when you need electrical repair service in Littleton, Highlands Ranch or Castle Rock, CO. In addition to repairs, we can help with upgrades such as installing an EV charger, lights or a generator. Contact the professionals at MZ Electric today to learn more about how we can help!
