With the days growing shorter and the nights colder, is your home up to it? You may be putting out the string lights and space heaters as a matter of course, but do you have any idea if your electrical system is equal to the demands of a Michigan fall?

Design Electric Services has put our experience to work for families in the Flint area for their safety since 1927. As a family-run business we are at your service in Genesee, Lapeer, Saginaw, Ingham, Livingston, Oakland and Shiawassee counties; give us a ring at (810) 631-1223. There is no better time than now to make some preparations, as fall tends to be a busy season for electrical problems.

Why Your Home Feels the Strain in the Fall

You will find yourself using electricity differently once the cold sets in. The space heater is on, the lights are left on for longer, holiday decor is being put away from storage. That kind of demand can lay bare any deficiencies in an older system. Many of the homes in Flint are of a certain age and were wired for another time altogether. What was perfectly sound wiring for decades can turn into a hazard with the addition of today’s heating equipment and appliances. Being aware of that is what keeps you safe.

A Word on Space Heaters

In the winter months a space heater is a prime culprit in home fires. They consume power and it is not hard to put one to improper use. Observe the following this fall:

• An extension cord or power strip is not where a heater should be plugged in, only a wall outlet
• Leave three feet between the unit and anything like bedding, curtains or furniture
• Do not let a heater run unattended in an empty room or while you are sleeping
• Inspect the cord for any fraying prior to use
• A plug or outlet that is warm when in operation is cause for concern

Outlets and Cords

Make a point of looking over your outlets around the house this fall. Should you notice cover plates that have discolored, an outlet running warm or even a hint of burning, there is likely an issue behind the wall. Extension cords are for temporary purposes, not to be depended upon as a permanent fix. If the same cord is in use from one month to the next you would be well advised to have an outlet put in. Overloading them creates heat and that is to be avoided.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Put in a few minutes to test all of your detectors as you put the house in order for the season and see to it the batteries are fresh. With the windows shut and the heating on, they are more important now than at any other point in the year.

Storms and Power Outages

Early snow and high winds are part of a Michigan fall and they have a way of cutting the power. Plan accordingly.

• Put flashlights and good batteries where they are handy
• Be sure you can locate the panel and reset a breaker
• To guard against surges, unplug your more delicate electronics in a storm
• We can talk you through whole-home surge protection if you are prone to outages
• Have our number in your phone for emergencies

Holiday Lights

There is no harm in giving some thought to your decorations ahead of time. Use only what is rated for the outdoors and examine each strand for exposed wire or a cracked bulb. Do not put too many strands on one outlet and be sure to switch them off when you head to bed or are away.

Call in a Pro

Flickering lights, breakers that will not stay on, or antiquated wiring are not do-it-yourself matters. A licensed electrician should be called.

We are licensed and insured at Design Electric Services with a Michigan General Contractor license and an A+ from the BBB. Our pricing is straightforward, you will not encounter any hidden fees or charges at the end of the job, and we extend a 10% discount to seniors and veterans. Monday to Friday we are here 7:00am to 5:00pm, and for after hours we have 24/7 emergency service.

A free estimate is just a call away at (810) 631-1223. Let us help you have a fall and winter without worry before a minor thing turns into something major.