As temperatures drop during the winter months, your home’s electrical system faces unique challenges. Increased energy demands, harsh weather conditions, and the effects of freezing temperatures can strain your system, leading to inefficiency, damage, or even power outages. At DWUtah HQ, we understand the impact winter can have on your electrical system and how to protect it during the coldest months.

How Cold Weather Affects Your Electrical System
1. Increased Energy Demand
Winter often brings higher electricity usage:

• Heating Systems: Electric furnaces, space heaters, and HVAC systems require significant power to keep your home warm.
• Holiday Lights: Festive lighting adds beauty to your home but also increases the load on your circuits.
• Shorter Days: More hours of darkness mean increased use of lighting and appliances.

All these factors put added stress on your system, increasing the risk of tripped breakers or overheating.

2. Frozen Wiring
Freezing temperatures can cause damage to electrical wiring, particularly in exposed areas like garages, sheds, or outdoor outlets. As wires contract in the cold, they may become brittle or crack, leading to potential shorts or fire hazards.

3. Snow and Ice on Power Lines
Heavy snow and ice accumulation can cause power lines to sag or snap, resulting in outages. Even if your home’s internal system is in good condition, external factors like downed lines can disrupt your power supply.

4. Moisture Intrusion
Snow and ice melting near outdoor outlets or electrical panels can lead to water intrusion. This can cause:

• Electrical shorts
• Corrosion in outlets and switches
• Increased risk of shock or fire

5. Generator Overuse
During power outages, generators are a vital backup source. However, improper use or overloading of generators can strain your system or lead to unsafe conditions like carbon monoxide buildup.

Signs Your Electrical System May Be Struggling in Winter

• Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses
• Dimming or flickering lights when appliances are in use
• Unusually high energy bills
• Burnt or hot smells near outlets or electrical panels
• Outdoor lighting or outlets not functioning properly

How to Protect Your Electrical System in Winter1. Schedule a Professional Inspection
A licensed electrician from DWUtah HQ can assess your system for vulnerabilities and ensure it’s equipped to handle winter demands. Key areas of focus include your electrical panel, wiring, and outdoor circuits.

2. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If your panel is outdated or frequently trips breakers, upgrading to a modern panel can ensure it can handle increased loads during winter.

3. Protect Outdoor Wiring

• Install weatherproof covers on outlets.
• Check for exposed or damaged wiring and replace as needed.
• Use lights and extension cords rated for outdoor use.

4. Use Energy-Efficient Solutions

• Switch to LED holiday lights to reduce energy consumption.
• Install a programmable thermostat to optimize heating efficiency.
• Unplug appliances and devices when not in use to avoid phantom energy usage.

5. Install a Backup Generator
​A whole-house generator can keep your home powered during outages, ensuring essential systems like heating and refrigeration stay operational.

Trust DWUtah HQ for Winter Electrical Safety
At DWUtah HQ, we specialize in keeping your electrical system running smoothly, even in the harshest winter conditions. Whether you need an inspection, repairs, or upgrades, our licensed electricians are here to help.

Winter is a season of increased electricity use, from heating systems to holiday lights. However, freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and heavy electrical loads can strain your home’s electrical system, leading to potential hazards or costly repairs. At DWUtah, we specialize in keeping your electrical system safe and efficient during the winter months.

1. Inspect Your Electrical System
Start the winter season with a professional electrical inspection. Our team at DWUtah can identify potential issues like outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged panels that could become a problem during cold weather.

2. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
If your panel is outdated, it may not handle the increased electrical demands of winter. Modern panels can accommodate high-power appliances, heating systems, and holiday lighting without tripping breakers or overheating.

3. Safeguard Against Power Surges
Winter storms and power outages can lead to sudden power surges that damage appliances and electronics. Install whole-house surge protectors to protect your devices from electrical spikes.

4. Ensure Heating Systems Are Powered Safely
Your heating system is critical in winter, so make sure it’s connected to a properly functioning circuit. Check that space heaters, if used, are plugged directly into outlets rather than extension cords to avoid overheating.

5. Weatherproof Outdoor Outlets
Protect outdoor outlets and electrical connections from snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. Use weatherproof covers and ensure that outdoor lights and decorations are rated for outdoor use.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Winter brings an increased risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning due to heating systems and fireplaces. Ensure your detectors are functioning and replace batteries if needed.

7. Call DWUtah for Winter Electrical Repairs and Upgrades
​Whether you need a new outlet installed, an electrical panel upgrade, or a whole-house generator, DWUtah is here to help. Call us today to schedule an inspection or service.

Decorating your home with Christmas lights is a festive way to celebrate the holiday season, but it’s important to prioritize safety and efficiency when installing and managing your lights. At Ogden Electrical, we want to help you create a dazzling holiday display while keeping your home and family safe. Here are expert tips from our electricians to ensure your Christmas lights shine brightly without any issues.

1. Choose the Right Lights

• LED Lights: Opt for energy-efficient LED lights, which use less electricity, stay cool to the touch, and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Outdoor-Rated Lights: Ensure that any lights used outdoors are specifically rated for outdoor use. These are designed to withstand wet and cold conditions.
• Check Wattage Limits: Verify that your lights and extension cords can handle the wattage load to avoid overloading your circuits.

2. Inspect Your Lights
Before hanging your lights, inspect them for:

• Damaged Wires: Frayed or exposed wires can be a fire hazard and should not be used.
• Burned-Out Bulbs: Replace any burned-out bulbs to avoid overloading the other bulbs in the strand.
• Broken Plugs: Check that all plugs are intact and functional.

3. Use Safe Installation Practices

• GFCI Outlets: Plug outdoor lights into outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). These outlets protect against electrical shocks.
• Secure Your Lights: Use plastic clips or hooks designed for hanging lights. Avoid using staples, nails, or other metal fasteners that can damage wires.
• Stay Safe on Ladders: Always use a sturdy, non-metal ladder, and have someone assist you for added stability.

4. Avoid Overloading Circuits

• Spread Out Your Lights: Plug lights into different circuits to balance the electrical load. Overloaded circuits can trip breakers or cause electrical fires.
• Follow the Rule of Three: Connect no more than three light strands end-to-end to avoid overloading the circuit.

5. Protect Your Connections

• Weatherproof Covers: Use weatherproof covers for outdoor outlets to shield them from rain and snow.
• Keep Connections Off the Ground: Use stakes or hangers to keep extension cords and plugs elevated to prevent water damage.
• Seal Plugs: Wrap outdoor connections with electrical tape or use weatherproof plug covers to keep moisture out.

6. Set Timers for Your Lights
Use timers to automatically turn your lights on and off. This not only saves energy but also reduces the risk of overheating. Smart plugs and timers can even let you control your lights remotely.

7. Be Mindful of Power Consumption

• Know Your Limit: Check the total wattage of your lights and ensure it doesn’t exceed the maximum wattage for your circuit or extension cords.
• Upgrade Your Electrical Panel: If you frequently experience tripped breakers or outages, it might be time to upgrade your electrical panel. Call Ogden Electrical to ensure your home can handle the extra load.

8. Store Lights Properly
After the holidays:

• Roll Lights Neatly: Avoid tangles by wrapping lights around a spool or cardboard.
• Store in a Dry Place: Keep lights in a dry, temperature-controlled area to prevent damage to wires and bulbs.

When to Call a Professional
If you’re planning an elaborate light display or have concerns about your home’s electrical capacity, it’s best to consult a professional electrician. At Ogden Electrical, we can:

• Install additional outdoor outlets or circuits to accommodate your holiday lights.
• Upgrade your electrical panel for larger light displays.
• Inspect your home’s electrical system to ensure safety.

Celebrate Safely with Ogden Electrical
Create a magical holiday display while keeping safety a priority. For assistance with electrical needs or holiday lighting setups, call Ogden Electrical at (385) 644-6081 or visit us at 190 W 33rd Street #160 Suite C, Ogden, UT 84401. Let’s make your holidays bright, safe, and worry-free!