Winter Electrical Panel Problems: Red Flags Every Homeowner Should Know
Electrical problems can happen at any time during the year, but they seem to be more common in the winter. You’re spending more time indoors, you probably turn up the heat in your home to stay warm, and you need to keep the lights on longer as the days get shorter. Whether you’re in the middle of a nasty cold snap or temperatures outside are still mild, you need to be on the lookout for signs of trouble in your electrical panel. Here are just a few to look for.
Flickering Lights
If your lights flicker or dim when you try to use too many appliances or devices, your electrical panel isn’t sufficient to handle your home’s power needs. It could be that your panel is simply outdated and needs to be upgraded, or it could be that something is wrong with your home’s wiring. Either way, your flickering lights are a sign that you should call an electrician for assistance.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
Your circuit breakers trip when too much electricity flows through a circuit. They’re important safety features that prevent electrical fires and other problems, but they shouldn’t be tripped too often. If they do, your electrical panel either needs upgrades or repairs.
Burning Smells
If you notice any burning smells either near your electrical panel or any outlets in your home, it means that your circuits and wiring are overheating. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Don’t use any outlets that seem to be burning, and call an electrician if the smell is coming from your electrical panel.
Scorch Marks
If there’s a burning smell coming from your outlets or electrical panel, you might also notice scorch marks on your walls. Again, this is a clear sign that something is wrong. Call an electrician for repairs before your overheated wiring starts an electrical fire.
Buzzing Sounds
Buzzing sounds could indicate poor electrical connections or overloaded circuits. You might notice them coming from an outlet, or they could come from your electrical panel. Either way, it’s a sign of trouble. Faint buzzing sounds are a little easier to ignore than burning smells or scorch marks, but you shouldn’t let them go for long.
Corrosion
If you notice any corrosion on your electrical panel near your circuit breakers, your panel is in dire need of an upgrade. Too much corrosion could cause short circuits or even electric shocks, so call for help when you notice it on your panel.
Don’t leave your home to chance. If you notice any of these signs in your electrical panel this winter, call Big Island Electric in Kailua-Kona, HI to schedule repairs.
