Fall Electrical Tips to Put You in Good Shape for the Holidays in Cedar Valley
One has to wonder if your electrical system is up to the task of the additional strain the holidays put on it. Before you start putting up lights, do you have concerns over tripped breakers or an outlet that is overloaded? Or perhaps some old wiring? It is well to consider what your panel can stand up to when the year’s busiest season is upon you.
Henninger Electric has been putting those questions to rest for the homeowners and businesses of Cedar Valley since 1995. A phone call to (319) 419-7930 and we will have your home in order before the cold sets in and the first strand of lights is hung.
There is no better time than fall to nip any electrical trouble in the bud. The weather is still fine for work and our contractors have room in their schedules, giving you the opportunity to put right a minor problem before it is a major headache at Christmas. We have put together some of the advice we are most apt to give our neighbors in Black Hawk County and surrounding areas.
Your Electrical Panel
Think of the panel as the heart of what makes your home run electrically. Should it be of a certain age or close to its limit, you only have to add a few holiday lights and space heaters to see it pushed beyond its means.
You will know your panel wants some attention if:
- Breakers have a habit of tripping for no apparent reason
- There is a burning odor or it is warm when you put a hand to it
- Lights go dim or flicker with the turning on of an appliance
- You are still working with a fuse box and not modern circuit breakers
- Open circuits are in short supply for the loads you have in mind
A licensed electrician should be called in to have a look if any of this rings true. We make panel repair and replacement a priority of our services and there is no better time to do it than now.
A Look at Outdoor Wiring and Outlets
You need the proper protection for the power you are going to put outdoors with your holiday lighting. All exterior outlets ought to be GFCI type so as to prevent shock when it is wet or snowy.
Do yourself a favor and inspect for the following prior to plugging in:
- Covers on outlets that are cracked
- Connections that are corroded or loose
- Anything not meant for outdoor duty
- An extension cord with fraying
- Any moisture in the boxes or covers
We come across plenty of problems every winter that could have been put off by worn cords and outlets. An inspection now is worth it to avoid the hassle.
Put in Surge Protection
With more devices in use over the holidays the odds are higher of a surge from a fall or winter storm doing damage to your electronics and appliances. Whole-home surge protection is an easy way to put a shield between your equipment and such spikes, be it for an everyday appliance or your holiday display. Inquire about it on the phone.
The Case for a Standby Generator
An outage in the middle of the holidays or during a spell of cold is the last thing anyone wants in a Cedar Valley winter. A standby generator will see to it that your heat and other necessities are not interrupted when the grid fails.
Make plans for a generator installation this fall. It is the sensible course of action to have things in place ahead of bad weather and spare you the aggravation of an emergency.
Get Your Holiday Lighting in Early
There is no need to be on a ladder in the freeze to have a festive home. With our seasonal service from Henninger Electric you can have Gemstone branded displays that are permanent and programmable; custom patterns and colors at the touch of a button rather than wrestling with boxes of tangled strands.
Reserve your spot on our schedule in the fall and you will have your display for the duration of the season.
What Makes Us the Choice in Cedar Valley
For decades we have done business in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Waverly, Independence, Jesup and throughout the area. Some of the reasons for that:
- An A+ with the BBB and fully licensed and insured
- Free estimates
- We guarantee 100% satisfaction
- “Best of the Best” according to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
- Emergency service and financing options
Our residential and commercial work is complemented by an expanding agricultural and industrial side of the business. We are in the office Monday to Friday from 7:00am until 5:00pm.
Rather than leave matters to the last minute, get the small details taken care of for a safe and worry free season. Ring us at (319) 419-7930 to set up a checkup or book your lighting. Let us help your home shine.
