We’ll be in full swing of the holiday season soon, there’s no better way to spread cheer than with beautiful lights and festive decorations. However, while these displays light up our homes and neighborhoods, they can also pose electrical risks if not installed and maintained properly. At Air Comfort Solutions, we want to help you keep your home safe and secure this holiday season. Here are some essential holiday decoration safety tips, along with how our team can support your needs with inspections, panel upgrades, and repairs. And with our Ironclad Guarantee, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
1. Avoid Overloading Circuits and Breakers
Plugging in too many lights and decorations into one outlet is a common holiday hazard. Overloading circuits can cause breakers to trip, leaving your display—and potentially parts of your home—without power.
- Tip: Use a dedicated circuit for your larger holiday displays, and avoid daisy-chaining multiple extension cords together.
- Upgrade Option: If you frequently deal with tripped breakers, consider upgrading your panel. Air Comfort Solutions offers professional inspections and panel upgrades, ensuring your home’s system can safely handle the holiday load.
2. Use Proper Outdoor Lighting and Extension Cords
When decorating outdoors, make sure you use lights and extension cords rated specifically for outdoor use to avoid electrical hazards in wet or cold weather.
- Tip: Always check for outdoor-use ratings on all lights and extension cords. Avoid running cords through walkways where they may be stepped on or damaged.
- Safety Inspection: Not sure if your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected? Air Comfort Solutions can inspect and upgrade your outlets to help prevent electrical shocks in outdoor spaces.
3. Inspect Your Lights and Decorations for Damage
Before plugging in your decorations, inspect them for any signs of wear. Frayed wires, cracked bulbs, and damaged plugs can create sparks or cause electrical shocks.
- Tip: Replace damaged lights and decorations, and avoid quick fixes like taping wires, which can compromise safety.
- Repair Services: If you experience issues with flickering lights or have outlets that are frequently problematic, Air Comfort Solutions’ licensed electricians can handle any repairs you need. With our Ironclad Guarantee, you can rest assured you’re receiving dependable, high-quality service.
4. Take Extra Precautions When Using Ladders and Setting Up Electrical Decorations
Setting up lights often involves climbing ladders and reaching high places, which can be risky when dealing with electricity. Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder to reduce the risk of electrical shock, as metal ladders can conduct electricity.
- Tip: Work during daylight hours and avoid setting up lights in areas where cords could cause a tripping hazard.
- Electrical Safety Check: If your holiday display is extensive, an electrical safety inspection from Air Comfort Solutions can ensure everything is up to code.
5. Use Timers and Smart Technology to Manage Your Lights
With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to forget to turn off holiday lights. Using timers or smart outlets to manage your lighting can help prevent overheating and save on energy costs.
- Tip: Set timers to automatically turn off lights during the day or late at night to save energy and avoid overheating.
- Energy Efficiency Consultation: Air Comfort Solutions offers energy-efficient solutions and consultations to help you create a festive display without increasing your electric bill.
6. Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection Before the Holidays
For a truly worry-free holiday season, consider scheduling an electrical safety inspection. Our expert electricians at Air Comfort Solutions can check for outdated wiring, panel issues, and any potential hazards that might interfere with your holiday plans.
- Panel Upgrade Consideration: If your home has an older panel or if you’re experiencing frequent trips, an upgraded panel can help ensure safer power distribution. Air Comfort Solutions is here to help, and our Ironclad Guarantee ensures you receive top-quality service with every job.
Wishing You a Safe and Joyful Holiday Season!
At Air Comfort Solutions, we wish you a bright and safe holiday season. Electrical safety is key to enjoying a festive home without worry, and we’re here to make sure your holiday season is as safe as it is cheerful. Call us today at (405) 351-4146 to schedule an inspection or consultation, You can also conveniently request an appointment online! Backed by our Ironclad Guarantee, you can trust that we’ll keep your home safe for the holidays and beyond.