Seasonal Energy Saving Tips

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Spring

Regular maintenance of your outdoor lighting and electrical outlets is key to keeping your property safe and functioning properly. Use this guide from Point Electrical Services to perform spring maintenance on your outdoor lighting and electrical outlets.

Inspect all weather-proof covers for exterior plugs and switches. Upgrade to the new “in use” type covers. Make sure they are properly sealed and that there are no cracks in the covers. This will ensure that water and moisture don’t enter the box causing corrosion or power loss.
Check landscape lighting for broken or damaged light fixtures or insulation on wiring.
Check that all landscape and exterior lights are working properly and that there are no burnt-out bulbs. Keep your home well-lit to prevent accidents and to protect your home from burglary. Consider installing motion sensor lights for any that need replacing.
Make sure that extension cords are not being permanently used outside. Extension cords are not designed to withstand varying weather conditions and can deteriorate over time and cause an electrical shock – consider adding an additional exterior plug instead.

Summer

As the weather starts to warm up, many of us begin to think about spending more time outdoors. However, before you head outside to enjoy the sunshine, it's important to take a few minutes to prepare your home for the warmer months ahead. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and save energy this summer:

Check the cord ends for wear or damage on any oscillating fans – if plugs fall out of the outlet, it means there is a poor electrical connection which can cause arcing.
Many plug-in air conditioners require a dedicated circuit to ensure that you are not overloading existing circuits. If you are using an air conditioner and your circuits are tripping, give us a call – we can install a dedicated circuit plug.
Consider installing a timer as a summer switch on your central air furnace to circulate fresh air throughout the house and reduce the need for fans and air conditioners—saving you energy and money! If you are thinking of getting a heat pump installed, a 30 amp 240-volt dedicated circuit must be installed by a certified electrician.
For your pool or hot tub ensure that the GFI protection is functioning properly. Electrical components for pools often experience a lot of wear due to placement near the pumps. Ensure you're electrical is not corroded or oxidized to prevent energy loss or malfunction.
Consider installing a bank of solar panels to take advantage of the sun’s energy and reduce your energy costs. Solar panels also provide power in the event of a power outage and reduce your carbon footprint!
Consider installing an attic fan to remove hot air and keep your house cool reducing the need for fans and air conditioners.
Bring power to your outdoor living area for music, ponds, waterfalls, mini-fridges, etc. Permanently installed extension cords are prohibited by the Canadian Electrical Code. Install permanent weatherproof wiring for safety and better esthetics.
All exterior wiring should be UV rated and weather proof and any outdoor receptacle within 15 feet of grade must be GFI protected – deficiencies can result in power loss or even electrocution. Call us today for a free evaluation if you are concerned about your outdoor wiring and receptacles.
If you are installing a sprinkler system, consider installing a timer so it comes on automatically, allowing you to travel without having to worry about your lawn.

Fall

As the days grow shorter and the weather gets colder, it's important to take some time to perform regular maintenance on all outdoor electrical items. This includes checking all outdoor lighting fixtures and outlets to make sure they're properly protected from the elements. Here's a quick checklist to help you get started:

Inspect all weather-proof covers for exterior plugs and switches. Make sure they are properly sealed and that there are no cracks in the covers. This will ensure that water and moisture don’t enter the box causing corrosion, power loss, or even a potentially fatal shock! Check landscape lighting for broken or damaged insulation on wiring.
Check that all landscape and exterior lights are working properly and that there are no burnt-out bulbs or broken fixtures.
Keep your home well-lit to prevent accidents or protect your home from burglary.
Consider going with motion sensor lights for any that need replacing.
All exterior wiring should be UV rated and weather proof and any outdoor receptacle within 15 feet of grade must be GFCI protected – deficiencies can result in power loss or even electrocution – call us today for a free evaluation if you are concerned about your outdoor wiring and receptacles

Winter

The holidays are a time for family, fun, and celebrating. But they're also a time when home accidents and fires increase. Follow our guidelines below to help keep your home and family safe this holiday season.

Consider having an outdoor plug installed in the soffit rather than running extension cords for Christmas lights. Extension cords are not as safe and don’t look as nice.
Use the proper lights for the environment. Indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Also outdoor light strings/sets can burn too hot indoors causing a potential fire hazard.
Inspect light strings/sets before use. Check for cracked bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty.
Do not use electric light strings/sets on metallic trees. A faulty system could energize the tree and shock or electrocute anyone coming into contact! Illuminate metallic trees with coloured floodlights placed at a safe distance from the tree and out of reach.
There is often a tendency to overload wall outlets during the holiday season. This is dangerous and could cause a shock or create a fire hazard.
To avoid possible overheating, do not coil or bunch extension cords being used. Do not run extension cords under carpets or rugs.
Use only Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified light strings/sets. Off shore sets are cheaper, but do not meet safety standards.

Turn off all tree and display lights before retiring for the night or before leaving the house. Consider installing a programmable in-wall timer – reduce your energy costs and keep your home and family safe!

Looking to do some electrical work on your own? Point Electrical Services offers a variety of services to help you get the job done right, including free consultations. Contact us today!