Springtime Electrical Issues and How to Avoid Them

After a particularly cold and snowy winter, we all look forward to warmer weather and longer days. But as winter turns to spring, Mother Nature doesn’t let up on contributing to power outages. Here are some common springtime electrical issues we see families dealing with all of the time, and how you can avoid them.

Pest and Insect Damage

We aren’t the only ones waking up from a long winter’s nap; pests and insects are also ready to emerge from their slumber, eager and willing to find any cozy place to be fruitful and multiply. Both insects and pests can cause serious damage to your electric supply and electrical equipment, chewing through electric wires, destroying insulation, and damaging walls and attics.

How to Protect Against Pests: Monitor and assess windows and doors, the foundation of your home, and your attic and fireplace for cracks and gaps that can let in pests like bats, bugs, and rodents. Install screens in your windows and doors. If you already have a pest problem, you may need to call a professional to eradicate the problem and apply preventative measures in the future.

Winter’s Dirt, Dust, and Allergens in Your Vents and Ducts

Dirty, dusty vents, air ducts, and filters from a long winter spent indoors can cause you and your family all kinds of problems. Pests and insects find a pleasant habitat in those dusty ducts. Allergens build up. Mold begins to grow. Soon, your family is sneezing and sick from poorly functioning air filtration systems.

On top of the health issues dirty vents and ducts can cause, unmaintained vents, ducts, and filters can prevent your HVAC systems from operating efficiently. With a clogged up system, your HVAC has to work harder and use more power to meet your needs, resulting in higher utility bills.

How to Save Your HVAC and Your Health: Incorporate cleaning out your HVAC filters and dusting your air vents into your spring cleaning regimen. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends having your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years, and more frequently if a member of your household has allergies or other respiratory problems.

Springtime Storms

Northeast and North Central Ohio are known for unpredictable weather patterns. One day, it can be sunny enough to melt a foot of snow, only to be followed by dropping temperatures, freezing powerlines, and downed trees. 

The spring and summer months are notably stormier than other times of the year. Increased rain and snowmelt across the region results in flooding and water damage. High winds and lightning knock down limbs and disrupt power for thousands across the state. When you combine additional water and power outages, you get the “perfect storm” of backed up sump pumps, flooded basements, and costly damage to your property.

How to Avoid Damage from Storms: In the event of a prolonged and unpredictable power outage, the best way to keep your property’s essential appliances—like refrigerators, furnaces, and sump pumps—running is by installing a generator. 

BCU Electric installs and services Kohler whole-house generators. When springtime storms wreak havoc on your property, you can minimize the damage and keep your home’s electricity running. 

Learn more about whole-house generators, and if your home does suffer the unfortunate electrical outage from a pest infestation or springtime storm, BCU Electric is here to help you get back on the grid. Give us a call. We’ll be ready.