Fall Electrical Safety for the Lafayette LA Homeowner
With the weather turning, have your lights started to flicker? You may be asking yourself if the electrical system in your home is up to the task of what the coming weeks hold. There is also the matter of space heaters and holiday lights and whether they will put too much on your circuits.
Since 1989 Comeaux Electrical Services has been at the service of homeowners in Lafayette and all of Acadiana. For any fall concerns you have with your home’s wiring, we are at (337) 252-2901.
The demands on a home’s electricity are at their peak in the fall. The drop in temperature means more use of heating equipment and indoor lighting, not to mention the decorations that come out later. A measure of preparation will see you through without trouble.
An Electrical Check Makes Sense in the Fall
Your air conditioner has done its part over the warm months but when fall comes around one’s electrical habits change. One is inside more, running lamps and heaters and putting away the cords and ornaments that have been in storage.
Too often a homeowner does not give his electrical system a thought until there is an issue. An outlet that has stopped working or a breaker that trips can be overlooked and become something more. A burning smell is another matter. It is better to make an inspection now than deal with it down the road.
Some Straightforward Safety Measures
As the season turns, here is what we would suggest for a Lafayette homeowner:
- Make a habit of looking over your cords. Any fraying or exposed wire on a space heater or extension cord should be discarded.
- Do not overload a power strip or outlet. Overheating is the result of putting too many high-wattage appliances on one.
- Space heaters need room. Put them where curtains or furniture are not in the way and into a wall outlet, not an extension cord.
- Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and make sure each one is in order.
- See how your breaker panel is holding up; frequent tripping is an indication of overtaxing the system.
- When you get ready for outdoor lighting, be certain exterior outlets are shielded from moisture.
Signs to Heed
You will know when an electrical problem is about to get out of hand. Be on the lookout for:
- Warm switch plates or outlets
- Outlets or the panel giving off a fishy or burning odour
- Dimming or flickering of lights as an appliance is turned on
- Breakers that will not stay put
- Scorched or discoloured outlets
- A buzz from your switches
Should you encounter any of this, leave the outlet alone and put in a call to a licensed, insured electrician. We at Comeaux Electrical Services are on hand with 24/7 emergency service if the situation arises outside of normal hours.
Putting Up Your Holiday Lights
Before you break out the decorations, think safety. Holiday lights are a frequent source of seasonal woe. Use only those rated for the job, indoors or out, and do not string together too many. A timer is a good idea so the lights are not left on all night. It is a small thing to do but it will control your energy consumption and keep things safe.
The Comeaux Difference
Our team has in excess of 40 years of experience between them in the electrical trade. As a family run business we are a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ and have been awarded the Angi 2024 Gold and 2025 Silver badges.
We are forthright in our pricing; you will find no surprises or hidden fees. We provide free estimates so as to lay out your options, and for bigger undertakings Hearth can pre-qualify you for financing in two minutes flat.
We are open seven days a week from 7:00am to 3:00pm and have round the clock availability for emergencies.
Make a call to us at (337) 252-2901 to have your Lafayette home put in order with an inspection and any electrical repair it may need. There is no need to let a minor matter become a major one this fall.
