Introduction
When heaters come back online, electrical risks go up — but most are preventable. Use this electrical safety checklist to make sure your home is safe, efficient, and ready for winter.
If anything looks off, book a licensed pro through Haines Electric’s full electrical services.
1️⃣ Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
Smoke and CO detectors save lives — especially during heating season when equipment works overtime.
Checklist:
- Test alarms monthly and replace batteries every 6 months.
- Check the device age (smoke lasts about 10 years; CO lasts 5–7).
- Install detectors on every floor and near bedrooms.
- Need help installing or upgrading? See our smoke & CO detector services.
Pro Tip: Combination smoke/CO alarms make maintenance easy.
2️⃣ Inspect Electrical Outlets and Cords
Damaged outlets or cords are a top cause of winter electrical fires.
Checklist:
- Look for loose, warm, or discolored outlets.
- Replace frayed or cracked cords immediately.
- Avoid running cords under rugs or behind furniture.
- Always use grounded three-prong outlets.
- Notice sparks or burning smells? Schedule a safety inspection.
3️⃣ Prevent Circuit Overloads
Overloaded circuits can trip breakers or even start fires — especially when space heaters and appliances run together.
Checklist:
- Plug only one high-wattage appliance per outlet.
- Use surge protectors, not power strip chains.
- Avoid extension cords for permanent use.
- Label circuits clearly in your breaker box.
- Frequent breaker trips? Read our Electrical Panel Upgrade Guide or schedule a panel upgrade.
4️⃣ Inspect Heating Equipment and Wiring
Before turning on heaters for the first time this season, check for damage or dust buildup.
Checklist:
- Vacuum dust off baseboard and wall heaters.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable materials.
- Never use extension cords for heaters.
- Label the circuit controlling your heater in your electrical panel.
- Power outages or surges common in your area? Consider a whole-home generator installation or generator maintenance service.
5️⃣ Check GFCI Outlets in Wet Areas
Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are prone to moisture — GFCI outlets protect against electrical shock.
Checklist:
- Test and reset every GFCI outlet monthly.
- Replace outlets that don’t trip or reset.
- Upgrade older outlets to GFCI/AFCI models.
- Learn more about outlet upgrades in our Electrical Services page.
6️⃣ Schedule an Electrical System Inspection
If your home is over 20 years old or you’ve added new heating equipment, an inspection can prevent serious issues.
An inspection includes:
- Panel load testing
- Breaker and wiring checks
- Grounding and bonding
- Surge protection setup
- Energy efficiency evaluation
Read our Panel Maintenance Guide and Home Electrical Maintenance Tips or contact us to book your checkup.
7️⃣ Use Heating Equipment Responsibly
A few small habits can prevent huge problems:
- Turn off space heaters when leaving the room.
- Keep heaters 3 feet away from curtains or furniture.
- Don’t plug heaters into power strips.
- Keep children and pets away from heaters.
If you’re relying on multiple space heaters, it might be time for targeted electrical upgrades or a standby generator plan.
Bonus: Winter Electrical Efficiency Tips
| Upgrade | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Smart Thermostat & LED Lighting | Reduces energy waste and frees up capacity for heating circuits. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection | Protects your electronics during storms and outages. |
| EV Charging Setup | Dedicated 240V circuits avoid overloads — learn more about EV Charger Installationor our EV Permit Guide. |
Need Help Before Winter?
- Book service: Contact Haines Electric
- View all services: Full Electrical Services
- Read more resources: Electrical Guides & Tips
Final Tip:
A 30-minute electrical checkup before winter can prevent costly damage, power loss, or safety hazards later. Stay warm and safe — your home will thank you!
