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How Massachusetts Weather Affects Your Home’s Electrical System

Massachusetts weather, with its cold winters, hot summers, and unpredictable storms, can have a significant impact on your home’s electrical system. The state’s changing seasons put your electrical components to the test, from handling high heating demands in winter to summer lightning storms that can cause power surges. Understanding these challenges can help you protect your property, reduce risks, and maintain safe, efficient power all year long. Ellowitz Electric, based in Shrewsbury, MA, provides expert services for residential and commercial electrical needs across Massachusetts. In this blog, we’ll explore how local weather affects your electrical system, provide actionable tips, and share how Ellowitz Electric can help keep your home or business safe and powered.

What Common Weather Challenges Does Your Electrical System Face?

Massachusetts’ weather creates several unique challenges for electrical systems due to its seasonal extremes. Cold winters can cause wiring to expand and contract, which may weaken connections over time. Similarly, heavy snow and ice can damage overhead power lines and contribute to outages.

On the flip side, summer’s heat and thunderstorms bring their own risks. Increased demand for air conditioning puts stress on electrical panels, while storms can cause surges that harm appliances. Protecting your home or business from these issues can involve installing surge protectors, inspecting wiring regularly, and upgrading old systems to handle modern energy demands.

If you’re in Shrewsbury or the surrounding areas, Ellowitz Electric offers expert advice and installations, including generators, to keep your home or business running smoothly during storms.

How Can Homeowners Prepare for Extreme Conditions?

For homeowners, Massachusetts weather can pose risks to both comfort and safety. Without preparation, a sudden storm or heatwave can leave you without power for hours or even days. Adding key electrical components can help minimize disruption.

  • Generators: Standby generators ensure your home stays powered during outages, maintaining essential systems like heating, refrigeration, and communication.
  • Surge Protection: Storm-related surges can damage electronics and electrical systems. Installing surge protectors offers a layer of defense.
  • Fire Alarm Services: Snowstorms and heating equipment increase fire risks. Proper fire alarm systems provide added safety.

Regular maintenance by a licensed electrician, like the team at Ellowitz Electric, ensures your system stays ready to handle these demanding conditions.

How Do Business Owners Tackle Energy Demands Year-Round?

Commercial buildings in Massachusetts face distinct electrical demands all year long. Businesses often use more power to run equipment, lighting, and heating compared to residential properties. Extreme weather can lead to costly downtime or equipment damage without proper planning.

Upgrades like EV charging stations for a greener workforce or mini splits for flexible heating and cooling can boost energy efficiency in every season. Additionally, backup power solutions, such as commercial generators, ensure seamless operations even during outages. Ellowitz Electric specializes in tailored solutions for businesses across the state, ensuring your systems meet both safety and energy efficiency standards.

What Can You Do Today to Prepare Your Home or Business?

Being proactive about weatherproofing your electrical system can save time, money, and stress. Scheduling an inspection can identify potential issues before they develop into larger problems. Whether it’s safeguarding your home with fire alarm services or outfitting your business with a generator, preparation is key.

To avoid seasonal wear and tear, consider these tips:

  • Upgrade old wiring to withstand expansion and contraction.
  • Invest in mini-splits for energy-efficient heating and cooling year-round.
  • Explore financing options to make necessary upgrades more affordable.

By partnering with local experts like Ellowitz Electric, you can ensure your property is ready for whatever Massachusetts weather brings.

Contact Ellowitz Electric in Shrewsbury, MA

Massachusetts weather can be tough on your electrical system, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Ellowitz Electric, serving Shrewbury and the surrounding areas, brings years of expertise in residential and commercial electrical solutions. From generators to fire alarm services, we have the tools and skills to power your home or business safely and efficiently, no matter the season. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help or schedule a service with our team. Call us at 508-340-1340, email us at [email protected], or fill out our contact form here to get in touch with us.

power strip

5 Winter Electrical Safety Tips

When the weather changes in New England and winter is here, many homeowners rely on electrical devices to keep their homes warm and bright. Although your home seems cozy, many portable heating units pose fire hazards if safety hazards aren’t paid attention to. Many home fires involve space heaters, so it is extra important to follow these safety precautions to stay safe this winter. 

1. Keep Flammable Items Away From Heating Sources

The rule of thumb for keeping flammable items away from heating equipment, such as space heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, etc., is having 3 3-foot perimeter around any heat source. This will prevent any damage to items and keep children and pets at home safe. 

2. Never Leave Heaters Unattended 

When you leave your home or even a room you don’t plan on going back to for a few hours, it is best to turn off and unplug portable heating units. When you go to bed and aren’t supervising, it is also best to unplug these while you cannot monitor them, so they do not overheat. 

3. Don’t overload electrical outlets 

It is important not to overload your outlets with too many high-wattage units. There should be only one high-power heater plugged into each outlet. Homeowners are prone to overloaded outlets, which can cause many electrical issues. Especially during the holidays with many Christmas lights and decorations, make sure you monitor what is plugged in to avoid any issues.  

4. Don’t Use Power Strips to Plug in Space Heaters

Looking for the safest way to use your space heater this winter? The safest way is to use a wall outlet with no other items plugged into the outlet. This is the best way because power strips and extension cords are not equipped to handle the high electrical current that space heaters use. If you use a power strip, it could start a fire or melt and burn the cord. 

5. Make sure outlets and Power Strips Have Safe Placement

Lastly, when using power strips or extension cords, it is important to make sure their placement is safe so there is no way they could catch fire. Covering cords with rugs or behind furniture may seem like a good idea, so you can’t see them, but they are actually a fire hazard. Keeping them free of things covering them is the safest way. 

Contact Ellowitz Electric 

Following these safety tips will help keep you and your family safe during the winter months. If you are having issues with your home’s electrical system, call a professional electrician to make sure no further damage can occur. The electrical technicians at Ellowitz Electric are equipped with the tools to make sure your electrical system is as good as new. Contact us today by filling out our contact form or giving us a call at 508-340-1340

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