New year, new house. What could be more exciting? While the new year sparks change for many people, you’ve really hit the mark by venturing into life as a homeowner. Not only is it a great investment, but it’s also a space you can cherish and optimize for years to come. However, with this exciting sense of ownership comes responsibility as you learn the ins and outs of your new home. To ensure your home’s electrical systems are safe and secure, follow these 6 tips from our residential electrician in Vancouver:

1. Replace Damaged Electrical Wires and Cords

When moving into a new home – especially if it’s your first time – it’s crucial you check all wires for potential damage. Even if the electricity in your new home appears to work perfectly fine, your wires may be worse for wear. If they are, this increases your risk of house fires and life-threatening electrocution. This is also a good time to check for rodents, as they love to chew through electrical wiring. If you spot any signs of damage such as frays, cracks, and splits in the wiring, refrain from interacting with the wires and call our BPM Electricians.

2. Count Your Outlets

When buying a home, you want to ensure you’re buying one that suits your lifestyle. So, when viewing houses on the market, take a quick scan of the electrical outlets placed throughout the space. Are they in convenient locations? Are there enough of them to support your electrical needs? If not, you may want to reach out to a residential electrician to have more installed.

3. Avoid Overloading Your Outlets

One of the most common causes of electrical issues in a home is overloaded outlets. If you have high use appliances such as a dishwasher, air conditioner, or washing machine, these large items should not be sharing outlets with others. Even small appliances like microwaves and plug-in kettles could cause an issue if they’re sharing an outlet with too many appliances. When checking your outlets, you may notice the protective plates feel warm to the touch when overloaded. To be safe, keep your plug sharing to a minimum and if you’re low on outlets, have an electrician check the power distribution.

4. Unplug All Unused Appliances

Simple yet effective. To keep a safe household, unplug your appliances when not in use. Not only will this prevent electrical hazards, but it could also save you money on your electrical bill. Furthermore, if a power surge should occur, this keeps your appliance from overheating and being irrevocably damaged when the power comes back on. If you find yourself forgetting to unplug appliances when out of use, you may want to talk to your electrician about smart plugs. These handy little adapters can be controlled from an app on your phone. So, if you forgot to switch off an appliance, you can do so from wherever you are – as long as you can find a Wi-Fi signal. Talk to your electrical contractors in Vancouver about installing one of these smart plugs into your new home.

5. Avoid Using Extension Cords

Extension cords are great, temporary solutions. However, if you’re moving into a new home and find yourself using them for extended periods of time, you’ll want to be in touch with a residential electrician. Installing a new outlet is a much safer and sustainable option as extension cords wear down at a much faster rate. With continued use, you’re increasing your chances of experiencing a dangerous electrical shock or house fire.

6. Call a Residential Electrician to Perform a Home Check-Up

Routine electrical check-ups are the best way to ensure home electrical safety. As a first-time homeowner, your electrician will help you navigate your new electrical system. Not only will this provide you with more insight into your home, but it will also optimize your levels of safety and security. If you’re looking for go-to electrical contractors in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, or Cloverdale, contact our team at BPM Electric. Our certified electricians are licensed, insured, and bonded to handle residential and commercial repairs to optimize your electrical space.