7 Ways To Protect Your Electrics as Winter Approaches

 

As we head into colder months, our homes and businesses start relying more on electrical systems to stay warm, well-lit, and safe. 

 

But with increased energy demand and harsher weather, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your electrics. 

 

Here are our top 7 tips to help you keep your electrical systems running smoothly all winter long—plus how M J Wallace can support you with inspections, solar solutions, and EV charging for added safety and efficiency.

 

  1. Schedule an Electrical Inspection🔍

 

Winter is the perfect time to ensure your electrical system is in good condition. With increased use of heaters, lights, and other appliances, your system needs to be able to handle the load safely.

 

– What to Do: 

 

Schedule a professional electrical inspection to check for any issues like loose wiring, outdated components, or overloaded circuits.

 

– How We Help: 

 

Our certified electricians at M J Wallace are experienced in conducting thorough electrical installation condition reports (EICR). We identify any potential risks and ensure everything’s up to code—keeping your property safe and compliant.

 

  1. Consider Solar Power ☀️

 

Winter might seem an unusual time to think about solar, but it’s actually one of the best times to install it. Despite shorter days, solar panels can still generate power on cloudy days, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your energy bills.

 

– Why Now? 

 

Installing solar during winter allows you to start generating savings immediately, and by the time the longer days roll around, you’ll be maximising efficiency.

 

– What M J Wallace Offers: 

 

We provide a free, instant online quote to get started with solar energy. From panels to battery storage solutions, like the Tesla Powerwall 3, our team will design a system tailored to your property’s needs, helping you save money and reduce your carbon footprint all year round.

 

  1. Upgrade to LED Lighting 💡

 

With the longer nights, we tend to use our lights more, which can strain older, inefficient bulbs. LED lights are a great solution, as they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and reduce power consumption.

 

– What to Do: 

 

Switch your existing bulbs to LEDs to save energy and reduce costs. Consider updating exterior lighting for enhanced visibility during darker winter evenings.

 

– Our Recent Work: 

 

This October, we helped Tettenhall Wood School upgrade to LED lighting, saving them thousands on their energy bills. Contact us if you’re interested in an LED upgrade for your home or business.

 

  1. Protect Your Outdoor Electrics 🌧️

 

With increased rain and frost, outdoor electrical installations, cables, and outlets are vulnerable to damage. Water exposure can cause short circuits and increase the risk of electric shock.

 

– What to Do: 

 

Inspect and waterproof any outdoor electrical setups. Ensure all outdoor plugs and lights are weatherproof and regularly check for any signs of wear or damage.

 

– Need Help? 

 

The M J Wallace team can assess your outdoor installations to confirm they’re safely protected from the elements. If you need any replacements or upgrades, we’re here to help.

 

  1. Install EV Charging at Home or Work 🚗🔋

 

If you have an electric vehicle, winter is a great time to set up an EV charging station. 

 

Cold weather can impact EV battery performance, making a reliable charging point at home or work essential. Plus, the government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant for business chargers is available until March 2024, covering up to 75% of the installation cost up to £15,000.

 

– Why Act Now? 

 

Installing a charging station now ensures your EV is ready for winter’s challenges. With the grant covering up to £15,000, it’s a smart investment for businesses and fleet managers.

 

– Our EV Services: 

 

M J Wallace offers a free survey to assess your property and guide you through the grant process, making it easier than ever to bring EV charging to your location.

 

  1. Add Battery Storage for Backup Power 🔋

 

Winter storms and increased energy demand can lead to power cuts. By installing a battery storage system, you can store excess energy generated during the day, providing reliable backup power when needed.

 

– What to Do: 

 

Consider adding a battery system to complement your solar setup or act as a standalone backup for grid power. This not only reduces reliance on the grid but also ensures you’re never left in the dark during an outage.

 

– Why Choose M J Wallace: 

 

We offer top-tier storage solutions, including the powerful Tesla Powerwall 3. 

 

It’s compact, efficient, and provides seamless backup energy, ensuring your home stays warm and operational even during outages.

 

  1. Test Smoke Alarms and Install RCDs 🔥

 

With increased use of heaters and lights, winter can bring a higher risk of electrical fires. Regularly testing your smoke alarms and ensuring you have residual current devices (RCDs) in place can make all the difference.

 

– What to Do: 

 

Test your smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries as needed, and make sure you have RCDs installed to protect against electric shock and fire hazards.

 

– Need Assistance?

 

Our team can check your smoke alarms, recommend RCD installation if needed, and ensure your electrical setup is as safe as possible.

 

Prepare for Winter with M J Wallace ❄️

 

Taking a few proactive steps now can make a big difference in keeping your property safe, energy-efficient, and comfortable all winter long. From electrical inspections and LED lighting upgrades to EV chargers and solar solutions, M J Wallace is here to support you in every way.

 

Get in touch to book your inspection, get a free solar or EV quote, or discuss any other electrical needs you have as we head into the colder season. Let’s make winter worry-free!