❄️ How to Know If Your Home’s Wiring Is Ready for Cold Weather

When the temperatures drop, your home’s electrical system works overtime — powering space heaters, electric blankets, heat lamps, holiday lights, and more. But if your wiring is outdated, worn, or overloaded, winter isn’t just cold... it can be dangerous.

Here’s how to tell if your wiring is ready for the season — or if it’s time for a safety check.

⚠️ 1. Your Breakers Trip When Using Heating Devices

Do your breakers trip when you plug in a space heater, toaster oven, or hair dryer? That’s a clear sign your system may be overloaded or wired with undersized circuits — both of which can lead to overheating and fire risk in winter.

💡 2. You See Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights shouldn’t dim when you turn on the microwave or heater. If they do, it could mean your wiring is struggling to keep up with the load — especially in older homes.

🔥 3. Your Home Has Outdated Wiring

Homes built before the 1980s may still have:

• Aluminum wiring (prone to overheating)

• Cloth-insulated wiring (brittle and outdated)

• Knob-and-tube wiring (not rated for modern use)

These systems were not designed for today’s power demands — especially during the cold months.

🧯 4. You Smell Burning or Feel Warm Outlets

If you ever smell a burning or fishy odor near outlets — or if your plugs feel hot — shut off power immediately and call a licensed electrician. These are warning signs of dangerous wiring conditions.

🛠️ When to Call for a Safety Check

Before plugging in space heaters, outdoor lights, or new appliances, it’s smart to have a licensed electrician perform a cold-weather safety inspection. We’ll check:

• Panel capacity

• Circuit loads

• Outlet integrity

• Wiring condition

• GFCI & AFCI protection

  
  

🧰 We’re Your Local Electrical Neighbors

Based right here in St. Helens, Oregon, we provide trusted electrical service for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. We offer free quotes and honest advice — with safety as our top priority.

Contact North By Northwest Services today for an on-site walkthrough and free quote.

📞 503-348-0505

📧 NXNWservices@gmail.com

🛠️ OR CCB #238547 | WA #NORTHNS754B8