Winter Electrical Safety Tips for Minnesota Homeowners

As temperatures drop across the Twin Cities, most households are running space heaters, holiday lights, and other high-demand appliances around the clock. While winter is a time to get cozy, it’s also one of the most important times to practice electrical safety.

At Affordable Electric, we want to help you stay safe and powered up all winter long. If you’re noticing flickering lights, overloaded outlets, or you just want to be proactive, here are some essential safety tips and signs it may be time to call a licensed electrician.

1. Don’t Overload Your Circuits

Plugging in multiple space heaters, electric blankets, and festive lights can quickly overload your circuits. This can lead to tripped breakers or even electrical fires. Spread your high-demand items across multiple outlets, and avoid using daisy-chained extension cords.

If you’re tripping breakers regularly, it could be time for an electrical panel upgrade. Learn more about that here.

2. Inspect Outdoor Outlets and Extension Cords

Winter moisture is tough on outdoor outlets and cords. If you’re decorating the exterior of your home, always:

• Use outdoor-rated extension cords
• Keep plugs elevated and out of snow
• Check GFCI outlets to ensure they’re working properly

Need a professional to check or replace a damaged GFCI outlet? Contact us for outlet repair and replacement.

3. Use Space Heaters Safely

Space heaters are great for supplementing heat, but they’re also one of the top causes of winter house fires. Be sure to:

• Plug directly into a wall (never an extension cord)
• Keep at least 3 feet of space around them
• Turn them off when sleeping or leaving the room

If your breakers trip when using space heaters, it may signal a deeper wiring issue. Our team can help with electrical troubleshooting.

4. Check Smoke & CO Detectors

During the colder months, we spend more time indoors with closed windows, heaters running, and fireplaces in use. That makes functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors crucial. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed.

If you’d like peace of mind heading into the new year, we offer professional installation of hardwired smoke and CO detectors. See our detector services.

5. Schedule an Electrical Inspection Before the Holidays

Whether you’re hosting family or staying in to enjoy the season, now is a smart time to schedule an electrical inspection. Our licensed electricians can check your wiring, panel, outlets, and safety features to help prevent any issues during Minnesota’s long winter.

Stay Safe This Winter with Affordable Electric

Winter is beautiful — but it also puts your electrical system to the test. Let our team make sure your home is safe, up to code, and ready for anything the season brings.

Call today or schedule service online
Proudly serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas