Is the cold making your lights flicker? Outlets put out of sorts by a hard freeze? You may be wondering if your home is up to another one of Missoula’s unforgiving winters.
At Hometown Electric we can put your mind at ease. We have been in the business of keeping Missoula homeowners’ electrical systems in good working order and safe for as long as we have been here, that is since 2020, even in the harshest of months. Call (406)-508-1970 to speak with someone who knows what a Montana winter does to a house.
There is no kidding around when it comes to these winters. Folks will tell you about the snow and frozen pipes but the cold has its way with your electrical system as well. We have put together a rundown of the problems we come across most often so you are aware of them.
Why Your Electrical System is Sensitive to the Cold
For one thing, electricity and cold are not always compatible. Once the thermometer is in the negatives, the strain on your system is considerable. With all the space heaters, electric blankets and holiday lights in use at once, older panels and wiring can be made to do more than they were put there for.
Then there is the matter of contraction. The cold shrinks metal connections and makes wires shift, opening up small gaps where none should be. Before you know it you have loose connections and trouble to show for it.
Overloaded Circuits and Tripped Breakers
We are called in for tripping circuits more than anything in the winter. Put a few high-wattage appliances on and the breaker will shut down to forestall overheating, which is as it should be. But a breaker that is always tripping means an overload.
Typical causes:
- A shared outlet with a space heater
- An electric blanket left on for hours
- Older circuits running holiday lights
- Too many things on a kitchen circuit
- Panels that are simply not modern enough
If it is happening with any frequency, let a pro have a look at it.
Lights that Flicker or Dim
You will see more of this in winter. It could be the load on the system or it may be the cold exacerbating a loose connection; the metal gives way and power is not steady. If it is just one bulb, so be it. But when the furnace comes on and every light in the house starts to dim, you would be wise to have it seen to.
Outdoor Wiring
The elements in Montana are hard on outdoor components. Ice and freezing rain make their way into any outlet or fixture not properly sealed. Water will freeze and crack the housing, leaving wiring exposed.
Be on the lookout for:
- Outdoor outlets that have quit
- Fixture covers with damage
- Frayed or exposed wire at ground level
- GFCI outlets refusing to reset
- Any ice on the electrical box
It is a hazard and should not be overlooked.
Space Heaters
In Missoula they are indispensable in the winter and also the source of most of our electrical calls. They put a lot of power demand on the line and using an extension cord or an already taxed outlet is a recipe for overheating, possibly fire. Use a wall outlet, not a power strip. And if you are depending on them more than usual, your heating and electrical may need some attention.
Making a Professional Call
A burning smell, warm to the touch outlets, or dimming lights are not something to put off. In the cold they only get worse. Hometown Electric is fully licensed and insured and we stand behind our work with a guarantee of your satisfaction. Our Missoula neighbors have given us a 5.0 on Google for over 80 reviews and they trust us to do it right.
We are here Monday to Friday from 8-5 and can give you a free estimate so there are no surprises. If winter storms leave you in the dark, we can also help you stay powered with a backup generator. Make sure your home is not taken unawares by the season. Get in touch with Hometown Electric at (406)-508-1970.
