Your home’s electrical panel has a critical job. It sends power to all the places in your home that require it. And it prevents circuit overloads that could cause fires. What’s more, it does those things 24/7. That can make electrical panel maintenance a bit tricky because your panel is always in use. However, spring is the time of year when you likely use the least electricity. That’s because early sunrises delay the need for lighting, and mild weather means you don’t need heat or AC. Here are the tasks you should do.
Clean Around Your Panel
It’s important to ensure your electrical panel has clear space around it for maximum safety. For most panels, three feet on all sides should suffice. If you’ve taken to storing things near your panel during the winter, spring’s the time to remove them. The extra space makes it easy to access your panel in an emergency. It also reduces the risk of fire should your panel malfunction.
Check Your Circuit Breakers
It’s a good idea to check your electrical panel’s circuit breakers as part of your spring maintenance routine. To do this, you can switch each breaker to the off position, then back on. The switches should move easily, and the breakers shouldn’t feel loose. If any give you trouble, make note of their position in the panel. You’ll need to follow up with an electrician to resolve the problems.
If your panel has any AFCI or GFCI breakers, those will need additional testing. Each one should have a small button marked “test” on its face. Once you press the button, the breaker should flip to the off position immediately. Afterward, you can turn the breaker back on. If any don’t trip after pressing their test button, follow up with an electrician.
An Electrical Panel Inspection
Ideally, you should have your electrical panel professionally inspected each year. Spring is the perfect time to do it while electrical demand remains light. Most electrical panels will last about 25 years before requiring replacement. An inspection can identify issues, like corrosion or degradation, that can compromise reliability and safety. And if it turns out your electrical panel needs repair or maintenance services, you’ll have time to complete it before summer.
Evaluate Upgrade Needs
After confirming your electrical panel works properly and is in good condition, it’s wise to consider your upgrade needs. For example, are you planning to purchase an EV with a charger this year? Or perhaps you’re considering adding new electrical appliances? Spring is the right time to think about an upgrade. Replacing an electrical panel requires significant electrical downtime. It isn’t something you’ll want to deal with in the summer, fall, or winter.
Making electrical panel maintenance a part of your spring routine is a smart choice for any homeowner. And as you can see above, it’s simple to do. By considering your future power needs each spring, you can make the necessary changes with a minimum of hassle. If you have concerns or require electrical panel services, contact We Care Heating & Air Conditioning in Central GA and the FL Panhandle.
