The Winter Home Safety Checklist: Electrical Edition
- NAVI Electric
- Dec 5
- 2 min read
Winter in Washington means shorter days, colder temps, and more stress on your home’s electrical system. Before the season hits full force, here’s a quick and essential electrical safety checklist every homeowner should run through:
✔️ 1. Test All Smoke Alarms
Winter = more heater use, more cooking, and more time indoors.
Replace batteries if it's been 6+ months.
Press the test button to confirm the alarm sounds.
Replace alarms older than 10 years.
✔️ 2. Check Your CO (Carbon Monoxide) Detectors
CO is odorless and deadly- and winter appliances increase the risk.
Make sure detectors are inside and outside sleeping areas.
Replace if older than 5–7 years.
Test them monthly.
✔️ 3. Confirm Generator Readiness
Power outages are common this time of year. Check:
Your generator starts properly
Extension cords are rated for outdoor/heavy use
Your generator inlet or transfer switch is up to code and safe
If you don’t have a generator inlet installed yet, now’s the time before the storms hit.
Check out our other posts about generators here
✔️ 4. Schedule an Electrical Panel Inspection
Your panel works harder in winter. A quick inspection helps catch:
Loose breakers
Corrosion
Overloaded circuits
Outdated panels that can’t keep up with demand
A 20-minute check can prevent an entire-home outage.
✔️ 5. Inspect Outdoor Outlets & Holiday Light Circuits
Moisture, cold temperatures, and overloaded decorations can trip GFCIs.
Ensure outdoor outlets have bubble covers
Use only outdoor-rated cords
Keep connections off the ground and away from snow
Do not plug space heaters or large appliances into extension cords
✔️ 6. Check for Overloaded Circuits Indoors
Winter = space heaters, air fryers, Christmas lights, heated blankets, and more. If you’re constantly resetting breakers, that’s a sign the circuit needs upgrading- not a normal part of winter.
Need a quick safety check before the cold hits?
NAVI Electric can perform a full winter electrical safety walkthrough to keep your home protected all season.
👉 Schedule Today
📞 Call us at (425) 737.1905
📧 Or contact us online Navielectricllc.com
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