We can't believe it either, but the holidays are approaching! Many of us in the Charleston, Mount Pleasant and surrounding Lowcountry areas are beginning to think about getting our homes ready for family gatherings, festive décor, and the warmth of celebration. While the excitement builds, it’s essential not to overlook your home’s electrical setup. Making a few electrical upgrades now can help ensure a smooth and safe holiday season, free from inconvenient outages or hazards.
Here are a few home electrical preparations to consider before the holidays:
1. Add Electrical Outlets for Holiday Lights
Decorating with holiday lights is a time-honored tradition, but running long extension cords outside to reach an outlet can cause several issues. Overloaded circuits can lead to breakers tripping, and running extension cords in the elements and not in a protected area can lead to water intrusion, outages and fire hazards. To avoid these risks, consider adding electrical outlets closer to where you plan to hang your outdoor or indoor lights.
This not only prevents overuse of extension cords but also ensures your electrical system is up to the task of handling the additional load of holiday decorations.
If you live in the Lowcountry, Gloudeman Electric can help install outdoor GFCI-protected outlets, providing safer access for your holiday lighting setup.
2. Install Surge Protection
With all the extra gadgets, lights, and devices running during the holiday season, protecting your home from electrical surges becomes even more important. We talk a lot about surge protection here and how important it is (check out another blog we wrote on that topic HERE.), so we must mention it here. A surge can cause damage to your electronics and appliances, leading to expensive repairs or replacements, as well as unwelcome outages.
Installing whole-home surge protection ahead of the holidays is a smart investment. It helps safeguard your home’s electrical system from surges caused by lightning, faulty wiring, or utility work.
3. Invest in a Generator Inlet
Last year’s cold snap in the Charleston area left many homes without power during a critical time for holiday gatherings. To avoid being left in the dark during family dinners or festive parties, consider installing a generator inlet. This simple upgrade allows you to connect a portable generator directly to your home’s electrical system, keeping your lights, heat, and essential appliances running in the event of a power outage. For more information on the benefits of generator inlets, check out our previous blog post HERE about generator inlets and how they’re especially useful during hurricane season.
A generator inlet gives peace of mind, ensuring that even in unpredictable winter weather, your holiday plans won’t be interrupted.
4. Upgrade Interior and Exterior Lighting
The holidays are a perfect time to enhance the ambiance of your home. Upgrading your interior lighting is an simple way to create a cozy and festive atmosphere while improving your home’s overall functionality. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen for better task lighting while preparing holiday meals, or add toe-kick lighting in bathrooms.
During the holidays, your home's exterior is as important as inside! Consider adding landscape lighting and/or step lighting to illuminate your home’s exterior during evening gatherings.
Gloudeman Electric specializes in custom lighting installations that can help set the perfect mood for your holiday celebrations.
Get Ready for a Safe and Festive Holiday Season
Preparing your home’s electrical system for the holidays can prevent unnecessary headaches and ensure your family’s safety and comfort. Whether you need additional outlets, surge protection, a generator inlet or just want to spruce things up, Gloudeman Electric is here to help.
Reach out today to schedule an inspection or upgrade!
Comments