Have you ever wondered why Austin, Texas, has so many electrical problems during the winter? If you have lived here for more than a couple of years, or even a couple of months, you probably have. Just recently, an ice storm came through Texas that left more than 100,000 Austin residents without electricity for days. Electricity companies throughout the city and surrounding areas scrambled to get the power back on for a cold and dark city while the people of Austin waited under warm blankets. The primary causes of this outage were broken tree branches under too much ice, taking out power lines in their grapple with gravity, and Texas infrastructure not made for extreme freezing temperatures. 

However, you may be surprised that Austin is not the only place struggling with electrical faults during the winter. Cold air causes power outages worldwide because weather increases electrical resistance through power grids and home circuit breakers. The materials that hold electricity contract during cold temperatures reduce the flow of electricity. In addition, the cold makes electricity transfer between cables more difficult. When you add in the increased need for power due to heating devices, such as heaters, water heaters, and electric appliances, issues with the power grid become a guarantee. 

Although the increased need for power places a heavier load on the electrical grid and practically guarantees issues, preventative measures can help keep you safe and warm this winter. This article will educate you on the types of electrical problems you are likely to encounter as a resident of Austin, Texas, and prepare you for cold weather so that you know what to do and how to prevent power outages.

During the winter months, avoiding issues with electricity is tricky. A combination of bad weather and the increased need for electricity to power your heating devices makes electrical errors feel unavoidable. Typical issues may include overloaded circuits, blown fuses, and tripping circuit breakers. Additionally, snow and ice buildup may emphasize flaws already present in the system and lead to a total power outage. 

That is why Alpha Team Electric is here. We understand how important it is to have electricity when you need it most. Keep reading to learn about major energy problems you should be aware of during the Austin, Texas, winters. 

Consider an upgrade if you are still using your space heater or weighted blanket from 1995. It is far too familiar for us to see outdated equipment cause malfunctions, especially in newer homes. Old appliances are not built with the same safety features as modern technology and can damage your home’s electrical system. 

Likewise, old outlets are electrical hazards, as well as problematic power switches. They may become brittle in cold weather leading to shorts in the breaker and even sparks that may cause fires. To avoid these unnecessary hazards, you must have a qualified electrician check your home for faulty wiring and equipment during the winter months.

Cold weather stresses your home’s electrical grid as it tries to keep up with the demand for warmth. When fuses are blowing more often than expected, it is usually because of faulty equipment or wiring. It is not uncommon for low temperatures to cause poor insulation, which exposes the delicate wiring to the elements. Never let snow or ice accumulate on bare wires, as it will only increase the resistance and prevent adequate power from arriving at your home. 

Additionally, electric space heaters use a lot of power which can emphasize electrical problems in an already struggling system. If you need to use a space heater, do so in an area without other electronics.

Static electricity is a huge problem and can increase the likelihood of your home catching fire during the winter. The lack of humidity makes Austin, Texas, winters a breeding ground for static– especially when there is an unacknowledged current or flammable material nearby. The best way to prevent this is by setting up a humidifier. It will add moisture back into the air so that static electricity doesn’t have the necessary ingredients to become a hazard.

Taking preventative measures in Austin, Texas, to prepare for winter weather could stop unexpected electrical problems and keep your home warm all season. To avoid common mistakes, you should install surge protection on sensitive electronics and survey your home for frayed wiring in areas you can access. 

Electricity professionals, like our staff at Alpha Team Electric, help perform winterization inspections. We can identify potential problems that may arise due to cobwebs and debris, insufficient insulation, loose connections, or other electrical faults that could lead to problems. We also recommend maintenance on your system to keep it operating efficiently and upgrade your electrical system to ensure it is always running safely. 

Still, you can only do so much to prepare for cold weather. Just ask the tens of thousands of Austin residents that went for days without electricity due to frozen trees knocking out power lines all over the city. Because power outages are common in Austin, you should install an emergency generator. It will provide your home with backup power in a power outage. In addition, you will be guaranteed warmth and safety until an expert can return the power and give you the confidence you need to survive winter.

Taking proactive steps to ensure your family is ready for any electrical problems that rear their head this winter is not an issue when you live in Austin, Texas. The Austin area is home to the most qualified electricians for cold weather-caused electrical faults, Alpha Team Electric. When it comes to winterization, we know what we are doing. Our winter maintenance services will protect you from potential problems before they have time to develop. We can also accurately recommend the necessary upgrade your home or business needs to maintain functionality throughout the winter. 

Our electricians are knowledgeable and experienced with common electrical concerns. They can quickly troubleshoot the issue, repair it, and return your home to the warm sanctuary it once was. Additionally, we offer 24/7 emergency electrical service because we know that winter is the most difficult and frustrating time to have issues with your electricity. 

For help surviving the winter, or other questions about preparing for the next ice storm, give Alpha Team Electric a call at (512) 866-1749.