Winter-Proof Your Home: 7 Electrical Safety Tips for Oklahoma Cold Snaps

Ace Electric STW
14 hours ago
2 min read

When the temperatures drop in Stillwater, heaters, space warmers, and electric blankets come out of hibernation. But winter comfort shouldn’t come with a side of electrical risk.

Before that first big freeze hits, here’s how to keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient this winter, with a little help from your friends at Ace Electric.

🔌 1. Avoid Overloading Circuits

When every outlet is powering a heater, lamp, or electric blanket, your circuits are under serious strain. Overloaded outlets can cause breakers to trip or worse, start a fire.

Ace Tip: Distribute high-wattage devices (like space heaters or hair dryers) across different outlets and circuits. If you find yourself relying on power strips for everything, it’s time to add more outlets or circuits - Ace Electric can help with that.

🔥 2. Inspect Space Heaters Carefully

Space heaters are handy, but they’re also one of the most common causes of winter house fires.

Ace Tip:

Plug heaters directly into the wall (never a power strip).
Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything flammable.
Choose models with automatic shut-off and tip-over protection.

💡 3. Upgrade Old or Damaged Wiring

Cold weather can expose weaknesses in your electrical system- especially if your home is older or uses outdated aluminum wiring.

Ace Tip: Flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or a warm electrical panel are red flags. Schedule an inspection before heavy winter use puts your system to the test.

🔥 4. Don’t Forget About Smoke & CO Detectors

With furnaces and space heaters running full-time, the risk of carbon monoxide buildup rises. Now’s the time to test every smoke and CO detector in your home.

Ace Tip: Replace batteries twice a year; once when daylight saving time ends, and again in spring.

🧤 5. Keep Outdoor Outlets Weather-Protected

Ice, snow, and moisture can cause outdoor GFCI outlets to trip, or worse, short-circuit.

Ace Tip:

Check outdoor outlet covers for cracks or gaps.
Install weatherproof “in-use” covers for added protection.
If your GFCIs are older, have Ace Electric upgrade them to modern, self-testing models.

⚙️ 6. Schedule a Furnace and Electrical Panel Check

Heating systems and electrical panels work hand-in-hand to keep your home running safely in the winter. A professional checkup ensures your breakers, wiring, and circuits can handle the load.

Ace Tip: Have both your HVAC and electrical system inspected before cold weather sets in to prevent mid-winter outages.

💡 7. Consider Smart Energy Upgrades

Winter bills can spike fast but smart home tech can help. Smart thermostats, LED lighting, and energy monitors reduce wasted energy while keeping you comfortable.