Shopping for a new home is a very time-consuming process, and there’s nothing quite like finding a bargain-priced property with “great bones” if you’re on a budget! Just remember that it’s always important to know your limitations when it comes to DIY projects, and be sure to budget generously for renovations. And even if a real estate listing says that a home is move-in ready, that doesn’t mean that it’s completely free from potential safety issues!

You can’t afford to take any chances when it comes to your family’s safety, and our team at Gary Houston Electric is here to help! We’ve proudly offered trusted residential electrical service in Little Rock since 1978, and we offer 24-hour service in the event of an electrical emergency. Your household wiring should be professionally inspected at least every 25 years, or sooner if you’re encountering flickering lights, frequently tripped circuit breakers, or sudden, unexplained increases in your energy bills. There are also a few easy things you can do on your own to keep you and your family safe:

Avoid overloading electrical outlets—It’s generally safe to plug most electronics into power strips, but high-wattage appliances such as heaters and power tools should be plugged directly into the wall. You might also consider installing additional outlets in high-traffic areas and getting rid of those unsightly power strips for good!

Replace obsolete electrical outlets—It’s easy and inexpensive to replace outdated two-prong plugs with grounded outlets, and you should have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets installed in your kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoors. You should also call a professional electrician to remove or replace any non-functional switches or outlets in your home, particularly if they buzz or are warm to the touch.

Use space heaters safely—Oil-filled space heaters are much safer for indoor use than fan-forced heaters, and they should be set up on a stable surface to avoid tipping. They should also be placed in a well-ventilated area far away from drapes, paper, or other combustible materials.

If you have any questions or want to schedule an in-home electrical safety inspection, contact us online or at 501-375-8330. We’re also always happy to give you a free, no-obligation estimate for a KOHLER generator so you can keep the lights on no matter what Mother Nature has in store for us!