Staying Bright Through The Freeze: A Capital Region Guide To Winter Electrical Safety

By Author: Houghtaling Electrical
Total Articles: 3
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Albany winters aren’t just tough on your driveway — they can seriously strain your home’s electrical system. From historic brownstones in Center Square to newer homes in Latham, colder months mean higher power demand, and many systems simply weren’t designed for it.
At Houghtaling Electrical, we always say the best emergency call is the one you never have to make. A little prevention now can save a cold, dark night later.
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The Space Heater "Wall Outlet" Rule
It’s tempting to plug that space heater into a power strip. Don’t. Space heaters draw significant amperage—often enough to melt a standard power strip or thin extension cord.
Pro Tip: Always plug heaters directly into a wall outlet. If your outlet feels warm to the touch, it’s a sign of a loose connection or overloaded circuit.
Book a lighting installation today.

Holiday Lights: Inside vs. Outside
Many homeowners use “indoor-only” extension cords for their outdoor displays. In the wet Albany slush, these are a major fire hazard.
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... • Check the Label: Ensure all outdoor cords are marked “W” (Weather-resistant).
• GFCI Protection: All outdoor holiday lights should be plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet to prevent shocks in wet conditions.
Schedule your winter electrical inspection.

Generator Readiness for Ice Storms
In the 518, an ice storm can knock out power for days. If you use a portable generator, remember the 20-foot rule: keep it at least 20 feet from your home to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Pro Tip: Thinking about a permanent backup? A professionally installed transfer switch is the only safe way to power your home’s furnace and fridge during a New York winter blackout.
Talk to a licensed electrician today.

Why Your Breakers Are Tripping
If your lights dim when the microwave or heater kicks on, your electrical panel is likely at capacity. Unlike “big box” companies that might push a total replacement immediately, we specialize in Panel Balancing—often solving the issue by distributing the load more effectively.
Protect your home before it’s too late
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Need a Winter Electrical Safety Check?
If your home hasn’t been inspected recently, don’t wait for a December blackout. A quick system audit can identify risks before they turn into emergencies.
Contact Houghtaling Electrical — your trusted, local electrician in the Capital Region.
With hundreds of satisfied customers, our 5-star Google My Business ratings reflect the trust and satisfaction we’ve built across Upstate New York.