What to Inspect Before Winter
Wondering what to inspect before winter in your Minneapolis home? As temperatures drop and snow season inches closer, it’s time to check every system that keeps your home running smoothly — including your electrical system. Fall is the ideal season to handle maintenance before the deep freeze sets in, helping prevent outages, hazards, and costly repairs when you need your power most.
Cold weather, increased indoor activity, and holiday decorations all put extra strain on your wiring and panels. Taking time to inspect your electrical system now can prevent outages, hazards, and costly repairs later.
Here’s a fall electrical checklist to help make sure your Minneapolis home is ready before winter sets in.
1. Inspect Outdoor Outlets and Fixtures
Minnesota winters can be harsh on exterior electrical components. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can cause corrosion, loosened covers, or even water infiltration that leads to shorts or tripped breakers.
Check for:
Cracked or missing outlet covers
Rust or discoloration on metal fixtures
Loose or frayed wires on landscape lighting or security cameras
Make sure all outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected (ground fault circuit interrupter) and have weatherproof covers rated for outdoor use. If you notice any damage or the outlet trips frequently, it’s best to call a licensed electrician for repairs before the freeze.
2. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As windows close and heating systems kick on, carbon monoxide risks increase. Fall is the perfect time to test all your smoke and CO detectors throughout your home.
Press the test button on each unit to make sure it’s working.
Replace batteries if they’re older than six months.
Replace the unit itself if it’s more than 7–10 years old (check the manufacturer date).
For added safety, consider upgrading to hardwired detectors with battery backup, which stay functional even during power outages.
3. Check Extension Cords and Power Strips
As holiday decorations and space heaters come out, it’s common to see cords everywhere—but not all cords are designed for high demand or outdoor use.
Inspect all extension cords for cracks, frays, or exposed wiring and replace any that show wear. Avoid daisy-chaining multiple power strips together (a major fire risk) and make sure you’re using cords rated for the device’s power load.
4. Test GFCI and AFCI Outlets
Your home’s GFCI outlets protect against electrical shock in wet or damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, while AFCI outlets help prevent fires by detecting arc faults in wiring.
To test GFCI outlets, press the “TEST” button, power should be cut off, then press “RESET” to restore power. If the outlet fails the test or doesn’t reset, it’s time for replacement. Licensed electricians can also test your breaker panel for proper AFCI protection.
5. Schedule an Electrical Panel Inspection
Your home’s electrical panel is the hub that keeps everything running smoothly. If it’s outdated, overloaded, or showing signs of wear, you could be one power surge away from losing heat or worse.
Look for:
Burn marks or discoloration around breakers
Breakers that trip frequently
Buzzing or humming sounds
Rust or corrosion inside the panel
A professional inspection from Accredited Electric can identify potential issues before they become emergencies. If your panel is over 25 years old or your home has added high-energy appliances, it may be time for an electrical panel upgrade to handle modern demand safely.
6. Evaluate Your Lighting and Ceiling Fans
Shorter days mean you’ll rely more on indoor lighting. Take a few minutes to replace dim or flickering bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, clean fixture covers and ceiling fans, and make sure light switches aren’t warm to the touch, a sign of poor wiring or overloaded circuits.
LED bulbs not only brighten up your home but also reduce energy costs, which can offset the increase in heating bills.
7. Prepare for Winter Power Outages
Heavy snow and ice storms in the Twin Cities can knock out power for hours or days. To stay safe and comfortable, make sure you’re prepared. Know where your main breaker is located and how to turn it off safely. Keep flashlights and batteries in easy-to-reach spots, and consider installing a whole-home surge protector or backup generator for uninterrupted power during outages.
Accredited Electric can help you choose and install a generator system that automatically kicks in when the grid goes down.
8. Inspect Electric Heaters and HVAC Connections
Before you plug in space heaters or fire up your furnace for the first time, give their electrical components a once-over.
Check:
Furnace electrical connections and cords for damage
Thermostat wiring for wear
Space heaters for loose plugs or burnt smells
If your breakers trip when your heater starts, that could signal an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring—both of which need professional attention.
Keep Your Home Safe and Comfortable This Winter
Electrical issues don’t take a season off, and winter’s extra demand makes preventive maintenance even more important. A quick fall inspection can save you from inconvenient outages, prevent fire risks, and keep your home running efficiently all season long.
At Accredited Electric, our licensed electricians have been keeping Minneapolis and St. Paul homes safe for over 40 years. We can help you inspect, repair, or upgrade your home’s electrical system so you’re ready for anything Minnesota’s winter throws your way.
Schedule your fall electrical inspection today and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.
👉 Contact Accredited Electric or call 763-355-5898 to book your service.