Electrical Maintenance In DeSoto County
By the RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical Team · Reviewed by our licensed electricians · Serving DeSoto County, MS since 1999
Winter stacks demand on your electrical system: the heat is running, space heaters are going, holiday lights are up, and the kitchen is busy. A maintenance check keeps everything safe when it is working hardest.
Why winter is hard on wiring
More load means more heat at every connection, and heat is what degrades wiring and breakers over time. Many DeSoto County homes still run a 100-amp panel that was sized for a much simpler house, and adding space heaters on top of the regular winter load can push it past its limit. Our electrical team can tell you whether yours is keeping up.
What electrical maintenance covers
A thorough check protects the parts you never see:
- A thermal scan of the panel, breakers, and connections to find hot spots.
- Tightening connections and inspecting the bus bar.
- Testing breakers, GFCI outlets, and AFCI breakers.
- Checking surge protection.
- Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends layered surge protection and regular inspection of your system, especially as loads grow. Visit Electrical Safety Foundation International.
Space heater and holiday safety
Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip, and give them 3 feet of clearance. Do not overload outlets with holiday lights. If running a heater trips a breaker, that is the system telling you the circuit is overloaded, and it is worth a call. See NFPA Heating Safety.
Common questions
How do I know if my panel is overloaded?
Frequent tripping, a warm panel cover, lights that dim when appliances start, or relying on power strips and extension cords are all signs. An evaluation will tell you for sure.
Are space heaters safe on a power strip?
No. Space heaters draw too much current for a power strip or extension cord. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet.
How often should I test my detectors?
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace batteries during time changes. Replace detectors older than 10 years.
The bottom line
Get your electrical system checked before the heaviest part of winter. Call 662-429-2590 or schedule a visit.
Protect your investment with the RW Comfort Club
The Comfort Club electrical plan includes a yearly thermal scan of the panel and connections, breaker and GFCI/AFCI testing, a surge protection check, and smoke detector testing. Members also get 10% off repairs and $50 toward a new electrical panel for every consecutive year enrolled.
About RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical
We are a family-owned shop that has been keeping DeSoto County homes safe and powered since 1999. We hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, our plumbers and electricians are licensed, and our HVAC technicians are NATE-certified. Read customer reviews or meet the team on our About Us page.
