Thanksgiving is almost here, and there’s no better time to prepare your home for holiday gatherings. Beyond setting the table, you’ll want to make sure your space shines bright and stays safe for all your guests. Here are 5 tips to ensure your home’s electrical setup is ready for the festivities.
Light Up Your Holiday Décor
Lighting is key to create the perfect atmosphere and mood. Consider dimmable LED bulbs and switches for adjustable lighting that suits both lively dinners and quiet conversations afterward. And if you’re putting holiday lights outside, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use and plugged into a GFCI outlet to prevent shocks. And check out our permanent holiday lighting, if you never want to worry about putting up and taking down Christmas lights again!
Power Up the Kitchen
From turkey to pies, holiday cooking can put a lot of pressure on your kitchen appliances. Make sure your outlets and circuits can handle the extra load, especially if you’re running multiple appliances at once. Plus, make cooking multiple things at once easier by setting your Google or Alexa timers (and labeling them). That way you’ll never forget the rolls in the oven!
Avoid Overloading Outlets
With guests charging phones and kids watching movies, outlet space can be in high demand. Avoid overloading power strips, and instead, consider adding extra outlets or using surge protectors. Overloaded outlets can trip breakers or, worse, cause fires, so a little planning can go a long way in keeping everyone safe. And keep in mind that extension cords should only be for temporary use. And adding extension cords to an outlet doesn’t increase the power running to that outlet, it only allows you to plug in more items.
If you plan to use space heaters, remember to keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. Electric fireplaces are another cozy addition, but they also need careful placement and regular maintenance. And never plug space heaters in with an extension cord. Remember, space heaters are also for temporary use only!
Consider Automated Lighting
This time of year, it gets dark out so early and you might be away more visiting family and friends for holiday gatherings. Automated lighting helps watch over your home even when you are gone. With Smart Away, your lights can randomly turn on/off during peak hours to mimic someone being home. Or set your lights on a schedule so you never come home to a dark house after work. And if you are hosting, set the scene for entertaining with different levels and colors of lighting for each festive occasion.
At In The Lite, we want your holiday to be as enjoyable—and safe—as possible. We’re here to help you set the table (and the house) for a truly brilliant Thanksgiving and holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
As always, we hope we’ve made your day brighter! If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please visit www.inthelitellc.com.