How to Prepare for Winter – Electrical Safety & Efficiency Tips for Homes and Workplaces
As temperatures drop and darker evenings set in, electrical systems across homes and workplaces are put under extra pressure. From heating and lighting to increased appliance use, winter is when electrical faults and failures are most likely to occur.
Preparing your electrics ahead of time can help you stay safe, warm, and energy-efficient — and avoid costly breakdowns when you need power the most.
At SJM Electrical, we’ve put together our top advice to help you get winter-ready, whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner.
Book an Electrical Safety Check (EICR)
Your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is your first line of defence against hidden hazards.
An EICR highlights issues such as damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, or ageing components before they cause real problems.
-For homes, it’s recommended every 10 years (or 5 years for rented properties).
-For businesses, every 5 years or sooner depending on your environment.
If you’ve noticed flickering lights, tripping circuits, or warm sockets, it’s time to book an inspection.
SJM Tip: Schedule your EICR before winter demand peaks — early checks help prevent seasonal downtime or costly repairs.
2. Test and Upgrade Your Lighting
Shorter days mean lights are on longer — and inefficient or outdated systems can drain both energy and your budget.
-Replace halogen or fluorescent fittings with LED lighting, which uses up to 80% less energy.
-Install smart sensors or timers in offices, warehouses, and outdoor areas to reduce unnecessary usage.
-Check external lighting for safety and visibility — especially around car parks, entrances, and footpaths.
SJM Tip: Upgrading to LED not only cuts costs but also improves brightness and reliability during the darker months.
3. Avoid Overloading Circuits
Extra heaters, festive lights, and electrical decorations can all strain your circuits. Overloading sockets increases the risk of overheating and electrical fires.
-Spread appliances across multiple outlets.
-Avoid using multiple extension leads or adapters on one socket.
-Ensure high-power items (like heaters or dryers) are plugged directly into the wall.
SJM Tip: If you regularly trip fuses or lose power under load, your circuits may need upgrading to handle increased demand safely.
4. Check Your Heating and Ventilation Systems
Electric heating systems — from underfloor heating to portable units — should be checked before cold weather hits.
-Inspect cables, plugs, and thermostats for damage or wear.
-Test extractor fans, MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery), and MEV systems to ensure proper airflow and prevent damp and mould buildup.
-For businesses, make sure heating controls are programmed for working hours to reduce wasted energy.
SJM Tip: Properly maintained ventilation reduces condensation and mould, protecting both buildings and occupants through the colder months.
5. Test Safety Systems
With higher winter electrical loads, it’s vital to confirm that safety systems are working properly.
-Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
-Check emergency lighting and fire alarm systems in commercial buildings.
-Review your electrical safety procedures and ensure staff or tenants know what to do in an emergency.
SJM Tip: Keep an emergency contact list handy — including your local electrician — for fast response if something goes wrong.
6. Improve Energy Efficiency
Winter energy bills can climb quickly — but small changes can make a big difference.
-Use smart plugs and timers to manage when appliances are on.
-Seal gaps and insulate to reduce heating demand.
-Upgrade to smart thermostats or energy-efficient heaters.
-For businesses, consider a winter energy audit or LED lighting upgrade to lower long-term costs.
SJM Tip: Many businesses recover LED or efficiency upgrade costs within a year through energy savings.
7. Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Don’t wait for faults to happen. Planned electrical maintenance helps you stay ahead of seasonal stress and ensures systems run smoothly all winter.
At SJM Electrical, we provide tailored maintenance plans for homes, landlords, and commercial properties — helping you prevent downtime, reduce repair costs, and extend equipment life.
Be Winter-Ready with SJM Electrical
Taking a little time to prepare your electrics now can save you major stress later.
Whether it’s testing, maintenance, or energy upgrades, our qualified team can help you stay safe, compliant, and efficient all winter long.
Call us on 01903 680599
Email: [email protected]
SJM Electrical — powering homes and businesses safely through winter.
