It may sound surprising that electrical fires are among the most dangerous hazards for homeowners, despite everything else to worry about on your list. They can start with almost no warning signs, ignite silently inside of walls, attics, or near outlets, and spread quickly before anyone notices. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical malfunctions are responsible for tens of thousands of U.S. home fires each year.
Fortunately, there is some good news! Electrical inspections and staying on top of your electrical services, panels, wiring, circuits, and other electrical needs can prevent these hazards. Our certified electricians in Denver at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical are always here for all of your electrical services in Centennial and the Denver area, with the pro tips you need to keep your home safe and secure.
Did you know one of the leading causes of electrical fires is faulty wiring that can’t safely handle the electrical load placed on it.
Older homes usually have insulation and old wires that can crack or deteriorate and expose live conductors that spark or overheat. Aluminum wiring was common in mid-20th century houses and is especially prone to loose connections and arcing. Our Denver electricians are ready to come out for all of your rewiring needs and update old wires and electrical systems.
Everyone loves to multitask, but when you plug in too many appliances (or too many large appliances) into a single circuit, you push wires beyond their capacity. You could end up with tripped breakers that don’t work correctly or wires that heat up until the insulation or nearby wood ignites.
When circuits are overloaded, we know it’s tempting to overuse extension cords, but it’s never a good idea. Using extension cords permanently, overloading them, or running them under rugs quickly creates an overheating problem and electrical hazard in your home.
Portable appliances like space heaters are often the biggest villains of electrical and house fires, but whole-home heating systems can also contribute to fire risk if something goes wrong.
Modern furnaces rely on blower motors, circuit boards, and ignition systems. Over time, a fire risk may arise if the wiring within your furnace cabinet gradually becomes loose, frayed, or damaged. Scheduling regular furnace maintenance can help stay on top of any problems and avoid overheating and other risks.
Heat pumps are energy-efficient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not at risk. Faulty contactors, failing compressors, or damaged wiring can all lead to overloading your home’s circuits. If the circuit breaker or safety switch doesn’t trip, you could end up with overheated components and ignite nearby insulation.
Boilers are generally reliable, but they can become a serious fire or safety hazard when they’re ignored. Boilers use both fuel and electrical components, and issues like faulty wiring, failing safety valves, or overheating parts can lead to dangerous conditions. Call us right away if you notice strange smells, unusual noises, or inconsistent heating. From routine maintenance to urgent repairs, we’ll make sure your system is running safely and your home stays comfortable.
Electrical problems don’t always show obvious symptoms, but some red flags include:
Electrical fires should be taken seriously but are largely avoidable with some proactive care and caution. The team at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is always here to keep your home safe with electrical panel upgrades in Denver, inspections, repairs, new installations, and more. Don’t leave your home open to risk! Schedule your appointment today.
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