Common winter electrical problems in Massachusetts homes
Space heaters, old service, and overloaded circuits — the failures we see most each winter, and what to do about them.
Space heaters and overloaded circuits
The number-one winter call is a breaker that won't stay closed. Space heaters pull a lot of current, and on an older circuit with other loads already on it, the breaker trips — which is exactly what it's supposed to do.
The fix is usually a dedicated circuit for the heater, not a bigger breaker. Putting a larger breaker on old wire is how fires start. We size the circuit to the load and the wire.
Old service that can't keep up
A 100-amp service that was fine in summer can struggle when the heat, the lights, the dryer, and a portable heater all run at once. If you're adding load or the lights dim when the heat kicks on, it's worth checking the service size.
Frozen and wet fixtures
Moisture gets into outdoor fixtures and boxes over the season, and that shows up as tripped GFCIs or dead outside lights. We replace weather-damaged fixtures and reseal the boxes so it doesn't recur.
When to call
If a breaker keeps tripping, a switch or outlet is warm to the touch, or you smell something burning, call us and turn the affected circuit off. Those aren't things to wait out through the winter.
Have a job like this?
Call us or send the form — we'll tell you what it takes.