Homeowner Maintenance Tips

Monthly: Look, Listen, Smell

Two minutes while you walk the house. You are checking for changes, not diagnosing.

• Look for discoloration or scorching at outlets, switches, and fixtures
• Listen for buzzing, humming, or crackling at devices and the panel
• Smell for burning, hot plastic, or a fishy odor near outlets and the panel
• Notice lights that flicker or dim, and breakers that have tripped
• Feel for warm outlets, switch plates, or plug-in adapters

Monthly: Test Safety Devices

• Test each GFCI outlet and breaker per the manufacturer's instructions
• Test smoke and CO alarms with the test button
• Have a licensed electrician replace any GFCI that will not trip or will not reset — that is a failed device

Seasonal: Cords, Clearance, and Storm Readiness

• Inspect cords and plugs on frequently used appliances for fraying and heat damage
• Retire extension cords being used as permanent wiring and note where outlets are needed
• Keep the panel clear — nothing stored within reach of the door
• Check exterior outlets, covers, and fixtures for moisture and insect intrusion
• Before Gulf Coast storm season: verify surge protection, charge battery banks, service backup power
• Trim vegetation growing toward the service drop — leave anything touching lines to the utility

Annual: Take Stock

• Re-verify the breaker labels and update them after any changes
• Review surge protection — plug-in strips degrade and should be replaced periodically
• Reassess load: new appliances, an EV, a shop, or added rooms change demand
• Check the age of smoke and CO devices and replace expired units
• Photograph the panel and keep it with your home records

Keep Records

• Document upgrades, permits, and repairs with dates and who did the work
• Keep panel photos and circuit maps somewhere you can find them quickly
• Note recurring issues — a pattern is far more useful to an electrician than a single event

As Needed: Professional Inspection

Rather than a fixed calendar interval, base professional review on the age and condition of the system and on what is changing in the house.

• The home or panel is older and has never been professionally evaluated
• You are buying, selling, or have just moved in
• You are adding major load: EV charging, solar, battery storage, heat pump, spa, or shop
• Anything from your monthly walkthrough repeats or worsens
• The system was exposed to flooding, fire, lightning, or rodent damage
• You are unsure whether previous work was done correctly or permitted