How to Prepare Your Home for Georgia Winters: Expert Tips from Hammond Services

Whether you’re battling the heat of summer or keeping warm during winter’s chill, a generator is a valuable investment for your home.

We've compiled a friendly guide of essential winter plumbing tips and tricks for Georgia homeowners to protect their home during the cold winter months.

Winter blackouts, especially during ice storms, can bring life to a standstill, leaving families vulnerable to freezing temperatures and disrupted routines. Ice storms are particularly dangerous, as freezing rain can build up on power lines and trees, causing outages and hazardous conditions. Losing power for just 4 to 5 hours in these conditions can create serious challenges, especially for families with pets, babies, or individuals relying on medical devices. Impact on Those in the Home Pets are highly sensitive to temperature drops, particularly for smaller or short-haired breeds. Without heat, they may struggle to stay warm, risking illness. To prepare, keep extra blankets or bedding for them and consider portable, pet-safe heating options. Ensuring your pets remain comfortable during an outage is crucial for their health and safety. For babies, maintaining a warm environment is essential for their well-being. Without heat, dress them in layers and use portable heating pads. Having these preparations ready ensures your little one stays safe and comfortable during a power outage. For individuals who rely on medical devices, power outages can be a serious concern. Devices like oxygen concentrators or CPAP machines require uninterrupted power. Additionally, medications that need refrigeration must be protected. Backup power solutions, such as battery systems or whole home generators, can help avoid emergencies during extended outages. The Importance of Knowing Your Power Status Staying informed about your power status is a vital part of winter preparedness here in Georgia. Many utility companies offer apps and alerts that let you track outages, assess restoration times, and plan accordingly. This information helps you decide if relocating temporarily or relying on backup power is necessary. Generac Generators: A Reliable Solution Investing in a Generac generator is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your Austell, Griffin, Newnan, and Stockbridge home during winter outages. These generators provide continuous power, keeping heating systems, lights, and essential devices up and running. With a whole-home generator, you can maintain comfort and security for your family, pets, and medical needs, even during prolonged outages. Call Hammond Services today or fill out our contact form to explore backup power solutions like Generac generators, and keep your home safe, warm, and ready for any storm.

Living in areas like Austell, Stockbridge, Newnan, and Griffin means enjoying a variety of home styles, from charming older houses to modern builds. However, regardless of your home's age, electrical outlets can sometimes stop working, leaving you scratching your head. Here are some common reasons why an outlet might stop functioning, and how Hammond Services can help with electrical issue resolution and electrical safety inspections. 1. Tripped Circuit Breaker One of the most common causes of a non-working outlet is a tripped circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home from electrical overloads. If you’ve been using multiple high-powered devices like space heaters, hair dryers, or kitchen appliances in one area, the breaker might have tripped to prevent overheating. Locate your breaker box, look for a switch that’s out of alignment, and reset it by flipping it off and then back on. If the breaker trips again, it’s time to call a professional to assess the circuit’s load capacity and ensure electrical safety in your home. 2. GFCI Outlet Reset Needed If your outlet is near water—like in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas—there may be an issue with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. GFCI outlets are designed to cut power when they detect moisture or a surge, protecting you from electrical shocks. These outlets have a reset button that pops out when they trip. Simply press the button to reset it. If resetting doesn’t restore power, the GFCI itself may be faulty, or there could be another electrical issue in the circuit. For additional tips on improving your home’s electrical safety and efficiency, check out this article from Hammond Services: What Electricians Can Do for Homeowners. 3. Loose Wiring or Connections Outlets can stop working due to loose or damaged wiring, especially in older homes. Over time, wires can degrade, leading to poor connections that may cause the outlet to fail. This electrical issue can create a safety hazard, including the risk of electrical fires. A professional inspection can identify and resolve these problems, ensuring your home remains safe and functional. 4. Faulty Outlet Over time, outlets can wear out, particularly if frequently used. If your outlet has been heavily used or is outdated, it may simply need replacing. Frequent plugging and unplugging can cause wear and tear, eventually leading to failure. Hammond Services provides reliable outlet replacement services, prioritizing electrical safety in every upgrade. 5. Hidden Issues If you’ve checked the breaker and reset your GFCI but the outlet still doesn’t work, there could be deeper wiring issues at play. Sometimes the problem isn’t with the outlet itself but lies deeper within your electrical system. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or even pest damage can cause disruptions. If your outlet still doesn’t work after checking the breaker and GFCI, it’s best to have a professional electrician diagnose the electrical issue and ensure your home’s electrical safety. For more detailed information on home electrical systems, you can refer to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's guide on Electricity Explained . Call Hammond Services Today! If your outlet isn’t working in Austell, Stockbridge, Newnan, or Griffin, Hammond Services is here to help! We offer a wide range of residential electrical services, including free home electrical evaluations, to ensure your electrical system is safe and efficient. Contact our licensed electricians for reliable and affordable solutions. Better Call Hammond today! Or fill out a service request to get started.

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As a trusted provider of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services, Hammond Services is proud to be the one-stop shop Austell homeowners rely on to keep their homes in top shape.