Is Your Home Fall-Ready? 5 Electrical Tips to Prep for Cooler Weather

As cooler weather rolls into the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, it’s time to start preparing your home for the fall season. That means more than just pulling out sweaters and decorating the porch — it’s also the perfect time to check in on your electrical systems.

At W.J. Whitley Electric & Communications, we’ve served Gloucester and surrounding areas for over 50 years. Here are five practical electrical tips to help you stay safe, warm, and energy-efficient this fall.

1. Test Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As temperatures drop and heating systems kick on, the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure increases. Now’s the time to test all smoke and CO detectors in your home.

Pro Tip: Replace batteries if you haven’t in the last 6 months. If your detectors are over 10 years old, it’s time to upgrade.

2. Inspect Space Heaters & Extension Cords

Many homeowners use space heaters for extra warmth during the fall. But older or overloaded units are a fire hazard.

• Use heaters with automatic shut-off features

• Never plug heaters into power strips or extension cords

• Check cords for damage or fraying

If you’re unsure, give us a call and we can help inspect outlets and wiring for safety.

3. Schedule Generator Maintenance

Fall often brings storms and power outages. If you have a standby generator, don’t wait until the power goes out to find out it’s not working.

As a Briggs & Stratton authorized dealer, we provide generator service, installation, and repairs to keep your system ready year-round.

4. Update Outdoor Lighting for Shorter Days

With the days getting shorter, outdoor lighting becomes more important for both safety and security. Consider:

• Installing motion sensor lights

• Upgrading to LED floodlights

• Replacing burnt-out bulbs or outdated fixtures

Need help updating your exterior lighting? We’d be happy to help.

5. Have Your Panel & Wiring Checked Before Winter

Fall is a smart time to schedule a routine electrical inspection, especially in older homes. From overloaded panels to outdated wiring, catching issues early helps prevent winter breakdowns or safety risks.

Ready to Fall-Proof Your Home?

Whether you need a quick safety check or a full electrical upgrade, W.J. Whitley Electric & Communications is here to help. As a family-owned, fully licensed and insured company, we prioritize quality work, affordability, and customer satisfaction on every job.

📍 Serving Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, King & Queen, West Point, and the surrounding Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.

Call us today for a free estimate: 804-693-1256

Or learn more at wjwhitleyelectric.com

5 Common Electrical Mistakes Homeowners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

When it comes to home repairs, it’s tempting to take the DIY route—but when electricity is involved, one small mistake can turn into a major hazard. As a licensed and insured electrical company serving Gloucester, the Middle Peninsula, and Northern Neck since 1972, we’ve seen it all. Below are five of the most common electrical mistakes homeowners make—and how to avoid them.

1. Overloading Outlets

Plugging too many appliances or devices into a single outlet or power strip can cause overheating, sparks, or even electrical fires.

What to do instead:

Spread out your devices, unplug what’s not in use, and never plug high-powered appliances into extension cords. If you consistently run out of outlets, it may be time to consider installing more—safely and to code.

2. Using the Wrong Type of Bulb

Not all fixtures are designed for high-wattage bulbs. Using bulbs with wattage above the fixture’s rating can lead to overheating and melted wiring.

Pro tip: Always check the wattage rating on your fixture. LED bulbs are a safe, energy-efficient choice in most cases.

3. DIY Electrical Work Without Permits or Inspections

Installing outlets, breakers, or new lighting without proper permits is not only illegal in many areas—it’s unsafe. Code violations can also create insurance and resale issues down the road.

Our advice: Leave the wiring to licensed professionals who know the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local requirements.

4. Ignoring Warning Signs

Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or warm outlets are red flags. These aren’t quirks—they’re signs that something may be wrong behind the walls.

Don’t ignore it: Schedule an inspection before the issue becomes dangerous or expensive.

5. Skipping Generator Maintenance

Here in coastal Virginia, storm outages are common. But many homeowners don’t maintain their backup generators regularly.

As a Briggs & Stratton authorized dealer, we recommend servicing your generator annually—especially before hurricane season.

Final Thoughts

At W.J. Whitley Electric & Communications, we’ve proudly served Gloucester and surrounding communities for over 50 years. As a family-owned business and veteran-owned company, we’re committed to integrity, safety, and affordable service you can trust.

Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, planning an upgrade, or thinking about installing a whole-home generator—don’t wait until it’s an emergency. Reach out today for a free estimate.

📞 Call us today at (804) 693-1256

📍 Serving Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex County, Lancaster County, Northumberland County, King and Queen County, King William County, Essex County, West Point, Urbanna, White Stone, Kilmarnock, Tappahannock, Saluda, Deltaville, and surrounding counties!

🔌 Fully licensed & insured | Always up to code | Free estimates