Don’t Let Texas Winter Weather Leave You in the Dark: Essential Electrical System Preparation for Tarrant County Homeowners

When winter weather strikes Texas, it can be swift and severe, catching homeowners off guard. The 2021 Texas power crisis demonstrated just how devastating winter storms can be, leading to “the worst energy infrastructure failure in Texas state history” and leaving “more than 4.5 million homes and businesses without power.” While grid operators continue working to improve reliability, Texas’ grid operator has warned that the state should prepare for extreme cold this winter, though new power generation added to the grid has lowered the probability that extreme cold will trigger emergency conditions.

As a Tarrant County homeowner, preparing your electrical system for winter weather isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and protecting your family. Here’s your comprehensive guide to winterizing your home’s electrical infrastructure.

Understanding Texas Winter Electrical Risks

ERCOT has identified that the riskiest time for a winter power outage is weekday mornings, 5am to 8:30am. Many Texas homes are poorly insulated and rely on centralized, forced-air electric furnaces, meaning that in very cold conditions, many Texans must increase electricity demand between two and four times higher than normal to keep the house warm. This increased demand, combined with potential equipment failures, creates the perfect storm for electrical issues.

Essential Electrical Safety Preparations

Space Heater Safety: Critical Do’s and Don’ts

During winter emergencies, many homeowners turn to space heaters for supplemental warmth. However, improper use can be deadly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are the second leading cause of US house fires and the third leading cause of home fire deaths.

Never plug space heaters into surge protectors or power strips. Space heaters draw significant power—typically between 1,500 to 2,500 watts—and this high current can cause surge protectors to overheat, potentially leading to a fire. According to electrical experts, “This can overload the power strip, causing melting, overheating and sparking, which can lead to a fire.”

Always:

• Plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet and avoid using power strips or extension cords as they simply can’t handle the heavy power draw.
• Never leave a space heater unattended and switch it off when exiting a room or before going to bed.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet away from flammable items such as curtains, furniture, or bedding.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them monthly.

Generator Installation and Safety

Backup generators can be lifesavers during extended outages, but they require professional installation and proper maintenance. Members with standby electric generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Consider installing a standby generator to ensure your heating system and other electrical devices remain fully operational, and if you already have a generator installed, now is a good time to consider scheduling a tune-up.

Electrical Panel and Circuit Protection

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. Before winter weather arrives:

• Have a qualified electrician Tarrant County, TX inspect your panel for any signs of wear or damage
• Prepare for power outages by keeping a supply of flashlights, batteries, and warm blankets handy.
• Ensure your panel can handle increased electrical loads from heating systems
• Consider whole-house surge protection to safeguard your electrical system

Energy Conservation During Peak Demand

ERCOT often asks consumers to conserve energy on winter mornings during peak demand periods. Simple steps can help reduce strain on the grid:

• Check for drafts in windows, doors, and attics, as proper insulation keeps your home warm and reduces the need for excessive heating.
• Plan your EV charging during off-peak hours to help conserve energy and reduce strain on the electric grid.
• Set your thermostat to a minimum of 60° when outside temperatures are below freezing.

Emergency Preparedness Essentials

Create a comprehensive emergency kit that includes:

• A one- to two-week supply of nonperishable food and water, blankets, extra warm clothes, a first-aid kit, portable lights and batteries.
• Food on hand that you can make without electricity.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates
• Backup charging methods for mobile devices

Professional Electrical Services in Tarrant County

When it comes to preparing your electrical system for winter weather, professional expertise is invaluable. Carroll Service Co has been serving the DFW and Mid-Cities area as a trusted electrical contractor for over 25 years. As a locally owned, fully licensed company, they specialize in both residential and commercial electrical services, responding quickly with solutions that last when electrical problems disrupt your day.

Their comprehensive services include emergency electrical repairs, panel upgrades, generator installation, and whole-home surge protection—all essential components of winter preparedness. With their deep understanding of local permits and codes specific to the Tarrant County area, Carroll Service Co ensures all work meets safety standards while providing the reliability you need during severe weather events.

Don’t Wait Until the Storm Hits

Central Texas Electric Cooperative strongly encourages members to be prepared for winter weather, noting that being prepared and informed is the best way to stay safe. The time to prepare your electrical system is now, before winter weather arrives. With proper preparation, you can minimize the impact of winter weather on your life.

Remember, downed power lines can be hidden by snow, trees, or other debris, so always assume a downed power line is live. If you encounter any electrical emergencies during winter weather, contact emergency services immediately and stay away from any potential hazards.

By taking these proactive steps and working with qualified electrical professionals, you can help ensure your family stays safe, warm, and powered up through whatever winter weather Texas throws your way.