Winter hits hard in the Inland Northwest, and your home’s electrical system feels the strain long before the first snowstorm hits. Furnaces, heat pumps, space heaters, holiday décor, and shorter days all increase demand on circuits that may already be aging or overloaded. Getting ahead of winter with a quick electrical check can prevent outages, reduce fire risk, and keep your home safe when temperatures drop.
Below are the five most important things Idaho homeowners should check before winter arrives, plus helpful resources from Avista, Kootenai Electric Cooperative, and Idaho Power.
Wet winter conditions and melting snow increase the risk of electrical faults. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets and Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers play a critical role in preventing shocks and electrical fires.
To test them:
• Press the TEST button—power should cut off.
• Press RESET to restore it.
• Replace any outlet that doesn’t respond.
Helpful Local Resource:
Avista Electric Safety Tips
https://www.myavista.com/safety/electrical-safety
Outdoor outlets must have proper weatherproof covers, and extension cords used outdoors must be cold-weather rated. Winter moisture is unforgiving, and unprotected outlets can become hazards.
Check for:
• Cracked outlet covers
• Exposed wiring
• Worn or brittle cords
• Moisture around lighting fixtures
Helpful Local Resource:
Kootenai Electric Outage Preparation
https://www.kec.com/outage-preparation
Space heaters pull 12–15 amps, often pushing older panels to their limits. If your breakers frequently trip when a heater runs, your home may need a panel upgrade or a dedicated circuit.
Signs you may need an upgrade:
• Breakers that trip often
• Warm breakers or buzzing from the panel
• A 100A panel or older fuse box
• Visible corrosion or rust inside your panel
K.O. Electric can assess your home’s electrical system to make sure it’s ready for winter’s higher heating demands.
Sometimes heating problems stem from electrical issues—not the HVAC unit.
Make sure:
• The furnace or heat pump has a dedicated circuit
• The outdoor disconnect is operational
• Breakers are properly rated
• No wires show signs of overheating
Helpful Local Resource:
Idaho Power Electrical Safety
https://www.idahopower.com/safety/electrical-safety/
Winter storms can cause unexpected outages across North Idaho. Having a backup power solution ready ensures your heat, refrigerator, and essential circuits stay operational.
Backup options include:
• Portable generators
• Inverter generators
• Whole-home standby generators
• Transfer switches for safe connection
If you’re unsure what size or type of generator is right for your home, K.O. Electric can help you choose and install the safest, most reliable setup.
Preparing early is the best way to stay warm, safe, and powered all winter long. If you’d like help inspecting your home’s electrical system, installing heat tape, upgrading panels, or setting up a generator before the cold arrives, the team at K.O. Electric is here for you.