Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric urges homeowners to take proactive measures to prevent electrical fires

The Tulsa-based home service experts recommend electrical inspections, surge protection and limiting devices

TULSA, Okla., Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, a leading HVAC, plumbing and electric service company located in Glenpool, Oklahoma, is reminding homeowners to stay vigilant about electrical fire risks as winter continues, with heating devices and overloaded circuits increasing the danger. .

"We're still in the thick of winter and can expect some cold days where we'll want to use space heaters or plug in a lot of electronic equipment to enjoy staying indoors," said Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric vice president and co-owner Cassie Pound. "While old or faulty wiring is still the leading cause of most home electrical fires, we see a lot of fires start from the misuse of space heaters or the incorrect use of extension cords."

Each year, approximately 51,000 home electrical fires occur in the U.S., causing nearly 500 deaths and thousands of injuries s. Pound said homeowners can work to prevent these disasters by:

• Avoid overloading outlets. Ideally, homeowners should refrain from plugging in too many electrical items and should use a power strip with a surge protector that has a high joule rating.
• Use extension cords properly. Do not run extension cords under rugs or furniture, limit long-term use and buy new ones when older ones have become frayed.
• Unplug unused devices. It may not be feasible to unplug stoves and refrigerators frequently, but homeowners can unplug computers, TVs and stereos, especially if they suspect their wiring is old or faulty.
• Maintaining smoke alarms. Homeowners should test their fire alarms once a month by pressing the test button. They should also replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Investing in a whole-house surge protector.  Whole-house surge protectors divert sudden surges of electricity that could potentially overheat wires and cause a fire. They also protect expensive electronic equipment from excess voltage.

Quality President and co-owner Oscar Pound said homes that are more than 25 years old should also have an electrical inspection.

"Not only can wiring age with time and use, there are also new compliance regulations that have gone into effect over time that make electrical use safer," he said. "If your home is old, you should consider bringing your electrical wiring up to code and make sure you don't have any potential shorts that could spark a fire. Electrical inspections shouldn't just be reserved for when you are buying or selling a home. They are also great ways to ensure your family stays safe from electrical fires."

For more information about Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, please visit https://quality-hc.com/ or call (918) 518-5900.

About Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has provided the residents of the Glenpool and Tulsa, Oklahoma communities with professional heating, cooling, plumbing and electric services since 2014. This locally owned and operated company offers friendly and experienced technicians, industry-leading products and professional residential systems service. Quality's employees are also actively involved in their community and committed to those in need. Every month, the company gives back to the community through donations and volunteer work. For more information about Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric visit https://quality-hc.com/ or call (918) 518-5900.                                                                                    

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
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SOURCE Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric