The Power in My House Blips During Cold Weather

Disadvantages of Blips

• A blip in your electrical power may result in losing work on a computer or damage to appliances. Protecting your equipment from this type of loss is possible with a power surge protector or suppressor. Typically, the blip lasts only seconds, but it may be dangerous if you're cooking with hot oil, climbing stairs or working with a power tool. Blips are generally not life-threatening unless someone in your home requires continuous life support or other medical devices to prevent complications. Your utility or health care supplier can provide you with special backup to prevent serious problems with this type of equipment.

Electrical Fault

• If the lights simply blink or go out for a few seconds, then come right back on, the cause is normally an electrical fault. This occurs because a tree, animal or other object touches the electrical equipment near your home. Another cause is a wreck that involves a utility pole or someone digging in the area where an electrical conductor is present. Typically, the power resets itself automatically, and no action is required of the homeowner.

Voltage Fluctuation

• A voltage fluctuation occurs when the flow of electricity to your home causes temporary dimming or brightness of the lights. This occurs from increased power usage in your home or your neighbors' homes, according to Florida Power & Light Co. If neighbors are using power tools or other electrical equipment frequently, contact your utility company to determine if it can make adjustments to prevent this problem.

Actions Required

• Homeowners need to notate when power blips normally occur. If they happen when you are running a lot of appliances or other electrical equipment at the same time, simply turn off or unplug unnecessary items. Even turning off one or two lamps or a ceiling light may prevent the blips. If the power dims every time you use your washing machine, dishwasher or other appliance, this is a normal fluctuation and requires no action. If the dimming occurs frequently enough to be troublesome, contact your local utility company to diagnose the problem. A repairperson can look for a bad connection or problems with the wiring in your home. If he discovers a wiring problem, an electrician can make the repairs.