5 Things to Check Around Your Home This Month
It’s the start of Winter as of today! And that means, cooler months in Western Australia and homes starting to rely more on lighting, heating, and everyday electrical systems. That extra demand often exposes small issues that have been quietly building up over time.
This month’s checklist is about simple, practical things you can look at around your home to stay ahead of faults, reduce unnecessary energy use, and keep everything running safely.
At Sublime Electrical Co, we see the same patterns repeat in homes across Perth—most electrical issues don’t start as big problems. They start small and go unnoticed.
Here are five things worth checking this month.
1. Power boards and double adapters
Take a quick look behind your furniture and entertainment units.
If you’re running multiple double adapters or stacked power boards, it’s usually a sign your home needs more properly placed outlets.
What to look for:
Power boards plugged into power boards
Too many devices in one outlet
Cables tightly bundled or under strain
This isn’t just messy—it increases load on single points, which can become a safety risk over time.
2. Warm or discoloured power points
Put your hand near (not on) your power points after appliances have been running.
Warning signs:
Slight warmth
Yellowing or browning around outlets
Flickering when plugging in devices
These can indicate loose connections or ageing wiring behind the wall.
3. Flickering or dimming lights
If your lights dim when you turn on appliances like the kettle or air conditioner, your circuits may be under strain.
Common causes:
Overloaded circuits
Old wiring
Shared circuits between high-demand appliances
While occasional flicker can be normal, consistent dimming is worth checking.
4. Outdoor lighting and weather exposure
Heading into wetter and windier months, outdoor electrical fittings need a quick visual inspection.
Check for:
Cracked or loose outdoor light fittings
Water ingress around external outlets
Garden lighting that no longer works consistently
Outdoor issues often go unnoticed until they stop working completely.
5. Smoke alarms (often forgotten)
This is the one most people skip—but it’s one of the most important.
Do a quick test:
Press the test button
Check battery (if applicable)
Make sure alarms are not dusty or blocked
If your smoke alarms are older than 10 years, they should be replaced.
Why does this monthly check matter?
This isn’t about turning your home into a construction site or worrying about every switch. It’s about spotting small signs early—before they turn into expensive or inconvenient problems. Most homes don’t need major electrical work. They just need a few smart adjustments and occasional upgrades.
If something doesn’t look right
If you notice any of the signs above and you’re unsure, it’s always better to get it checked by a licensed electrician. Thankfully small issues are usually quick to fix when caught early!