Expert advice for Clifton Park business owners from Eric Gandler

Winter brings unique challenges for businesses in Clifton Park. As temperatures drop and energy demand rises, electrical systems are pushed harder than at any other time of the year. Between freezing weather, increased lighting needs, and unpredictable storms, winter is the season when commercial electrical issues are most likely to surface.

To help local business owners stay safe and avoid costly downtime, Eric Gandler, a trusted commercial electrician serving Clifton Park and the Capital Region, explains the most common winter electrical problems—and what you can do to prevent outages before they happen.

❄️ 1. Increased Electrical Load from Heating Systems

As temperatures fall, heaters and HVAC equipment run longer and harder. This dramatically increases electrical demand, which can overload panels, stress circuits, and cause breakers to trip.

Signs of trouble:

  • Breakers tripping during peak heating hours

  • Lights dimming when HVAC kicks on

  • Burnt smells near mechanical rooms

How to prevent it:

  • Have a load calculation performed

  • Give heaters their own dedicated circuits

  • Upgrade outdated panels or wiring

A quick winter readiness inspection from Eric Gandler can help determine whether your heating load is pushing your system too far.

❄️ 2. Storm-Related Power Surges

Snowstorms, high winds, ice buildup, and falling branches can all disrupt the power grid. When the power flickers back on, the surge can damage electronics, POS systems, computers, and sensitive equipment.

At-risk items include:

  • Security systems

  • Networking equipment

  • Refrigeration

  • Office computers and servers

  • Industrial equipment

How to prevent it:

  • Install whole-building surge protection

  • Add point-of-use surge protectors

  • Ensure grounding and bonding are up to code

Surge protection is one of the least expensive ways to protect thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

❄️ 3. Failing or Inefficient Outdoor Lighting

Winter brings shorter days and longer nights—meaning your parking lots and walkways rely heavily on dependable exterior lighting. Cold weather can cause older fixtures, bulbs, and sensors to fail.

Warning signs:

  • Flickering or intermittent outdoor lights

  • Burned-out fixtures that fail faster than usual

  • Motion sensors not responding in the cold

How to prevent it:

  • Switch to LED commercial-grade outdoor lighting

  • Inspect photocells and sensors for winter calibration

  • Replace aging wiring and weather-damaged fixtures

Good lighting improves safety for customers and employees and helps prevent accidents on icy walkways.

❄️ 4. Moisture and Ice Intrusion in Electrical Components

Snow and ice can find their way into outdoor outlets, conduits, and fixtures. When moisture freezes and expands, it can crack housings or damage wiring.

Symptoms include:

  • GFCI outlets tripping repeatedly

  • Buzzing sounds from outdoor fixtures

  • Corrosion on outlets or metal covers

How to prevent it:

  • Use weather-rated, sealed covers

  • Inspect exterior wiring annually

  • Add heating elements to outdoor electrical rooms if needed

Clifton Park weather can be harsh—proper sealing and outdoor-rated components are essential.

❄️ 5. Generator Failures at the Worst Possible Time

Generators are a lifeline for many businesses, especially during winter storms. But generators that sit unused most of the year can fail when they’re needed most.

Common problems:

  • Dead starter batteries

  • Low or old fuel

  • Block heaters not functioning

  • Lack of load testing

How to prevent it:

  • Schedule yearly generator maintenance

  • Perform monthly test runs

  • Check battery heaters, oil levels, and fuel quality

A reliable generator can mean the difference between staying operational and shutting down during a storm.

❄️ 6. Aging Electrical Panels Under Stress

Cold weather often exposes weaknesses in electrical systems that are already outdated. Many commercial buildings in Clifton Park still rely on panels that are 20–40 years old.

Symptoms of panel failure:

  • Warm or humming breakers

  • Flickering lights during high demand

  • Scorch marks or discoloration around the panel

How to prevent it:

  • Upgrade to a modern commercial panel

  • Install subpanels to distribute heavy loads

  • Replace weakened breakers before they fail

A panel upgrade is one of the most effective ways to prevent winter outages.

Preventing Winter Outages Starts with a Professional Inspection

Winter is the season when small electrical issues become big problems. The best prevention strategy is a pre-winter electrical inspection to identify:

  • Overloaded circuits

  • Unsafe wiring

  • Outdated panels

  • Failing outdoor lighting

  • Moisture intrusion

  • Poor grounding

  • Storm vulnerability

Eric Gandler, a highly respected commercial electrician serving Clifton Park, helps local businesses prepare for winter every year. His inspections identify hidden risks and ensure your building is ready for the increased electrical demands of the season.

Final Thoughts

Winter electrical issues aren’t just inconvenient—they can shut down your business and put people at risk. By understanding the most common cold-weather electrical problems and taking steps to address them ahead of time, you can keep your business safe, efficient, and fully operational all winter long.