When temperatures climb, most people think about cranking up the air conditioning and maybe setting up a few fans. But many don’t realize that these seasonal habits can quietly put their homes at risk.
Summer brings more than sunshine; it brings a spike in electrical use, a higher chance of storms, and extra pressure on home electrical systems.
These factors combine to make the summer months primed for house fires caused by electrical issues, but pay attention: Many potential fire hazards can be prevented by a few smart habits and safety checks.
Common Causes of Electrical Fires During the Summer
Air conditioning units are one of the biggest power hogs in the house. When they’re running around the clock during a heatwave, they can push a home’s wiring to the limit.
“During the summer months, electricity usage typically rises due to the increased reliance on air conditioning units and other cooling appliances,” says Bob Marshall, CEO and co-founder of Whisker Labs. “These devices consume a significant amount of power, especially when operating continuously in hot weather.” This extra demand can wear down circuit breakers and raise the chance of electrical malfunctions.
He explains that summer storms add another layer of risk. Lightning strikes—both direct and nearby—can send damaging power surges through a home’s electrical circuits. “When power is restored, it can return in the form of a sudden surge, which may damage sensitive electronics and appliances if surge protection is not in place.” That kind of surge can lead to accidental fires, especially in homes with outdated wiring or overloaded outlets.
Also, don’t overlook how outdoor activities contribute to the problem. Electrical outlets on decks or patios are more likely to be exposed to water and debris. If those outlets are damaged, they can become fire hazards, especially if flammable materials like dry vegetation or outdoor cushions are nearby.
Appliances and Outlets: What to Watch
When it’s hot outside, it’s easy to plug in whatever helps keep you cool without thinking about how it’s powered. But portable fans, ceiling fans, and window AC units can be risky if plugged into the wrong thing.
“Homeowners should be aware that extension cords and standard power strips are not designed to handle the high electrical load required by fans, portable air conditioners, or window AC units,” explains Marshall. “Using them can lead to overheating, posing a risk of electrical fires.”
These appliances need to be plugged directly into wall outlets to avoid overloaded circuits.
It’s also smart to check on items that haven’t been used since last year. Electrical cords that were stored in garages or sheds may be cracked or chewed by pests. Look out for frayed cords, loose plugs, or any signs of scorching around outlets.
Outdoor outlets need extra care too; they’re often overlooked even though they can be affected by weather and wear.
Before you plug in anything this summer:
- Don’t use extension cords for high-wattage appliances
- Avoid daisy-chaining power strips
- Plug major appliances directly into wall outlets
- Keep electrical devices away from flammable materials
- Never run cords under rugs or where furniture can pinch them
- Replace any damaged cords or plugs right away
- Keep a smoke detector near living spaces and test it monthly
Smart Tech and Regular Inspections Can Prevent Trouble
Even if everything looks fine on the outside, some problems stay hidden until it’s too late. “While these checks are important, not every hazard is visible,” highlighted Marshall. “That’s where smart home technology like Ting comes in. Ting continuously monitors a home’s electrical system for electrical fire hazards, providing peace of mind in the background.”
We've been testing Ting in my home for several months now. Not only was I impressed with the ease of setup, but I'm continuously impressed by the weekly reports that show the day-to-day electrical patterns in my home.
Ting even alerted us when our internet went out (and then calculated how many area homes were affected faster than the service provider 🥴).
Ultimately, we're sharing this product because it's the type of smart home tech that can catch issues like faulty wiring or failing connections before they become an active danger. They also help spot unusual behavior in electrical appliances or outlets.
Some homeowners may be eligible to receive these through their insurance company, especially if they’ve experienced a power outage or electrical fire in the past.
Still, smart devices aren’t a substitute for regular electrical inspections, and Ting is quick to advocate for homeowners in need of electrical repairs. A licensed electrician can check for things like outdated electrical wiring, worn circuit breakers, or hidden electrical hazards that technology can’t always detect. An annual inspection before the peak of summer heat can reduce the risk of fires, damage, or a costly call for emergency electrical services.
Do I need to replace my smoke alarms if they still beep during tests?
Not always. If they pass the test and are less than 10 years old, they’re probably okay. Still, smoke alarms should be cleaned regularly and checked for dust buildup. If they’re more than a decade old, replacing them is a smart move. Some newer models even detect heat sources or toxic fumes for extra protection.
