When the heat hits hard, make sure your home doesn’t.
If you’ve lived in Sacramento for even just one summer, you know the heat here doesn’t play around. We’re talking triple digits that stick around like unwanted guests. And with that kind of heat, your home’s electrical system is working overtime—fans, A/C, fridges, maybe even that pool pump running nonstop.
But here’s the thing no one really talks about: hot weather and electricity can be a risky combo if you’re not paying attention.
So, let’s talk real-life tips to keep your home (and your family) safe when the heatwave rolls in.
Table of Contents
Why Summer Heat Can Stress Out Your Electrical System
Ever feel like your air conditioner is gasping for air during August? That’s not just your imagination. Extreme heat puts pressure on your home’s wiring and electrical load. More demand + less efficiency = potential problems.
And when more people in Sacramento crank up their cooling systems at the same time? It can overload the grid, trip your breakers, or—worse—start a fire if your wiring isn’t up to snuff.
Not trying to scare you—just keeping it real.
1. Don’t Overload Your Circuits (Seriously, Just Don’t)
You know how you sometimes plug a fan, a lamp, and your phone charger into one power strip and hope for the best? Yeah, don’t do that when it’s 105 degrees out.
Tip: Spread your appliances out. Use different outlets. Better yet, avoid daisy-chaining power strips like a DIY extension cord project. That’s one of the top causes of electrical fires in the summer.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over 24,000 residential electrical fires happen every year—and many start during the warmer months.
2. Get That A/C Checked Before It’s Too Late
Picture this: It’s July, it’s 110°, and suddenly your A/C just… quits. Not only are you miserable, but your electrical system might be in trouble too.
If your air conditioning unit is old, dirty, or working harder than it should, it can draw more power than your system can handle. That’s a recipe for blown fuses, tripped breakers, and unexpected repair bills.
Pro tip: Schedule a quick maintenance check before summer really kicks in. It’s way cheaper than replacing a unit or rewiring a panel.
3. Watch Those Outdoor Outlets
Summer means sprinklers, water balloons, and lots of backyard hose action. But water and electricity? Never a good mix.
Check that your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected (those are the ones with the “test” and “reset” buttons). They’re designed to shut off automatically if water gets involved.
Also, take a peek at your extension cords. If they’re frayed or cracked—toss them. Don’t wait until someone’s barefoot in the yard and gets zapped.
4. Use Fans Wisely (and Safely)
Fans are a lifesaver, especially when you’re trying not to run the A/C 24/7. But they also pull power—sometimes more than you’d think.
Quick checklist:
- Don’t leave fans running in empty rooms.
- Keep them away from curtains or anything that could catch.
- Clean the dust off the blades! A dusty fan is less efficient and honestly kind of gross.
5. Know the Signs of an Electrical Overload
It doesn’t always start with sparks. Sometimes your home is quietly telling you, “Hey, something’s off.”
Here’s what to look for:
- Flickering lights when the A/C kicks on
- Outlets that feel warm to the touch
- Buzzing sounds near outlets or switches
- Burning smells (never good—ever)
If you notice any of these? Stop what you’re doing and call a licensed electrician. It’s better to be cautious than to wake up to a blackout—or worse.
6. Upgrade Old Wiring If Your Home’s Older Than Your First iPod
Live in one of Sacramento’s beautiful older neighborhoods? You’ve probably got some charming details, and maybe… really outdated wiring.
Homes built before the mid-80s weren’t designed for the energy demands we have today. If your breakers are tripping more often than usual, it might be time to modernize.
True story: A client in East Sac had a 1960s panel that nearly melted during a heatwave. One breaker literally crumbled in the electrician’s hand. Don’t let that be your wake-up call.
7. Invest in Surge Protectors (Your Electronics Will Thank You)
Power surges don’t just come during thunderstorms. They can happen when the power flicks on and off during brownouts or after rolling blackouts (which Sacramento unfortunately knows too well).
Protect your expensive electronics—TVs, computers, gaming consoles—with high-quality surge protectors. Bonus points if you get a whole-home surge protector installed at your main panel.
8. Be Smart with Pool and Spa Equipment
Pool pumps, heaters, and lighting systems are summer must-haves, but they also draw a ton of power.
Make sure they’re on a separate circuit, and never, ever plug them into a basic extension cord. Pool equipment should always be hardwired or plugged into weatherproof, grounded outlets.
9. Have an Emergency Power Plan
With power outages becoming more common during heatwaves, now’s the time to prep.
- Keep flashlights (not candles) handy
- Know how to manually open your garage
- Consider a portable generator for backup—but make sure it’s used safely and never indoors
And yes, backup battery systems and solar panels are becoming more popular in the Sacramento area. Worth looking into if you want long-term peace of mind.
Stay Cool, Stay Safe
Look, no one wants to spend summer stressing about wiring or tripping breakers. But taking just a few precautions now can save you a whole lot of trouble when that 110° heat wave hits.
And if you’re not sure whether your system’s ready for another brutal Sacramento summer—don’t guess. Get it checked out.
Need a Trusted Electrician in Sacramento?
At Prime Electric, we take the job seriously, because when it comes to your home’s safety, there’s no room for shortcuts. Whether it’s fixing up the little things or handling a full upgrade, we show up, do solid work, and make sure everything’s done right.
No gimmicks. No guesswork. Just honest, dependable service from people who know what they’re doing.