The holidays are meant to feel warm. Lights on the house, lights on the tree, food cooking, music playing, people coming in and out. Everything feels alive. But all of that comfort comes with one thing most homeowners don’t think about right away: the electrical system is suddenly doing a lot more work than usual.

More decorations. More appliances. More extension cords. More pressure on outlets that already work year-round. That’s why the holiday season is one of the most common times for electrical house fires. Not because people are careless, but mostly because things get busy, and small issues slip by unnoticed.

A few simple habits can make a real difference. Nothing extreme. Just awareness, common sense, and knowing when something doesn’t feel right.

Holiday Decorations And Outlets Don’t Always Get Along

Holiday lights are great. Everyone loves them. But they’re also one of the biggest electrical risks this time of year. It starts small. One outlet turns into two. Two turn into a power strip. Then another extension cord gets added because the tree is on the other side of the room. Before long, one outlet is carrying way more than it should.

If an outlet feels warm, that’s a warning. If a power strip looks crowded, that’s another one. Decorations don’t need to be plugged in all day and night. Turning lights off when you’re sleeping or out of the house reduces risk more than most people realise.

Old Lights Deserve A Second Look

Most holiday lights get pulled out of a box, tangled, and used without much thought. Before plugging anything in, take a minute to look closely.

Cracked insulation. Loose bulbs. Wires that feel stiff or brittle. Those are all signs it’s time to replace them. Outdoor lights should always be rated for outdoor use. Indoor lights and moisture are a bad mix, especially during Florida’s winter weather. It doesn’t take much water to cause a short.

Extension Cords Aren’t Permanent Solutions

Extension cords tend to show up everywhere during the holidays. Under rugs. Behind couches. Across doorways. It’s easy to forget they’re there. Cords tucked under carpets trap heat. Cords bent tightly around furniture can wear down over time. And cords stretched too far are more likely to fail.

If you find yourself using extension cords every year just to make decorations work, that’s usually a sign your home could use better outlet placement or an electrical update.

Kitchens Get Pushed Hard During The Holidays

The kitchen is busy during the holidays. Ovens run longer. Microwaves get more use. Coffee makers, slow cookers, air fryers, sometimes all at once.

Running several high-powered appliances on the same circuit can quickly overload it. Breakers tripping are not “just annoying.” They’re doing their job. Try to space things out. Unplug appliances when you’re done. Keep cords away from water and heat. Simple steps, but they matter.

Space Heaters Need Space

Space heaters help when guests are over or when certain rooms feel colder than others. They also cause many holiday fires when used improperly.

Heaters should be plugged directly into wall outlets. No power strips. No extension cords. Keep them clear of curtains, furniture, and anything flammable. And always turn them off before going to sleep or leaving the room.

Pay Attention To Small Warning Signs

Most electrical problems don’t show up suddenly. They give hints.

Lights flicker. Breakers trip more often. You smell something faint that doesn’t seem right. An outlet buzzes. These things are easy to ignore when the house is busy.

They shouldn’t be ignored. Catching an issue early is far safer than dealing with damage later.

A Quick Electrical Check Can Go A Long Way

If your home is older, or you’ve added more electronics over the years, it may be worth having an electrician take a look before the holidays get into full swing.

A professional inspection can spot overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or outlets that need attention. It’s about peace of mind more than anything. Homeowners in the Tampa area often turn to ACS Home Services for help keeping their homes safe and comfortable. You can learn more about our local electrical services here.

Sometimes one visit is all it takes to prevent a much bigger issue later. If you ever need to talk to someone directly, ACS Home Services can be reached at 833-278-8886.

Enjoy The Holidays Without The Worry

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s awareness.

A little caution with outlets, cords, heaters, and appliances helps keep your home safe while you focus on what actually matters: family, food, and enjoying the season.

Feel free to leave us a review or learn more about our Tampa electrical services below:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are holiday lights a common cause of house fires?

Yes. Damaged wires, overloaded outlets, and leaving lights on too long increase the risk.

2. Should I turn off holiday lights at night?

Turning them off while sleeping or away from home helps reduce the risk of electrical fires.

3. Is it okay to use extension cords for decorations?

Temporarily, yes. But they shouldn’t be overloaded or hidden under rugs.

4. Are LED lights safer than older holiday lights?

LED lights produce less heat and use less power, making them a safer option.

5. Why do breakers trip more during the holidays?

Extra appliances and decorations can overload circuits, causing breakers to trip.

6. Can space heaters cause electrical fires?

Yes, especially if plugged into power strips or placed near flammable items.

7. When should I call an electrician?

If you notice flickering lights, burning smells, or repeated breaker trips.

8. Who provides electrical services in Tampa during the holidays?

ACS Home Services offers professional electrical support and can be reached at 833-278-8886.