Life’s busy these days, I get it. After a long workday, all I want to do is curl up and unwind in front of my TV with some pre-made pizza. So, when the light fixture in the kitchen starts to flicker, I am liable to just shrug it off and convince myself that “I’ll get to it later” (I won’t). In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the subtle signs of electrical issues in our homes.  

The problem is many homeowners don't realize that ignoring these early warning signs can lead to serious consequences. 

Electrical Fires 

Electrical fires are one of the most common yet often underestimated home hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions were the second leading cause of U.S. home fires from 2017 to 2023, resulting in an average of over 45,000 fires annually. What’s even more alarming is that these fires led to an average of 875 deaths and 1,370 injuries each year during the same period. 

If a home is over 20 years old, it may not have the wiring capacity to handle the increased amounts of electrical appliances found in the average home, such as computers, wide-screen televisions, gaming systems, microwaves and in the hotter months, air conditioners. The average home in the U.S is 46 years old, so statistically, this probably applies to you. 

Many electrical fires are preventable and often stem from overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or damaged electrical appliances. Ignoring warning signs like flickering lights, burning smells, or frequently tripped breakers only increases the risk of such fires. Addressing these issues through professional inspection and repair can significantly reduce the likelihood of a devastating fire breaking out in your home.  

Electrocution Risks 

Ignoring your home’s electrical system isn’t just putting you at risk of a fire –these problems also pose a significant risk of electrocution, especially in homes with outdated wiring or poorly maintained electrical systems.  

When you walk by a train track or underneath a low-hanging electrical wire, you’ll likely see a “Danger! High Voltage” sign nearby. The problem with at-home electrical issues is that homeowners often don’t consider that their systems can be equally as dangerous, with no “danger” sign in sight. The human body is so good at conducting electricity that if you accidentally touch a naked live wire or contact water and a live wire, you could be seriously or even fatally injured.  

Common scenarios where electrocution risks are heightened include exposed wiring, damaged outlets or switches, and DIY electrical work performed without proper knowledge or safety precautions. Electricians might cringe at the thought of homeowners attempting certain projects, and for good reason. Electrical work isn't just another item on your weekend to-do list. While it's true that with enough time and training, many homeowners could probably manage these tasks (we know there are those of you out there who can DIY just about anything without help,) electricians bring a level of expertise and safety that’s hard to match. Not to mention, messing around with electrical systems could void your home warranty, leaving you with a bigger problem than you started with. Unless you are a professional, you should always be contacting an electrician or contractor to check on and update your systems. 

Property Damage and Financial Loss 

In addition to the threat to life and limb, neglecting electrical maintenance at home can also lead to significant property damage and financial loss down the line. And electrical fires, which I mentioned earlier, aren’t exactly discerning when it comes to what they will destroy.  

These disasters can ruin homes, destroying valuable possessions and cause extensive structural damage to your house. Even minor issues like faulty outlets or switches can result in damage to electrical appliances or electronic devices. If you plug your toaster into a bad outlet, it won’t take long before you need a new way to toast your bread.   

When it comes to property damage, some insurance companies may even deny coverage for damages if they find that you knew about the electrical issues prior to applying. So, if you’ve had an outlet that’s sparked in the past and opted to ignore it rather than fix it, your insurance probably won’t cover damages and you’ll be paying out of pocket for repairs. 

Impact on Home Value and Resale Potential 

Immediate safety concerns and financial implications aren’t the only things to worry about when it comes to ignoring electrical problems. When the time comes for you to sell your home, electrical issues can cause a whole lot of strain on the selling process. With the housing market already in shambles, potential buyers aren’t looking for a home that they will need to dumb more money into after the initial sale.  

According to a recent study, homes with known electrical issues list and sell for anywhere from $10,000-$20,000. This price difference is often to cover the costs of inspection and full rewiring of the property. 

Even if electrical problems are not immediately apparent, a professional home inspection during the selling process can uncover hidden issues, potentially derailing a sale or forcing homeowners to lower their asking price.  

Peace of Mind and Family Well-Being 

Perhaps the most significant consequence of ignoring electrical problems is the toll it takes on your peace of mind and well-being. Living in a home plagued by electrical issues can create constant anxiety and stress—you can spend days at a time worrying about the safety of your loved ones and the integrity of your property. Maybe the solution of shrugging off your sparking outlets or flickering lights works in the short-term, but the long-term anxiety is just not worth the lackadaisical approach.  

How an Electrician Can Help 

Odds are, when things go sideways at home with your electrical system, you’re picking up a phone book (or your smartphone because who actually still uses a phone book these days?) and calling your local electrician. As I've mentioned a few times, electrical work can be dangerous unless you really know what you’re doing, so an electrician brings a professional approach to your home maintenance.  

Electricians are able to identify outdated wiring and other parts of the system that may need to be replaced or upgraded, even before you notice the visible signs. Some of your wiring or circuitry may not be ancient, but electrical codes change and update every three years so it’s always best to have these things checked regularly.  

An electrician can also upgrade your regular outlets to “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” outlets. Kitchens, bathrooms, workshops with sinks, and any outdoor outlet should be a GFCI outlet. You’ve probably seen them—the sturdy looking outlets with three-pronged plug stations that have two buttons in between marked “Test” and “Reset”. These outlets are designed to cut the power supply if they sense moisture. If your kitchen, bathroom or any other room where water flows has an older style outlet without those buttons, contact an electrician right away to have them replaced. 

Keep your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors updated as well and have your electrician ensure that circuit breakers, switches, and panels are installed correctly. If these systems need to be reworked in your home, your electrician should have the tools and products available to help without you needing to run to the store. 

By taking proactive steps to address electrical problems as soon as they appear, homeowners can enjoy greater peace of mind, knowing that their home is safe and secure. Regular maintenance, professional inspections, and timely repairs not only mitigate risks but also foster a sense of confidence and reassurance, allowing homeowners to focus on enjoying their living space without fear or apprehension.