Think twice before plugging your air conditioner or other high-power appliances into an extension cord—experts warn it could be a fire hazard. While power strips are fine for your laptop or lamp, heavier-duty devices like refrigerators, space heaters, or even your trusty microwave can overload them, especially in hot weather when electrical systems are already stressed.

Editor’s Note: Most of us don’t give extension cords a second thought, but this is one of those small oversights that can have big consequences (like melted wires or worse). With summer cranking up the heat, it’s a good time to check where your appliances are plugged in—because nobody wants a preventable disaster.