Winter is just around the corner, and that means getting our appliances ready to ensure we stay toasty warm once the chill sets in.
This can also be a dangerous time of year, as many heaters and electric blankets are turned on after long periods of storage. A lot can happen over a year, and these appliances can become hazards, even if they worked perfectly last year.
Data has shown that household fires spike during the cooler months – mainly due to faulty appliances and the use of fireplaces, gas heaters and candles. Heater failure, faulty ducted heating and bathroom lamps exploding are common causes of these fires.
Before you begin warming your home, there are a series of checks you will need to go through to ensure your property and family remain safe as the mercury falls.
How to check your electrical devices
Before you plug anything into a socket, check to see any visual signs of damage like frayed cords or exposed wires. These items have been in storage for a long time, so they may have collected dust, fluff and other elements that could be easily ignited when exposed to heat. Give your appliances a good clean before operation.
When you are ready to test them, place them in an area where they are least likely to cause damage (like a concrete slab) and turn them on for five minutes. If you notice any faults during your inspections, you can have the device repaired by a licenced electrical contractor. If you choose to discard, make sure you cut the power cord so that someone won’t pick up the faulty appliance and try to use it in their home.
Some other helpful warming tips include:
- Never use an electric blanket with a hot water bottle or on a water bed
- Don’t fold an electric blanket – it can damage the internal wiring
- Make sure children are always supervised when they are near these devices
- Do not leave these on while you are asleep or when you’re out of the home
Don’t forget to inspect your non-electrical items, too
Fireplaces are one of the most common causes of household emergencies. Many of these instances can be prevented by a simple inspection and clean before lighting up. Your chimney will need to be cleaned as the build-up of soot can lead to fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. This needs to be professionally cleaned at least once a year, so this is the ideal time.
Give the pit itself a good clean and remove any debris and soot that could be left over from last winter. Ensure your damper is functioning correctly and inspect for any cracks or damage. Finally, give it a test run in a controlled environment with water at the ready. Better to find any issues now than when you are trying to get warm in winter.
Did you know that modern solar power solutions are highly effective during the winter months? Contact us on 1800 362 883 for your free quote today.
