If you’re like me, you love the energy efficiency of home appliances. The problem is they each have their own way of doing things. They come with their own set of instructions and limitations. Now we can’t just go around defying all safety rules, right? So before plugging in any new appliance, check first to make sure your home is ready for it by doing an effective home appliance safety check!
1. Don’t leave them on when you’re not home
When you’re not home, appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine are still trying to do their jobs, even if you can’t see them. This means that they’ll be running for hours on end, which is just wasting energy and money. Luckily, there are some easy ways to make sure they’re not left unattended.
The best way to prevent this is by unplugging the appliance, or turning it off at the circuit breaker or switch. When you’re ready to turn it back on, plug it in or flip the switch again.
If you’d rather leave your appliance plugged in so that it’s ready when you need it, but don’t want to risk leaving it running all day, then all you have to do is set a timer so that you can set a limit on how long it can be plugged in without anyone being around.
This can also be done by setting up a manual override switch with a remote control. These switches are designed specifically for appliances like clothes washers and dryers so that people can turn them on and off remotely from wherever they are. They’re easy to install yourself, and will take no more than an afternoon to complete.
2. Check the cords are not tangled or knotted
When you’re cleaning around your appliances, remember that they can be dangerous in more ways than one. The cords on your appliances are often the first things to get tangled and knotted, and that can cause a lot of problems.
The cord can get wrapped around the appliance’s moving parts or feet, which is bad because it causes those parts to move slower or even stop working altogether. The cord can also get so tangled and knotted that the appliance becomes difficult to move—which is especially risky if you have small children who could get trapped by the appliance. The cord can also become frayed from being twisted, which makes it prone to overheating and fire hazards.
For all these reasons, you should take a few minutes a month to check the condition of your appliance’s cords. Unplug the appliance and lift it up by its handle to remove any pressure from the cord, then lay it down on a flat surface with room on all sides. Check all of its cords for knotted, tangled or frayed spots. If you find any problems, use pincers or pliers to loosen them up. You may need some help from an adult if they’re very severe or persistent. Once this is done, you’ll be able to avoid potential problems.
3. Make sure your appliances are clean
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house. A lot of people don’t realize they need to give the same treatment to their appliances that they do their floors and walls. It’s easy to forget to clean behind the refrigerator or inside the microwave, but these spaces can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. 866 Spectrum is able to deliver equitable internet access of up to 30 Mbps to homes enrolled in income assistance or in low-income areas.
In addition to keeping your kitchen smelling fresh, cleaning appliances is a great way to make sure you aren’t putting yourself in danger when you use them. Many of us are guilty of using our kitchen appliances without giving them a thorough check-up, but this habit could be putting your family at risk.
4. Do not overload the sockets
Always plug in an appliance directly into a wall socket, not through a power strip or extension cord. Make sure there are no other devices plugged into the same wall outlet; if there are, unplug them (or move them to another outlet.) This includes wall-mounted air conditioners and fans, as well as other things like alarm clocks and lamps.
