Home Appliance Safety: 3 Costly Mistakes

We all rely on our home appliances to keep things running smoothly, but sometimes we overlook simple safety steps that can save us from big problems. Luckily, with a few simple adjustments, you can keep your appliances in great shape and your home safe.

So here are 3 home appliance safety mistakes that could cost you.

Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions

The manufacturer’s instructions are there for a reason—they help you use your appliance safely and keep it running smoothly. Skipping them can lead to all sorts of problems, from inefficient operation to potential safety hazards.

Here’s how it could happen:

• Skipping the manual: Many people just skip reading the manual, thinking it’s too long or not needed.
• Misinterpreting instructions. Sometimes, the instructions are hard to follow or just confusing.
• Assuming knowledge: People might think they know how to use the appliance based on past experience, but every model is different.

For example, if you don’t clean the condenser coils of your fridge like the manual says, dust and dirt can build up. This makes your fridge work harder, which can lead to overheating and higher energy bills—or even a breakdown.

Neglecting Regular Maintenance

Keeping up with regular maintenance helps your appliances run better and last longer. Skip it, and you might end up with a broken appliance and a bigger repair bill down the road.

Here’s how it could happen:

• Busy lives: People often put off maintenance because they’re too busy.
• Forgetfulness: Maintenance tasks can easily slip the mind.
• Not knowing: Sometimes people just don’t know what maintenance their appliances need.

For example, if you don’t get your dryer serviced regularly, you might not catch issues like a worn-out belt or clogged vents. Over time, this can lead to overheating and even a fire hazard. Regular check-ups can help avoid these problems and keep your dryer running safely.

Using Non-Approved Extension Cords with Major Appliances

Major appliances need the right kind of power supply. Using the wrong extension cord can cause overheating, damage the appliance, or even start a fire.

How could this happen?

• Wrong cord rating: People might use extension cords not meant for high-power appliances.
• Overloading: Plugging an appliance into a cord that can’t handle the load can lead to overheating.
• Old or damaged cords: Sometimes people use extension cords that are worn out or damaged.

Imagine you plug your fridge into a regular extension cord not designed for heavy use. The cord could overheat, the insulation might melt, and worst case, it could start a fire. Using a heavy-duty extension cord rated for your fridge’s power needs keeps everything safe and working properly.

From skipping the user manual to using the wrong extension cords, these common mistakes can lead to costly repairs or even dangerous situations. So consider these and be more careful with your home appliances!