In our daily rush, it’s easy to forget important tasks, like making sure our appliances are switched off when we’re going to be away from home. These appliances, found in our kitchens and living rooms, make life easier. But leaving them on when they’re not needed can be risky. It could cause fires, accidents, and waste energy. In this guide, we’ll go through a list of household appliances you should always check to make sure are turned off. By doing this simple task, we can keep our homes safe and save energy.
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#1 Stove or Cooktop
The stove or cooktop is a fundamental kitchen appliance used for cooking meals. Whether it’s gas or electric, it’s essential to ensure it’s turned off after use to prevent accidental fires and gas leaks. When you’re not going to be home for an extended period of time, make sure to unplug it for further safety.
#2 Chargers
Chargers continue to draw power even when not connected to a device, which can lead to overheating and potential fires. Unplugging chargers when not in use prevents energy waste and reduces fire hazards.
#3 Microwave
Microwaves consume standby power and can overheat or experience electrical faults, leading to fires. Unplugging the microwave when not in use helps eliminate this risk and reduces energy consumption.
#4 Toaster
Toasters can accumulate crumbs that might ignite when the appliance malfunctions. They continue to draw power even when not in use, making them a fire hazard. Always unplug your toaster to prevent potential fires and save energy.
#5 Coffee Maker
Coffee makers have heating elements that can be fire hazards if left plugged in, particularly if they accidentally turn on. Unplugging coffee makers after use prevents accidental activation and saves electricity.
#6 Electric Kettle
An electric kettle is a quick and efficient way to boil water for tea, coffee, or cooking, but they can pose fire hazards if they malfunction or overheat. They also draw standby power, so unplugging them when not in use is a good practice to ensure safety and conserve energy.
#7 Iron
Irons have powerful heating elements that can start fires if left plugged in and accidentally turned on. Unplugging your iron after use prevents accidental activation and reduces fire risks.
#8 Hair Straightener/Curling Iron
Hair straighteners and curling irons are popular styling tools used for achieving different hairstyles. For safety reasons, it’s crucial to turn off these appliances and unplug them after use. Leaving them on can not only waste energy but also pose a significant fire hazard, especially if they come into contact with flammable materials.
#9 Washing Machine
Although it’s tempting to leave laundry running while you’re out, it’s safer to only run the washing machine when you’re home. Leaks or malfunctions can cause significant water damage. A burst hose or faulty water valve can flood your home in a short amount of time.
#10 Clothes Dryer
Similar to the washing machine, the dryer should only be used when you’re home. Lint buildup can cause fires, so it’s important to monitor it while in use. Regular cleaning of the lint trap and vent is crucial to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fire.
#11 Dishwasher
Running the dishwasher overnight or while away can seem convenient, but it’s safer to operate it when you’re at home. Leaks or electrical issues can arise unexpectedly. Water damage from a leaking dishwasher can ruin flooring and cabinetry, and electrical malfunctions can lead to fires.
#12 Hair Dryer
Leaving a hair dryer plugged in can be a safety risk, especially in bathrooms where it can come into contact with water. Hair dryers can easily overheat and catch fire if left plugged in. They also continue to draw power, which can lead to accidental activation. Unplugging hair dryers after each use minimizes these risks.
#13 Space Heater
Space heaters are portable appliances used for heating small areas or rooms. They pose a significant fire hazard, especially if they overheat or are knocked over. These devices draw power continuously when plugged in, so always unplug them when not in use to ensure safety.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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