Safety First: How to Prevent Appliance Fires in the Home

Preventing appliance fires is not rocket science. However, it does require common sense and routine maintenance. Fires need oxygen, heat, and materials to consume, all of which your appliances contain. Being mindful of the space around your appliances and clearing excess debris and buildup can be extremely helpful in preventing fires. Not sure where to start in your fire prevention? This article will provide you with a few tips.

Filters on dryers and air conditioners build up debris and lint over time, causing airflow disruption and acting as a catalyst to ignite a fire. Lint accumulation in dryer filters is especially dangerous, due to the high temperatures produced during the drying cycle. The combination of reduced oxygen flow and lint build up is a breeding ground for higher temperatures to instigate flames. To reduce this risk, clean the lint filters in dryers after every cycle. For air conditioners, clean filters every two weeks or as needed during the warmer seasons.

Electrical fires are one of the most common causes of appliance fires. The wiring used to support electricity flow for appliances and safety insulation will wear out over time. Broken or exposed electrical wires and malfunctioning fuses are extremely hazardous.  These culprits are not only fire hazards, but also can cause severe electric shock. When attempting  DIY repairs , be sure to shut off electricity in proximity to the appliance.

It is easy to disregard food crumbs and debris that drop down into the burners of your stove when cooking. However, this increases your risk for a stove fire. Grease is especially dangerous when left near a heat source, especially a powerful stove. Clearing your burner pans and stove range frequently helps avoid food crumbs from dropping into the ignition for heating the burners. If you smell even the faintest scent of gas, shut off the stove and call the fire department or a technician immediately.

Multi-tasking while cooking may seem like a good idea to save time. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Cooking while distracted can put you at risk of appliance fires. Research regarding safety in the home has shown that cooking is the  number one source  of fires within the home. It is especially important to keep an eye on your pots and pans when cooking on the stove. To help you minimize multi-tasking, remain near the food you are cooking, and keep your head in the game. Paying attention while cooking is crucial for fire safety.

Appliance safety is crucial for preventing costly fires that can cause severe injuries. If you suspect one of your appliances is a fire hazard,  Doc’s Appliance Service  has trained technicians ready to help you.  Don’t hesitate to give us a call today at 800-726-7130.

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