As Brits prepare to experience a 30°C heatwave this week, a yellow heat warning has been issued for all but one region of England.
Due to the potential impact on the health and social care sector, the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency have issued the warning from today (24 June) until Thursday afternoon.
In addition to health warnings, experts also speak of the danger of fires in private households as temperatures rise.
Temperatures can affect our everyday devices, whether they are in use or not, so it is safest to unplug some of them during a heatwave.
As temperatures rise, the risk of overheating of household appliances increases
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Electronics expert Dan Mock said, “During the hotter months of the year, it’s best to only plug in the devices and electronics you need at that moment.”
It may seem excessive to unplug so many electrical appliances in your home, but if the appliances are plugged in during a heatwave, they are at a higher risk of overheating and causing a fire.
Mock explained: “The cables and pipes they are connected to naturally get hotter during heat waves like the one we are currently experiencing. When these elements get incredibly hot, the devices may not run at maximum performance.”
We have compiled a list of household appliances that you should turn off for your safety during a heatwave.
The fire department warns against using tumble dryers, washing machines and dishwashers at night or when leaving the house
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1. Tumble dryer
If you continue to use your dryer during the summer months, there are a few safety precautions you should take. First, the fire department recommends not using a dryer or other household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers overnight or away from home, as this can cause an electrical fire. It is also important to clean your dryer’s lint filter regularly to prevent it from overheating. And finally, you should unplug the appliance when it is not in use.
Dan Mock explained: “The dryer has heating elements that can ignite if overheated and cause a fire.”
2. Dishwasher
In hot weather, dishwashers can pose a serious risk because the machine uses hot water to clean dishes and heat to dry them.
Mock said: “During a heat wave, when wiring and pipes are hotter than normal, older and worn-out dishwashers can catch fire. You should also avoid leaving the house while the dishwasher is on.”
Fans should be turned off at the wall when not in use
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3. Fans
Since air conditioning is not common in British homes, many Brits turn to electric fans to cool down. Jae Ro, an expert at plug specialist Signal & Power, said: “These devices are designed to create airflow and are unlikely to overheat on their own.”
“However, it’s a good idea to unplug them when not in use to avoid unnecessary strain on your electrical system in hot weather.”
4. Electronics
Smaller electrical appliances such as TVs, computers and games consoles can generate heat when used for long periods of time. Even phone chargers and portable power banks should be turned off to avoid overheating spikes. Ro explained why chargers should be unplugged: “Although these devices use little energy themselves, unplugging them can help prevent overheating spikes or overheating if there is a sudden power outage during a heatwave.”
Since refrigerators work overtime, it is advisable to keep a close eye on them
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5. Small kitchen appliances
Kitchen appliances such as toasters, coffee machines, kettles and food processors are the biggest energy guzzlers in the home, but also one of the biggest risks during a heatwave. Ro said: “These appliances can overheat, especially if they are crammed together on a work surface with poor ventilation.”
6. Refrigerators
During a heatwave, refrigerators and freezers are one of the most important appliances for maintaining the temperature. However, since the appliances are in constant use, it is important to keep a close eye on them. Mock advises: These appliances work around the clock to keep food cool. Therefore, the risk of fire is naturally higher with refrigerators.
“Be sure to clean the coils behind your refrigerator regularly. The compressor can also overheat or short circuit, which poses a fire hazard.”