As Britons prepare for a 30°C heatwave this week, a yellow heat warning has been issued in all but one region of England.
The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency have issued the warning from today (June 24) until Thursday afternoon due to the impact it could have on the health and social care sectors.
In addition to health warnings, experts have spoken about the risk of fires in people’s homes as temperatures rise.
Temperatures can affect our everyday devices, whether they are in use or not. So it is safest to unplug the appliance during a heat wave.
As temperatures rise, there is a greater risk of overheating of household appliances
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Dan Mock, an electronics expert, said: “During the warmer months of the year, it is advisable to only connect appliances and electronics that you need at that time.”
It may seem like overkill to unplug so many electrical appliances in your home, but plugging appliances in during a heat wave puts them at greater risk of overheating and fire.
Mock explained: “The wires and pipes they are attached to will naturally be hotter during heat waves like the one we are currently experiencing. If these elements become incredibly hot, the devices may not function optimally.”
To ensure your safety, we have compiled a list of household appliances that you should switch off during a heat wave.
The fire brigade warns against using the dryer, washing machine and dishwasher at night or when you leave the house
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1. Tumble dryers
If you are still using your dryer during the summer months, there are some safety precautions you should take. Firstly, the fire brigade urges you not to use a tumble dryer or other white goods, including washing machines and dishwashers, at night or when you are not at home, in case they cause an electrical fire. It’s also important to clean the lint trap in your dryer regularly to ensure it doesn’t overheat. Finally, the appliance should be unplugged from the wall socket when not in use.
Dan Mock explained, “The dryer has heating elements that, if overheated, could ignite and cause a fire.”
2. Dishwashers
Dishwashers can pose a serious risk in hot weather because the machine uses hot water to clean the dishes inside and heat to dry them.
Mock said: “During a heat wave, when the wires and pipes are hotter than normal, it is possible for older and worn dishwashers to catch fire. You should also avoid leaving the house with the dishwasher running.”
Fans should be turned off at the wall when not in use
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3. Fans
Because air conditioning is not common in homes in Britain, many Britons turn to electric fans to keep cool. Jae Ro, an expert at plug specialists, Signal & Power, said: “These devices are intended to generate airflow and are unlikely to overheat on their own.
“However, it is a good idea to disconnect them when not in use to avoid unnecessary stress on your electrical system during hot weather.”
4. Electronics
Smaller electrical appliances such as televisions, computers and gaming consoles can all generate heat when used for long periods of time. Even phone chargers and portable power banks should be turned off to prevent overheating. Explaining why chargers should be disconnected, Ro said: “Although these consume minimal energy on their own, disconnecting them can help prevent power surges or overheating if a sudden power outage occurs during a heat wave.”
Because refrigerators are working overtime, it is advisable to keep a close eye on them
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5. Small kitchen appliances
Countertop appliances in the kitchen, such as toasters, coffee makers, kettles and food processors, are the biggest energy guzzlers in the home, but also pose one of the biggest risks during a heat wave. Ro said, “These appliances can overheat, especially if left on a countertop with poor ventilation.”
6. Refrigerators
During a heat wave, refrigerators and freezers are one of the most essential appliances for staying cool. However, because the devices are working overtime, it is important to keep a close eye on them. Mock advises: These appliances work 24/7 to keep food cold, so the risk of fire can obviously be higher with refrigerators.
“Make sure you clean the coils behind your refrigerator regularly. The compressor can also overheat or short out, posing a fire hazard.”