There’s nothing more worrying than fire within your home. Appliances are one of the common causes of home fires because they use electricity and are often used while you’re out during the day. To protect yourself, you need to make sure your appliances are properly repaired and maintained. Here are a few of the most common sources of house fires.
1. Unattended Gas Ranges
Ranges that are left unattended cause a significant amount of fires, but that’s not a defect of the appliance itself, rather of its usage. Gas ranges, on the other hand, can be a fire hazard if they leak fuel. If they leak fuel, then anything could potentially ignite that fuel and cause a fire. Gas ranges should always have a gas detector nearby to go off in the event that no one notices the gas leak present.
2. Dishwashers With Circuit Problems
If your dishwasher is operating strangely, it could be a circuit board problem. Many people don’t expect dishwashers to be a risk because they operate with water, but circuit board issues can cause a dishwasher to catch fire. The liquid rinse aid that is often used with dishwashers can also leak into circuitry and cause a short, so you should be especially cautious if you use this solution.
3. Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers are dangerous for two reasons: gas dryers can leak gas and dryer fluff can ignite. Dryer fluff is one of the most easily ignitable materials in a home, and it’s often vented out through a wall. That means that it can collect in the wall and if it ignites, it could take a lot of the wall with it. Clothes dryers need to be cleaned frequently to make sure their vents aren’t blocked.
4. Microwaves
Microwaves may spontaneously turn on. If they do, they operate with nothing in them. Microwaving nothing can be very dangerous because a microwave running without anything in it can ignite. If your microwave has been turning on spontaneously, then you should unplug it and get it fixed or replaced as soon as possible. Any erratic behavior from your microwave could be a cause for concern.
5. Jammed Toasters
When a toaster has a jammed mechanism, it can continue to run even after the timer is off. Many toasters or toaster ovens operate on a mechanical switch – they tick down slowly and eventually turn off. Mechanical switches can get jammed in ways that electronic timers do not. Cleaning your toaster or toaster oven regularly can help, but you should also pay attention to any sticking.
6. Washing Machines
Like dishwashers, washing machines can cause fires because their circuit boards can become damaged. Many washing machines have a number of smart features, and the smarter a machine is, the more it will rely upon its circuit board. A washing machine with a poorly operating circuit board should be repaired as soon as possible.
Circuit board damage generally occurs when water leaks. Leaking water can be caused by a gasket that needs to be replaced, over-filling the machine, or damage to the machine’s pump. This is a reason why a leaking washing machine should be fixed quickly – it also helps you to avoid water damage to your home.
If you’re concerned about house fires and think your appliances may cause one, it may be time to call a repair specialist. An appliance repair company can take a look at any issues you’re having with your appliances and determine whether they’re likely to cause a fire. Contact the technicians at Capital City Appliance Service today to schedule quality appliance repair services.
